I tested the Samsung S95F OLED for a week, and it spoiled the way I watch TV

sep / 2025

Follow ZDNET:Add us as a preferred source is an impressive update to the brand’s OLED TV offerings, with an improved glare-free display, ultra-thin build, and AI-assisted picture and audio processing.

And with the inclusion of Samsung’s One Connect Box, you can use a single cable to connect all of your playback devices for an ultra-clean, almost entirely wireless home theater setup. But since a premium build often comes with a premium price tag, is the S95F worth the upgrade?

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I’ve been testing it over the past week at ZDNET’s Louisville lab, and it suffices to say that Samsung has one of the best TVs on the market right now. This is a stellar option for those willing to spend and those looking for a worthy TV deal this holiday season.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first OLED TV or upgrade your current one, the Samsung S95F is hands-down one of the best screens you can buy right now. The Pantone-validated screen helps improve color accuracy across a variety of media, including classic black-and-white Hollywood films.

While our Calman calibration testing showed a noticeable blue shift for color, the AI-assisted picture mode, as well as a handful of standard picture settings, help correct this. And if you don’t mind a little blue tint to your media, the S95F still looks amazing right out of the box with a bright, clean picture that produces deep blacks for sharper contrast as well as handling fine details with ease.

And when it comes to movies and shows, the Samsung S95F does an incredible job of upscaling older media without feeling “crunchy” like some TVs are wont to do; the improved, AI-assisted processor handles visual noise very well, upscaling very old movies like Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain, and the original 1998 pro-shot of CATS in 4K without a ton of artifacting or visual “snow.”

Both the AI-assisted and standard audio modes are great for boosting quiet dialogue in movies and shows, while the Object Tracking Sound+ works with Dolby Atmos to create fuller-sounding audio. This is particularly noticeable with music, as the AI and music settings enhance bass tones while balancing mid- and high-range notes.

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The 3D virtual surround sound aspect of object tracking sound is neat to experience, with things like dialogue, explosions, and other environmental sounds shifting between the left and right audio channels. It isn’t nearly as robust as setting up a proper home audio system for true 5.1 or 7.1CH sound, but it still helps create a more immersive experience that I appreciated, especially for gaming.