Review: Samsung QN90F (TQ65QN90F)

The Samsung QN90F is the successor to the QN90D, which we remember as one of last year’s best LCD TVs. The Samsung screen impressed us with its high-contrast and bright picture and still stands out as one of last year’s highlights.

For the 2025 model year, Samsung has set out to achieve even higher performance. The QN90F has been upgraded with a new picture panel, more dimming zones and a more powerful video processor (NQ4 AI gen3), which should provide even smoother and more detailed picture quality. In addition, the screen has been given a matte finish that minimises reflection in bright rooms: in theory, this sets the stage for excellent performance in all environments, from morning to night.

Samsung QN90F: The full LCD package

Samsung has made a name for themselves with exceptional OLED screens such as the S95F, but they have by no means forgotten LCD, or “Neo QLED”, which is their clever name for LCD TVs with quantum dot MiniLED backlighting. The QN90F is the official top model with 4K resolution, surpassed only by the QN900F and QN990F with 8K resolution. Using advanced image processing and hundreds of dimming zones, it manages to deliver an image that in many cases is surprisingly close to OLED – while also offering higher brightness.

Ease of use and features

While some Samsung models offer a separate One Connect connection box, the QN90F series uses standard integrated connectors. It has four HDMI 2.1 connectors, all of which support modern 4K/120Hz signals. If you have a powerful gaming PC, the screen can handle refresh rates of up to 165 Hz with VRR.

The Samsung screen offers a lightning-fast gaming setting, which we measured at 9 milliseconds input lag. However, to achieve the lowest time, some of the image processing must be turned off, including local dimming, which can negatively affect image quality. For non-competitive games, such as adventure games, a different setting may be preferable, even if it is not as fast.

The QN90F uses Samsung’s own Tizen user interface, and the 2025 models have an updated menu structure that looks stylish and easy to navigate.

In terms of design, the QN90F is impressively slim, especially considering all the LEDs on the inside. In fact, it is not much thicker than the design model The Frame Pro, which has a significantly simpler dimming technology.

The QN90F is also available in a wide range of screen sizes, from 43 to a whopping 115 inches! So it should be possible to find a size that fits, whether you live in a large palace or a tiny house. We tested the 65-inch version.

Picture quality

We well remember the image quality of its predecessor, so expectations were high for the 2025 model QN90F – which both delivers and surprises in some areas.

In terms of measurements, the Samsung screen has excellent brightness, which we measured at almost 2,500 nits in a 10% window in HDR mode. Equally impressive is that the QN90F manages close to 800 nits with the entire screen in white. This is obviously useful when you want to watch TV during the day and the screen has to compete with the sunlight.

The high brightness is also extremely advantageous when viewing HDR (High Dynamic Range) content. In fact, this is one of the best HDR TVs we have tested so far. The Samsung QN90F delivers a razor-sharp, high-contrast image that is bursting with dynamism and punch. The colours are incredibly vivid and nuanced without feeling exaggerated. And even when you think all the power has been used up in a bright scene, there is more power to draw on if the content requires it.

The QN90F also has really good image processing, and you can choose how hard the powerful AI processor should work. A separate menu lets us optimise the image for sports or other genres, and the impression is that the 2025 model has become even more natural in the way it works. The image is razor sharp, and the movements are very smooth without feeling artificial. Watching fast-paced sports is therefore a pleasure with this screen.

Film enthusiasts will probably prefer the film setting, which provides more neutral colours and gentler image processing. Alternatively, there is the purist Filmmaker Mode. However, in our experience, the QN90F is at its best when it is allowed to use some of its AI processing power to improve the image. It is not intended as a studio monitor, but rather as a good all-round TV.

Another improvement is the matte screen coating, which we know from other models such as The Frame. It is a practical feature that counteracts annoying reflections and is a lifesaver for anyone with a sunny living room. For example, if you have bright windows right behind the sofa, they will not be reflected on the screen, unlike the mirror-like variants, where this can be a problem.

The QN90F also delivers excellent black levels thanks to precise local dimming. The light distribution is among the best we’ve seen from LCD. However, it must be said that there is still some way to go to match the black levels of an OLED TV – such as Samsung’s own S95F or S90F – in the exposed areas. When we look at the Samsung screen with difficult scenes such as a dark starry sky or fireworks in a pitch-black room, we can see a hint of a halo effect around the bright spots. Or that the screen instead chooses to dim the light in places where the OLED still glows.

LCD will hardly be able to match the black level and contrast of an OLED TV in all cases. This is due to the display technology used – even though LCD displays can have thousands of dimming zones, they are still a long way from OLED displays, which can turn each individual pixel (almost 8.3 million of them!) on and off as needed. That said, it’s impressive how close they manage to get.

What about the viewing angle?

It should also be noted that the QN90F – like most TVs – looks best from the front when sitting at a 90-degree angle to the screen. If you sit at an angle to the side, e.g. 45 degrees, the colours become noticeably paler.

The QN90F is not alone in this, but here it has – like all LCD TVs – a clear disadvantage compared to OLED, and especially QD-OLED, being almost unaffected by the viewing angle. So if you like to watch TV from both the dining room and the sofa, this may be a good reason to consider an OLED instead. Alternatively, you can purchase a wall mount that allows you to angle the TV in the desired direction.

Sound

The Samsung QN90F is equipped with a 4.2.2-channel speaker system, which in practice means that it has speakers underneath, on top and on the sides, as well as separate woofers. It also supports surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos. In itself, the TV sound is excellent, with strong and clear voice reproduction and a soundstage that matches the size of the screen well. But of course, it’s a far cry from the sound experience you can get with a soundbar. The QN90F is well prepared to be used with one of Samsung’s own soundbars, such as the home cinema beast HW-Q995F or the more civilised HW-S710F, where the so-called Q Symphony uses the TV speakers and soundbar in tandem.

Conclusion

The Samsung QN90F offers a very good overall package in terms of connectivity, smart features and slim design, but above all impressive picture quality. Whether you are an avid gamer, film lover or sports fan, the QN90F has something to offer. As with all LCD TVs, there are advantages and disadvantages, but if you value extra brightness and want a TV that can handle all lighting conditions without any problems, this Samsung screen is an excellent choice in 2025.