Whether you‘re shopping for a new TV for sports, gaming, movies, or other entertainment, two of the top 2023 models that are contenders for your household are the Samsung S95C QD-OLED TV and the LG C3 OLED TV. These ultra-premium television sets offer incredible picture and sound quality unmatched by previous generations—but they also come with ultra-high price tags. So which one is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare and contrast the S95C QD-OLED and the C3 OLED across a range of key factors, including:
- Picture and visual specs
- Audio performance
- Design and build
- Smart features and special additions
- Pricing
- Longevity and warranties
By the end, you‘ll understand precisely how these TVs stack up to one another. You‘ll know exactly which one fits your viewing habits, content tastes, tech preferences, and budget the best. Let‘s dive in!
An Introduction to QD-OLED TVs
Before pitting these two TVs head-to-head, it helps to level-set on Quantum Dot OLED technology. The S95C QD-OLED represents an evolution beyond traditional OLED TVs like those LG has specialized in. These new QD-OLED sets aim to combine the rich contrast and pixel-perfect precision of OLED with brighter, more vibrant colors and better brightness.
QD-OLED panels add a quantum dot layer to filter light at the pixel level. Doing so enables wider viewing angles with color consistency and boosts peak brightness beyond 1000-2000 nits. Samsung and Sony both launched QD-OLED TVs in 2022 to rave reviews, with Samsung‘s iteration earning special praise.
Samsung S95C QD-OLED vs. LG C3: Side-by-Side Specs
Here‘s a high-level view of how the Samsung S95C and LG C3 measure up by the sheer numbers:
| Spec | Samsung S95C QD-OLED | LG C3 OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 55", 65", 77" | 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", 83" |
| Resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) | 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 1914 nits reported | N/A |
| HDR Formats | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| HDMI Ports | 4 | 4 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 5 years |
| Starting Price | $2,200 | $1,400 |
Both TVs launched in early 2023 and bring cutting-edge display panels paired with powerful internal processors. However, based solely on raw specs, we see the S95C pulls ahead ever so slightly in areas like refresh rate and format support. The LG counters with more size options and a substantially longer warranty period.
Unmatched Picture: S95C Wins
Hands down, the consensus among early reviews pegs the S95C QD-OLED as having a noticeably better overall picture. Its new Quantum Dot layer helps it handily beat the LG C3 in crucial areas like brightness, viewing angles, and motion handling.
The S95C QD-OLED generates over 1900 nits at its peak, whereas last year‘s LG G2 topped out below 800 nits. Reviewers note this translates into astoundingly better highlights in HDR content. Similarly, its anti-reflective screen coating and perfectly uniform colors at wide angles reduce any washing out.
Samsung‘s latest Neo Quantum Processor also gets rave reviews for effectively upscaling content and cleanly handling motion. The LG C3 and many OLEDs exhibit flickering, blurring, and artifacts with fast-action scenes that the S95C avoids. Gamers will also appreciate its 144Hz maximum refresh rate.
When it comes to outright picture fidelity, color accuracy, pixel-perfect blacks, and eye-popping depth, both TVs shine. But the expanded brightness, viewing range, and motion performance give the S95C a slight overall edge.
Sound Design: Different Approaches
Both Samsung and LG overhauled the sound systems in their flagship TVs this year. The S95C gains a huge upgrade to 4.2.2 speakers powered by 70 watts of total output. The set features Dolby Atmos support with Object Tracking Sound Pro technology for immersive, directional audio.
By contrast, the LG C3 sticks with a standard 2.2 speaker setup but expands it to 40 watts total. It incorporates AI processing to optimize audio and can also integrate soundbars using WOW Orchestra technology.
Which approach sounds better comes down to personal preference. Reviewers praise the sheer power and dynamic range of the S95C. Yet the C3 offers impressive clarity from its understated speakers. Since many buyers pair TVs with separate sound systems, this area results in a draw.
Design: Impossibly Slim Profiles
As premium offerings positioned to anchor living rooms, the aesthetic design holds importance for both the S95C and C3. Fortunately, each TV breaks new ground in crafting impossibly slender profiles.
The S95C QD-OLED measures just 0.1 inches thick across its entire panel. It uses a centralized One Connect box to house ports and inputs separately. The resulting free-floating effect when wall mounted dazzles guests no doubt.
Comparatively, the C3 seems chunky at 0.8 inches thick—a testament to Samsung‘s engineering. However, LG offsets this with its Gallery Stand design that concentrates all thickness in the centered base. Side profiles remain remarkably svelte. With both TVs inspiring awe, design quality finishes in a draw.
Smart Platforms: Tizen vs. webOS
Given how integral streaming has become to the television experience, software and smart functionality shouldn’t get overlooked. Here as well, the S95C and C3 take distinct approaches.
Samsung‘s Tizen platform powers the S95C, bringing compatibility with both Amazon Alexa and Samsung‘s Bixby AI assistant. Tizen offers a polished interface granting easy access to built-in streaming apps and connected devices. MiniMap sharing for multiplayer gaming introduces a unique bonus too.
Alternatively, LG‘s acclaimed webOS platform underwent a facelift for 2023. The updated webOS now surfaces personalized recommendations better and adds user profiles catered to each family member. Its latest smart magic remote enables intuitive voice search as well. While not revolutionary shifts, the smart platforms perform on par.
Bonus Gaming Features
For hardcore gamers, Samsung packs the S95C QD-OLED with extras that video game consoles and cutting-edge GPUs can leverage. We touched on its 144Hz maximum refresh rate already. Additionally, support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and ultra-low input lag with HDR engaged attract competitive players.
The TV also introduces exclusive advantages like Virtual Aim Point crosshairs. Special GameBar 3.0 widgets provide live performance metrics and match stat trackers too. While not everyone needs such add-ons, they provide nice bonuses.
Cost Comparison: How Pricing Stacks Up
Given their positioning as premium flagships, neither the S95C QD-OLED nor LG C3 come cheap. However, Samsung‘s newer TV carries a noticeable price premium. At launch, a 55-inch S95C retailed just under $3,000, compared to a 55-inch C2 priced at $1,600.
Of course, deals and sales can close this gap over time. But generally, expect to pay $500+ more for a same-sized S95C over LG‘s equivalent OLED. Whether Samsung‘s better brightness, gaming chops, and audio justify that premium comes down to budgets and tastes. Both remain costly propositions regardless though.
Five-Year Warranty Eases Minds
Where pricing might push buyers toward the LG C3, peace of mind pulls in the other direction. Uniquely, LG provides a free five-year warranty covering burn-in and panel defects. By contrast, Samsung‘s warranty lasts just one year.
For anyone investing serious money into the S95C QD-OLED, that short coverage may disrupt enjoyment. The risk of OLED burn-in dropping $4,000+ down the drain looms. LG removing that long-term worry entirely gives their C3s an advantage. Extended third-party warranties somewhat offset this difference.
Future Outlook Favors QD-OLED
Going forward, insiders widely believe QD-OLED panels have more room for innovation versus traditional OLED tech. Expect contrast ratios over 1 million-to-one along with 3000+ nit peak brightness within a few years. Dolby Vision HDR support should arrive for Samsung too.
By comparison, LG continues advancing its OLED evo designs but faces physical limits. Improvements to processing and software lie ahead but likely iterative. Consequently, Samsung‘s QD-OLED leadership today should extend further over time. Factor in future-proofing, and the S95C gains an edge.
The Verdict: Gearheads Love the S95C
While the scorecard shows a close matchup in several areas, the stunning picture quality of the Samsung S95C QD-OLED ultimately tips the scales in its favor for videophiles. Its world-beating brightness, vibrant and accurate colors, artifact-free motion clarity, and deep contrast create an experience that blows rivals off the screen.
Gamers obsessed with response times and meta stats also prefer its fine-tuned platform. For these buyers seeking elite performance with money being no object, the S95C warrants its premium price. You simply can‘t do better in 2023.
However, for everyday viewers wanting beautiful image quality without breaking budgets, the LG C3 OLED puts up a compelling fight. It retains stunning contrast and color while measuring half the cost in larger sizes. Five years of warranty protection brings peace of mind too. Ultimately LG‘s offering strikes a better value balance for most shoppers. But tech enthusiasts with cash to spare should spring for Samsung’s QD-OLED marvel.
