Introduction

Samsung has long been at the forefront of LED-LCD technology, and with the release of the Neo QLED QN95D on December 20, 2024, they’ve once again demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this display type. As the flagship model in Samsung’s 2025 lineup, the QN95D promises to deliver the brightest, most colorful, and most precise LED-LCD picture yet. In this review, we’ll examine how Samsung has refined their Mini-LED technology and whether the QN95D can compete with the best OLED displays on the market.

Review

The Samsung Neo QLED QN95D makes a strong first impression with its sleek, minimalist design. The nearly bezel-less screen is surrounded by a thin metal frame, giving the TV a premium look that complements any modern living space. Samsung’s One Connect Box, which houses all of the TV’s inputs and processing hardware, has been redesigned to be even smaller and more discreet, allowing for a clean, cable-free installation.

At the core of the QN95D is Samsung’s most advanced Mini-LED backlight system to date. With over 10,000 individual LED zones, this TV offers unprecedented control over local dimming, resulting in deep blacks and bright highlights that rival OLED displays. In our tests, we measured peak brightness levels exceeding 3000 nits in HDR mode, making this one of the brightest TVs we’ve ever tested. This exceptional brightness not only enhances HDR performance but also ensures the picture remains vibrant and clear even in the brightest rooms.

Color performance on the QN95D is equally impressive. The quantum dot layer provides a wide color gamut that covers 100% of the DCI-P3 space and extends well into BT.2020. Samsung’s new Neural Quantum Processor 8K uses AI and machine learning to optimize color and contrast on a per-scene basis, resulting in images that are both accurate and visually striking.

One of the most notable improvements in the QN95D is its handling of off-angle viewing. Samsung has implemented a new Ultra Viewing Angle technology that significantly reduces color shift and contrast loss when viewing the TV from the side. While not quite on par with OLED in this regard, it’s a substantial improvement over previous LED-LCD models and makes the QN95D a great choice for wide seating arrangements.

Gaming features are a particular strength of the QN95D. All four HDMI ports support the full HDMI 2.1 feature set, including 4K 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. Samsung has also introduced a new Game Bar 3.0, which provides real-time information on frame rate, VRR status, and input lag. Speaking of input lag, we measured an incredibly low 5ms in Game Mode, making this one of the most responsive TVs on the market.

The QN95D runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS, which has been refined for 2025 with a more intuitive interface and faster navigation. The new Smart Hub centralizes content recommendations from various streaming services, making it easier to find something to watch. Samsung has also expanded its Gaming Hub, which now includes cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass, allowing you to play high-end games without a console.

Audio performance has seen a significant upgrade with the introduction of Object Tracking Sound Pro+. This system uses AI to analyze the on-screen action and direct sound through the TV’s multiple speakers to match the movement on screen. While it doesn’t replace a dedicated surround sound system, it provides a more immersive audio experience than typical TV speakers.

One potential drawback for some users is Samsung’s continued lack of support for Dolby Vision HDR. However, the TV does support HDR10+ Adaptive, which adjusts HDR performance based on ambient light conditions.

Conclusion

The Samsung Neo QLED QN95D represents the pinnacle of LED-LCD technology in 2025. Its exceptional brightness, impressive local dimming capabilities, and wide color gamut make it a formidable competitor to OLED displays, especially in brightly lit environments. While it may not quite match the perfect blacks and infinite contrast of OLED, it comes impressively close while offering advantages in peak brightness and potential longevity. For those who prioritize brightness, gaming performance, and future-proofing, the QN95D is an excellent choice that should satisfy even the most demanding users. Its premium price tag reflects its high-end features, but for those seeking the best LED-LCD has to offer, the Samsung Neo QLED QN95D delivers in spades.