Both Sony and Samsung are very popular brands among TV users.
Even though some may feel that they are just two brands selling TVs, but the brand loyalists will happily inform you how different they are.
Naturally, this calls for a comparison.
In this era of smart TVs, both Sony and Samsung have been very successfully impressing and wooing customers with their quality products.
Both the brands are exceptionally unique yet similar in many ways. They are loved and enjoyed by users all over the world for the sheer quality they bring. In recent years, Samsung has gained more popularity over Sony as it has more brand presence.
Samsung is more recognized by more people as compared to Sony if the population at large is to be considered.
It is more so because of the range of products that Samsung offers. They have refrigerators, air-conditioners, phones and, of course, television. Each of the products are leading in their own categories, making Samsung more of a household name. To begin with, let’s look at their history or origin.
Sony and Samsung; Different Yet Similar
One of the best features of both Sony and Samsung is the wide variety they offer. Not only are the television sets affordable, but can be availed in multiple sizes to suit all types of television users’ needs.
There are some striking differences as well that gives the brands their unique identity. Here are some of those features:
Android vs Tizen
Sony televisions come with android support. As most people are android users, they love this feature about Sony TVs as it appeals to them. But, the android feature makes the others feel more stuffed with features, but still, they agree on the convenience of use.
A huge problem with Android options is the slowing down of and the frequent crashes of the device, which make the Tizen more appealing to an informed user.
On the other hand, Tizen, which Samsung uses, has more features. For the tech-savvy users, it provides a great deal of opportunity which is absent with the Android version. But with Tizen, the limited search option can be discouraging.
Since LG has already overcome this problem, it is expected that Samsung will do so too, in the near future.
Alexa vs Bixby
Sony using android makes it compatible with Google Assistant which is deeply craved for by loyal Android and Google followers. It is not just that, Sony is also compatible with Alexa. Thus, the ability to use the voice command of Alexa naturally makes the users feel confident and reassured with Sony. It becomes much easier for users to set-up and then to operate.
For Samsung, it is Bixby. Many users are not very happy with Bixby’s functionality, especially voice recognition. Thus, they feel like it can never match Alexa or Google assistant. But the primary functions can very well be controlled by Bixby, which is sufficient for many users.
These assistants are only available with compatible models which fall in the mid to high range of television sets.
HDR 10+ vs Dolby
Did you know that the televisions which fall underpricing mid-range come with HDR-enabled device? What it means really is that you get the scope to alter the picture quality a great deal according to your wish.
Dolby, which is available with Sony, is much more effective than the previous HDR. It gives an unforgettable TV-viewing experience.
QLED vs OLED
The terms may seem confusing but in simpler terms, these terms indicate LED and LCD screens which has quality dots that give improved picture quality. Sony is still using OLED technology which has only 800 nids and it does not make the picture quality brighter or better.
It also does not give you exceptional and brilliant viewing experience. On the other hand, QLED, the darling technology of Samsung uses 1000 to 2000 nids which enhances the picture quality, making viewing a truly pleasurable experience.
OLED proponents opine that the picture, though dull, actually gives out the natural color. For many users that would mean a lot to get to see the colors as they truly are, rather than looking at beautiful and enhanced colors which can be a little darker than the actual colors.
Video: QLED vs OLED - Verified with a Microscope!
The critics of OLED warn of the burn out that can make viewing a painful experience. But to reach the burn out stage, you have to be a TV addict beyond any saving! Another point that OLED followers uphold is the fact that for a theatre-like experience,
OLED works much better as it makes the colors come alive in a dimly-lit room, giving the user an opportunity to get more engrossed in the content playing on the TV. As for QLED, which is used by Samsung makes up for brighter and contrasting colors which work well with all sorts of lighting.
It can successfully create a happy TV-watching environment irrespective of the surroundings. The TV itself makes an impact with its picture quality.
But to a normal user, the difference between these two highly-sophisticated technologies may not be so obvious. In fact, both can give equal viewing pleasure to the uninitiated eyes. Thus, both technologies are used in the mid and high range of television sets.
Both of these technologies are loved and appreciated by users. Unless you have a specific purpose for watching TV, you will not be able to differentiate between the two technologies.
Differences in Both Remote Controls
Sony as well as Samsung both offer very responsive remotes that are quite intuitive in design. However, the fact that the premium Samsung TV remotes have a touchpad puts them in a separate class altogether. If you love touch technology, then you would surely fall for Samsung.
But if concrete and precise is what you desire, then Sony is the one for you.
Samsung is the Plasma Champion
Samsung has become the undisputed leader in Plasma television as Sony withdrew from the manufacturing of plasma TVs a few years back.
Even at a time when Sony made Plasma TVs, Samsung’s TVs were still considered the best.
Design
Sony’s structural presentation is not appreciated by many, due to its tilted nature and casings which lack fluidity. Many appreciate the smoothness of design observed in Samsung TVs. Another feature that makes Samsung’s sets more popular is its thinness.
The slim design is very attractive and acts as a great piece for your living room. Before the era of flat TV, the design of Sony seemed very appealing, but with the coming of the era of Flat TVs, Samsung made itself to be a very obvious choice.
The aesthetic touch that Samsung brings is appreciated and cherished by design veterans, though to an ordinary onlooker both the television may appear very appealing.
Lighting
Dim lighting can be another determining choice for many users. Dimming is possible in TVs with full-array backlighting. But in TVs which use CCFL backlight like some Samsung models, the absence of dimming feature can cause disturbed viewing in a dark room.
Even the feature of edge lighting can make the viewing experience threatened in the absence of adequate lighting. Now, the companies are trying to incorporate the best lighting features even in low to mid-range television sets for the best viewing experience.
What is Missing in Both Sony and Samsung?
Though it is not really missing, there is certainly much room for improvement when it comes to both user interfaces. Both television sets can be a bit tricky to navigate if people are just starting off their Smart TV journey.
For Sony, though the design is easy to decipher, too many features can confuse the user easily. With Samsung, basic functions work great. However, complicated tasks can become very tedious.
So, which one should you choose? Sony or Samsung?
Until you have the specific requirement of Dolby/HDR or QLED/OLED which would make your choice obvious, both the brands are great for television viewing experience. Not only do they offer great picture quality but also provide amazing sound quality that helps increase the essence of a program.
There is something about the brands: the price. It is a known fact that Samsung sets come for more of an affordable range.
Both brands offer comparative television sets that are totally worth your money. If it is features that appeal to you most, then go through what is offered in selected models of both brands in the same price range.
If it is the looks or aesthetics that you are going after, then visit a store near you and enjoy the picture and design quality, that will help you make your choice.
