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LG and Samsung are the two leading contenders in the OLED TV space. LG announced its LG C4 TV earlier, a successor to the LG C3 models, at CES 2024. At the same time, Samsung announced its new flagship TV, S95D.
However, LG has now confirmed C4’s release date and pricing. In fact, LG C4 OLED is also available for pre-orders now. On the other hand, Samsung has not yet made any announcements on the S95D.
So, currently, the LG C4 is up against the S95D’s predecessor, the S95C. Therefore, TV enthusiasts are eager to know how the LG C4 differs from the Samsung S95C. In this article, we will compare the LG C4 OLED vs. Samsung S95C to see how they differ.
LG C4 OLED vs. Samsung S95C: Specs comparison
Let’s break down the key specs that differentiate these OLED titans:
- Display Technology: The Samsung S95C leverages cutting-edge QD-OLED technology. This combines traditional OLED with a layer of quantum dots, aiming for even brighter highlights and a wider color range than standard LG OLED panels. The LG C4 builds upon its already excellent OLED foundation, promising exceptional contrast and deep blacks.
- Brightness: LG C4 OLED boasts a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, outshining the Samsung S95C’s 2,000 nits. This gives the LG an edge in brightly lit rooms and HDR content.
- Micro Lens Array (MLA): A potential advantage for the S95C, MLA technology involves tiny lenses above each pixel to enhance light output and efficiency. This could translate to a brighter image for Samsung.
- Resolution & Refresh Rate: Both deliver crisp 4K resolution and 120Hz standard refresh rate, upgradeable to 144Hz for silky-smooth motion ideal for PC gamers and consoles.
- HDR: LG C4 supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, while the S95C offers HDR10+ alongside Dolby Vision. HDR10+ allows for scene-by-scene picture optimization.
- AI Processor: Both TVs use AI to upscale content, enhance image quality, and optimize sound. Expect nuanced differences in performance between LG and Samsung’s proprietary processors.
- Smart Platform: The LG C4 runs on LG’s webOS, known for its user-friendly interface, while the S95C uses Samsung’s Tizen system. These rival platforms offer different app selections and smart features.
- Sound Systems: LG C4 and Samsung S95C incorporate AI-powered audio for immersive experiences. Look for details on speaker configurations and Dolby Atmos support.
| Specification | LG C4 OLED | Samsung S95C |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | OLED Evo | QD-OLED |
| Brightness (nits) | Up to 3,000 | Up to 2,000 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz (up to 144Hz for PCs) | 120Hz (up to 144Hz for PCs) |
| Sizes Available | 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch | 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch |
| Smart Platform (Operating System) | LG webOS | Samsung Tizen |
Technical specs are important, but real-world performance matters most. Key factors to consider in your comparison:
- Price: These are premium TVs, and pricing can play a significant role.
- Gaming: Input lag, VRR support, and dedicated gaming modes can be decisive for avid gamers.
- Interface Preference: Test-drive webOS and Tizen to see which suits your needs better.
LG C4 OLED vs. Samsung S95C: Performance
When it comes to these TVs, you’re getting top-tier performance either way. Let’s dive into the details that differentiate them:
Picture Quality: Brightness vs. Contrast
- LG C4 OLED: Exhibits a clear advantage in peak brightness. This translates to better visibility in rooms with lots of ambient light and bolder HDR highlights.
- Samsung S95C: Its QD-OLED panel promises brighter highlights and a wider color gamut compared to standard OLED. HDR10+ leverages dynamic metadata for scene-by-scene picture optimization.
Gaming: LG vs. Samsung
- Low Input Lag: Both TVs are designed for responsive gaming with minimal delay between controller input and onscreen action. Look for specific lag measurements in reviews.
- HDMI Ports: Ensure both have enough HDMI (likely HDMI 2.1) for current and future consoles.
- The Processor: LG and Samsung’s new processors power image upscaling and gaming features. Specific chip comparisons get technical, but overall, both offer high-end performance.
Smart features
- LG C4 OLED: Leverages LG’s intuitive webOS, with a wide array of streaming apps (YouTube, etc.) and social media integration (think Instagram, Twitter).
- Samsung S95C: Runs Samsung’s Tizen OS, offering a different app selection and smart home features. Interface preference is subjective, so try them out if possible!
Verdict: It depends on your priorities
- If you prioritize maximum brightness and bold HDR, lean towards the LG C4 OLED.
- If the latest display tech (QD-OLED) and HDR10+ are more appealing, the Samsung S95C is compelling.
- Avid gamers should investigate specific input lag tests and gaming-focused features of each model.
LG C4 OLED vs. Samsung S95C: Price and value
The LG C4 and Samsung S95C are neck to neck in pricing. However, the difference is that the LG C4 will have the latest hardware compared to the S95C.
Moreover, the LG C4 also has higher brightness capabilities and a wider range of screens available.
Here’s a pricing table for LG C4 and S95C:
| Screen Size (inch) | LG C4 OLED Price | Samsung S95C Price | Price Difference (LG–Samsung) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | $1,499 | NA | NA |
| 48 | $1,599 | NA | NA |
| 55 | $1,999 | $1,899.99 | +$99.01 |
| 65 | $2,699 | $2,699.99 | -$0.99 |
| 77 | $3,699 | $3,899.99 | -$200.99 |
| 83 | $5,399 | NA | NA |
Final verdict
There’s not much difference between the LG C4 and Samsung S95C apart from the new hardware advancements and better brightness quality you can find in LG C4. Therefore, the choice between the two boils down to personal preferences.
We would recommend you to stay with Samsung S95C unless having the latest hardware and operating systems matters very much to you. If you can, wait for the release of Samsung S95D or LG G4.
However, the pricing for both these OLED TVs will be higher than the range of LG C4 and Samsung S95C.
