The LG C6 has established itself as a top-tier performer this year, offering significant improvements over the previous C5 model, including faster processing, enhanced peak HDR brightness, and more precise color temperature control. However, a new challenger has arrived in our testing lab: the Samsung S90H. As a direct competitor in the mid-range OLED category, I conducted a side-by-side comparison to see if Samsung could dethrone the current leader.

Brightness and Real-World Performance

On paper, the Samsung S90H holds a measurable advantage. In Filmmaker Mode, it clocked in at 1,689 nits peak HDR brightness, approximately 18% higher than the 1,427 nits measured on the LG C6. The S90H also demonstrated superior fullscreen brightness. Yet, real-world viewing told a slightly different story.

During high-luminance scenes, such as the desert sequences in Lawrence of Arabia, the LG C6 appeared punchier and brighter. This performance edge is likely attributed to the C6’s Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 processor and its glossy screen coating. Conversely, when it comes to combating reflections, the S90H is the undisputed winner. Thanks to its specialized matte OLED Glare Free screen, it handles ambient light far better than the reflective surface of the C6, making it the ideal choice for bright living spaces.

Color Accuracy and Saturation

Both displays excel at color reproduction, though they favor different aesthetic approaches:

  • LG C6: Tends toward a more saturated and engaging profile, which helped yellow tones in La La Land and multi-colored elements in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie appear more vibrant.
  • Samsung S90H: Delivers a more natural look in certain contexts, though it truly shines with stylized, cartoonish hues, as seen in Speed Racer, where the colors appeared remarkably lively and deep.

Interestingly, despite the differences in perception, technical gamut measurements showed that both TVs perform almost identically in color space coverage.

Contrast and Shadow Detail

The testing process revealed a notable difference in handling dark scenes. While watching The Batman, the S90H struggled with "black crush," where fine shadow details were obscured by overly aggressive darkness. The LG C6 maintained better visibility in these low-light areas, providing a more faithful representation of the source material. However, in other films like Project Hail Mary, the S90H provided inkier, deeper blacks that felt more immersive, provided the scene didn't suffer from the aforementioned detail loss.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between these two displays depends on your specific environment:

«The battle between the C6 and S90H is a very closely fought one and really comes down to preference, price and your room, but the C6 is my personal pick.»

If your viewing area is consistently bright, the Samsung S90H is the superior option due to its anti-glare technology. For those watching in controlled, ambient lighting, the LG C6 offers a more consistent and balanced image. While both represent the best of mid-range OLED technology, the C6 edges out the win for its overall image reliability across various film genres.