Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

Samsung is a relative newcomer to OLED TVs, releasing its first consumer models in 2022. In just a handful of years, the brand has gone toe-to-toe with Sony and LG, offering signature OLED picture quality with spatial, object-tracking sound to enhance the experience. 

The latest 2026 Samsung OLED models offer a slew of smart features, along with a few hardware tweaks, to keep the S95H on the cutting edge of home theater tech.

Also: The best Samsung TVs you can buy

At first glance, it doesn’t seem like the Samsung S95H offers anything different than its predecessor, the S95F. But with an updated processor and reworked operating system, could it be worth the upgrade? To help you understand where the real differences lie and which Samsung OLED is the right fit for you, I’ve broken down each model’s most interesting features for streaming, gaming, and live TV.

Specifications

You should buy the Samsung S95F if…

1. You don’t mind having a previous-gen OLED TV

The Samsung S95F is a stunning OLED TV, offering some of the best picture quality I’ve seen in my nearly 10 years of testing TVs. And the object-tracking sound coupled with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound creates a much more immersive experience without the need to set up a lot of extra speakers. 

Dedicated picture modes for streaming movies and console gaming automatically boost contrast, adjust brightness, and utilize VRR technology for smoother playback and enhanced detailing. It may be a generation behind, but the S95F still has plenty to offer. 

2. You want less AI integration

Starting in 2026, all new Samsung TVs will have native support for Samsung Vision, the brand’s own AI assistant. However, if you want to hold off on integrating AI into your home theater, the S95F has more options for toggling features on and off. 

And you can even stall the update indefinitely by disabling automatic updates. However, disabling automatic updates also means your smart TV could become a security risk to your home Wi-Fi network, as it won’t be able to install new firmware designed to protect your data and privacy.  

3. You’re shopping on a budget

Since the Samsung S95F is a generation behind, it’s much easier to find this model on sale at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, as well as on Samsung’s own store page. As the brand and stores try to clear inventory to make room for the new S95H, it’s not uncommon to find fairly impressive discounts on the most popular screen sizes. 

If you keep a sharp eye on the deals tab of your favorite store, chances are you’ll be able to snag a Samsung S95F for a fraction of the price of the new S95H.

You should buy the Samsung S95H if…

1. You want the best TV for entertainment (in all forms)

The Samsung S95H has a dedicated picture mode for soccer fans, AI Soccer Mode Pro, that automatically recognizes when you’re watching a match and optimizes visuals and sound so you never miss a detail. It also boosts commentary dialogue for up-to-the-second analysis and calls for big plays. 

Also: LG G6 vs. Samsung S95H

Not a sports fan? With the Samsung Karaoke Mobile app, you can turn your smartphone into a mic for solo performances or parties with friends and family. The app lets you quickly create karaoke playlists and adjust playback settings, turning your living room into your own performance space. You can also use the app as a remote to control your TV’s volume and navigate menus.

2. You want more AI integration

With native support for Samsung Vision AI, you’ll get a built-in assistant for personalized search options, entertainment suggestions, and automatic picture and sound optimization. It’s also capable of real-time translation that automatically analyzes media to create subtitles in your preferred language; this makes it great for auto-dubbing YouTube videos and live TV, where captions may be unreliable at best.

3. You want the latest-gen Samsung OLED tech

Along with new AI features, the S95H is powered by an updated processor for improved power efficiency, smoother upscaling, and faster response times. The more powerful processor allows the TV to handle the robust AI integration without sacrificing picture and audio quality or performance. 

The matte display has also been refreshed to better diffuse glare and reflections and improve viewing angles. And with a 7-year guarantee for security and firmware updates, you can keep your home theater on the cutting edge of entertainment.

Writer’s choice

While both the Samsung S95F and S95H appear nearly identical, the key differences lie in how each model integrates Samsung’s Vision AI and the improved NQ4 AI processor. The S95F still offers top-notch picture and sound quality, with plenty of smart features to create a well-rounded home theater, while also giving you more control over when and how to use AI for search and beyond. 

And with a better chance of being on sale, the S95F can see significant discounts, so you can save big on Samsung’s flagship OLED TV.