In the world of premium OLED TVs, the Samsung S90F and LG C5 sit just below their flagship siblings — the Samsung S95F and LG G5 — offering much of the high-end OLED experience but at more accessible pricing. They both deliver the core strengths of OLED technology: perfect blacks, infinite contrast, premium HDR, and incredible viewing angles.
While both TVs target similar audiences, they take different approaches. The Samsung S90F focuses on brighter HDR and more vibrant colors, while the LG C5 leans toward cinematic accuracy and superior HDR format support. In this comparison, we break down everything that matters so you can confidently decide which one fits your viewing style best.
Samsung S90F — Short Review
Samsung S90F
The Samsung S90F is built for users who want bright and impactful picture performance that stands out in both light and dark environments. Its use of QD-OLED (in most sizes) brings richer and more vibrant color volume compared to traditional OLED panels.
Gaming is a major strength — with 4K up to 144 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, the S90F is ideal for both next-gen consoles and high-end PCs. Motion handling is smooth and input lag is exceptionally low.
Powered by Samsung’s advanced processing, the S90F delivers excellent upscaling and AI-driven picture enhancements. Tizen OS adds a wide app selection and user-friendly navigation, making this TV easy to live with daily.
Overall, the Samsung S90F is a fantastic all-round OLED with strong HDR brightness, punchy color reproduction, and excellent gaming performance.
| Samsung S90F Prices | |
| 83-Inch (QN83S90FAEXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 77-Inch (QN77S90FAFXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-Inch (QN65S90FAFXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-Inch (QN55S90FAFXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 48-Inch (QN48S90FAEXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 42-Inch (QN42S90FAEXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
LG C5 — Short Review
LG C5
The LG C5 uses the latest OLED evo panel, offering deep blacks, precise shadow detail, and more controlled picture accuracy — especially appreciated by movie enthusiasts. While peak brightness is slightly lower than the S90F, the C5 still provides bright and well-balanced HDR performance suited for cinematic viewing.
A key advantage: full Dolby Vision support. Streaming services heavily rely on Dolby Vision, so the C5 gives you better HDR compatibility and tone mapping across more content.
The C5 is also highly capable for gaming with 4K 144 Hz, low latency, and HDMI 2.1 across all ports. Its WebOS platform remains smooth, intuitive, and content-focused.
In summary, LG C5 is perfect for users who prioritize cinematic color accuracy, perfect blacks, and top-tier streaming HDR performance.
| LG C5 Prices | |
| 83-Inch (OLED83C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 77-Inch (OLED77C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-Inch (OLED65C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-Inch (OLED55C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 48-Inch (OLED48C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
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Samsung S90F and LG C5 Key Specs & Feature Comparison Table
Here’s the key specifications comparison between Samsung S90F and LG C5.
| Feature | Samsung S90F | LG C5 | ||||||||||||
| Panel Type | QD-OLED (55–77″) / WOLED on some sizes | WOLED / OLED evo | ||||||||||||
| Screen Sizes | 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | ||||||||||||
| Peak HDR Brightness | ~1400 nits (typical 10% window) | ~1100 nits (typical 10% window) | ||||||||||||
| Contrast | Perfect blacks, high HDR impact | Perfect blacks, excellent shadow detail | ||||||||||||
| Gaming | 4K 144 Hz, 4× HDMI 2.1, VRR/ALLM | 4K 144 Hz, 4× HDMI 2.1, VRR/ALLM | ||||||||||||
| HDR Formats | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (No Dolby Vision) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | ||||||||||||
| Smart Platform | Tizen OS | webOS | ||||||||||||
| Best For | Mixed lighting, high-impact HDR & gaming | Movie-focused dark room setups | ||||||||||||
| Price Range | Similar | Similar | ||||||||||||
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Samsung S90F and LG C5 Comparison
Let’s compare Samsung S90F and LG C5 in each aspect to decide which is the better choice for you.
Picture Quality
Samsung S90F: Thanks to its QD-OLED panel (on most sizes) and quantum-dot enhancement, the Samsung S90F delivers more saturated, vivid colors with strong HDR highlights that really pop, especially in HDR movies and games. With a measured peak HDR brightness of ~1400 nits (10% window), it maintains impactful brightness even in rooms with moderate ambient light.
LG C5: The LG C5 offers balanced, natural-looking color, deep blacks, and excellent near-black detail. Its ~1100-nit peak brightness is very solid for a mid-range OLED, supporting a more cinematic look with precise shadow definition, especially in darker or controlled-lighting environments.
Verdict: For punchy, vivid HDR and a brighter picture in mixed lighting, Samsung S90F is the better performer. For cinematic fidelity and movie-accurate visuals in a dark room, LG C5 takes the lead.
Motion and Gaming Technology
Samsung S90F: With 4K 144 Hz, VRR, ALLM, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, the S90F is a top-tier choice for gamers who want smooth motion handling and minimal latency with both current-gen consoles and powerful gaming PCs.
LG C5: The C5 also supports 4K 144 Hz, HDMI 2.1 across all ports, and advanced gaming features, handling fast-moving content well. While its HDR brightness isn’t quite as high as the S90F, it still offers excellent responsiveness and clarity for gaming.
Verdict: Both are extremely capable gaming TVs. If HDR brightness and bold gaming visuals matter to you, S90F has the slight advantage.
HDR Formats & HDR Performance
Samsung S90F: Delivers vivid HDR highlights and richer color volume but does not support Dolby Vision. Instead, Samsung relies on HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, which limits support for the best streaming HDR on some major services.
LG C5: Full support for Dolby Vision, along with HDR10 and HLG, makes the C5 more compatible with modern HDR streaming services. Its HDR tone mapping is more consistent for cinematic content.
Verdict: For best streaming HDR performance and compatibility, LG C5 is the stronger choice. For brighter highlights when content doesn’t rely on Dolby Vision, Samsung S90F performs better.
Smart TV Platform & Ecosystem
Samsung S90F: Uses Tizen OS, providing a wide app selection, fast navigation, enhanced smart-home integration, and strong gaming UI tools.
LG C5: Runs on webOS, which offers a polished interface with smooth content recommendations and excellent everyday streaming usability.
Verdict: Both platforms are modern and user-friendly — the decision depends on whether you prefer Tizen or webOS.
Audio Quality
Samsung S90F: Like many slim OLEDs, built-in audio is serviceable but not very immersive. Most users will want to pair it with a soundbar or external speakers.
LG C5: Similar performance — decent clarity for casual viewing but lacking cinematic impact.
Verdict: Draw — a soundbar is recommended regardless of which one you choose.
Price & Value Positioning
Both TVs sit below their flagship models, offering near-premium OLED performance at lower prices.
Samsung S90F: Strong price-to-performance value, especially for buyers who prioritize brightness and gaming capability. It often becomes one of the first OLEDs in its class to drop in price.
LG C5: Offers excellent value for movie lovers, thanks to Dolby Vision and more accurate out-of-the-box picture quality — great bang for the buck in home-theater setups.
Verdict: Both deliver great value — S90F appeals more to gamers and mixed-use households, while C5 targets movie-focused viewers.
Conclusion: Samsung S90F or LG C5?
If you want a versatile OLED TV that excels in any lighting condition, with strong HDR highlights and top-tier gaming performance, the Samsung S90F is the better pick. It delivers that extra “wow factor” for sports, games, and HDR-rich movies — making it the ideal all-round entertainment TV.
| Samsung S90F Prices | |
| 83-Inch (QN83S90FAEXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 77-Inch (QN77S90FAFXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-Inch (QN65S90FAFXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-Inch (QN55S90FAFXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 48-Inch (QN48S90FAEXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 42-Inch (QN42S90FAEXZA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
On the other hand, if your viewing happens mostly in a dark room and you want the best cinematic accuracy with Dolby Vision support for the most compatible HDR streaming experience, the LG C5 is the smarter choice. It delivers stunning films, especially at night, and remains the movie lover’s go-to in this price class.
| LG C5 Prices | |
| 83-Inch (OLED83C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 77-Inch (OLED77C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 65-Inch (OLED65C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 55-Inch (OLED55C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 48-Inch (OLED48C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |
| 42-Inch (OLED42C5PUA) | Check Today’s Price (Amazon.com)… |