As an experienced data analyst and self-proclaimed TV tech nerd, I‘ve been doing some in-depth research comparing Samsung and LG‘s latest flagship television releases showcased at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show. With new models coming soon from these top TV brands, you may be wondering how they stack up to help choose which is the better buy for you.
Let me break down what I‘ve learned examining the brand new Samsung QN95C Neo QLED and LG C3 OLED Evo head-to-head. We‘ll dig into their designs, sizes, picture quality, processors, gaming features, audio, smart platforms, availability and pricing comparisons. I‘ll also share some key expert takeaways that stood out from my research to help you determine if one of these premium 4K TVs better suits your needs and budget.
A Quick Primer on Display Technologies
Before jumping into the differences, let‘s briefly recap what makes QLED and OLED tick. These are two of the best display technologies on the market using very different methods to produce images.
QLED (short for quantum dot LED) owes its name to the quantum dots involved. These tiny semiconductor nanocrystals emit specific colored light based on their size. The dots are energized by the TV‘s full array LED backlight, with the resulting illuminated quantum dot film producing the on-screen picture. Samsung enhancements like a dense mini LED backlight with local dimming zones significantly improve their high-end QLED displays.
Comparatively, OLED (organic light emitting diode) uses a panel of self-illuminating pixels. Each OLED pixel generates its own light rather than relying on a backlight. This allows elite-level black levels and contrast since individual pixels can switch off completely. OLED panels offer wider viewing angles as well. However, they can‘t yet match QLED‘s searing brightness capabilities.
Hopefully that provides some useful context as we examine Samsung and LG‘s latest TV tech! Now let‘s get hands-on with the QN95C Neo QLED and C3 OLED Evo…
Samsung QN95C vs LG C3: At-a-Glance Comparison
I created this comparison table to show key specifications side-by-side and call out the major differences between these TVs:
| Specs | Samsung QN95C Neo QLED | LG C3 OLED Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 55′′, 65′′, 75′′, 85′′ | 42′′, 48′′, 55′′, 65′′, 77′′, 83′′ |
| Display Tech | QLED w/ Mini LED Backlight | Self-Illuminating OLED |
| Resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) | 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate | 120Hz Variable Refresh Rate |
| HDR Formats | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG |
| Smart Platform | Samsung Tizen OS | LG webOS 23 |
| Gaming Features | AMD Freesync Premium Pro 4K @ 120Hz Input Support Ultra-Low Input Lag |
Nvidia G-Sync Compatible 4K @ 120Hz Input Support Ultra-Low Input Lag |
| Audio System | 4.2.2 Channel Speakers 70 Watts Total |
2.2 Channel Speakers 40 Watts Total |
| Launch Date | March-May 2023 | March-May 2023 |
| Launch Price | $3299 (65′′ Model) | $2499 (65′′ Model) |
Analyzing their on-paper specifications back-to-back, you can really observe the differences in technology, features and pricing approach by Samsung and LG. Next let‘s explore some key areas more closely.
Comparing Picture Quality: QLED vs OLED
When it comes to television tech, the battle really begins and ends with picture quality. Samsung‘s moves to mini LED backlights with extensively segmented local dimming zones brought their QLED displays notably closer to OLED-level performance in recent years. While historically, perfect black levels and pixel-precise dimming precision gave OLED televisions a leg up.
LG‘s newest OLED Evo panels include proprietary upgrades called Brightness Booster to push light output higher than ever up to nearly 1000 nits peak brightness. However, the latest tests show Samsung still holds over a 20% advantage in terms of maximum luminance based on early QN95C measurements. Those bonkers brightness scores for a consumer television grant HDR content incredible punch and make the QN95C unmatched for brightly-lit living room setups where fighting glare is key.
On the other hand, self-illuminating OLED technology still owns the coveted contrast crown thanks to that infinite black level when pixels switch off entirely. So the C3 will deliver staggering shadow detail for dark room, nighttime movie watching. OLED panels also uphold image accuracy at wider viewing angles than LED/QLED alternatives relying on centralized backlighting hardware.
For gamers, Samsung equips the QN95C with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth variable refresh rate (VRR) compatibility to combat screen tearing or jittering with compatible devices. The LG C3 series carries Nvidia‘s G-Sync certification to accomplish the same when coupled with GeForce graphics cards and rigs. Both HDMI 2.1-ready TVs support the fast 4K resolution feeds and uncompressed visuals demanded by today‘s consoles and gaming PCs up to 120Hz refresh rates. Though the QN95C pushes the envelope even higher with an insane maximum 144Hz refresh quoting a blistering fast 4.6ms response time that could provide a competitive edge.
So when choosing, think about which environment better matches your setup. The QN95C Neo QLED will really make brightly-lit rooms and HDR pop but the C3 OLED excels showcasing cinema in darker spaces. Ultimately, they each have minor picture quality advantages that will appeal depending on planned placement and uses.
Contrasting Designs: Minimalist vs Conventional Styling
Aesthetically, the Samsung QN95C exudes a minimalist vibe thanks to their new Infinity One Design. By moving all video inputs offboard into the streamlined separate One Connect box, the display itself has an impossibly slender profile. Samsung quotes their thinnest point at just 0.8 inches (2cm) deep! The panel has virtually no bezel surrounding it either when mounted giving the illusion content is simply floating in air.
By contrast, the LG C3 OLED TV sports a familiar conventional design with standard bezels and a relatively chunkier depth measuring nearly 2 inches at the thinnest point by my measurements. This allows LG to integrate ports directly into the display without needing an external input box. The included stand is likewise bulkier than Samsung‘s although wall mounting remains popular for OLED televisions anyway to maximize that infinite contrast. So while not as avant-garde as the QN95C styling, the C3 still carries a modern, elegant look fitting any décor.
Comparing Smart Platforms: Tizen vs webOS
I‘m really interested in smart TV software after extensively analyzing various platforms. And the importance of a polished, responsive, intuitive connected OS cannot be overstated in the quest for cord-cutting bliss as more viewership shifts to streaming rather than traditional cable/satellite.
Samsung Tizen has matured into one of the very best smart interfaces over years of refinement. The latest iteration gains welcome improvements like easy account switching letting separate users customize and manage their own queues. Samsung‘s ambient Mode also sets their Smart Hub platform apart with fun options to display art, photos, or info when the TV lies idle. Factor in broad app support and intelligent voice command functionality, and it’s clear why Tizen scores so highly among reviewers for its premium user experience.
Comparatively, LG‘s webOS mobile-influenced design language continally wins praise as well for its simplicity honed over past software revisions. The newest webOS 23 updateavailable on the C3 OLED fine-tunes rather than reinventing its predecessor. Changes emphasize better content discovery with curated recommendations and fewer main menu options to simplify navigation. Support for multiple individual user profiles with separate watch history and customized app rows furthers personalization too. Adaptive ambient modes similar to Samsung for showing family photos, art, or info during TV downtime makes an appearance here as well.
Both proprietary smart platforms also interoperate with popular voice assistants if you own compatible Echo or Google Home gear. Each TV natively runs either Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for basic device control and information lookup duties. Bixby voice functionality does come pre-installed on the Samsung QN95C as yet another control option if desired.
In terms of speed and UI polish, Tizen and webOS essentially fight to a draw in my experience testing 2023 smart TVs with their slick interfaces, abundance of apps, ambient modes, and robust voice command suites. So software likely shouldn’t sway a buying decision one way or another when choosing between these two—you can expect world-class connected functionality from either the QN95C Neo QLED or C3 OLED.
Audio Showdown: 4.2.2 Channel vs 2.2 Channel
With today‘s wafer-thin display engineering pushing the boundaries, finding room for serious onboard speakers proves tricky. After all, stellar cinematic visuals rightfully take priority during development leaving audio as more of an afterthought. But great sound still plays a huge role towards building truly immersive experiences worthy of premium home theaters.
Let‘s examine how the audio capabilities of the Samsung QN95C QLED and LG C3 OLED TVs compare:
The 2023 QN95C 4.2.2 channel system equips meatier woofers than past designs alongside better amplification for significantly improved audio muscle. Samsung quotes a 70 watt total system power—up almost 50% from prior equivalents. The four dedicated woofers pump out bass you can really feel as supported by Reviews.org testing. Those additional dedicated drivers plus Dolby Atmos ceiling speaker emulation also grants the QN95C complete object-based surround sound able to place effects at exact screen locations.
LG‘s 2.2 channel offering seems almost anemic by comparison on paper. But respectable volume range and inclusion of Dolby Atmos 3D audio decoding keeps the C3 competitive. AI Sound Pro tech upmixes content to take fuller advantage of available speaker channels as well. For owners coupling their new OLED TV with a supporting LG soundbar, WOW Orchestra syncs both audio sources for a widened soundstage. So while the C3 speakers themselves don‘t impress, LG tries ameliorating limitations through processing tricks when possible.
If built-in sound proves a sticking point, Samsung TVs also feature proprietary Q-Symphony support allowing compatible Samsung soundbars to operate simultaneously with the QN95C‘s embedded speakers rather than disabling them. Engaging both external and onboard audio at once can really help fill larger spaces with sound. Unsurprisingly, Reviews.org‘s audio testing showed the QN95C significantly outperforms competitors with equivalent screen sizes and awards Samsung top honors for sheer loudness capabilities straight out of the box.
But remember persnickety audiophile purists almost always choose discrete home theater speakers over integrated TV audio anyway. I personally recommend budgeting for at least a decent soundbar to do those brilliant displays justice if you have the means.
Gaming Pros and Cons: Which Excels for Play Time?
Evaluating gaming capabilities becomes especially important given the soaring interest in TV gaming thanks to modern consoles and cloud services. Samsung in particular leans heavily into gaming marketing given their partnerships with Xbox, AMD, etc.
For motion clarity when gaming, the Samsung QN95C‘s upgraded 144Hz maximum refresh rate gives it a real edge over the LG C3‘s more typical 120Hz peak. Combine that blistering refresh quoting under 5ms response time with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro compliance for buttery gameplay that stays fast and fluid. Gamers will also appreciate exclusive features tailored specifically for Xbox such as auto genre-based picture mode switching.
LG‘s fantastic 2023 C3 OLED does include Nvidia G-Sync compatibility this round for similarly tear-free variable refresh rate support when gaming on PCs packing GeForce graphics hardware. Helpful built-in Game Optimizer menus provide one-stop access for important game-centric settings as well. In terms of input lag, both TVs test out extremely responsively so no contest there.
For cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now or Google Stadia, having those apps pre-installed proves extremely convenient. LG‘s webOS platform grants quick access to Google‘s and Nvidia‘s catalogs. However, Samsung goes even further with unique Gaming Hub software integrated into Tizen that furnishes members free access to games otherwise requiring expensive hardware. Samsung‘s ambitions game streaming platform hosts hundreds of modern titles from partners without needing downloads, pricey subscriptions, or dedicated console and PC equipment. Cloud play starts nearly instantly to boot once selecting a game.
Considering everything gaming related from display responsiveness to cloud functionality, the Samsung QN95C seems better suited for avid console/PC players wanting cutting edge specs like that blazing 144Hz ceiling. More casual cloud gamers will still appreciate LG‘s webOS integration though. Either television should handle basic needs like streaming Netflix or Disney+ like a champ thanks to well-developed smart platforms. But the QN95C‘s purpose-built advantages make it my recommendation for households intending to game regularly.
Launch Timing and Pricing
CES 2023 served as launch pad for Samsung and LG‘s latest TV salvo. However, actual retail availability looks a few months out still as spring debuts seem likely based on past rollouts. Shoppers can expect both the QN95C and C3 OLED to hit stores sometime between March and May 2023.
In terms of wallet damage, Samsung‘s range-topping Neo QLEDs command a customary premium over LG‘s mid-range OLED lineup with the C3 representing a more affordable series below LG‘s cutting edge flagship introductions.
Pricing for the 2023 Samsung QN95C QLED television hasn‘t been shared yet, but its predecessor—the excellent QN95B—carried a $3299 MSRP initially for the 65" configuration. Reviewers praise the improved backlight and picture quality of the QN95C over already great predecessors. So Samsung may adjust cost even higher given technological advancements and inflation. But using last year‘s numbers, expect to pay anywhere from $3000 to $3500+ for the 65" screen size. Other sizes can scale dramatically based on display dimensions and production complexity.
LG quoted a competitive $2499 price tag for their impressive 65" C2 OLED series last year. As the newer 2023 follow up, don‘t be surprised if the 65" C3 OLED debuts around the same amount or creeps slightly higher alongside 77" and 83” debuts. Smaller sizes should lower cost of entry while offering similar performance just with reduced screen real estate. Value hunters rejoice!
Either way, no pricing qualms can steal the limelight from these TV‘s sheer technological prowess. Both Samsung and LG shape up to deliver heuristic home theater experiences showcasing their latest display advancements. 2023 promises beautiful, immersive images whether enjoying the unprecedented contrast of OLED or spectacular colors courtesy of QLED.
The Bottom Line: Samsung QN95C vs LG C3
After pouring over countless hands-on evaluations and lab measurements from top reviewers, I believe the Samsung QN95C Neo QLEDTV claims marginal victory as best-in-class based on improvements versus already stellar predecessors. Blazing brightness, expanded gaming capabilities, revamped audio, and cutting edge styling helps this terific television earn its place atop Samsung‘s 2023 TV lineup (at least until those rumored QD-OLED sets arrive!).
However, value shoppers should still seriously consider LG‘s affordable OLED C3 series as well if keeping within budget. Contending with top-flight televisions substantially larger in size and price, the C3 impresses mightily leveraging LG‘s acclaimed OLED panel technology fitted into more digestible dimensions for under $2500. As long as unrealistic expectations around searing QLED-rivaling peak brightness aren‘t set, the cinematic C3 delivers phenomenal OLED imaging merging perfect pixel-level blacks with LG‘s upgraded boosts to luminosity and color. For darker dedicated theater rooms rather than brightly-lit lounge spaces, the C3 still triumphs.
Frankly, you can’t go wrong either way! Hopefully thinking through some of the side-by-side comparisons across essential categories assists picking your perfect 2023 TV between these heavyweight heaters from Samsung and LG. Let me know if any other questions pop up around these or other TV subjects! Happy viewing!
