So you‘re looking to buy a new TV and thinking you can finally splurge on an OLED display. Their stunning contrast and color quality promise an intense, immersive viewing experience you won‘t get from any LED or LCD. But then sticker shock sets in looking at those $2000+ price tags on flagship models from LG, Sony and Samsung…
Don‘t worry – amazing OLED televisions are becoming more affordable than ever. Great options now exist between $1000-$1800 that still deliver phenomenal, cinematic picture quality perfect for streaming movies, shows and gaming in 4K HDR. You just have to pick the right one for your exact needs and preferences.
That choice often comes down to two brands: LG and Samsung. They dominate the premium TV space with their flagship OLED models. And they’re now competing to lock up the burgeoning budget-friendly segment as well.
In this guide, we’ll compare LG‘s 2022 A2 series versus Samsung’s all-new-for-2023 S90C model. How do these economical OLEDs stack up for overall performance, streaming, gaming and more? Which provides the best value and viewing experience for the money? Let’s break down what distinguishes them side-by-side…
Why Choose OLED In the First Place?
Before comparing LG versus Samsung‘s specific value-priced offerings, let’s examine why OLED televisions crush their LED/LCD counterparts across critical categories like contrast, viewing angles and response times:
Perfect Black Levels – OLED pixels can switch completely off to achieve absolute black. This infinite contrast creates razor-sharp imagery against true black backgrounds. Details in shadows and dark scenes appear lifelike.
Wider Viewing Angles – Colors and brightness remain consistent even viewing OLED screens drastically off-center from odd positions. By comparison, LED/LCD TVs look washed out when viewing at angles.
Faster Response Times – No slow pixel transitions mean fast-moving sports and action sequences appear buttery smooth without motion blur. Fast response is key to immersive, comfortable gaming too.
Thinner Form Factors – Without a large backlight assembly, OLED televisions utilize paper-thin panels measured in millimeters. New shapes like rolls or curved screens become possible.
Superior Color – OLED pixels emit light individually across a wide color gamut approaching 100% of cinema standards for rich, vibrant and accurate color.
Of course with today’s manufacturing improvements, premium 4K LED/LCD TVs can still achieve excellent picture quality, brightness and black levels under most circumstances. But they cannot match OLED’s technical capabilities for dark room home theater setups.
For these reasons, OLED remains the pinnacle display technology especially to showcase HDR content. Now let’s examine the two models bringing this stunning OLED performance to cost-conscious buyers: LG‘s A2 series and Samsung’s S90C…
LG A2 OLED TV Series (2022)
As the more established leader in the OLED space, LG’s advantage comes from leveraging their proprietary WOLED panel technology across a range of models differentiated mostly by performance capabilities and pricing.
The A2 introduced last year represents LG’s most affordable 4K OLED series. But even as an entry-level option, the A2 still delivers fantastic OLED picture quality with inky blacks and vibrant color. Gamers will appreciate LG‘s smooth, responsive gameplay too.
Shoppers choose from 48, 55 or 65-inch screen sizes. And they can count on LG‘s acclaimed webOS smart platform for intuitive navigation plus built-in support for all popular streaming apps.
Just don‘t expect the ultra-thin bezels, sleek contemporary design or cutting-edge gaming connectivity found on LG’s high-end C-Series and G-Series models this year. The A2 makes some acceptable visual compromises to hit lower price points.
But for buyers who want to step up to stunning OLED visuals without stepping over-budget, the LG A2 absolutely satisfies. Expect to pay between $900-$1400 based on sizing.
LG A2 OLED TV Key Features & Specifications
Display Technology: LG WOLED Panel
Resolution & Refresh Rate: 4K (3,840 x 2,160) @ 60Hz
HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Smart Platform: webOS 22
Speakers Setup: 2-channel stereo speakers (20W output)
Key Connections: 3x HDMI (no HDMI 2.1), 2x USB, Optical, Antenna/Cable, Ethernet
Variable Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync Premium (48-60Hz)
Other Gaming Features: Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), HGiG mode
Samsung S90C QD-OLED TV (2023)
After ceding OLED TV domination to cross-town rival LG over the past decade, Samsung re-entered the premium segment in 2022 using their own unique “QD-OLED” panel variant enhanced by quantum dot technology (thus the “QD” prefix).
Quantum dots act as a filter to shift the OLED material’s blue wavelength specifically. This boosts brightness significantly while enhancing color volume and accuracy. Samsung brands their proprietary take on OLED as “OLED Evo” displays.
The all-new-for-2023 S90C series brings these QD-OLED enhancements to more budget-friendly price points. The S90C focuses on maximizing gaming prowess and audio quality within compact, streamlined industrial designs offered in 55, 65 and giant 77-inch screen sizes.
With four HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K gaming at up to 144 Hz, plus Samsung‘s renowned smart TV platform, the S90C enters the market primed to compete hard against LG‘s value OLED share. Expect current sale prices ranging $1500-$2600 across the size lineup.
Samsung S90C QD-OLED TV Key Features & Specifications
Display Technology: QD-OLED Evo Panel
Resolution & Refresh Rate: 4K (3,840 x 2,160) w/ 144Hz VRR
HDR Support – HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Smart Platform: Tizen OS
Speakers Setup: 2.2.2-Channel (40W Output)
Key Connections: 4x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB, Optical, Ethernet
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Other Gaming Features – Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), HGiG Mode
LG A2 vs Samsung S90C: How Do They Compare?
Now that you understand the technologies powering these two models, let‘s examine how they stack up across the categories that matter most:
Picture Quality
As OLED TVs, both the A2 and S90C deliver perfect blacks, infinite contrast and wide viewing angles inherent to self-emitting pixel technology. So expect stunning depth and realism whether watching movies in a darkened room or streaming ESPN highlights with sunlight glare.
Where they differ lies in maximum brightness and color vibrancy. Samsung’s QD-OLED panel achieves higher peak brightness thanks to its quantum dot filtration along with richer reds and greens. This pays off most noticeably rendering bright, colorful HDR content.
In darker room home theater setups, most buyers would struggle noticing gaps in visual performance. But for daytime viewing or illuminating an outdoor entertainment space, the S90C’s extra output advantages stand out.
Winner: Samsung S90C
Gaming Performance
Here we find one of the biggest contrasts separating these two models – their gaming capabilities specifically. LG‘s A2 tops out at 60 Hz refresh rates with no HDMI 2.1 ports. That leaves this entry-level OLED TV feeling dated for keeping up with the latest consoles or gaming PCs.
Meanwhile the S90C sports four future-proof HDMI 2.1 inputs each supporting uncompressed 4K resolution at blistering 144 Hz frame rates. Samsung also builds in AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for buttery smooth variable refresh rate (VRR) gameplay.
Between superior input lag reduction and support for cutting-edge gaming features, the Samsung S90C runs laps around LG‘s A2 for fast-twitch gaming or racing/sports titles. For casual gaming focused on story immersion, both OLED TVs satisfy. But serious console and PC gamers need the S90C‘s best-in-class capabilities.
Winner: Samsung S90C
Sound Quality
Neither OLED TV model delivers premium built-in audio to match their stellar visuals out of the box. Plan to add at least a soundbar to fully realize immersive Dolby Atmos movie soundtracks or pulsating music concert vibes.
However, Samsung packs more advanced audio hardware into the S90C including dedicated upward-firing drivers for overhead effects. Its Object Tracking Sound also boosts directionality cues as onscreen action moves around. For louder, clearer TV audio with a touch of spacial surround baked in, the S90C pulls ahead.
But the LG A2 holds its own for typical built-in TV speakers with decent mid-range and dialogue reproduction. Just lower expectations for room-filling, heart-thumping bass or a true cinematic acoustic experience. Like pretty much all OLED televisions, count on adding a sound system here.
Winner: Samsung S90C
Smart TV & Apps
Both OLED models run acclaimed smart TV platforms that make navigating menus and streaming content intuitive. LG’s webOS ranks among the most user-friendly software with crisp graphics and robust voice controls. All popular apps come pre-loaded too.
But Samsung‘s Tizen OS stands on near-equal ground in 2023 after gradual interface improvements. Fluid navigation with no performance lag bridges the gap to offer a refined, customizable streaming portal. App support mirrors competitors as well.
Most buyers will appreciate the snappy, polished experience delivered by webOS and Tizen OS alike. And connecting external devices or smart home accessories proves straightforward on both operating systems too. This one comes down purely to personal preference.
Result: Toss Up
Design & Build Quality
As LG’s entry-level series focused on affordability and core performance, the A2 utilizes simpler construction including chunkier bezels and pedestal-style stands. Comparing adjacent to Samsung’s sleeker S90C emphasizes the gap.
Samsung’s QD-OLED TV exemplifies modern industrial design with an incredibly thin profile and barely-there metallic borders surrounding the panel. The S90C looks especially dazzling wall-mounted to accentuate its floating, near-bezel-less aesthetic. Stand options fade into the background too.
Additionally, clever cable management routes everything through the stand on Samsung’s TV. Overall, the S90C simply feels more luxe and premium throughout the consumer experience. Of course neither OLED model skimps on internal component quality – these cost savings stem from external trimming.
Winner: Samsung S90C
Bottom Line Recommendations
Both the LG A2 series and Samsung’s S90C QD-OLED TVs make big screen 4K OLED performance far more affordable compared to $2500+ flagship offerings. Choosing the right budget-friendly option for your entertainment needs and preferences ultimately comes down to a few key factors:
For Serious Gamers – Samsung‘s S90C provides the unambiguous top choice for gaming with four HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K/144Hz VRR gameplay. QD-OLED enhancements like increased brightness also keep visuals popping in complex titles. Pay extra here for elite gaming capabilities.
For Streaming & Movie Watching – The LG A2 saves buyers money while still dishing phenomenal OLED contrast and color. All core streaming functionality stays covered by intuitive webOS too. Focus on the brilliant picture quality first here ignoring minor gaming limitations.
For Smart Home Integration – Both models offer robust smart platforms to handle device communication, casting and voice controls. But webOS holds the edge for seamless interconnectivity and control of LG appliances, AC units, speakers etc.
For Audio Quality – Neither OLED TV wholly satisfies audiophiles without an external upgrade. But between the two, Samsung’s S90C utilizes more advanced speaker drivers and audio processing for superior dimension and detail.
In closing, choose LG‘s 2022 A2 series to secure legendary OLED picture splendor at bargain prices – perfectly suited for movie buffs and casual gamers. But for max brightness, fuller sound and cutting-edge gaming, Samsung‘s first-ever S90C QD-OLED model takes the crown. Ultimately you can‘t go wrong though! Enjoy stunning images and buttery smooth motion at prices rivaling top-tier LED/LCD televisions. The stunning world of OLED awaits…
