Picking a new television can honestly feel like a big decision, right? With so many models out there, all promising incredible pictures or top-tier gaming, it’s tough to know where to begin.
Luckily, Samsung consistently offers some truly impressive TVs, covering everything from premium OLEDs to surprisingly good budget-friendly options. We’ve sifted through the choices for 2026 to pinpoint the best Samsung models, making your decision much clearer.
Best Overall: The Samsung S90F OLED 4K TV
When you’re looking for that sweet spot between an amazing picture and a reasonable price, the Samsung S90F OLED 4K TV really stands out. This midrange display has become a true favorite, often performing far better than you’d expect for its category.
The S90F improves noticeably over its predecessor, the S90D, offering visuals that are brighter and colors that are far more vibrant. It uses a QD-OLED panel, giving you an infinite contrast ratio and truly exceptional color right out of the box.
In fact, its color performance can easily surpass many similarly priced OLEDs from rivals like LG and Sony. Gamers, take note: the S90F is a dream machine, boasting an impressive 144Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth motion with compatible PCs.
This high refresh rate firmly establishes the S90F as one of the best gaming TVs you can buy today. HDR performance on the S90F is also outstanding, fully supporting both HDR10 and HDR10+ content.
Highlights practically jump off the screen, bringing movies and shows to life with incredible vibrancy. You’ll also get those famously deep, precise black levels and wide viewing angles, perfect for shared movie nights where every seat is a good one.
Brightness is a significant strength here, with reviewers measuring a peak of around 1,460 nits. This substantial increase over the older S90D means the S90F truly shines, with plenty of punch for both dim home theaters and bright living rooms.
However, it’s worth knowing that the S90F doesn’t quite hit the 2,000-nit mark seen in Samsung’s flagship QLEDs like the QN90F, or their premium S95F OLED. The S90F also comes with a glossy screen, a deliberate choice for enhancing richer contrast.
While some TVs use matte anti-glare coatings, glossy panels often maintain superior visual fidelity and cinematic depth. Keep an eye out, as the Samsung S90F OLED 4K TV frequently goes on sale, making its impressive picture quality even more accessible.
Just a small detail to remember: specific S90F sizes, particularly the 42-inch, 48-inch, and 83-inch models, do not include quantum dots. This means their color performance will be subtly different from other sizes in the lineup.
For the Savvy Shopper: The Samsung U8000F LED 4K TV
For those watching their wallets closely, the Samsung U8000F LED 4K TV is Samsung’s latest entry-level 4K offering. It delivers perfectly decent performance for everyday viewing, though it’s crucial to understand its inherent limitations upfront.
You’ll notice its color, contrast, and brightness aren’t nearly as strong as what you’d get from Samsung’s more expensive QLED and OLED options. To be frank, Samsung’s budget TVs sometimes struggle against competitors like TCL, Hisense, and Roku in this segment.
However, if you’re set on a Samsung brand television, the U8000F LED 4K TV remains your top entry-level choice within their current range. This TV features a standard LCD panel paired with a traditional LED backlight, perfectly fine for casual watching.
Yet, it does skip some advanced picture quality features found on Samsung’s higher-end models, notably quantum dots and local dimming technology. This means you’ll experience a more limited color range, and black levels won’t be as deep or uniform across the screen.
The U8000F is also one of the dimmest televisions in Samsung’s entire lineup, which is important to note. While it technically processes HDR10 and HDR10+ signals, it simply can’t achieve the brightness or precise contrast needed to truly show off HDR benefits.
So, don’t go into it expecting dazzling HDR effects; they just won’t be there. What this TV *does* handle well is full 4K-resolution playback, delivering a crisp, sharp image that looks quite good for standard content.
Your HD cable channels and favorite live TV streaming services will look perfectly fine on this display, making it a solid pick for casual viewers not keen on paying extra for enhanced picture quality.
Just remember, if you’re open to brands beyond Samsung, you can find TVs with superior contrast and color performance. For example, models like the TCL QM6K often provide noticeable upgrades for only a slight bump in price.
For broader affordable display options, consider exploring expert guides to the best budget TVs, as highlighted by What Hi-Fi?.
The Ultimate Upgrade: The Samsung S95F OLED 4K TV
Stepping up to Samsung’s flagship S95F OLED 4K TV places you squarely in the territory of today’s absolute top-tier displays. This truly is Samsung’s most impressive television to date, utilizing an advanced QD-OLED panel for unparalleled visual fidelity.
Naturally, it’s also one of their most expensive offerings, representing the very pinnacle of their TV technology. Just like its slightly more affordable sibling, the Samsung S90F OLED 4K TV, this premium OLED delivers an infinite contrast ratio and exceptionally wide viewing angles.
These characteristics ensure that every single seat in your living room feels like the best seat in the house, no matter where you’re sitting. However, the S95F’s standout feature is its truly exceptional brightness, getting even brighter than the S90F.
This extra luminosity creates a more impactful and deeply immersive HDR experience, especially evident when watching high-brightness movies and TV shows. It makes every scene truly pop with incredible, lifelike realism.
Another thoughtful feature is its matte anti-glare screen. This design choice actively works to combat reflections, making the S95F an ideal choice for rooms with varied and challenging lighting conditions throughout the day.
Other Samsung TV Stars to Consider
Samsung’s television lineup is genuinely extensive and incredibly diverse, reaching far beyond just our top three recommendations. Many other models are certainly worth exploring, each thoughtfully designed to cater to specific needs and preferences.
Whether you’re a dedicated gamer, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a well-rounded TV for daily viewing, Samsung likely has a perfect option waiting for you. Here are a few more stars to keep in mind:
- **Samsung QN90F QLED 4K TV:** This is our choice for the best QLED display, absolutely perfect for bright rooms due to its highly effective anti-reflective screen.
- **Samsung LS03F Frame QLED 4K TV:** Known as “The Frame,” this model effortlessly blends into your home décor, ingeniously transforming into a piece of artwork when not being watched.
- **Samsung S90F OLED (Specific Sizes):** A quick reminder that the 42-inch, 48-inch, and 83-inch S90F models do not include quantum dots. This means their color performance will be subtly different from other sizes.
- **Samsung Q7F (2025 Model):** For those planning ahead, the 2025 Samsung Q7F is just one of many upcoming models, showcasing how the brand continues to advance QLED technology.
- **Samsung QN80F:** This QLED television strikes an excellent balance of features and strong performance. It’s a solid upgrade without venturing into flagship pricing territory.
What Happens Next?
Samsung continually pushes the boundaries in the television market, always introducing new technologies like QD-OLED and consistently refining its advanced smart features. So, whether you prioritize cinematic immersion, competitive gaming, or just a dependable TV for everyday watching, a Samsung model is designed with your specific needs in mind.
It’s always smart to keep a close eye on evolving display technologies and upcoming releases, as the brand tirelessly refines its offerings year after year. According to ZDNet, finding the best Samsung TV for you really comes down to carefully considering factors like the display type you prefer and, of course, your budget.