Samsung describes the QE50QN90B as a Neo QLED model, alerting us to the fact that it uses Quantum Dots to generate its colours rather than colour filters. This should, if other aspects of the TV are also up to snuff, result in a wider and more subtle colour gamut well suited to the extra colour range that typically accompanies high dynamic range content. Picture-wise, the 43-inch QN90B disappoints in three ways. First, like other Samsung TVs, it doesn’t support Dolby Vision, so you won’t get the most out of movies and TV that do. Its off-angle viewing isn’t the worst, but the screen’s colors lose a lot of their inherent richness and take a grayish cast if you’re positioned too far from the center of the screen in any direction. (Samsung touts a feature on the QN90B line called Ultra Viewing Angle, which is supposed to mitigate this, but it is included only on the 50-inch and larger models.) Because this is a smaller set, that’s unlikely to be a critical problem, but keep it in mind. It also has a little bit of trouble generating fine detail in some of its picture modes: In Cinema and Filmmaker, fine details occasionally get a little mushy in a way they don’t in Standard and Dynamic. (This was particularly evident in all the 1-pixel sections of one of our chief 4K test patterns.) Sit far enough away, and you’re unlikely to notice, but it has the potential to distract if you’re too close. Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV: Audio We uploaded the initial brightness measurements and uniformity photos for the Accelerated Longevity Test. Never miss another moment. With Multi View, you can play your mobile content alongside the TV program, all at once, on the same screen. Simply cast your phone to your TV with screen mirroring to split the big TV screen*. Handy if you want to keep an eye on the football score whilst watching a movie. All of the QE50QN90B’s high-end picture features are marshalled by the latest version of Samsung’s Neo Quantum 4K video processor, complete with improved upscaling and the accumulated knowledge of numerous neural networks that have been busy crunching through countless image types in Samsung’s labs to develop a vast database of picture optimisation shortcuts.

There are four HDMI inputs (HDMI 3 supports eARC for passthrough of audio to a soundbar), digital optical out, CI+ 1.4, two satellite tuners, an aerial antenna, two USB ports and an ethernet for hardwired connection to the internet. If you want to connect wirelessly to the TV there’s Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi, along with DLNA and Samsung’s Wireless Dex support. Picture Quality When it comes to gaming the QN90B is not as all-consuming as the LG C2’s feature set but you’re still getting a tremendous number of features whether you’re a console or PC gamer. I measured latency at 10.1ms – faster than the LG C2 (13.1ms) – and with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that can drop down to neglible amounts.The problem with Samsung Smart TV is its menu structure. It buries most settings, apart from a few very specific presets, two or three layers down from where other TV interfaces put them. It also seems to constantly nudge users away from any granular controls. Switching among inputs is also more complicated than it should be; the remote has a multiple-source split-screen Multi-View button, but no simple input-switcher button. While the QN90B’s advances over the QN90A might not earn it as many headlines as its predecessor, its picture improvements are targeted and effective. The addition of Dolby Atmos to the QN90B’s audio talents, too, brings it more in line in audio terms with most premium TV rivals. Both the QN90B (pictured here during our early testing with it) and the QN85B feature the deep contrast of mini-LED tech. (Image credit: Future / Al Griffin) The Samsung QN85B (pictured) and QN90B both feature four HDMI ports, all with HDMI 2.1 support. (Image credit: Future)

Apart from its screen being smaller, the Samsung QE50QN90B’s picture specifications are close enough to those of the previously tested QN95B 4K flagship TV to make differences nigh on impossible to spot. Which is no bad thing given how much we like the QN95B’s pictures.If a TV gives you a good picture, you want good audio to go with it, and most TVs fall short in that area. The smaller QN90B does not, though it’s not really anything to writing home about, either. We updated the text with new information on the number of dimming zones. The 75 inch model has been confirmed to have around 900 zones, but we don't know how many zones the other sizes have.

Streaming music while playing games and AI upscaling available in certain Smart TV models. (not available in Q60B, BU8500, BU8000) If this is not the best gaming TV we’ve seen, or even the best 43-inch gaming TV we’ve seen, it’s nonetheless up there. Its input lag time of 9.8ms (as measured with a Leo Bodnar Lag Tester) is terrific — not just below the 20ms threshold we’ve established for good gaming TVs but below the 10ms threshold by which we classify great gaming TVs. Note that all the recent sets we’ve seen that meet that criteria are by Samsung, including the best small gaming TV: the Q60B, with a mind-blowingly low input lag of 9.1ms. Both of these potentially significant new picture advantages are powered by an even more powerful version of Samsung’s AI-based picture analysis/processing system. This is able to draw on the accumulated picture analysis knowledge of a massive 20 neural networks versus the 16 deployed for the QN90A, delivering even more accurate, effective and natural enhancements to every image.

Well, all except the 43-inch QN90B, anyway – the smallest screen has to make do with regular ‘wide viewing angle’. And the 43-inch QN90B goes without the ‘anti-reflection’ screen technology. Certain features require express consent for the collection and use of personal information. Some features may require additional accessories (sold separately). Certain features, apps and services may not be available on all models and in all regions and are subject to change without notice. Internet connection required. Data, subscription or other charges may apply. Certain features are available only on free to air channels and/or require a Samsung Apps account. What’s more, despite the sophistication of its processing engine and lighting system, the QE50QN90B manages to get the time it takes to render images in its Game mode down to a hugely impressive 9.6ms (with 1080p/60Hz signals). Samsung’s Game Bar does, though, provide the option to sacrifice a bit of screen response speed in return for better, processing-assisted picture quality, along with other game-related adjustments such as the ability to raise the brightness of dark areas without impacting the rest of the picture so that you can more easily see enemies lurking in the dark. If you’re wondering at this point how Samsung’s QN90B range differs from the more expensive QN95Bs, aside from tweaks to the design the only really significant thing is that the QN95B uses an external connections box, while the QN90B’s connections are built into the TV’s bodywork. Note, too, that there’s no 50-inch QN95B; that step-up range begins at 55 inches. Both ranges support every clever feature of your next-gen games console with HDMI 2.1 support on all four connections: 4K 120Hz, ALLM, VRR, Freesync Premium Pro and so on.

The entire process is slow and clunky, if a necessary evil given the remote’s limitations (see the next section). Other interfaces are much more user-friendly, some (particularly Google TV) while offering you even more up-front information and better suggestions about what to watch. Does Tizen get the job done? Yes, but Samsung could do better, and hopefully will in the not-too-distant future. Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV: Remote And both have Samsung’s ‘Game Bar’ and ‘Super Ultra-Wide Game View’ features if you want to use them as full-on gaming monitors. Samsung QN90B vs Samsung QN85B: Conclusion Also, an irritating bugbear is that upon start-up the TV lands on the Media hub, and the interface will go straight to the last channel/input you were on. With a PS5 plugged in, it constantly switched it on every single time. You need cat-like speed to stop it from happening, but with the sluggish response of the smart remote, I frequently failed. Features Updated text for clarity throughout to match the results after various Test Bench updates. Also confirmed that 1440p works with the PS5.

The QE50QN90B’s main event is its Mini LED lighting system, which crams far more and much smaller LEDs into the 50-inch screen than is possible with regular LEDs. This enables it to deliver more local light control and, potentially, more contrast and brightness than regular LED TVs can. Especially when partnered as here by a local dimming system which, in this case, sees the TV able to output different amounts of light from no less than 448 separately controlled zones. Experience shows, though, that blooming issues with local dimming LCD TVs are typically much more pervasive and consistently distracting than the QE50QN90B’s occasionally obvious dimming activities, so it’s hard to argue with the logic of Samsung’s approach. Even though the brand does also want to have its cake and eat it, to some extent, by making the QE50QN90B exceptionally bright with light HDR images. Please note, this Smart TV features third party Apps. These Apps may be modified or withdrawn at any time. There may also be a delay in launching some of the featured Apps. Catch-up TV Apps may vary by region. The function and availability of apps is not covered by the manufacturer’s or Richer Sounds’ guarantee. With an HDR signal, the QN90B shows a peak brightness of 612.132cd/m The QN90B is a second gen Neo QLED Mini LED TV, and it’s another exceptionally bright effort that boasts wide-ranging colours. I do think, however, there’s a case to be made that too much brightness is not always a great thing.