• 3 min read
Samsung’s S99H pushes OLED brightness even higher
Samsung’s 2026 flagship OLED delivers standout brightness, color, and gaming, though its new frame-heavy design and high price may split buyers.
Image: TechRadar
Samsung’s S99H looks like one of the strongest OLED TVs of 2026. TechRadar calls it a top-tier flagship, with a bright, colorful, contrast-rich picture, strong anti-reflection performance, and a full slate of gaming features, even if the redesigned chassis is likely to divide opinion.
At the center of the package is Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen 3 Processor, which powers picture features including AI Motion Enhancer Pro and AI 4K Upscaling Pro, along with audio tools such as Adaptive Sound Pro. Samsung groups those features under its Vision AI branding. The TV also runs One UI Tizen, supports major streaming apps, and includes extras such as Generative Wallpaper and Art Mode.
TechRadar says picture quality is the real story. The 65-inch model it tested reached 2,739 nits in HDR Filmmaker Mode on a 10% window, with 449 nits fullscreen, a clear jump from the Samsung S95F at 2,132 nits and 390 nits. The review also measured 89.2% coverage of the BT.2020 color space and 99.97% of DCI-P3, which helps explain the vivid HDR performance.
Released in June 2026, the S99H starts at:
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Samsung’s S95H pushes OLED brightness to new highs
- 55-inch: £2,399
- 65-inch: £3,199
- 77-inch: £4,299
- 83-inch: £5,899
TechRadar notes that these launch prices are lower than both the S95F and the rival LG G6 were at launch, though the G6 is now available for less because it has been on sale longer.
The hardware mix is otherwise what buyers would expect from a premium Samsung OLED. The set supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, but still skips Dolby Vision. Audio support includes Dolby Atmos, but not DTS. Gaming is a major strength, with four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K 165Hz, VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync, ALLM, and a reported 9.5ms input lag at 60Hz.
Design changes and feature tradeoffs
The main controversy is Samsung’s new FloatLayer Design. TechRadar found the added silver frame distracting, and the shift from the previous model’s central pedestal to two plastic feet may not help. Samsung also removed the built-in One Connect Box, returning ports to the back of the TV itself. Buyers can still add the optional Wireless One Connect Box, which Samsung says can bring the total to eight HDMI 2.1 ports.
Sound is solid rather than class-leading. The S99H uses a 4.2.2-channel, 70W speaker system with Object Tracking Sound+, and TechRadar praised its precision and screen-to-sound placement. But the review argues that a TV delivering this level of picture quality deserves a better audio partner, likely a separate soundbar.
Bright-room performance stands out
The S99H’s matte OLED Glare Free screen is a big part of its appeal. TechRadar says it is especially well suited to bright rooms, where reflections are harder to avoid. Filmmaker Mode can look a little dim in those conditions, but Movie mode serves as a better daytime option.
Color appears to be the set’s strongest suit. In HDR testing with films including Speed Racer and La La Land, TechRadar reported vibrant, accurate hues and strong contrast, with only occasional issues such as slightly orange-leaning reds and some black crush in darker scenes when using Filmmaker Mode.
For buyers who can live without Dolby Vision and don’t mind the new look, the Samsung S99H appears to be one of the year’s standout OLEDs — and one of its best gaming TVs.
Computing Editor
Tomas lives in the terminal. He covers chips, laptops, and operating systems with a focus on performance and efficiency. He reads kernel changelogs the way other people read fiction, and he's always on the hunt for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch. If it processes data, Tomas has an opinion on it.
via TechRadar
