Homeowners have seen a great leap in display technology in the last few years, from quantum-dot OLEDs to mini-LED LCDs, which makes the home theatre experience more accessible than ever — and with the quality to boot. TVs are now brighter, capable of producing better colour and contrast, allowing for increased immersion and enjoyment.
Samsung, despite re-entering the OLED space only about two years ago, has already made waves with its offerings. The S95C OLED proved to be one of last year’s favourites, and the bar is only getting higher as more models are rolled out. For 2024, the company is looking to target different consumer and budget demands, bringing its first entry-level models into an existing fold of premium and mid-range picks.
Leading the charge is the Neo QLED 8K flagship model, which comprises two models: QN900D, powered by Samsung’s latest Neo Quantum 8 (NQ8) AI Gen 3 processor, and QN800D (not available in Singapore). Available in 65, 75, and 85 inches, it brings several AI features into the mix, including AI Auto Game Mode, AI Energy Mode, AI Upscaling Pro, and more.
The S95D leads the 4K lineup with the 55, 65, and 77-inch sizing options. The third-generation member of the QD-OLED family is powered by the NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor, has received a significant brightness boost, and most notably, touts the world’s first glare-free OLED technology. Users can also expect a FreeSync Premium Pro variable refresh system, a 4K 144Hz panel, and a 11mm-thin body for a clean, classy look, though those with a leaner option may want to opt for the step-down S90D instead, which lacks some of these frills.
Now that the technical jargon is out of the way, here are our top three favourite features from the Samsung 2024 TV lineup that we saw during a recent showcase event held in Bangkok, Thailand.
1) Glare Free Technology
Say goodbye to annoying reflections on the screen as a key improvement has been added to the Samsung S95D OLED with Glare Free technology. Arguably the most impressive feature of the lot, it builds on an existing panel treatment to eliminate reflections without sacrificing viewing angles or distorting colours. According to the chaebol, the magic lies in a specialised hard-coating layer and surface coating pattern that works to deliver sharp detail without the glare.
At the showcase, the new display was subjected to real-world testing against its predecessor in a side-by-side setup. As seen above, the reflection of a direct-facing ring light can be seen clearly on last year’s model, but is almost non-visible on the other TV. It’s a little misleading — the naked eye will be able to catch just the slightest glimpse of it, though the increased brightness certainly helps to cover it up.
For those living in bright, sunny Singapore where the sun’s rays easily seep through curtain liners and into rooms, this comes as a nifty and welcome upgrade. There’s a catch, however: the experience is limited only to the Samsung S95D models.
2) 8K AI Upscaling Pro + AI Motion Enhancer Pro
Powered by the NQ8 AI Gen 3 processor, the Samsung QN900 TV makes a convincing argument for its upscaling capabilities. The flagship offering is able to upscale full HD content up to 8K resolution, producing images with plenty of detail and noticeably sharper picture quality. There won’t be a cause of worry with sports content, on-screen scrolling test or fast-moving action, either — the AI Motion Enhancer Pro is designed to reduce ghosting and enhance overall clarity in such cases.
3) AI Auto Game Mode
AI Auto Game Mode may appear comparatively trivial as a quality-of-life upgrade, but it’s the small details that matter to the many gamers out there pursuing that visual nirvana. Where users had to manually switch between different presets previously, the feature will now automatically recognise the game being played and its genre, and optimises the visual and sound quality settings accordingly. This eliminates the hassle of having to tweak them every time, but shooter enthusiasts can look forward to another perk: the ability to customise and lock in their crosshair preferences.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Trinity Sun
