As a home theater enthusiast, I‘ve been geeking out over the new 2022 TV lineup from Samsung and Sony. Both brands have launched flagship 4K TV models in the form of Samsung‘s Neo QLED QN90B and Sony‘s Bravia XR A80K OLED.
These represent the pinnacle of display technology today with their quantum dot LED and RGB OLED panels respectively, next-gen processing, and a range of innovations to deliver cinematic visuals. But as with buying any big ticket consumer electronics purchase, you want to pick the right one tailored to your viewing needs and budget.
That‘s why I‘ve put together this comprehensive insider‘s comparison guide examining every aspect of these top-rated TVs. Let‘s dive in!
Overview: Meet the New 2022 Flagship TVs
The QN90B Neo QLED 4K TV and A80K BRAVIA XR OLED TV packs practically every major hardware and software upgrade that Samsung and Sony have unveiled.
Key Features:
- Quantum dot nano-LED backlight (Samsung) vs self-lit RGB OLED panel (Sony)
- Mini-LED dimming zones with ultra-precise control over 1000+ zones (Samsung)
- Next-gen Neo Quantum 4K and Cognitive XR image processors powered by machine learning
- 4K 120Hz panels, HDMI 2.1 connectivity
- Dolby Atmos audio with Object Tracking Sound (Sony)
They represent the pinnacle of what QLED and OLED technology combined with intelligent software enhancements can achieve today for both image quality and features.
If you want the best-in-class viewing experience that money can buy in 2022 with future-proof advancements baked in, you can’t go wrong with either.
But there are some key factors to weigh as we’ll explore in this guide.
Panel Technology Breakdown: QLED vs OLED
While both pack 8 million pixels for 4K resolution, the underlying display technologies differ:
Quantum Dot LED TV (Samsung QN90B): The QN90B uses ultra-precise quantum dot color layer combined with advanced mini-LED backlights. This backlight houses over a thousand independent zones that can dim or boost brightness precisely at the zone level. Combined with the quantum dot nanoparticle layer that produces pure monochromatic red, green and blue light, this MiniLED QLED panel delivers spectacular highlights up to 2000 nits with high color accuracy across 90%+ of the DCI-P3 spectrum.
RGB OLED TV (Sony A80K): In the A80K, every pixel is self-illuminating thanks to organic LEDs that emit their own red, blue and green light. This allows perfect black levels with zero light bleed or halo effects. You get incredible contrast with over a million individual dimming zones and a nearly infinite contrast ratio. While peak brightness is lower compared to Samsung QLEDs, the OLED panel makes up for this with better viewer-angle performance. The self-lit design delivers vibrant, accurate colors as well.
Based on lab testing, Samsung QLED TVs achieve a higher overall color volume able to produce more vibrant imagery. But Sony OLEDs deliver better dark room performance thanks to perfect blacks.
Picture Quality Analysis with Lab Testing Data
How do these technology differences translate into real-world image quality? Let‘s examine overall performance data from expert reviewers.
In testing by reviewers like Vincent Teoh and RTINGS, the 2022 Samsung QN90B Neo QLED performs exceptionally well:
- Peak brightness of nearly 2000 nits delivers specular highlights far exceeding OLED TVs
- A 90%+ DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and 65%+ Rec 2020 wide color coverage outperforms mid-range QLEDs
- Incredible native contrast ratio exceeding 10000:1 before accounting for mini LED dimming zones which further boost effective contrast
- Netflix Calibrated Mode accurately targets industry standards like Rec 709 and UHD standards out of the box – useful for cinematic viewing
The Sony A80K OLED also posts impressive test findings:
- While peak brightness is capped at 890 nits, the OLED panel can toggle individual pixels off to achieve an effectively infinite contrast ratio. This reveals detail in darker parts of the image.
- A wide viewing angle with virtually no color shifting or loss of contrast at up to 70° off-axis
- An outstanding native contrast ratio exceeding 1 million thanks to perfect blacks
- Impressive color reproduction hitting 100% DCI-P3 gamut coverage at higher luminance levels
So in bright living rooms, Samsung QLED is unmatched. But for darker dedicated home theater spaces, Sony OLED pulls ahead.
Intelligent Image Processors: AI-Enhanced Upscaling
Both new TVs feature enhanced image processors leveraging machine learning and AI to optimize picture quality:
Samsung Neo Quantum Processor 4K: This chip analyzes individual frames to enhance textures, reduce noise, restore detail lost in compression, and extrapolate detail to upscale lower resolution content approaching near-4K quality. Using a detailed image database, it can compare and reconstruct detail for the best representation in 4K.
Sony Cognitive Processor XR: Sony‘s flagship processor decomposes images into a spatial and focal map analyzed independently. This mimics human perception focusing on the most eye-catching elements first. Powered by intelligence it enhances focus, cross-analyzes elements for accuracy, and upscales intelligently for real-time optimization.
In real-world content from streaming services and set-top boxes, both chips excel at upscaling and enhancing non-4K video. The machines powering them have gotten remarkably smart!
Gaming: HDMI 2.1 and More
For next-gen gaming, both TVs include HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting:
- 4K Resolution at 120 frames per second
- Variable refresh rate (VRR) up to 120Hz for smooth animations devoid of stutters or screen tearing artifacts
- Auto low latency mode for faster response when detecting a console input
In addition, they provide extremely responsive sub 10ms input lag times to keep you competitive in twitch gaming scenarios.
Extra Gaming Features:
- AMD Freesync Premium Pro support on the QN90B
- Sony‘s dedicated game mode toggle
- Samsung‘s Gaming Hub for cloud streaming without a console
For hardcore competitive gaming, Samsung has a slight edge. But both are fantastic options for next-gen 120Hz 4K gaming.
Smart TV Experience
Samsung‘s Tizen-powered interface focuses on content over apps by collating shows and movies into an easy to parse home screen customized to your viewing habits. Sony runs the Google TV platform reimagining Android TV with tighter YouTube integration and Google Assistant voice control.
Both platforms offer excellent smart TV capability covering all the essential streaming apps and services including:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Apple TV
- HBO Max
- Sling TV
Extra Smart Features:
- Samsung: Better sports integration with ESPN and NFL highlights front and center for fans. Universal search across services. Ad-supported free TV through Samsung TV Plus.
- Sony: More niche apps like Subway Surfer via Google Play. Leanback UI tailored to big screens. Ambient mode to mimic art when idle. Apple Airplay 2 and HomeKit support.
I found that Samsung‘s Tizen excels at content discovery and aggregation while Sony wins on app diversity by harnessing the Google Play store.
Enveloping Audio Innovations
Beyond purely visual enhancements, both models implement audio quality improvements:
Samsung Object Tracking Sound (OTS+): Leverages extra audio channels compared to competitors with dedicated tweeters to produce localized pinpoint sound tuned to the acoustic properties of your room.
Sony Acoustic Surface Audio+: By using the OLED panel itself as a diaphragm, it can vibrate to emanate sound with improved clarity compared to standard TV speakers.
Of course for full cinematic immersion I recommend adding a Dolby Atmos soundbar. But Sony redeems itself here by focusing audio improvements without sacrificing aesthetics.
Sizing Options: Find Your Ideal Screen Fit
While the Sony A80K tops out at 77”, you can go as large as 85” with Samsung’s array of sizes. Compare specs across different models here:
| Model | Screen Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | HDMI Ports | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN43QN90B | 43 inches | 4K | 120 Hz | 4 | $1,197.99 |
| Sony XR-55A80K | 55 inches | 4K | 120 Hz | 2 | $1,299.99 |
| Samsung QN85QN90B | 85 inches | 4K | 120 Hz | 4 | $4,997.99 |
| Sony XR-77A80K | 77 inches | 4K | 120 Hz | 2 | $3,499.99 |
Get the Sony A80K in smaller sizes like 55-inch and 65-inch for value. But go big with Samsung if you covet a theater-sized 85-inch class display!
Verdict: Should YOU Buy Samsung or Sony OLED?
Based on this detailed 2022 TV comparison analyzing key aspects like display quality, smart features, gaming prowess and audio advancements, here is my recommendation:
For Bright Living Rooms: The Samsung QN90B Neo QLED is your best bet with its higher peak brightness, wider viewing angles and superior reflection handling. Vibrant, colorful QLED visuals will make your movies pop.
For Dark Dedicated Home Theaters: Sony A80K OLED all the way. Inky blacks and pixel-precise contrast unlocks breathtaking detail great for bingeing shows in a darkened room.
Within their product lineups, opt for these specific models based on budget:
- Budget (<$1300): Pick the 55-inch Sony A80K
- Flagship ($3000+): Get the 77-inch Samsung QN90B
Feel free to reach out with any other questions! Happy TV shopping!
