When shopping for a new TV, Samsung and LG are two of the top brands consumers consider. Both companies make high-performing TVs packed with great features. But how do their latest flagship models compare?
The Samsung QN90B QLED and the LG C2 OLED are some of the best TVs you can buy today. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of how they stack up.
Overview of the Samsung QN90B QLED
The Samsung QN90B is a 2022 Neo QLED 4K TV ideal for those wanting stellar picture quality. It uses Samsung’s Quantum Mini LED technology featuring ultra-precise dimming zones for deeper blacks and purer whites.
Other key features include:
- Sizes: 43-85 inches
- Neo Quantum Processor 4K with AI upscaling
- 144Hz refresh rate (43, 50-inch models)
- HDMI 2.1 ports
- Quantum HDR 32X and Quantum Matrix Technology Pro for optimal contrast
- Dolby Atmos audio
- Smart TV platform with app store
The design is also a highlight with an nearly bezel-less Infinity Screen and slim profile. Samsung calls the stand the “AirSlim” stand which almost makes this large TV look like it‘s floating.
Overall, the QN90B QLED delivers exceptional picture quality that makes movies, games and more really come to life. It‘s especially geared for serious gamers craving a fast, high performance display.
Overview of the LG C2 Series OLED
The LG C2 Series is the 2022 update to LG’s beloved C-Series OLED TVs. It comes packed with LG’s latest display innovations for their best image quality yet along with AI-enhanced processing.
Key details of the LG C2 OLED include:
- Sizes: 42-83 inches
- Self-lit OLED pixels with over 8 million individually lit pixels
- α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision IQ, Filmmaker Mode
- webOS smart platform
Some benefits to OLED technology include perfect black levels, vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and an ultra thin design profile. The picture quality is outstanding straight out of the box and upscales lower resolution content very well.
Gamers will also appreciate this TV‘s super fast response time and low input lag with Game Optimizer settings tailored specifically for gaming.
Samsung QN90B vs. LG C2 Side-by-Side Comparisons
Now let’s see how some key specifications and features compare between these two premium TVs from Samsung and LG:
| Feature | Samsung QN90B | LG C2 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Neo QLED (LCD/LED backlight) | Self-lit OLED |
| HDR Support | Quantum HDR 32X | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10 |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 144Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | 4 ports | 4 ports |
| Gaming Features | Ultra Wide GameView, Game Bar | Game Optimizer |
| AI Processing | Neo Quantum Processor 4K with AI upscaling | α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K |
| Smart Features | Apps, voice assistants compatibility, tap view & cast | webOS, Magic Remote, voice assistants |
| Audio | 60W, Dolby Atmos | 40W, Dolby Atmos |
Both TVs support key gaming specs like 4K 120fps, variable refresh rate (VRR), and auto low latency mode (ALLM). They also share Dolby Atmos audio and four HDMI 2.1 ports. Each TV runs on the brand’s proprietary smart platform as well.
However, there are some differences too. The QN90B QLED features a higher peak brightness and refresh rate. But the C2 OLED beats it on perfect black levels and viewing angles thanks to self-lit OLED technology.
Still not sure which is better for you? Keep reading!
Picture Quality Comparison
A TV‘s picture quality makes all the difference. No one wants to watch movies and TV shows with a lackluster display.
Black levels – When it comes to black levels, OLED reigns supreme. With self-lit pixels that can turn off completely to create infinite contrast, the C2 OLED produces perfect blacks. This makes shadows richer and adds depth to images. The QN90B still has impressive black levels for an LCD TV but can‘t get truly black.
Brightness – The QN90B QLED outshines the LG C2 OLED in terms of peak brightness. With Quantum dot enhanced backlighting, it can get extremely bright with highlights up to around 2000 nits. However, the C2 is no slouch topping out over 800 nits.
Viewing angles – One downside of QLED/LCD televisions are more narrow optimal viewing angles compared to OLEDs. So the C2 OLED will maintain it‘s stellar picture quality even off-axis. The colors and contrast remain consistent at wider angles.
Upscaling – Samsung‘s Neo Quantum Processor 4K with AI upscaling helps HD/SDR content look close to 4K quality on the QN90B. The powerful α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K chip does the same for the C2 OLED. Both handle upscaling lower resolution sources beautifully.
Gaming – For gaming, these both also excel. Offering 4K at 120fps, VRR, and super low input lag, they‘re at the top of the class. Gamers will be wowed by the buttery smooth motion and image clarity when playing video games.
Winner – When it comes to picture quality between the QN90B vs C2, it‘s close. But the LG C2 OLED inchs ahead with OLED‘s true blacks and pixle-level precision. However, the QN90B QLED‘s higher peak brightness is also impressive. Really you‘d be thrilled with either.
Sound System Comparison
A TV‘s speakers can make or break your entertainment experience. Their audio capabilities may influence your decision too. Let‘s listen to how they compare.
The Samsung QN90B features impressive 60W audio output with Dolby Atmos for dimensional surround sound. Even Atmos-encoded content can take advantage of the TV‘s top, side-firing and speakers.
By contrast, the LG C2 offers a still solid 40W output and Dolby Atmos too but with a standard 2.2 channel speaker setup. It supports virtual Dolby Atmos but can‘t create as immersive an experience without extra speaker channels.
We found the QN90B to produce better audio quality overall. The dedicated center channel ensures clear dialogue while effects pan around you. It gets nice and loud too filling a room without much distortion.
That being said, the C2 OLED still sounds very good just make sure to use the AI Sound Pro mode. Both TVs allow Wi-Fi speaker pairing as well to connect soundbars or speakers wirelessly.
Smart TV & Gaming Features Comparison
Samsung QN90B and LG C2 both come equipped with leading smart TV software and gaming capabilities. But which interface, features and gaming support reign supreme?
The LG C2 OLED features LG‘s user-friendly webOS platform. The Magic Remote makes navigating menus smooth along with built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support. Gaming extras like Game Optimizer further enhance the experience.
By comparison, Samsung‘s Tizen OS powers the QN90B QLED‘s smart capabilities with it‘s own voice assistants and gaming settings. The displays, processors and next-gen HDMI ports ensure phenomenal gaming support either way.
Both TVs also include features tailored for movies, sports and TV with different picture modes. Consumers will enjoy many channels and streaming apps with these Smart TVs as well. When comparing the smart and gaming capabilities the LG C2 vs Samsung QN90B offer robust support.
Design Comparison
While not everyone may care what their TV looks like, aesthetics contribute to the overall experience. Especially with TVs heading more mainstream into living rooms and public areas. Fortunately, both these TV flagships look as good they perform.
Appearance-wise, the Samsung QN90B features their near bezel-less "Infinity Screen" with an ultra slim depth. The bezels blend into the display itself with outstanding attention to fine design details. Samsung also engineered a unique stand to hold it up seemingly floating in midair.
Similarly, the LG C2 touts an elegant Gallery Design with an ultra thin panel and brushed finish. For their OLED TVs, LG matched the side bezels and rear enclosure to blend seamlessly. Owners can even wall-mount flush without gap spaces.
Visually, both models basically disappear leaving only the stunning pictures when watching TV shows, movies, sports and gaming action. They blend world-class engineering with aesthetically pleasing form.
As for comparing the designs styles, Samsung‘s "AirSlim" stand makes a bolder statement where LG‘s minimalism scales wonderfully. Regardless, you‘ll love the way both the QN90B and C2 OLED look in home theaters.
Price Comparison
With superior performance comes higher costs typically. Being top-of-the-line 2022 TV releases, neither model is exactly cheap. But which offers better value per screen size?
At launch, the Samsung QN90B retailed around $3,500 for the 75-inch. The exceptional Neo QLED technology with Mini LED backlighting does demand a premium which is typical for Samsung. Compared to 2021‘s similar QN90A Series, the prices stay consistent.
The LG C2 OLED sees similar original prices to 2021‘s LG C1. Consumers can buy the 65-inch C2 under $2,000 with smaller and larger sizes costing more. Considering how outstanding the picture quality is combined with the LG name, the value feels reasonable.
When stacking the Samsung QN90B vs LG C2 price tags side-by-side, LG takes the edge. Shoppers get self-emissive OLED tech and infinite contrast at lower rates. But Samsung‘s QLED performance still goes unmatched in brightness by comparison.
Verdict: Samsung QN90B vs LG C2
The Samsung QN90B QLED and LG C2 OLED represent two of the best TV offerings in 2022 for 4K, gaming, movies and beyond. But which is the superior pick?
For consumers wanting the brightest, boldest images in all lighting conditions, the Samsung QN90B delivers. This Neo QLED television can reach searing brightness levels without compromise. Factor in Samsung’s gaming extras and smart ecosystem too.
However, the LG C2 stands as the best balance between elite contrast and color in the most premium package. Self-lit OLED tech along with 120Hz and Dolby Vision provide pictures near perfection right out of the box. And LG‘s smart platform keeps getting better as webOS remains slick and friendly as ever.
In truth, home theater shoppers will win by choosing either fantastic television. Their extensive features, cutting-edge connectivity and simply beautiful performance leave little lacking. Look for deals if possible, but the MSRP tags rightly match the sublime technology inside. Hope this guide gives insight deciding between the Samsung QN90B and LG‘s C2 Series.
