For most movie viewers, the LG C4 is the safer buy. It supports Dolby Vision, passes advanced DTS formats, has four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs, and its 2024-generation pricing has fallen into a mid-range bracket. Choose Samsung’s 2026 S90H instead when your room has troublesome reflections, you want 4K gaming at up to 165Hz, or your devices are built around HDR10+ rather than Dolby Vision. The choice is conditional: there is no controlled, same-size independent test directly comparing the S90H with the C4, so room lighting, content, gaming platform, screen size, and the price you can actually find should decide the purchase.
Samsung S90H vs LG C4: the short verdict
The two televisions target different priorities despite sharing OLED’s pixel-level black control. Samsung’s S90H is a newer 2026 model with a glare-reducing screen, HDR10+ support, a claimed 4K/165Hz gaming ceiling, and Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen3 processor. LG’s C4 is a 2024 model whose strengths are Dolby Vision, broad console compatibility, strong processing for lower-quality streams, and a mature set of gaming features that includes 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Nvidia G-Sync certification, and Dolby Vision gaming up to 120Hz.
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- Buy the LG C4 for films and series, Dolby Vision discs or streaming, mixed streaming quality, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series consoles, and the lowest-risk all-round choice.
- Buy the Samsung S90H for a bright room with windows, reflections that bother you, a PC capable of 4K/165Hz, or a library and devices centered on HDR10+.
- Do not choose on peak brightness alone. The S90H has a measured 1,497-nit HDR result in one test condition, but the C4’s brightness figure is not established in the supplied measurements, and brightness changes with picture mode, window size, and room conditions.
What each model is, and why the generation gap matters
Samsung S90H: a 2026 OLED
Samsung announced the S90H as part of its 2026 OLED range on April 2, 2026. Samsung’s US listing identifies the 65-inch version as QN65S90HAE/QN65S90HAEXZA and highlights OLED HDR+, Glare Free treatment, the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, and an Ultimate Gaming Pack. The S90H is therefore a current-generation product, not a renamed older S90-series set.
The exact model code matters when you shop. Screen sizes, tuners, software versions, warranty terms, and retailer bundles can vary by region. A US model code should not be assumed to describe a television sold in another country.
#1 Best Overall
- SELF-LIT PIXELS: LG's signature OLED technology creates an incredible watching experience and stellar picture quality illuminated with over 8 million self-lit pixels. Take in rich and accurate colors from the brightest to darkest parts of the scene thanks to 100% Color Volume and with 100% Color Fidelity.
- BRIGHTNESS BOOSTER: Our Brightness Boosting technology magnifies each individual pixel for luminous quality that shines with every detail.
- DOLBY VISION, FILMMAKER AND DOLBY ATMOS: Experience the magic of the big screen right from your couch. Every LG OLED comes loaded with Dolby Vision for extraordinary color, contrast and brightness, plus Dolby Atmos for sound you can feel all around you. Land in the center of the action with FILMMAKER MODE, allowing you to see films just as the director intended.
- A9 AI PROCESSOR GEN7: The C4's exclusive processor is the brains behind a truly unforgettable TV experience. You'll get smooth, vivid picture no matter what you watch with AI Super Upscaling which automatically enhances picture quality whether you're watching sports, movies, or a late-night favorite. Multi View with 2 screens lets you split your screen into 2 unique views so you can watch even more than before, everything looks and sounds incredible on a LG OLED TV.
- REFRESH RATE OF 144 HZ : Enjoy crisp, smooth visuals with a 0.1ms response time and up to 144Hz refresh rate. LG OLED TVs feature NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR for enhanced gaming quality. With four HDMI 2.1 inputs, connect all your devices effortlessly. The LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer provide complete control whether you game on consoles or in the cloud.
LG C4: a 2024-generation model
The C4 is LG’s 2024 OLED generation. A June 20, 2025 value assessment found that its street pricing had moved substantially below launch levels. That age is a disadvantage only if you need the newest gaming bandwidth or the S90H’s anti-glare treatment; it can be an advantage when discounts make the C4 much cheaper for the same screen size.
Compare like-for-like diagonals and current regional prices. A discounted 65-inch C4 and a full-price 55-inch S90H are not a meaningful value comparison, even if a retailer places them beside each other.
Core specifications at a glance
| Specification | Samsung S90H | LG C4 |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 2026 OLED lineup | 2024 OLED generation |
| Resolution | 3,840 × 2,160 | 4K; four HDMI 2.1 inputs are documented |
| Maximum refresh rate | Up to 165Hz with VRR | Up to 120Hz for console use; Nvidia certification for 144Hz PC input |
| HDMI 2.1 gaming inputs | Four, rated up to 4K/165Hz | Four; 4K/120Hz support is documented |
| HDR formats | HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10+ Gaming, HDR10+ Advanced, HDR10 and HLG | Dolby Vision, including Dolby Vision gaming up to 120Hz; HDR-format coverage beyond those documented features is not stated here |
| Variable refresh and latency features | VRR and Samsung gaming features; exact console limits depend on the source device | VRR, ALLM and Nvidia G-Sync certification |
| Measured HDR brightness | 1,497 nits at a 10% window in Filmmaker mode, measured by Tom’s Guide in 2026 | Not stated in the supplied measurements |
| Measured SDR brightness | 226 nits at a 10% window in Filmmaker mode, measured by Tom’s Guide in 2026 | Not stated in the supplied measurements |
| Measured input lag | 9.3 milliseconds in Filmmaker mode, Tom’s Guide, 2026 | 9.2 milliseconds at 60Hz, TechRadar, 2025 |
| Built-in audio figure | 2.1-channel, 40W in Tom’s Guide’s 55-inch review | Not stated in the supplied comparison data |
These figures are not a same-lab, same-size shootout. The S90H measurements come from a 55-inch review, while the C4 input-lag result was measured at 60Hz in a separate assessment. Treat them as useful reference points, not proof that one panel is universally brighter or faster.
Picture quality and room lighting
Why the S90H is the better fit for reflections
The S90H’s Glare Free treatment is its clearest physical advantage. Samsung says the coating minimizes glare, and Tom’s Guide found the anti-glare screen useful in rooms with windows. That can preserve shadow detail and color impact when lamps or daylight would otherwise reflect from a conventional glossy panel.
Anti-glare is not free of compromises. Tom’s Guide noted that black levels can look slightly raised compared with a more reflective surface. In a controlled dark room, a glossy presentation may appear deeper or more mirror-like; in a sunlit room, the reduction in reflected shapes can matter more than that subtle difference.
When the C4’s glossy presentation makes sense
The C4 is the better match for a light-controlled cinema room or a setup where you can place the screen away from windows and lamps. Its conventional presentation avoids asking an anti-glare layer to handle every scene, but you must manage the room: move bright light sources, use curtains, or change the viewing angle when reflections cross the image.
Brightness needs context
Tom’s Guide measured the S90H at 1,497 nits on a 10% HDR window in Filmmaker mode and 226 nits on a 10% SDR window in the same mode. A 10% window is a small bright test area, not the average brightness of a full movie or desktop. OLED automatic brightness limiting, picture mode, content mix, and ambient light all affect what you see.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchNo directly comparable C4 brightness result is established here. It would be misleading to convert the S90H’s laboratory-style peak into a blanket claim that it always looks brighter than the C4. For a bright room, the S90H’s glare control is the more dependable differentiator.
Movies, streaming and HDR formats
Choose the C4 for Dolby Vision libraries
LG’s C4 supports Dolby Vision, including Dolby Vision gaming at up to 120Hz. If your discs, streaming subscriptions, or game titles use Dolby Vision, the C4 can process that format rather than falling back to a different HDR layer. It also supports advanced DTS passthrough, which can simplify an external sound-system setup when your source and receiver use those DTS formats.
Choose the S90H for HDR10+ equipment
The S90H’s documented HDR ecosystem centers on HDR10+ formats: HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10+ Gaming, HDR10+ Advanced, HDR10 and HLG. HDR10+ can provide dynamic scene or frame metadata when the source, television, and playback chain all support it. The relevant question is not which logo is longer; it is which HDR format your discs, streaming apps, game console, or PC actually output.
Streaming quality favors LG in the available related comparison
RTINGS’ related-generation comparison found an LG C4 advantage over Samsung’s S90C for smoothing low-bitrate content. That matters if you watch compressed live channels, older HD files, or streams that show banding and mosquito noise. It is directional evidence about the brands’ processing approach, not a direct S90H-versus-C4 measurement, so do not treat it as a measured C4 win in every scene.
Color and black-level expectations
Both sets are self-emissive OLED televisions. Each pixel can switch off independently, giving OLED its characteristic black control without a separate backlight. The available evidence does not establish a definitive S90H advantage in color accuracy or contrast over the C4. Room reflections, the selected picture mode, calibration, and the source’s mastering can have a larger visible effect than a specification-sheet comparison.
Rank #3
- SELF-LIT PIXELS: LG's signature OLED technology creates an incredible watching experience and stellar picture quality illuminated with over 8 million self-lit pixels. Take in rich and accurate colors from the brightest to darkest parts of the scene thanks to 100% Color Volume and with 100% Color Fidelity.
- BRIGHTNESS BOOSTER: Our Brightness Boosting technology magnifies each individual pixel for luminous quality that shines with every detail.
- DOLBY VISION, FILMMAKER AND DOLBY ATMOS: Experience the magic of the big screen right from your couch. Every LG OLED comes loaded with Dolby Vision for extraordinary color, contrast and brightness, plus Dolby Atmos for sound you can feel all around you. Land in the center of the action with FILMMAKER MODE, allowing you to see films just as the director intended.
- A9 AI PROCESSOR GEN7: The C4's exclusive processor is the brains behind a truly unforgettable TV experience. You'll get smooth, vivid picture no matter what you watch with AI Super Upscaling which automatically enhances picture quality whether you're watching sports, movies, or a late-night favorite. Multi View with 2 screens lets you split your screen into 2 unique views so you can watch even more than before, everything looks and sounds incredible on a LG OLED TV.
- REFRESH RATE OF 144 HZ : Enjoy crisp, smooth visuals with a 0.1ms response time and up to 144Hz refresh rate. LG OLED TVs feature NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR for enhanced gaming quality. With four HDMI 2.1 inputs, connect all your devices effortlessly. The LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer provide complete control whether you game on consoles or in the cloud.
Gaming: PS5, Xbox and PC
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Both televisions provide the HDMI 2.1 bandwidth needed for modern consoles and support variable refresh features. The C4 is documented for 4K/120Hz console gaming, VRR and ALLM, and it can use Dolby Vision gaming up to 120Hz where the game and console provide that signal. Those capabilities make it the less complicated choice for a mixed console library.
The S90H’s four HDMI 2.1 ports are rated up to 4K/165Hz, but current consoles generally target 4K/120Hz rather than 165Hz. The extra ceiling therefore benefits a compatible PC more than a PS5 or Xbox. Samsung’s HDR10+ Gaming support may appeal if your gaming chain is built around that format.
PC gaming at 144Hz or 165Hz
The S90H is the stronger specification match for a high-end gaming PC that can sustain 4K above 144 frames per second. Its advertised ceiling reaches 165Hz with VRR through any of its four HDMI 2.1 inputs. That headroom can make desktop motion and competitive games feel smoother, provided the graphics card, cable, game settings, and frame rate all support it.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The C4 carries Nvidia certification for 144Hz PC input. That is sufficient for most gaming PCs and aligns with the 144Hz output common to current graphics hardware. If your system cannot deliver more than 144 frames per second at 4K, the S90H’s additional 21Hz is unlikely to outweigh a large price or processing advantage elsewhere.
Latency and Game Mode behavior
TechRadar measured the C4’s input lag at 9.2 milliseconds at 60Hz. Tom’s Guide measured the S90H at 9.3 milliseconds in Filmmaker mode. Those results are effectively close in practical terms, but they were not produced under identical test conditions or refresh rates.
RTINGS found the related Samsung S90C better for gaming than the C4 because the C4 became noticeably dimmer in Game Mode. Use that result only as directional context for Samsung’s gaming approach: it is not a measured S90H result, and panel generation, firmware, picture mode, and test procedure can change behavior.
Rank #4
- SELF-LIT PIXELS: LG's signature OLED technology creates an incredible watching experience and stellar picture quality illuminated with over 8 million self-lit pixels. Take in rich and accurate colors from the brightest to darkest parts of the scene thanks to 100% Color Volume and with 100% Color Fidelity.
- BRIGHTNESS BOOSTER: Our Brightness Boosting technology magnifies each individual pixel for luminous quality that shines with every detail.
- DOLBY VISION, FILMMAKER AND DOLBY ATMOS: Experience the magic of the big screen right from your couch. Every LG OLED comes loaded with Dolby Vision for extraordinary color, contrast and brightness, plus Dolby Atmos for sound you can feel all around you. Land in the center of the action with FILMMAKER MODE, allowing you to see films just as the director intended.
- A9 AI PROCESSOR GEN7: The C4's exclusive processor is the brains behind a truly unforgettable TV experience. You'll get smooth, vivid picture no matter what you watch with AI Super Upscaling which automatically enhances picture quality whether you're watching sports, movies, or a late-night favorite. Multi View with 2 screens lets you split your screen into 2 unique views so you can watch even more than before, everything looks and sounds incredible on a LG OLED TV.
- REFRESH RATE OF 144 HZ: Enjoy crisp, smooth visuals with a 0.1ms response time and up to 144Hz refresh rate. LG OLED TVs feature NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR for enhanced gaming quality. With four HDMI 2.1 inputs, connect all your devices effortlessly. The LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer provide complete control whether you game on consoles or in the cloud.
Which TV is better for common buying scenarios?
| Your situation | Better starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bright room with windows or lamps facing the screen | Samsung S90H | Glare Free treatment is designed to reduce reflections, with a possible slight black-level trade-off. |
| Dark-room film watching | LG C4 | Dolby Vision support, advanced DTS passthrough and the safer movie-oriented format mix. |
| Dolby Vision discs, streaming or games | LG C4 | Dolby Vision support, including gaming up to 120Hz. |
| HDR10+ devices and content | Samsung S90H | Supports HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10+ Gaming and HDR10+ Advanced. |
| PS5 or Xbox Series console | LG C4 for format flexibility | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming are documented; Samsung remains capable at 4K/120Hz. |
| 4K/165Hz PC gaming | Samsung S90H | Four HDMI 2.1 inputs are rated for 4K/165Hz with VRR. |
| PC gaming capped around 144Hz | LG C4 may be better value | Nvidia 144Hz certification covers that use case; compare the sale price. |
| Low-bitrate streams and older HD sources | LG C4 | A related RTINGS comparison found better smoothing than Samsung’s S90C; this is directional, not a direct S90H test. |
Prices, sizes and availability
What the C4’s discounts mean
On June 20, 2025, TechRadar reported the 42-inch C4 at about $699 and said the 65-inch model could fall below $1,300 during sales. Those were time-specific US prices, not permanent list prices. Retailer promotions, inventory, taxes and region can move the number substantially.
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How to evaluate an S90H listing
Tom’s Guide lists S90H availability and pricing for a 55-inch model and notes additional list-price sizes from 42 to 83 inches. Verify the exact diagonal, regional model code, warranty, included stand, and current stock before paying. A retailer’s “from” price may apply to the smallest size or a temporary promotion rather than the screen you intend to buy.
A practical value test
- Write down the same screen size for both models; do not compare a discounted 42-inch C4 with a 65-inch S90H.
- Check whether your preferred movies, games and streaming devices use Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or only baseline HDR10.
- Price the required HDMI cables, sound system and wall mount separately if the bundle differs.
- Use the final delivered price in your region, including tax, shipping and return costs.
- Pay extra for the S90H when glare control or 4K/165Hz PC gaming solves a real problem; otherwise, let a C4 discount decide.
Setup decisions that prevent avoidable compromises
For an S90H in a reflective room
- Place the screen so windows and lamps are not directly behind the main seating position.
- Use a source and cable rated for the refresh rate you intend to run; a 4K/165Hz television cannot create 165 frames per second from a console that outputs 120Hz.
- Check the television’s selected game or picture mode before judging black levels, brightness or input lag.
- Expect the Glare Free surface to reduce mirror-like reflections, but inspect dark scenes from your normal seat because anti-glare can slightly lift perceived blacks.
For an LG C4 in a film room
- Control direct light with curtains or lamp placement so the glossy screen is not reflecting bright objects.
- Enable the source’s Dolby Vision output only when the source, title and television handshake correctly; otherwise use the HDR mode the content provides.
- For consoles, use a certified HDMI 2.1 path and select 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM where the console offers those controls.
- For a PC, choose 144Hz only when the graphics card and cable can maintain the desired resolution and refresh rate.
Important evidence limits
No cited controlled, same-size independent review directly tests the S90H against the C4. The S90H’s brightness, lag and audio figures come from Tom’s Guide’s 2026 review of a 55-inch set; the C4’s 9.2ms result comes from TechRadar’s 2025 testing; and the low-bitrate and Game Mode observations come from an RTINGS comparison of the related Samsung S90C and the C4. Differences in size, firmware, modes and instruments mean those numbers should guide priorities rather than serve as a single definitive score.
That limitation does not make the buying decision impossible. The S90H’s anti-glare treatment, 4K/165Hz inputs and HDR10+ emphasis are documented product distinctions. The C4’s Dolby Vision support, four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K/120Hz console support, 144Hz Nvidia certification, and documented processing advantages in the related comparison are likewise useful distinctions. The final winner depends on which of those differences you will actually use.
Final buying recommendation
Choose the LG C4 if you want one OLED that handles movies, streaming services, Dolby Vision, consoles and PC gaming without requiring a specialized room or source ecosystem. Its older 2024 generation is acceptable—and often desirable—when a sale puts it well below the S90H for the same size.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose the Samsung S90H if reflections are your biggest problem, your PC can exploit 4K/165Hz, or HDR10+ is central to your content and devices. It is the more purpose-built option for bright-room viewing and high-refresh PC play, not an automatic upgrade for every movie watcher.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
