Introduction and test setup
Samsung has steadily expanded its OLED lineup since returning to the category in 2022, beginning with the S95B. In 2025 the flagship S95F sits alongside more affordable models like the S85F, and I put them head-to-head to answer a simple question: do you get enough extra value to justify the higher price? The two TVs share core OLED benefits—deep blacks, wide viewing angles, and excellent color—but differ in brightness, glare handling, and feature polish. For context, I tested both models side by side, in similar lighting, with careful calibration to ensure a fair comparison across HDR and standard movie modes.
Brightness and glare-free performance
The most obvious difference between the two models is brightness and the way they handle reflections. In HDR peak tests, the S95F delivered a top HDR peak of 132 nits in Filmmaker Mode 2, while the S85F reached about 777 nits in the same mode. When looking at full-screen HDR brightness, the numbers were more aligned: the S95F managed about 390 nits, and the S85F about 147 nits. The disparity is most noticeable in scenes with bright highlights, such as snow or sunlit reflections, where the S95F’s stronger output makes highlights pop more aggressively. In normal movie viewing, both are capable, but the S95F maintains a stronger sense of brightness in challenging scenes.
A key feature for light-filled rooms is the Glare Free screen on the S95F. In my room with ceiling lamps on, the S95F kept reflections at bay and preserved contrast, while the S85F showed more intrusive reflections that muted some detail in bright areas. The difference is particularly noticeable when watching in a lit living space or during daytime viewing. The S95F’s glare reduction helps preserve the intended look of the content, especially in HDR material with bright windows or neon signs.
Color, tone, and overall image quality
Color performance was strong on both sets. In the Wicked “Wizard & I” sequence and other color-rich clips, both displays delivered natural, vibrant tones with accurate skin hues. The S95F’s higher brightness gave colors a touch more pop, particularly in magenta-pink flowers and emerald leaves, without tipping into oversaturation. In Filmmaker Mode, the difference narrows, as both TVs render natural colors and detailed textures with excellent fidelity. When evaluating a red flower scene in a Spears & Munsil demo, the S95F showed a slightly stronger glow on the petals in Movie Mode, while the S85F remained realistic and faithful in color in Filmmaker Mode.
Dark scenes, contrast, and texture
Contrast is where OLED shines, and both televisions deliver deep blacks and solid shadow detail. The Batman sequence, with its mix of neon and dark interiors, highlighted each set’s ability to preserve detail in the shadows. In dim lighting, both TVs looked excellent, though the S95F’s higher overall brightness allowed for crisper separation of bright foregrounds from dark backgrounds. The S85F stayed very close in many shots, showing that at typical viewing distances the difference can be subtle unless you push the brightness for HDR highlights or gaming. The deep black level of OLED remains a strength on both models.
Sound, gaming features, and smart software
Audio on both units is solid for built-in speakers, but as with most TVs, a dedicated soundbar improves the experience. The S95F does offer a slightly more robust onboard stage, paired with extras that benefit gaming—such as faster response times and better handling of motion for fast-paced content. The S85F remains a compelling option for those who want premium OLED performance without paying the flagship premium, and it still benefits from a sturdy set of gaming and streaming features, with a clean, responsive smart platform.
Value, price, and final verdict
Price is where the two diverge sharply. In 65-inch size, the S85F sits around 30,000 SEK, while the S95F typically lands higher at about 39,990 SEK. If you regularly watch HDR content in bright rooms, value and glare handling become compelling reasons to pick the S95F despite the price gap. The S95F’s brighter output, more effective glare-free panel, and extra gaming-oriented features justify the premium for many enthusiasts and home cinemas that demand peak performance in multi-purpose rooms.
That said, the S85F remains a superb choice for most viewers. It closely mirrors the S95F in color accuracy, correct motion handling, and overall image quality, while delivering a far more attractive price-to-performance ratio. If you value the best possible image in challenging lighting and are willing to pay a premium for it, the S95F is worth the splurge. If you want strong OLED performance with excellent image quality and fewer compromises on the wallet, the S85F is a compelling option that still checks all the essential boxes.
Bottom line
In a side-by-side comparison, the Samsung S95F ultimately proves itself as the superior display thanks to higher brightness, stronger glare-free performance, and more complete feature set for demanding viewers and gamers. But the S85F delivers nearly all the same core OLED advantages at a more approachable price, making it the best value in many setups. Decide based on your room lighting, willingness to pay a premium for peak brightness, and how important gaming enhancements are to you. If you can stretch your budget, the S95F is the better choice; if not, the S85F remains a standout value in 2025.
Read on for more testing notes and guidance on choosing the right OLED for your home theater setup.
