The intense competition between tech giants Samsung and LG drives innovation in the TV space every year. Their mission to perfect the viewing experience has led to significant advancements in display technologies.
OLED and QD-OLED panels now deliver unparalleled image quality in the home. Processing power has also increased to optimize every stream, broadcast and disc for these premium screens.
Samsung‘s 2023 flagship S95B model ushers in a new era of quantum-powered picture performance. But LG‘s highly-awarded C1 still commands attention thanks to an impressive blend of features and value.
This guide will compare these two heavy-hitting contenders across all the categories that matter most:
Display Capabilities – The Perfect Picture
As leading producers of screens for other major brands, Samsung and LG save their best display innovations for their own consumer models.
The Samsung S95B Series makes its mark as the company‘s first consumer TV to utilize advanced Quantum Dot OLED technology. This combines Samsung‘s existing QLED color enrichment with the self-illuminating superiority of OLED.
The LG C1 doesn‘t stray far from the proven performance of traditional OLED panels. But display specs still match or exceed the S95B on paper, as this comparison table shows:
| Display Feature | Samsung S95B | LG C1 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 55, 65-inch | 48, 55, 65, 77, 83-inch |
| Display Type | QD-OLED | OLED |
| Maximum Brightness | ~1,000 nits | ~800 nits |
| Contrast Ratio | ∞:1 | ∞:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz native | 120Hz native |
| Color Depth | 10-bit + FRC | 10-bit + FRC |
With nearly identical contrast and smooth motion clarity, both TVs should deliver stunning depth and clarity. Viewing angles are also strong on both OLED options.
But early lab testing suggests the S95B may struggle tocontain light blooming. This could impact dark scene quality. The C1 faces some gentle color washing in bright rooms.
Ultimately though, these are minor shortcomings unlikely to spoil two displays at the peak of current industry standards. Expect an immersive viewing experience regardless of environment.
Winner: LG C1 – Wider sizing range and Dolby Vision support provide more flexibility.
Picture Processing – Optimizing Performance
Even with strong base specifications, displays rely on processing engines to analyze and enhance picture output. This is what translates streams from their compressed broadcast states into optimized content.
Samsung equips the S95B with their proprietary Neo Quantum Processor 4K. This leverages artificial intelligence to enact real-time optimizations tailored to content types. Detail and textures are accentuated by dedicated upscaling technology too.
The LG C1 houses the newer α9 Gen4 AI Processor 4K chipset. Deep learning frameworks allow this to detect objects in order to sharpentheir appearance against backgrounds. Tone mapping ensures balanced luminance across frames as well.
Both solutions promise stellar clarity and responsiveness thanks to machine learning foundations. But Samsung‘s approach currently favours gaming with automatic genre detection and genre-specific enhancements.
Winner: Draw – Heavy processing power on both TVs expertly handles any content.
Gaming Performance – Smooth As Can Be
Console and PC gaming requires different display capabilities for optimal experiences. Fast response, low input lag and frame syncing become critical.
As their model naming suggests, both the S95B and C1 support native 120Hz refresh rates. This allows up to 120 FPS gaming in compatible titles for ultra-smooth motion flow.
The HDMI 2.1 inputs on both models also check every other box. Auto low latency modes engage when devices are detected, while variable refresh rate (VRR) syncs output between supported levels.
One advantage of the Samsug set is a higher ceiling here of 48-120Hz VRR versus the 40-120Hz range offered on the LG. For those with high-end graphic cards, the S95B provides extra headroom.
Input lag is equally competitive though. In game modes, both TVs deliver controller and keyboard inputs to screens in under 15ms. That‘s over twice as fast as the average human blink!
Winner: Draw – Super-responsive displays translate inputs into frames faster than users can perceive.
Smart Platforms – Your Launching Pad
With impressive panels and processing within, attention turns to the brains connecting users to content. The smart platform ties everything together.
Samsung deploys their Tizen-based ecosystem vampireized in recent years. This brings content front and center while building out device connectivity. Casting from Samsung phones is made simple for example.
LG‘s webOS platform takes a similar approach but adds AI-driven personalization based on viewing habits and patterns. The refreshed interface also allows deeper customization while maintaining slick navigation.
Both platforms cover the key essentials otherwise – giving access to all major streaming services alongside mobile device mirroring. Voice control support is there via Google Assistant or each brand‘s own assistant (Bixby and ThinQ).
Those invested in Xbox gaming may lean towards Samsung though. Unique integration allows Xbox Game Pass streaming without a console purchase. GeForce Now cloud access is also enabled.
Winner: Draw – Mature platforms empower viewers without limiting content availability.
Audio Performance – Quality Soundscapes
With outstanding pictures covered, living rooms demand equal precision for sound reproduction. Several factors impact how successfully built-in TV audio fills spaces.
The S95B packs 60 watts of total power across a 2.2 channel orientation. This allows directional audio design via Dolby Atmos encoding – pinpointing effects for added realism. Bass is accentuated further by integrated subwoofers.
LG counters with 40 watts of down-firing output. Spatial sound formats are still supported, processed via the built-in AI Sound Pro technology. LG markets this as analyzing and optimizing audio scenes to compress dynamic range.
Both TVs cover core basics like eARC support for piping lossless sound via HDMI to capable sound systems. Standard Dolby tuning options feature too for late night listening.
But Samsung‘s extra speaker power and object-based sound focussing give their model greater immersion. The S95B fills rooms with cinema-grade atmosphere.
Winner: Samsung S95B – More speaker power and Dolby Atmos sound tuning provides an edge.
Design Aesthetics – Sleek Modern Finishes
While sound and smarts steal focus, aesthetic design matters for style-conscious buyers. Premium build touches also signal forward-thinking engineering overall.
As their newest flagship release, the S95B introduces Samsung‘s new "AirSlim" design identity. This is embodied by an ultra-thin depth profile at under 0.8 inches and refined metallic stand. Cable management is tidy too thanks to a condensed port layout.
The LG C1 exudes minimalist elegance too thanks to slim bezels and a seamless mounted wall appearance. The optional gallery stand echoes this understated style for those not wall-mounting. Rear ports check practicality boxes for hidden cabling.
Durability credentials are strong for each model as well. Aluminum metal forms structurally rigid shells to protect panels and internals from daily home use.
Winner: Draw – Both TVs blend into rooms with slim, durable designs.
Value Proposition – Premium Experiences, Realistic Pricing
Despite housing the most advanced display and entertainment technologies, Samsung and LG avoid pricing their flagships beyond reach. Competitive pricing translates premium engineering into feasible purchases.
MSRP values for the main S95B and C1 model sizes are tabled below:
| Model | 55-inch | 65-inch | 75-inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung S95B | $1,997 | $2,997 | NA |
| LG C1 | $1,296 | $1,796 | $2,796 |
Adjusting for 55 and 65-inch sizes, Samsung sets fetch a 30% premium. This gives them headroom to invest in new panel production methods. But LG‘s range still undercuts for buyers wanting more screen for less spend.
With core performance matched so closely, that value angle could be deciding. Yet Samsung‘s ecosystem and gaming connectivity suit next-gen console adopters. This evens scores once again!
Winner: Draw, but advantage to LG for budget-focused buyers.
The Final Call – Two Impressive Contenders
In evaluating OLED TV credentials, both Samsung and LG make compelling cases from all angles. The S95B and C1 represent two viable paths to home theater nirvana.
By innovating new QD-OLED production techniques, Samsung pushes boundaries. But LG‘s mastery of traditional OLED manufacturing ensures high standards for less.
There‘s no universally right answer then when each model caters to different priorities. Those wanting a premium flagship can turn to Samsung with confidence. But the LG proposition gives most buyers superb quality without overspending.
If still unsure, visiting retailer showrooms to compare these stunning OLEDs first-hand is recommended. But no matter who you side with, next-level entertainment awaits!
