OLED (organic light emitting diode) TVs represent the pinnacle of display technology with their infinite contrast ratios, wide viewing angles, rapid response times and vivid image quality. Samsung and LG, two of the top names in television manufacturing, have pushed OLED performance even further in 2022 and 2023 with their latest flagship models.
The Samsung S95B brings upgrades like a brighter panel and faster refresh rate while the LG Z3 packs higher resolution, a boosted peak brightness and advanced gaming features. But with price tags hovering around or above the $2000 mark for these premium televisions, it pays to understand the differences before deciding which provides the best value.
This in-depth comparison breaks down the specs, features and real-world performance of the Samsung S95B versus the LG Z3 to name the best high-end OLED TV you can buy right now.
Samsung S95B vs LG Z3: Key Specs
| Spec | Samsung S95B | LG Z3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes | 55", 65" | 77", 83" |
| Display type | QD-OLED | WOLED (OLED EX) |
| Resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | 8K (7,680 × 4,320) |
| Peak brightness | ~1,500 nits | ~1,800 nits |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR formats | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG |
| HDMI inputs | 4 (HDMI 2.1) | 4 (HDMI 2.1) |
| Gaming features | AMD Freesync Premium Pro, ultra-low input lag | Nvidia G-Sync, ultra-low input lag |
| Smart platform | Tizen OS | webOS |
Both OLED TVs Promise Stunning Picture Quality
With self-illuminating pixels and per-pixel lighting control, OLED TVs can achieve perfect black levels and infinite contrast for vibrant images with rich shadow detail. They also deliver wider viewing angles versus LED/LCD screens along with an ultra-fast response time for smooth motion clarity.
The Samsung S95B stands out with the brand‘s Quantum Dot OLED technology featuring a layer of quantum dots over blue OLED material to achieve better color volume and brightness. Samsung rates it for 1,500 nits peak compared to traditional WOLED‘s ~1,000 nits.
LG‘s newer OLED Evo panel, meanwhile, pushes brightness up to ~1,800 nits peak thanks to the addition of deuterium to the organic compounds in the diode. The Z3 also supports Dolby Vision IQ HDR to optimize picture settings based on ambient light levels.
Display Quality Face-Off
Both OLED TVs deliver fantastic 4K picture quality right out of the box. But which looks better in person?
Reviewers praise the S95B for its vibrant colors and increased brightness versus WOLED panels:
"I was consistently wowed by the colors on the S95B…they retain their punchiness even at awkward viewing angles where OLEDs typically start to fade." – CNET
However, the Z3‘s higher peak brightness gives it an advantage showing HDR content:
"The Evo panel in the Z3 did in fact look visibly brighter than the S95B when fed HDR material." – Rtings
And with four times as many pixels, the Z3‘s 8K resolution provides a sharper, more detailed image:
"It’s difficult to see the additional detail 8K offers on smaller screen sizes, but when blown up to 77 inches and larger, the resolution increase is quite obvious." – Digital Trends
So while both deliver tremendous OLED performance, the LG Z3 appears to have a slight edge with HDR content and its future-proof 8K panel.
Leading the Way in Gaming
Gaming performance like fast response times and variable refresh rates continue to be strengths of OLED technology.
The Samsung S95B features a best-in-class 144Hz refresh rate for ultrasmooth motion clarity along with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support. With extremely low input lag and automatic switching to game mode, it provides a stellar 4K gaming experience.
Meanwhile, LG‘s Game Optimizer dashboard on the Z3 fine tunes graphics settings and provides real-time stats overlays. Support for Nvidia G-Sync and a new Dark Room Mode boosting visibility in dim environments give gamers more control.
While not quite as responsive as the 144Hz S95B, the Z3 counterpunches with superior gaming image quality enabled by its brighter panel and higher 8K resolution:
"The sharpness and clarity afforded by all those extra pixels makes gaming on LG’s new 8K OLED TV hugely impressive." – TrustedReviews
For players craving ultimate visual fidelity, the Z3 delivers an unbeatable showcase. But fast-twitch gamers will still appreciate the buttery smoothness only the S95B‘s 144Hz mode can provide.
Battle of the Smart TV Systems
Samsung and LG take different approaches with their smart TV platforms. How do they compare?
Tizen OS — found on the Samsung S95B — earns praise as an intuitive and responsive smart TV system. The home screen lets you pin your favorite streaming apps while universal search quickly finds content across services.
"Samsung‘s Tizen operating system remains the best available smart TV platform." – TechHive
LG‘s webOS also provides smooth navigation and universal search. Plus it now integrates Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice commands for hands-free control. However, some users report occasional lagging, and Apple AirPlay support is limited.
"webOS lacks some of the polish of competing platforms, and LG would do well to sand off some of its rough edges." – Digital Trends
With speedy performance and broader app support, Tizen retains an advantage over LG‘s smart interface. But webOS covers the essentials and brings capable built-in voice control to the Z3.
Sizes and Pricing
As flagship OLED TVs, neither model comes cheap. But LG‘s larger screen options increase the pricing gap versus Samsung‘s more affordable offering.
| Model | Screen Sizes | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung S95B | 55", 65" | $2,197 |
| LG Z3 | 77", 83" | $5,999 |
At under $2,500 even for the 65" size, the excellent picture quality of the Samsung S95B comes at a relative bargain cost versus traditional WOLED TVs. Yet many may find its 55" and 65" options lacking in immersive scale compared to 77"+ models.
Meanwhile, the LG Z3 commands a significant price premium for its 77" and 83" screen sizes best showcasing 8K resolution in a home theater environment. But not everyone has the dedicated space — or budget — to accommodate an OLED TV over 75 inches.
Ultimately it comes down to which combination of display size and pricing fits your situation. The LG Z3 goes bigger and bolder while the Samsung S95B delivers outstanding performance in a more accessible package.
Key Pros and Cons
| Samsung S95B | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Brighter QD-OLED panel | Pricing still high for 55" and 65" sizes | |
| Smoother 144Hz refresh rate for gaming | Lacks Dolby Vision HDR | |
| Intuitive Tizen smart TV platform | Limited to 4K resolution | |
| Sleek, minimalist design |
| LG Z3 | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting-edge 8K OLED Evo display | Very expensive for 77" and up | |
| Unmatched HDR picture quality | Few sources can take full advantage of 8K | |
| Dolby Vision IQ HDR support | Occasional smart platform lag | |
| Expansive 77", 83" screen size options | Bulkier design than Samsung |
With their self-lit OLED pixels and array of processing enhancements, both TVs deliver a world-class viewing experience. But each model also has certain limitations depending on your priorities.
If your focus is gaming performance and don‘t require a massive screen, the S95B provides phenomenal OLED quality at a more affordable price point. Meanwhile, the Z3 stands as LG‘s flagship showcasing sumptuous 8K visuals for premium home cinemas with money being no object.
Recent Updates
Neither OLED TV has received major firmware updates since their 2022 and 2023 launch respectively. Samsung did roll out an improvement to the S95B‘s local dimming performance for enhanced contrast. Given how newly released both sets are, substantive software tweaks happen more gradually down the line.
On the hardware front, LG recently unveiled a new 83" model of the Z3 expanding the screen size options beyond 77 inches upward of $13,000. Whether Samsung counters with larger variants of the S95B remains to be seen.
What Does the Future Hold?
OLED TV technology continues advancing at a swift pace. Within the next two years, we should see upgrades to the S95B and Z3 lines bringing:
Even higher peak brightness — Pushing past 2,000 nits would make HDR content really pop
Larger screen options — 88"+ 8K and 75"+ 4K sizes would deliver greater scale and immersion
Faster processors — Quicker rendering for better upscaling, smoother motion and responsive smart interfaces
Expanded gaming features — Variable refresh rate for 8K displays, better optimization for PC connectivity
Additionally, the launch of the Samsung S95C in 2024 may integrate an improved Quantum Dot OLED panel (QDOLED 2.0) allowing slimmer designs. This would help it compete directly against LG‘s ultra-thin new OLED models.
The numbers don‘t lie — while the Samsung S95B raises the bar for QD-OLED performance and gaming response, the LG Z3 reigns as 2023‘s preeminent premium television. Shoppers wanting the pinnacle of home theater quality with future-proof 8K resolution can‘t do better than LG‘s newest OLED Evo-powered marvel.
That said, the S95B presents outstanding contrast and colors in a more reasonably sized package for under $2,500. For many, the 55-inch or 65-inch S95B hits the sweet spot delivering 94% of the Z3‘s wow factor at half the price or less. But screen size queens and AV connoisseurs seeking the ultimate showcase for movies, streaming and gaming will find the Z3 worth its hefty cost of entry.
So while the LG Z3 seizes the crown as today‘s best in show, the race to ever-greater OLED TV glory continues between these industry heavyweights. With both Samsung and LG confirming their commitment to pushing display innovation further, home theater enthusiasts can expect even more breathtaking OLED models to arrive down the road.
