Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D vs TCL A300W NXTVision

Direct compare

S90DAT / S94DAT

Info

A300W / A300W PRO / NXTVision

Info

Available screen sizes: 65”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

Panel type: QD-OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Tizen

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

8.2

6.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    8.5

    6.2

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    9.2

    6.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    8.9

    5.9

  • Gaming on console

    9.6

    8.2

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.0

    8.2

  • Watching in bright light

    5.3

    4.7

  • Utility functions

    7.7

    7.7

  • Apps

    9.3

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    7.4

    6.0

Advantages

  • Perfect black (OLED)

  • Great for 4K and HD content

  • Excellent for gamers - 144hz, HDMI 2.1, low input lag.

  • Among the best viewing angles on the market

  • High coverage of a wide color gamut

  • Above-average sound quality

  • Frames styled like a picture in the set

  • Bracket included

  • VA matrix with decent contrast

  • Supports all popular HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+

  • Great for gamers: VRR, G-Sync, ALLM, low input lag

  • High refresh rate - 144Hz

  • Free "picture mode"

  • Supports DTS:X and Dolby Atmos

  • GoogleTV operating system with the largest app base

Disadvantages

No like
  • No support for DTS soundtracks (may be an issue with external players)

  • Black levels issues during the day

  • Low brightness

  • Motion blur issues

  • No recording function on USB or PiP

  • Inferior image quality in "art mode" compared to Samsung The Frame

  • Colours and blacks fade significantly in sunlight

  • No VESA standard

  • Software bugs

Our verdict

Samsung S90D or otherwise S94D has pleasantly surprised us in many ways. It offers excellent picture quality as befits a TV with an organic matrix. Depending on the size, the television can have different types of OLED panels. In the model we tested, the 65' version with a QD-OLED panel, the blacks are deep, and the colours are vivid and intense. The brightness of the screen, thanks to quantum dot technology, makes HDR effects very impressive. Watching dynamic scenes full of details is completely immersive. This is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy cinema at the highest level at home. However, we noticed that the factory colour settings might require adjustment. But after the appropriate calibration, the TV showcases its full potential and competes with the best televisions, even above its price range. This model stands out with excellent viewing angles - better than the WOLED panel variants. The picture is clear and colourful from any position in the room. The Tizen operating system makes everyday use of the TV easy. Navigating apps and streaming services is simple and intuitive. Additionally, support for AirPlay and access to the SmartThings ecosystem enhance the multimedia capabilities of the device. When it comes to motion smoothness, the 144Hz panel handles fast scenes excellently and additionally eliminates motion blur. Watching sports or dynamic movies is a pleasure. For gamers, it offers support for HDMI 2.1 and low input lag, making it a great choice for console gaming. Despite numerous advantages, we noticed a few drawbacks. In bright rooms, the blacks on the QD-OLED panel lose their depth. This can be noticeable when watching during the day. Another somewhat less significant issue could be the readability of fonts when using a PC. It could be better; some texts are less sharp compared to other models. Nevertheless, the 65' Samsung S90D or S94D is a television that combines exceptional picture quality, motion smoothness, and innovation. It is one of the best options in the premium segment that will meet the expectations of both cinema lovers and gamers.

At first glance, it’s clear that the TCL A300 NXTVision aims to be more than just an ordinary television. It offers a picture display mode that – unlike competitors from Korea, Samsung The Frame – is completely free. Additionally, just like its rivals, extras are included at no charge. In the packaging, alongside the television, we find extra frames that mimic light wood and a flat wall mount, allowing the television to truly resemble a gallery piece. When it comes to everyday use, the standout feature is the Google TV system – comprehensive, fast and offering access to a massive number of apps. And if we feel like stepping out of the digital museum and jumping straight into the gaming world, the A300 can surprise us. With two HDMI 2.1 ports, 144 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and a very low input lag, even demanding gamers can feel at home here. Well... perhaps except for those sensitive to motion blur – as this remains one of the bigger issues with this model. There are also downsides. While the picture mode is free – which is commendable – the actual quality of the available graphics falls noticeably short compared to what Samsung offers in its paid ART Store. The displayed images resemble photos rather than realistic reproductions of artworks. Unfortunately, the A300 – much like the competing Hisense S7NQ – performs poorly here and additionally has some software issues. The brightness of the television itself also leaves much to be desired – it’s the dimmest of the “framed trio,” which translates to average daytime viewing and limited HDR effect. Nevertheless, the TCL A300 NXTVision is a reasonably sensible alternative to Samsung The Frame or S7NQ – especially if we are looking for a cheaper solution without additional charges for access to the “gallery” mode and with an operating system that doesn’t limit us in any way regarding the number of apps. However, it’s important to remember that this is a proposal with a lot of compromises. If we want to save a bit and don’t expect top-notch picture quality, the A300 can hit the visual bullseye. Otherwise, it’s worth looking at its competition.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

10/10

5.5/10

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Contrast and black detail

Result

5,000:1

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Contrast and black detail

Result

5,450:1

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Contrast and black detail

Result

3,800:1

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Contrast and black detail

Result

4,000:1

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Contrast and black detail

Result

3,950:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Samsung S90D, thanks to the use of a QD-OLED panel, offers excellent contrast, which is one of its greatest advantages. In QD-OLED technology, each pixel emits its own light, allowing for perfect blacks and precise detail reproduction in dark scenes. Unlike traditional LCD panels with backlighting, where blacks often appear greyish, turned-off pixels in QD-OLED remain completely black. As a result, the television provides a dynamic, realistic image with exceptionally deep contrast. For example, in scenes from "Oblivion," the Samsung S90D brilliantly captures the intensity of the lantern lights, highlighting details in the bright areas of the image, and in "The Revenant," it perfectly showcases the character against the backdrop of a deep, black forest scene, emphasizing impressive contrast reproduction. It is worth noting that in the Samsung S90D model, only this specific size is equipped with the QD-OLED panel produced by Samsung Display, setting it apart from other versions. Nevertheless, regardless of the panel used, the blacks on this television will always be perfectly black thanks to OLED technology, which turns off pixels for absolute blackness. This means that in categories such as black levels and contrast, the S90D delivers excellent picture quality regardless of the type of panel.

TCL A300, also known as NXTVision, uses a VA panel, so from the outset, decent contrast could be expected. On our test screens, the television indeed showed typical results for this type of panel – in the best case, the contrast reached around 5000:1, which is not a bad result for this segment.

However, it should be noted that the model is not equipped with any local dimming technology, which unfortunately is evident in practice. Black, although at times quite deep, often turns into navy blue or grey – especially in darker scenes. In short: for a television without local dimming, it’s not bad, but it shouldn't be compared to models that already have such a feature on board.

HDR effect quality

6.7/10

4.9/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 99.0%, Bt.2020: 76.0%
DCI P3: 94.2%, Bt.2020: 71.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Brightness measurement

Result

833 nit

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Brightness measurement

Result

904 nit

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Brightness measurement

Result

913 nit

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Brightness measurement

Result

927 nit

Review Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D Brightness measurement

Result

478 nit

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Brightness measurement

Result

357 nit

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Brightness measurement

Result

338 nit

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Brightness measurement

Result

350 nit

Review TCL A300W NXTVision Brightness measurement

Result

389 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: HDR10+

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

TCL A300W NXTVision

Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D

In the HDR effect quality category, Samsung S90D achieves remarkable results. On the luminance chart up to 10% window, the TV exceeds the magical threshold of 1000 nits, which is an impressive outcome. However, in the film scenes we tested, these values were slightly lower. Additionally, in the case of a scene with fullscreen sunlight glare, brightness drops to around 500 nits, but it still remains at a very good level. It is worth mentioning that this model stands out with very high colour gamut coverage, thanks to the QD-OLED panel used, which gives it an advantage over TVs with WOLED panels that cannot achieve such a wide spectrum of colours.

When it comes to brightness, the TCL A300W is definitely the dimmest TV among all frame-style models, such as Samsung The Frame or Hisense CanvasTV – and unfortunately, you can see that right away. In our measurements, peak luminance reached only around 400 nits, and on test movie screens, this value dropped to 350 nits. That’s definitely too little to feel the real "magic" of bright HDR effects. As a consolation – the TV is equipped with a PFS LED coating (which is something like QLED), which provides very good coverage of a wide colour gamut, both DCI-P3 and BT.2020. In addition, there is full support for all popular HDR formats – HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision – which somewhat compensates for the shortcomings in brightness and helps improve the overall experience of materials in this quality.

Factory color reproduction

7.1/10

5.9/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

Samsung 65 S90D with a QD-OLED panel has been tested in Filmmaker mode, which the manufacturer has been using for years to provide the best possible picture settings. In this mode, the TV offers a fairly decent image but with some shortcomings worth noting. In terms of white balance in HD content, viewers may notice a dominance of the red color. This effect can lead to the impression that certain skin tones appear unnatural and the overall scene will be too warm, which in turn can affect immersion in the watched material. In scenes where subtle differences in color are crucial, these distortions can be particularly noticeable. Similar sensations may also occur in 4K HDR content. Changes in white balance in this case can be analogous, with a noticeably smaller deviation in red color. This can also cause certain details and colors to not be fully represented, making the image lose its naturalness.

When it comes to contrast, the gamma presents quite well, however, some errors are still noticeable. Gamma values are below the reference level of 2.4, which can result in bright areas of the image being washed out and dark areas lacking detail. This limitation can cause some scenes to lack depth and detail, which in turn affects the overall presentation quality. On the other hand, the EOTF curve related to contrast in 4K HDR content performs really well, showing that the TV can effectively convey differences in brightness. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that these values are slightly below the ideal level on the graph, indicating the need for further optimization in this regard.

Samsung S90D in Filmmaker mode offers solid color reproduction, but requires some adjustments to fully realise the potential of the TV, especially in the context of different types of content.

TCL A300 offers several picture modes, but without a doubt, the movie mode performs the best. Unfortunately, even though it is the best option available, it is not free from errors. Both in HD and HDR content, the image has a noticeably too warm hue – it has a slight pink tint, which is particularly noticeable in snowy scenes. Instead of pure white, we get a pinkish coating that spoils the natural perception of colours.

The management of brightness is also lacking. In the case of older HD materials, the image often seems too dark – confirmed by an elevated gamma value. Conversely, with HDR content, the effect is the opposite – the image is overly bright, as we observed in scenes from the film Pan. Such a lack of consistency also affects colour accuracy – a test with a ColorChecker showed that many samples clearly deviate from reference values.

Fortunately, TCL allows for manual adjustment of settings, so we decided to check how the television would perform after our professional calibration. The effects of this adjustment are described below.

Color reproduction after calibration

8.9/10

8/10

After calibrating the TV, the Samsung S90D in film mode gains quality more than one might expect. The white balance for HD and 4K HDR content has been adjusted to near perfection. Although minor shortcomings can be noticed, they are subtle enough that they don’t significantly impact the overall picture quality. The colours have become more harmonised, aiding in the natural reproduction of details, particularly in scenes that require precise colour representation. It is worth noting that this model, in this size, uses a QD-OLED panel which offers broader colour gamut coverage compared to other sizes of this model that are equipped with a WOLED panel.

The contrast has also significantly improved. After calibration, the gamma graph is much closer to the expected line, providing a better balance between light and dark tones in the picture. The EOTF curve, which before calibration indicated issues with overexposed scenes, now shows significantly better results. This effect allows for the retention of more details in the bright areas of the image, especially in HDR materials.

After our professional calibration, the TCL A300 has literally been given a new lease on life. The image has stopped being too warm, and the colours finally look as they should – as confirmed by the ColorChecker test, where the colour samples finally started hitting their marks, at least to some reasonable degree. It was also possible to partially correct the brightness management – the image is now more balanced and less "wobbly" between different types of content. Of course, certain limitations can't be bypassed – a slightly visible blooming effect still occurs, but that's a characteristic of the technology, not something that can be eliminated even after professional settings.

Generally: after calibration, the A300 looks significantly better and gains a whole new quality.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.6/10

8.6/10

In the category of fluid tonal transitions, the television S90D exhibits significantly better results than its counterpart with a WOLED panel. Thanks to the use of a QD-OLED panel, this model provides more consistent and natural transitions between colours. Although some minor imperfections were noted during testing, they are subtle enough not to impact the overall visual experience. When watching various video content, tonal transitions are smooth and harmonious, allowing viewers to enjoy the depth and detail of the image without irritating distractions. In tested scenes where colour changes are particularly important, such as in landscapes or dynamic sequences, the television Samsung S90D performs excellently, rendering differences in shades with adequate precision.

TCL A300 NXTVision is another frame-style television that really manages well with the smoothness of tonal transitions. It's hard to find distinct bands or sharp transitions between shades of one colour – it all looks natural and smooth.

However, it's fair to say that among the three tested models (The Frame and S7NQ), TCL performs the weakest in this category. In darker and lighter scenes, you can notice slight imperfections. Nevertheless, looking at it as a whole, for a television in this range – it really presents itself solidly. It might not be the best of the bunch, but it holds a very good standard.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

8/10

5.5/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
No
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The television handles tonal transitions excellently, allowing colours to flow smoothly into each other, creating a natural image. The built-in noise reduction feature can further enhance these transitions, which can be useful in certain situations. However, it is worth remembering that activating this option may lead to excessive smoothing of the desired film grain structure, which in turn can affect the authenticity and atmosphere of the image. Therefore, caution is recommended when using this feature to avoid losing the character and depth of the content.

The Samsung S90D model effectively processes materials in lower resolutions. This can be seen in the displayed image. The model's silhouette is clear and naturally reproduced, with details well preserved. Additionally, the branches of the trees are well-defined, showing no visible jagged edges that could degrade the quality of the image. Thanks to effective upscaling, even lower resolution materials look attractive on the screen, which will surely please users enjoying a variety of content sources, such as standard cable or antenna television.

TCL A300 handles tonal transitions in high-quality films very well, but the question arises – how does it perform with weaker materials? The TV is equipped with a tonal smoothing feature; however, its effectiveness can be described in one word: “random”. In one scene, it may work and improve the gradation, but when turned off… the effect remains the same. There is a lack of consistency and predictability here.

Image scaling is also not one of A300's strong points. On the test pattern, the main character actually looked better than on the raw signal, but with thin lines – like fonts or background details – there was noticeable jaggedness and aliasing. On the plus side, the TV does not cut off the image and has no issues with overscan, but the overall quality of scaling is rather average.

Blur and motion smoothness

8.5/10

6.4/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
0%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Samsung S90D TV, equipped with a refresh rate panel of 120 Hz, and in the appropriate PC configuration even 144 Hz, ensures excellent motion fluidity. Samsung focuses on a variety of image clarity settings on a ten-point scale, giving users the freedom to adjust the display to their own preferences. In UFO tests, the OLED panel shows its strengths, eliminating any blurring. The lightning-fast pixel response makes dynamic movements faithfully reproduced.

Similar results can be observed in other sizes of this model with a WOLED panel, which also offer excellent image fluidity. Organic technology, in this case, is considered one of the best on the market. The picture of Samsung S90D, regardless of the type of panel, is incredibly sharp and detailed, making this TV perfect for dynamic scenes, both during gaming and sports broadcasts. Additionally, its capabilities in terms of refresh rate and clarity ensure that every movement is smooth and natural, which will certainly satisfy even the most demanding users.

TCL A300 is equipped with a 144 Hz panel, which should instantly satisfy virtually everyone - both gamers and sports fans. Motion is fluid and the image is clear even during fast scenes. Additionally, the television offers a motion enhancement feature called "Motion," where we find two sliders on a 10-point scale. These allow you to adjust the effect to your own preferences - from a classic, filmic look with visible frames to a very smooth (though already unnatural) image reminiscent of a soap opera effect. This way, everyone can find a setting that suits them.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.5/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    No
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

Television S90D is an excellent solution for gamers, offering a range of advanced features that elevate the gaming experience to a new level. Equipped with the HDMI 2.1 standard, the model supports modern technologies such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Thanks to these solutions, the image is incredibly smooth, and the response to commands is instantaneous, which is crucial in dynamic titles. Additionally, the S90D supports HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) and G-Sync and FreeSync image synchronisation. This allows for a perfect connection with the Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, eliminating issues with tearing and stuttering. The built-in operating system offers the Xbox Game Pass app, providing access to a massive library of games directly from the television. This solution makes gaming even more convenient and accessible. The Game Bar feature provides quick access to important information, such as current settings, performance statistics, and the ability to adjust image options. This allows for on-the-fly modification of display parameters, which is incredibly useful during intense gameplay. Despite lacking support for Dolby Vision, Samsung S90D still delivers excellent HDR image quality, allowing for full utilisation of the potential of games and films. As a result, S90D represents a unique combination of modern technologies, excellent image quality, and intuitive features, perfect for any gaming enthusiast.

The TCL A300 is a television designed not only to transport us to a digital art museum but also into the full-fledged world of gaming. It offers practically everything you can expect from gaming hardware: two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, 144 Hz refresh rate, support for VRR and ALLM.

It also deserves credit for the proper implementation of the HGIG mode – something that competing Hisense sometimes struggles with. The television handles lower resolutions (e.g., Full HD) with ease while maintaining high refresh rates, which will be appreciated by owners of older consoles or PCs.

Additionally, there's an attractive and clear GameBar that facilitates quick access to settings for gamers. The A300 is indeed well-prepared for gaming at the highest level – it’s just a shame that issues with ghosting somewhat detract from its overall appeal as a gaming device.

Input lag

10/10

9.7/10

SDR

1080p60
10 ms
18 ms
1080p120
5 ms
9 ms
2160p60
10 ms
18 ms
2160p120
5 ms
9 ms

HDR

2160p60
10 ms
18 ms
2160p120
5 ms
9 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
23 ms
2160p120 DV
12 ms

QD-OLED from Samsung stands out with an incredibly low input lag, making it an excellent choice for gamers. Regardless of the resolution or refresh rate, both in SDR and HDR mode, results around 10 ms are truly impressive. Such a low input lag ensures immediate response to actions on the screen, which is crucial in dynamic games where every millisecond counts. Users can enjoy smoothness and precision, which makes the S90D TV with QD OLED panel a superb option for those who prioritise performance in gaming.

In terms of input lag, the TCL A300 performs really well. Values below 10 ms at a refresh rate of 120 Hz are something many gamers dream of – such low lag is practically unnoticeable, both during everyday gaming and in more demanding esports titles. One could nitpick about the result of 23 ms in Dolby Vision mode at 60 frames, but it's still low enough that serious objections are hard to come by. In this category, the A300 truly excels.

Compatibility with PC

8/10

8.2/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Very Good
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
5ms
11ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

The Samsung S90D 65 TV performs excellently as a monitor for PCs. Fonts appear sharp, making it easier to read and use various applications. Support for chroma 4:4:4 at a resolution of 4K and a refresh rate of 144 Hz ensures full colour reproduction and outstanding image clarity. Moreover, the impressive input lag of just 5 ms is a significant advantage, especially for gamers and professionals working with graphics. However, it should be noted that points were deducted in this category compared to the WOLED panel version due to the different diamond arrangement of sub-pixels, which may lead to the distinct visibility of individual sub-pixels when displaying fonts on a dark background. This issue only pertains to the 65-inch version, so users who plan to use the TV on their desk will not encounter these difficulties with smaller variants.

If we plan to use the TCL A300 as a computer monitor, we may be pleasantly surprised. The television performs really well in this role. It is equipped with a 144 Hz panel, supports G-Sync, and, as we mentioned, offers very low input lag, so gaming on it with a connected PC is pure enjoyment.

Working with text is also possible, although with some limitations. The TCL A300 has slight issues displaying dark fonts and thin lines – this is due to the construction of the subpixels, which in everyday use can be a bit annoying, even though it looks better in photos than in reality.

The television supports chroma 4:4:4, but only up to 120 Hz. Therefore, we noted that this feature is available, but with a limitation – if we care about perfectly readable fonts, it's worth sticking with the refresh rate of 120 Hz. At 144 Hz, the clarity of the text may suffer somewhat.

Viewing angles

9.8/10

3.2/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
10%
79%

In the category of viewing angles, the S90D Samsung stands out as one of the best models on the market. While traditional OLED TVs already offer solid performance, the use of a QD-OLED panel in the S90D elevates the picture quality to an even higher level. Thanks to the combination of Quantum Dot technology with self-emissive pixels, users can enjoy excellent color accuracy and detail, even when watching the TV from a wide angle.

The viewing angles on the TCL A300 NXTVision are, let’s be honest, average. The TV is equipped with a VA panel, which inherently has quite limited angles, and unfortunately, this is evident here. The video below speaks for itself – even a slight deviation from the centre results in a noticeable drop in contrast and colour saturation. It’s a shame that this is yet another frame-style TV that has done absolutely nothing about it. After all, we don't always have the option to sit perfectly straight on – especially if the device is also meant to serve a decorative function in the living room.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.3/10

4.7/10

Matrix coating
Glare
Matte
Reflection suppression
Very Good
Good
Black levels during daytime
Average
Poor

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL A300W NXTVision: 388 cd/m2

Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D: 339 cd/m2

In the category of TV performance during the day, the model Samsung S90D 65 ranks the worst among the tested options. Although the glossy panel and good anti-reflective properties suggest some efficiency in bright conditions, the quality of blacks during sunny days proves to be the biggest issue. This phenomenon is caused by the close placement of quantum dots to the outer layer of the screen. Under the influence of external light rays, these dots can activate, resulting in the blacks on the screen becoming more cherry-like. This effect causes the image to lose depth and intensity, which can be particularly noticeable in darker scenes. As a result, users who plan to use the TV in bright rooms or under strong sunlight may encounter difficulties in achieving satisfactory image quality. However, when it comes to watching movies with a lot of black, this usually takes place in the evenings when the issue of intense sunlight is no longer as significant. In such conditions, the S90D performs significantly better, and users can enjoy a pleasant visual experience. During the day, while watching regular TV, the television also performs adequately, which means it is not a complete disqualifier for this model.

The TCL A300 NXTVision is equipped with a matte panel very similar to the one found in one of its Chinese competitors – the Hisense S7NQ. This type of surface does quite well in reducing reflections, although it must be admitted that it performs worse than Samsung's The Frame, which offers a significantly higher level in this regard. As is usually the case with matte displays, blacks during the day lose depth and appear more grey than black – and this is no different here. Unfortunately, the fact that the A300 is the darkest TV of the three tested doesn’t help either. This gives it a real problem in breaking through in heavily sunlit rooms.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Software version during testing
1120
TVM6.0.1_549fe6714_240813
Image processor
mt5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Samsung QD-OLED S90D / S94D

TCL A300W NXTVision

TV features

7.7/10

7.7/10

  • System
    Tizen
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    Yes
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

The Samsung S90D television offers a range of features that significantly enhance user comfort, making it an ideal device for entertainment in the comfort of your home. The Tizen system, on which this model is based, is a modern and advanced platform that provides users with an intuitive and seamless experience. Thanks to the user-friendly interface, navigating through applications and settings is quick and intuitive, making it easy to use the television even for those less familiar with technology. Tizen supports a rich set of applications, including all popular streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. A new feature for 2024 is the availability of voice search in Polish. It is also worth noting the eco-friendly solar remote, which is not only environmentally friendly but also practical for everyday use. With it, you can control multiple devices connected to the television, eliminating the need for multiple remotes. Additionally, the television supports AirPlay, enabling easy content sharing from Apple devices such as iPhone or iPad. The S90D also allows for the connection of various Bluetooth devices like mice, keyboards, or headphones, which increases its versatility and allows for user experience personalisation. Furthermore, the SmartThings app significantly enhances the capabilities of the television, allowing integration with other smart home devices. This enables remote management of lighting, security, and other aspects of the home ecosystem. Users can also take advantage of the Philips Hue app, which allows for lighting synchronisation with the image displayed on the screen, creating even more immersive visual experiences. The only downside that can be pointed out is the lack of USB recording support. For some users, this may be a limitation. Despite this, the S90D television offers many advanced features and technologies that make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-quality entertainment in their home and wanting to integrate their devices into one convenient system.

TCL A300 is a television styled as a painting, which in everyday use can successfully pretend to be a work of art hanging on the wall. It is equipped with a special image display mode, additional frames in a light wood tone, and a flat wall mount that allows you to hang the television like a real painting – without any gap from the wall.

A significant advantage of the image mode is that it is completely free. We have access to several dozen works from which we can choose one to be displayed while in standby – instead of a black screen, the image we selected remains on the wall. The quality of graphic reproduction is okay, but it must be admitted that it clearly falls short of that from Samsung's ART Store. Although access to images there is paid, the quality of the scans is significantly better – you can see the texture of the paint, canvas, and details. In the TCL A300, it resembles high-quality photos rather than realistic reproductions of artworks. Additionally, the implementation of the image mode in the system leaves a lot to be desired. For example – if we set the brightness to 10% in image mode, that same value automatically transfers to the regular viewing mode, where we could easily set the brightness to 50% or even 100%. It also works the other way around – when we set the brightness to 100% in regular mode, after switching to gallery mode, the images are displayed with the same maximum brightness, shining too intensely and losing the whole effect of a “picture on the wall.” These are minor but irritating errors that can spoil the experience of what was supposed to be visually subtle and elegant.

Moving on to more classic functions – the A300 runs on the Google TV system, which currently offers by far the largest selection of applications (full list available below). The responsive voice assistant with support for the Polish language also deserves a big plus. As standard – as with most TCL televisions – the USB recording function or picture-in-picture (PiP) mode was missing.

Playing files from USB

8.9/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
WebP
No
Yes
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

Samsung S90D is fitted with a built-in player that supports most popular video formats, allowing for convenient playback of films from various sources. The player also supports subtitles in Polish and allows users to customise the font colour, enhancing comfort when watching content with subtitles. In terms of photo formats, the television handles many, but one of the few downsides is the inability to play the popular PNG format. Nevertheless, the overall playback capabilities of the S90D are at an excellent level.

The built-in player on the TCL A300 works as it should – most popular video and photo files play without any problems. It lacks support for Apple's HEIC format (which is quite common in many TVs), but most users still use AirPlay, so it shouldn't be a major issue. If someone isn't satisfied with the default player, the Google TV system offers plenty of options – you can easily install an alternative app that better suits your tastes. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that the factory solution is completely sufficient for everyday use.

Apps

9.3/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

7.4/10

6/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.4/10
    6/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    No
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    No
    Yes

The Samsung S90D TV is equipped with a 2.1 audio system boasting a total power of 40 W, delivering clear and dynamic sound. With a subwoofer located at the bottom of the casing, the bass is deep and palpable, while the mid and high tones remain well-balanced. It's worth noting that the twin model S94D offers an even more advanced 2.1.2 speaker setup with a power of 60 W. If the silver colour of the S94D casing is not a drawback, and the price difference between these models is minimal, it’s worth considering the version with the “4” at the end. Despite lacking support for the DTS format, the S90D TV utilises other advanced sound technologies such as Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus, providing spacious and immersive sound. It is also worth mentioning the presence of the proprietary Q-Symphony feature, which allows synchronisation of the TV's speakers with the manufacturer's soundbar.

When it comes to sound, the TCL A300W – like its competitors – sounds quite... flat, after all, we are talking about a super slim television. For everyday watching of news or series, this level is more than sufficient, but during movie screenings, we might noticeably miss depth and space. On a positive note, it’s worth mentioning that the television supports both Dolby Atmos and the increasingly rare DTS:X – which provides more options when connecting an external audio system. It’s also worth noting that the A300 PRO model is equipped with a dedicated, flat soundbar. And it’s no ordinary soundbar – it sounds better than most of the televisions we’ve tested.