Introduction: Samsung’s OLED journey and our 2025 test
Samsung has steadily expanded its OLED lineup since rejoining the market in 2022 with the S95B, followed by the mid‑range S90C which even challenged the LG C3 for best overall TV in some reviews. The 2024 S95D introduced Samsung’s Glare Free OLED screen, a feature that visibly reduces mirror-like reflections in bright rooms. Fast-forward to 2025, and the S95F builds on that foundation with an improved Glare Free panel and higher peak brightness, while maintaining a premium design and feature set. The question I wanted to answer was simple: does the extra expense for the flagship S95F translate into noticeable, real-world improvements over the more affordable S85F?
Our side-by-side setup and test method
To keep the comparison fair, I placed the two sets in the same viewing space, with identical sources and content. The S95F was positioned on the right, the S85F on the left, in a room with controllable lighting. I used a mix of HDR and SDR material, with tests ranging from theatrical clips to reference demo content. I measured peak brightness in different modes, checked color accuracy in live scenes, and evaluated glare handling in bright ambient light. Content included sequences from popular media and test discs to stress highlights, shadows, and skin tones alike.
Brightness and HDR performance: what actually changes with price
The most noticeable difference between the two models is brightness. In HDR testing using Filmmaker Mode 2, the S95F delivered a peak of about 132 nits, while the S85F reached roughly 777 nits. When we look at full-screen HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode (and similar in Movie Mode), the S95F hit about 390 nits, and the S85F around 147 nits. While the numbers suggest a surprising contrast in peak values, the practical takeaway is that the flagship maintains a more consistent, punchier HDR presence across typical viewing scenes, especially with bright highlights and snowy sequences.
In practice, this translates to brighter, more blinding reflections on snowy or sunlit frames on the S95F, where the stronger peak can push highlights to a more dazzling level. The S85F, by comparison, still looks vibrant but with less extreme highlight bloom. The difference is most apparent in scenes with a lot of white balance and sunlight, where the S95F’s brightness can give a sense of air and depth that the S85F sometimes lacks.
Color and tonal accuracy: a closer, more nuanced race
On color, both TVs impressed. In the “Wizard & I” scene from Wicked and similar reference material, colors looked natural and rich on both sets, with the S95F’s higher brightness giving the pinks in the flowers and the greens in the foliage a touch more pop. In Filmmaker Mode, the margin narrowed; both TVs delivered natural skin tones and detailed textures, with the S95F offering a slight advantage in color luminance without tipping into oversaturation.
Shadows, contrast, and dark scenes
When the lights go down, the OLED panels reveal their shared strength: deep, ink-like blacks and precise shadow detail. In dim rooms, both screens showed excellent contrast, with the S95F’s higher brightness contributing to a more striking sense of depth in darker scenes. The S85F held its own here, but the extra headroom of the S95F makes the darks feel more three-dimensional, especially in movies with high dynamic range and cinematic lighting.
Reflections and glare-free performance
The Glare Free screen continues to be a hallmark of Samsung’s premium OLEDs. In brighter rooms with direct lighting, the S95F largely eliminates mirror-like reflections that can wash out details on an OLED. The S85F, while still strong, shows more reflection in the exact same scenarios. If your viewing room isn’t perfectly controlled, the Glare Free advantage on the S95F becomes a practical benefit, preserving detail and contrast when it matters most.
Sound, features, and overall value
Both models deliver solid built-in audio and strong gaming features, including low input lag and VRR support. The S95F adds a few refinements: more robust peak brightness in real-world HDR scenes, a more premium design with the external One Connect Box for easier cabling, and subtle improvements to the user experience. The S85F, by contrast, offers most of the essentials at a notably lower price, delivering a balanced blend of performance and value. In many households, the S85F hits the sweet spot between features, performance, and cost.
Conclusion: should you pay for the flagship?
If you have the budget and want the strongest HDR punch, better glare resistance, and a more premium finishing touch, the S95F is an excellent choice. It’s the better TV for bright rooms and critical viewing when you want maximum impact from HDR content and fast-paced gaming. If you’re content with strong performance and slightly less brightness, the S85F stands out as the better value, offering most of the same color accuracy and depth at a lower price. For many buyers, the S85F is the smarter balance of feature set and cost; the S95F remains the aspirational pick for enthusiasts who want the very best Samsung OLED has to offer.
Bottom line
In a direct side-by-side, the S95F outperforms the S85F in peak brightness, glare management, and overall presence in HDR scenes, justifying its premium if you can swing the price. For value-driven buyers, the S85F delivers a compelling, well-rounded experience that still leans into Samsung’s strengths in OLED technology.
