The Great OLED Battle 2025: LG C4 vs Samsung S90D vs Sony Bravia 8

In the ongoing brightness wars, Samsung's QD-OLED technology stands out with its ability to achieve peak brightness levels of approximately 1,200 nits, significantly higher than its WOLED counterparts. This heightened brightness is particularly beneficial for viewing HDR content, as it enhances the dynamic range and color volume, making images appear more vibrant and lifelike. On the other hand, LG's C4 and Sony's Bravia 8 utilize WOLED panels, which offer slightly lower peak brightness but excel in delivering perfect black levels and infinite contrast, crucial for dark room viewing. LG's introduction of Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology in its G4 series further enhances brightness to about 1,500 nits, bridging the gap with Samsung's QD-OLED. When choosing a TV, consider your viewing environment; brighter rooms may benefit from Samsung's QD-OLED, while darker settings can make the most of the deep blacks offered by WOLED. Choosing between these technologies often comes down to a preference for color vibrancy versus contrast depth.

Dolby Vision is a preferred HDR format that dynamically adjusts the picture quality scene-by-scene, offering superior brightness, contrast, and color accuracy compared to static HDR formats. LG and Sony have embraced Dolby Vision in their OLED TVs, enhancing the viewing experience for compatible content. However, Samsung remains committed to HDR10+ as its preferred HDR format, which also offers dynamic metadata but isn't as widely supported by content creators. The absence of Dolby Vision in Samsung TVs may disappoint users who want to experience the highest quality HDR available, especially given the growing library of Dolby Vision content on streaming platforms. Despite this, Samsung's QD-OLED technology compensates with impressive brightness and color volume, which can still deliver a compelling HDR experience. For consumers, the choice between Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support should be guided by the type of content they most frequently watch.

Sony's Cognitive Processor XR sets a high standard for motion processing, delivering smooth, lifelike motion that enhances fast-paced content like sports and action movies. This processor analyzes and adjusts the picture in real-time, mimicking the way humans see and hear, which results in a more immersive viewing experience. Sony's motion handling capabilities contribute to reduced blur and judder, crucial for maintaining clarity during rapid movements. In comparison, LG's α9 Gen7 processor and Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen2 processor also offer sophisticated motion processing, but Sony's XR Processor is often praised for its superior ability to upscale and refine images. For viewers who prioritize motion clarity and processing, particularly for sports and gaming, Sony's Bravia 8 may offer a distinct advantage. The choice of processor can significantly impact overall picture quality, especially in scenes with complex motion.

For gamers, a TV's refresh rate is a critical factor that influences the smoothness of motion and the responsiveness of gameplay. Both LG C4 and Samsung S90D support a 144Hz refresh rate for PC gaming, making them ideal for competitive gamers who require fast response times and minimal lag. This high refresh rate ensures that motion appears smooth and fluid, enhancing the gaming experience. Sony's Bravia 8, however, tops out at 120Hz, which is still adequate for most console gaming but may not satisfy hardcore PC gamers seeking the best performance. All three models feature Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), reducing screen tearing and input lag, crucial for an immersive gaming experience. When selecting a TV for gaming, prioritize models with higher refresh rates and comprehensive HDMI 2.1 support to future-proof your setup.