Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L - which TV should you buy?

Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L - An image of the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L
Credit: Tom's Guide

Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L - An image of the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L
Credit: Tom's Guide

If you happen to be in the market for an OLED TV and are grappling with the decision between the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L, worry not. We have created a concise and comprehensive Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L comparison guide to help you.

When making a decision between the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L, it's essential to take into account important factors like the available sizes, pricing, the TV's brightness performance, and, for gamers, the HDMI 2.1 support and response time.

In this Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L comparison guide, we will delve into the features, price, and specifications of these two impressive smart TVs to help you make an informed decision on which one suits your needs and preferences best.

Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L - specs and key differences

Samsung S95C
Sony A95L
Display Type
OLED
OLED
Panel Type
QD-OLED
QD-OLED
Size
55-, 65-, and 77-inch
55-, 65-, and 77-inch
Resolution
3,840 x 2,160
3,840 x 2,160
Refresh Rate
144Hz
120Hz
HDMI 2.1
Yes, on all four inputs
Yes, on two inputs
VRR
Yes
Yes
NVIDIA G-Sync
No
No
AMD FreeSync
Yes, FreeSync Premium Pro
No
Dolby Vision
No
Yes

Both the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L are two OLED TVs that use innovative QD-OLED technology. They even share the same resolution and are available in the same size options, making them direct rivals in the premium TV market.

The key difference between the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L lies in their refresh rates. While the Samsung S95C boasts a native refresh rate of 144Hz, the Sony A95L, on the other hand, offers a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.

Although this variance in refresh rate might not be noticeable during typical usage, the higher refresh rate of the S95C can make a significant difference when engaging in competitive, fast-paced gaming that demands utmost responsiveness.

Another distinction worth noting is the support for Dolby Vision. The Sony A95L offers compatibility with Dolby Vision. However, the Samsung S95C, unfortunately, lacks support for Dolby Vision, which might be a crucial factor for those who prioritize this advanced HDR format in their viewing preferences.

Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L - price

Of the two options, the Sony A95K comes with a higher price tag, making it currently the most expensive QD-OLED TV in the market. Previously, this title was held by the Samsung S95C.

As of now, the Samsung S95C is readily available for purchase, while the Sony A95L is scheduled for pre-orders starting on August 21. However, Sony has not yet indicated when pre-orders will begin shipping to customers.

Here is the breakdown of the prices of each model:

Samsung S95C
Sony A95L
55-inch
$2,499
$2,799
65-inch
$3,299
$3,499
77-inch
$4,499
$4,999

Please note that the prices of both the Sony A95L and Samsung S95C models may vary based on regions, individual retailers, and any ongoing promotional offers or discounts.

Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L - gaming

Both Samsung S95C and Sony A95L offer gaming-focused features such as ALLM and VRR. However, the Samsung S95C offers HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on all four of its ports, whereas the Sony A95L has only two ports equipped with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth capabilities.

It is also crucial to highlight that the Samsung S95C comes equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, while the Sony A95L, unfortunately, lacks support for both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync.

Furthermore, the Samsung S95C's impressive 144Hz refresh rate ensures that your gaming experience is exceptionally smooth and responsive, allowing you to enjoy fast-paced action with unparalleled clarity and fluidity.

However, if you are primarily a console gamer and plan to use a PS5 or Xbox Series X, the difference in the refresh rate and support for AMD Freesync don't matter to you, as these consoles currently don't support 144Hz output.

When everything is said and done, in the gaming aspect, the Samsung S95C surpasses the A95L with its impressive 144Hz refresh rate and the added advantage of FreeSync Premium Pro support.

Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L - which TV should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L depends on your specific preferences and needs.

In our opinion, the Samsung S95C emerges as the better choice due to its more affordable price tag compared to the A95L and the added advantage of a higher refresh rate, which can significantly enhance your gaming and overall viewing experience.

In terms of picture quality, both the Samsung S95C and Sony A95L perform well. You can be confident that whichever model you choose, you'll be treated to a remarkable viewing experience with lifelike images and immersive visuals.

And that concludes our Samsung S95C vs Sony A95L comparison guide. Make sure you check out our LG G3 vs Sony A95L comparison and see how they stack up against each other.