Samsung and LG have been battling each other for years to bring the best TV technology to market. In 2023, both brands introduced new flagship OLED models – the Samsung S95C QD-OLED and the LG M3. These TVs represent the cutting edge of display innovation with exceptional picture quality, sleek minimalist designs, and premium price tags.
But which is the better buy? In this comprehensive comparison, we‘ll analyze how these two OLED heavyweights stack up across all the metrics that matter most to shoppers. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the Samsung S95C vs LG M3 to help you decide which advanced OLED TV is right for your living room.
OLED vs QD-OLED Display Technology
First, let‘s quickly explain QD-OLED – an emerging TV display technology only in its second generation. The "QD" stands for quantum dots, an advanced nanoparticle material that enhances color and brightness. By integrating a quantum dot layer into an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panel, manufacturers like Samsung can boost peak brightness well beyond a standard OLED TV.
Standard OLED panels still deliver superb picture quality thanks to the ability of each pixel to turn on and off independently. This gives OLED TVs infinite contrast with perfect inky blacks since individual pixels can be completely disabled to show black. However, even the latest and greatest standard OLEDs top out at around 1000 nits peak brightness.
QD-OLED builds on this foundation by supercharging color volume and luminance. With current models like the Samsung S95C reaching 2000 nits peak brightness, over double what‘s possible on even the best regular OLED TVs, QD-OLED represents a major leap forward for display capability – albeit at a cost.
Design
On the design front, both TVs impress…
Samsung S95C Design
The Samsung S95C introduces an all-new minimalist style for the company‘s QD-OLED line. From the front, it‘s almost all screen with slender bezels even slimmer than last year‘s excellent S95B model. The panel itself measures just 1 cm deep, allowing for easy wall mounting.
Helping streamline cable management for a clean mounted aesthetic is Samsung‘s newest One Connect breakout box. This separate module contains all device connectivity such as HDMI ports. It connects to the S95C via a single thin cable. The upgraded 2023 One Connect box is wider but can conveniently mount to the TV‘s adjustable wall mount. You can also place it discretely up to 5m away behind furniture, then just run the one connecting cable to the display.
LG M3 Design
Likewise for the LG M3, a minimalist aesthetic and accommodating form factor make for versatile placement. Available in massive 77", 83", and 97" variants, the M3 sports super slim bezels and can easily wall mount flush thanks to its finely crafted easel stand with integrated cable routing.
LG also developed a new breakout box dubbed Zero Connect to enable clutter-free setups. The black module houses ports for HDMI devices, USB, antenna, and power. It transmits video to the M3 wirelessly over LG‘s stable 6GHz connection, removing the need to run HDMI or power cables from box to TV. This gives unlimited placement flexibility up to 30 meters between box and display.
Both models enable easy cable concealment and seamless wall mounting for a clean, integrated appearance. For those valuing subtle, non-intrusive form factors, either the S95C‘s One Connect system or M3‘s Zero Connect tech gets the job done wonderfully.
Picture Quality
Now onto the displays themselves – arguably the most vital component for a premium modern TV…
Samsung S95C Performance
Sporting a Quantum Dot OLED panel capable of over 2000 nits peak brightness with Samsung‘s latest Quantum Neural Processor 4K behind the scenes, the S95C produces downright spectacular images. Everything displayed reveals exquisite color accuracy and irresistible contrast.
Samsung lists Delta E color variance at 4.1, indicating only barely perceptible deviation from source material colorspace. Near infinite contrast comes courtesy of perfect blacks and exceptional luminosity control Possible on QD-OLED. High dynamic range content encoded with HRD10, HDR10+, or HLG all shine brilliantly on this TV.
Just bear in mind the S95C omits support for Dolby Vision HDR. For purists wanting the most cinema-accurate Dolby Vision experience with 12-bit color depth and dynamic metadata, this omission stings. But for streaming apps, cable broadcasts, and physical media mastered in baseline HDR10, you‘d struggle to find a more stunning picture on a consumer display in 2023.
LG M3 Performance
The LG M3 series brings improved brightness, contrast, and processing compared to last year‘s excellent G3 models. Specifics haven‘t fully materialized yet, but LG promises up to 75% higher peak brightness on the 77" variant over the G series along with perfect blacks and vibrant color.
LG‘s new α9 AI Processor Gen6 adapts imagery on the fly to optimize contrast, sharpness, and color mapping. It builds on the strong foundation of LG‘s long-refined OLED technology by making every frame consistently impactful.
Of course, the M3 lineup sets itself apart by supporting Dolby Vision IQ. For viewers that want the utmost color fidelity and luminance range for Dolby Vision grading, the M3 avoids the S95C‘s lack of DV support. This ensures maximum visual impact for streaming and Blu-ray movie content encoded in Dolby‘s premium HDR format.
When it comes to sheer picture prowess and contrast, both models should impress. The LG M3 caters more towards cinematic Dolby Vision content while the Samsung S95C takes the lead in searing QD-OLED peak brightness.
Gaming Performance
These days, more buyers want TVs capable of high-performance gaming in addition to brilliant video. How do the contenders here stack up on gaming specs?
Samsung S95C Gaming Features
Gamers will adore the S95C‘s phenomenal combination of razor-sharp visuals and sublimely responsive play. Its Quantum Dot OLED panel refreshes blazingly fast at up to 144Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification.
Input lag measures an astonishingly low 1.8ms in Game Mode, almost imperceptible compared to slower displays. Features purpose-built for gaming include dynamic ambient light adjustment to combat glare along with ultrawide and PC-specific graphics modes. You also get Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud gaming built right in.
Dedicated gamers can‘t overlook handy overlays like GameBar 3.0. This widget provides live performance metrics and multitasking tools while Mini Map Sharing beams your gameplay to mobile devices or a secondary screen. For first-person titles, Virtual Aim Point overlays a targeting reticle for added precision.
If quick response gameplay is a priority along with gorgeous HDR visuals, the S95C delivers incredibly satisfying experiences for all genres of games.
LG M3 Gaming Capabilities
In their own right, the LG M3 models offer plenty for serious players. Testing of the Zero Connect box for wireless transmission quality revealed impressively stable, low-latency performance when gaming. LG quoted just 0.8ms more lag for wireless over HDMI wired connections in their internal testing.
This means signal transmission from source devices in the breakout Zero Connect box doesn‘t hamper gaming speed or response. Interference-minimizing 6GHz wireless technology keeps gameplay fluid.
The M3 series displays themselves include a 120Hz panel and all-around speedy response suitable for fast-paced action. You benefit from HDMI inputs configured for 4K/120Hz signals so compatible consoles can deliver their maximum performance. VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (auto low latency mode) dynamic sync technologies included out of the box.
Casual players seeking pretty visuals and seamless wireless connectivity get great experiences from LG‘s package. Discerning pro gamers wanting every last drop of speed should consider Samsung‘s S95C and its unbeatable sub 2ms lag time though.
Smart TV & Extra Features
Moving beyond raw display performance, the smart TV interfaces and built-in streaming capabilities shouldn‘t be overlooked…
Samsung S95C Features
This QD-OLED model comes equipped with Samsung‘s acclaimed Tizen OS software. The user-friendly interface offers loads of streaming service apps plus the ability to cast or mirror content from phones or tablets with ease.
Voice command functionality lets you control the TV and search for content hands-free. You also get Alexa integration in addition an ambient mode that displays art or info when not actively watching shows. Plus there are extensive home automation controls for monitoring smart devices.
Gamers in particular benefit from Samsung Gaming Hub – a cloud gaming platform granting free access to games every month. No console required!
LG M3 Features
Running LG‘s acclaimed webOS platform, the M3 grants intuitive control over streaming apps and connected devices. A magic motion remote backed by motion gestures and number pad entry further enhances the experience.
For hands-off operation, powerful integrated voice recognition lets you launch apps, search titles, control playback, adjust settings, and manage smart devices around the home.
Another neat extra highlighted by LG is AI Picture and Sound Pro. This adjustment tech custom tunes the M3‘s picture and audio settings for your specific environment and content type being viewed. It promises optimized enhancement fine-tuned to your room‘s dynamics.
Both models deliver robust smart platforms that make navigating apps, finding content, and controlling your smart home delightfully straightforward. LG leans more into AI-assisted auto-tuning while Samsung offsets the lack of Dolby Vision via cloud gaming access. But overall, buyers get excellent features beyond core video playback on both.
Price Analysis & Verdict
All said, which model earns the crown as today‘s best high-end OLED TV option? Let‘s quickly compare pricing and core differences before deciding…
The Samsung S95C QD-OLED launches at $3499 for the 55" model and $4499 for 77". So expect to pay a hefty premium for this apex-of-technology 4K TV. However, that nets you superb 3000+ nit peak brightness, perfect black levels, 120Hz with VRR gaming chops, and comprehensive smart features.
Meanwhile, LG hasn‘t formally priced the M3 series yet as of late February 2023. But anticipate comparable cost given the cutting edge performance-enhancing display technologies involved. In return, early adopters get future-proofed HDMI connectivity, seamless wireless setup through Zero Connect, and stunning color-accurate Dolby Vision IQ playback.
For video purists wanting ultimate Dolby Vision performance with infinite OLED blacks, the LG M3 has unrivaled appeal. Home theater buffs fixated on world-beating QD-OLED luminance pushing 2000+ nits will want the Samsung S95C.
Gamers can‘t lose either way but the S95C‘s more advanced gaming features plus blindingly quick response give it an edge for players. Casual viewers will appreciate the no-compromises wireless connectivity LG employs for a streamlined living room.
Without final cost details for the LG M3 models, naming an definitive "best in show" is tricky. But shoppers owe it to themselves to compare both leaders with an in-person demo first. If your wallet cooperates, these two undisputed champions of display tech make awfully tempting upgrades over mainstream QLED and OLED sets. Their exquisite construction and images demand a viewing in person to appreciate just how compelling the upper echelon of television achievement has become.
