Samsung oleds arrive: float design, art store, and gaming upgrades

Samsung’s highly anticipated 2024 OLED TV lineup—the S95H, S90H, and S85H—are finally hitting shelves in the US, bringing with them a fresh wave of design innovation and performance enhancements. While European models may differ slightly, the core upgrades focus on minimizing reflections, boosting smart features, and enhancing the gaming experience—all hallmarks of Samsung’s continued push in the premium OLED space.

The s95h: a floating masterpiece with artistic flair

Leading the charge is the S95H, Samsung’s flagship OLED for 2024. Its most striking feature is the new FloatLayer Design, a visual departure from previous models, debuting on a Samsung OLED TV. Think The Frame's minimalist aesthetic, but rendered in a sleek, metallic finish. Samsung is positioning it as a piece of wall art—a floating canvas, essentially—aided by a slim metallic frame. But beyond aesthetics, the S95H introduces the Samsung Art Store directly to an OLED model for the first time. Subscribers gain access to a library of over 5,000 works from 800+ artists and institutions, including partnerships with the MoMA, Art Basel, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Plus, a rotating selection of 30 artworks is available each month via Art Store Streams. While this might not appeal to everyone, it's clear Samsung wants its premium OLED to integrate seamlessly into the living room, rather than simply being a large, black rectangle.

Under the hood, the S95H boasts next-generation 4K OLED panels—QD-OLED panels from Samsung Display in the 55, 65, and 77-inch models, and a WRGB panel from LG Display in the 83-inch version. Samsung claims a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, though independent testing will be required to verify this impressive figure. The Glare Free technology, a differentiator in last year’s S95F, returns here and on the S90H, promising excellent picture quality even in brightly lit rooms. VDE certification for Real Black and Real Color further reinforces Samsung’s commitment to accurate blacks and vibrant colors.

For gamers, the S95H doesn't disappoint, offering up to a 165Hz refresh rate across all HDMI ports, along with support for VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync). The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, with its 128 neural networks, manages video and audio processing, while features like Auto Game Mode, ALLM, HGiG, and the gaming bar enhance the overall experience.

The s90h: elevated oled for the mainstream

Stepping down from the flagship, the S90H builds upon the success of last year’s S90F series, offering a compelling blend of premium features and a more accessible price point. Utilizing a 4K OLED panel, it’s available in sizes ranging from 42 to 83 inches. Panel configurations might vary by region—US models potentially utilize WRGB panels from LG Display in the 42, 48, and 83-inch versions, while the 55, 65, and 77-inch models could feature Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels. As with the S95H, it supports VRR up to 165Hz, alongside ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, and G-Sync.

The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor powers the S90H’s smart features and image processing capabilities, including 4K AI Upscaling Pro and Auto HDR Remastering, which converts SDR content to HDR. The processor also enhances color accuracy and motion clarity. It’s a well-rounded package aimed at consumers seeking a high-quality OLED experience without the premium price tag of the S95H.

The s85h: a gateway to oled brilliance

The S85H represents Samsung’s entry-level OLED offering for 2024. While it features a simpler design and a less sophisticated audio system, and uses a two-year-old NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, it delivers the core OLED benefits: infinite contrast and deep blacks. Available in 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83-inch sizes, the S85H is a compelling option for those new to OLED technology. Panel details remain somewhat murky, with a high probability of WRGB panels from LG Display, though QD-OLED panels from Samsung Display—possibly older versions—aren’t entirely out of the question for larger sizes.

Despite its more basic features, the S85H provides a solid gaming experience with Auto Game Mode, FreeSync Premium, ALLM, HGiG, and Samsung Gaming Hub. It also includes four HDMI 2.1 ports, all supporting 4K@120Hz, and HDMI eARC connectivity.

Pricing and availability

The Samsung 2024 OLED lineup is already available in the US, with prices ranging from $1,199 for the 48-inch S85H to $6,499 for the 83-inch S95H. European pricing remains unconfirmed, but early reports suggest similar tiers—a testament to Samsung's global ambitions for its OLED lineup. Get ready to see these TVs arrive in stores soon.