Samsung had already delivered one of thebest TVs we had ever seen with its S95B, a panel that boasted a stunning QD-LED display and a rich feature set that appeals to all users, so it wasn’t entirely clear how the company might improve for this year. Impressively, the Samsung S95C takes everything that we love about the S95B and either maintains or improves on it. In other words, for gamers, consumers, media fans, or anyone in between, Samsung has delivered another excellent TV that is well worth taking a look at.
Stunning Picture for Gaming
It all starts with the picture, and while the S95C doesn’t use the same QD-LED naming scheme as the S95B it does still feature the Quantum Dot technology. As opposed to traditional LEDs, the QD tech allows for a wider range in the blacks and light levels of the TV, while also delivering richer and more vibrant colors. The 65-inch model that we reviewed was nothing short of stunning, regardless of the media we were watching. Shows likeThe Fall of the House of Usheror games likeAlan Wake 2that utilize shadow and darker tones to create tension still had the details preserved, and were very impressive in 4K resolution.
The range of detail within blacks and whites is obviously a major selling point for the Samsung S95C but the color reproduction is excellent as well. Zipping through the colorful worlds ofSonic Superstars, for example, highlights how much the reds, greens, and blues can pop on the panel. On top of that, situations that might feature single strong colors, like theyellows inChants of Sennaar, come through in stunning clarity and look beautiful on the TV. The S95B blew us away and the S95C has done the same.
A New Era of Connectivity For Samsung
Where things get really exciting for gamers and the Samsung S95C are in its I/O and compatibility. This year, the Samsung S95C has fourHDMI 2.1 portsavailable, so users can take advantage of the gaming mode, VRR (variable refresh rate), and extra bandwidth that 2.1 affords across four different devices. They can hook up a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and a high-end gaming PC to the Samsung S95C all at the same time. VRR is huge for the current-gen consoles because it stabilizes the frame rates to match the TV’s refresh rate, delivering the smoothest presentation possible.
On top of that, PC gamers can hook up their gaming PC to the S95C and get 4K 144Hz input support, as opposed to the 120Hz support in the S95B. That’s pretty much the top of the spectrum when it comes to 4K gaming refresh rates (without accounting for tech like DLSS) so the panel should be future-proof as far as that is concerned. The gaming mode on the Samsung S95C also has some nice touches like different latency modes for different game genre types (FPS, MMO, etc.) to keep responsiveness high and even an option to toggle an on-screen reticle for getting an extra edge in shooters.
With one caveat, using the Samsung S95C has been a dream for high-end gaming. The picture is beautiful, frame rates are as smooth as can be, HDR (where supported) helps make the colors shine, and having that PC connectivity is a real treat. The one drawback is that it seems as though the HDMI 2.1 ports don’t offer the full 48Gb/s that most 2.1 ports do, so top end PC gamers might encounter some issues with connectivity. For example, we had to use a small workaround of duplicating displays to get a gaming PC with a 4090 to deliver full 4K 144Hz picture to the TV.Considering the price of the 4090and that the majority of PC gamers use monitors for their connections, it doesn’t seem like a major drawback to the TV and will only affect the smallest percentage of users. Having the four HDMI 2.1 ports is still a nice step up for this year’s model and it was a blast gaming on the TV.
The other great addition to this year’s Samsung S95C TV is the introduction of the One Connect box. Essentially, this is a HUB that connects to the back of the TV and manages all the ports including HDMI, power, USB, optical audio, and Ethernet. It can rest on the back of the stand of the TV to keep it out of sight – most will probably use it this way – but it can also stretch to other locations, allowing for easier access to the TV’s ports or for a cleaner look when mounting. In situations like mine where I have a lot of devices that can connect to a TV and are frequently switching HDMI cables, being able to do that more easily and quickly instead of reaching behind a massive 65-inch screen is a huge boon. But even just having there be a more centralized place for the ports is nice, instead of those awkward placements on the undersides or backs of TVs. Samsung also includes two connector cables for the One Connect box: a shorter one for those who mount it right onto the stand with the included grooves, and a longer one for putting the box further away from the TV.
Samsung’s addition of the One Connect box functionality also allows for a very thin display. It’s not as unbelievably thin at the edges like the S95B is, but last year’s model also got wider towards the middle and the base, where the connectivity happens. Because the One Connect sits separate and only connects via a single, proprietary port, the Samsung S95C is thinner overall and feels sturdier by comparison. The S95B was so thin that it felt like users might bend it if they put too much pressure while carrying, whereas the S95C doesn’t give the same impression.
Samsung Gaming HUB is Still Great
Other features that we loved like theSamsung Gaming HUBare included with the S95C so users can access apps like Game Pass (via the Cloud), GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link right from their TV. Connecting a controller via Bluetooth is easy and the TV supports some menu navigation with the devices as well. Obviously, console/PC gaming is going to take full advantage of the TV but being able to get up and gaming without anything more than a controller and a subscription adds a lot of value to Samsung’s TVs for gamers.
Alongside the Gaming HUB, we were also big fans of Samsung’s UI for its TVs and the design is back for the 2023 models. Arranging apps as small panels on a grid makes them easy to access in any order, and there are quick access buttons for popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video right on the remote. Although it does have ads, the rest of the UI is clean and responsive, and a nice touch for the S95C is that it will preview video content that is active on the most recently viewed HDMI port on the UI.
Samsung’s minimalist remote design is back as well, and pairs well with the TV’s UI. There is support for Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for voice navigation and those quick access buttons as mentioned, and the rest is a fairly standard design that puts everything within a thumb’s bend. Our favorite design element, though, continues to be the solar panel on the back of the remote that allows for wireless charging.
Audio on the S95C is as solid as last year with clarity in vocals and enough punch in the lower tones. With a TV this flashy, most will have their own audio solutions but those who don’t will be more than satisfied with what the Samsung TV can deliver. One of the key improvements this time around is that the TV monitors background noise and helps punch up its own audio for clearer dialogue. It also has a nifty feature that will use AI to track the audio source on the screen and determine how to best represent that with the TV’s speakers. Without question, the TV sounds great right out of the box but there are also nice touches to push it over the edge.
Samsung continues to deliver a best-in-class TV experience that offers so much functionality to gamers.
The Samsung S95C is an exceptional follow-up to an already excellent TV. The QD-LED technology never ceases to impress in its ability to produce accurate and vibrant colors, while maintaining detail and clarity in darker and lighter scenes. Gamers are in for a real treat with this TV thanks to the Gaming HUB, HDMI 2.1 support across the board, and the 144Hz refresh rate upgrade. And although it’s not part of the presentation, it can’t be overstated how useful the One Connect box is going to be for some media consumers. Outside a weird compatibility issue with high-end PC parts, we were incredibly impressed with the S95C TV and once again, can’t imagine how Samsung is going to top itself next year.
Samsung S95C QD-OLED 65' TV
The Samsung QD-OLED S95C looks to build on the strengths of the last-generation S95B which was one of the best performers in the TV industry in 2022. It can now do 144Hz on 4K, marking a return of the One Connect box to Samsung’s premium TV offerings, throwing better brightness into the mix.
The Samsung S95C is available in a 55-inch, 65-inch, or 75-inch model. There are Black Friday deals currently available for all three models atSamsung’s official site. Game Rant was provided a 65-inch model for this review.
