Samsung Neo QLED QN90C vs. TCL Mini-LED 5-Series Roku TV: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a premium television in 2025, the Samsung Neo QLED QN90C (2023 model, e.g., QN65QN90CAFXZA) and TCL Mini-LED 5-Series Roku TV (2023 model, e.g., 55Q550G, assuming continuation of TCL’s 5-Series), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer compelling options in the mid-to-high-end segment. The Samsung QN90C delivers exceptional brightness and gaming features, while the TCL 5-Series provides solid performance at a budget-friendly price. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide, and TechRadar.com.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung Neo QLED QN90C

The Samsung QN90C (2023) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~900 zones for 65-inch). Powered by the Neural Quantum Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, gaming, and sports, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes.

TCL Mini-LED 5-Series Roku TV

The TCL 5-Series (2023, assumed Q550G-based) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, direct LED backlighting (not Mini-LED in this series, unlike higher-tier TCL models), and limited local dimming (~60 zones). Equipped with the AiPQ Engine and Roku TV, it’s tailored for budget-conscious buyers, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90C (based on RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~900 zones).
• Brightness: ~2,000 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~1,200 cd/m² (SDR), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~83,200:1 with dimming, ~1,674:1 native, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~91.13% DCI-P3, ~68.31% Rec.2020, vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Moderate (~35° with Ultra Viewing Angle), decent for small groups.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Neural Quantum Processor 4K, good (~6.3/10), effective for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~1.5% total reflections), anti-glare coating.
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series Roku TV (based on Q550G data, RTINGS.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, direct LED, limited local dimming (~60 zones).
• Brightness: ~500 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~400 cd/m² (SDR), suited for moderate lighting.
• Contrast: ~6,000:1 with dimming, ~4,000:1 native, decent blacks but noticeable blooming.
• Color Performance: ~85% DCI-P3, vibrant but less saturated colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG.
• Upscaling: AiPQ Engine, fair (~4.8/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The Samsung QN90C excels with significantly higher brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~500 cd/m²), better contrast (~83,200:1 vs. ~6,000:1), and ~900 dimming zones, delivering vibrant HDR visuals with minimal blooming, ideal for bright Kenyan living rooms. Its moderate viewing angles (~35°) are better than the TCL’s (~25°), and its upscaling (~6.3/10) enhances low-quality local broadcasts. The TCL 5-Series offers Dolby Vision for broader streaming compatibility but is limited by lower brightness, fewer dimming zones, and weaker upscaling (~4.8/10), making it less impactful for HDR and bright environments.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90C:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (144Hz on smaller sizes), 4K/120Hz via four HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~10.5ms (4K@60Hz), ~6.0ms (4K@120Hz), highly responsive.
• Features: VRR, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, ALLM, Gaming Hub.
• Game Mode: Fast response (~6.0ms 80% response time).
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz, no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), adequate for casual gaming.
• Features: ALLM, VRR (limited), no FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Basic response (~10.0ms 80% response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung QN90C is superior for gaming with a 120Hz (up to 144Hz) refresh rate, lower input lag (~10.5ms vs. ~15.0ms), four HDMI 2.1 ports, and full VRR support, making it ideal for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming. The TCL 5-Series’ 60Hz panel and HDMI 2.0 ports limit it to casual gaming, unsuitable for next-gen consoles.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90C: 4.2.2-channel speakers, 60W output, Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Plus, good (~7.5/10 score).
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos, adequate (~6.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The Samsung QN90C’s 60W 4.2.2-channel system delivers immersive audio with better soundstaging, outperforming the TCL 5-Series’ basic 20W setup. Both support Dolby Atmos, but a soundbar is recommended for cinematic experiences in Kenyan homes.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90C: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, four HDMI 2.1, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, SmartThings, solar-powered remote.
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series: Roku TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, three HDMI 2.0, one USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung QN90C’s Tizen OS is fluid with AirPlay, SmartThings, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, ideal for gaming and smart home integration. The TCL 5-Series’ Roku TV offers a user-friendly interface with extensive app access (>5,000 apps) and Chromecast, but its HDMI 2.0 ports and fewer connectivity options are less versatile.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90C: Slim (~1.1 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~23.7 kg, excellent reflections (~1.5%).
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series: Thicker (~3.0 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~20.5 kg, good reflections (~5.0%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung QN90C’s NeoSlim design is sleeker and better at handling reflections, ideal for wall-mounting in Kenyan homes. The TCL 5-Series is lighter but bulkier, with slightly weaker reflection handling.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2023 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 19, 2025, 7:36 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung Neo QLED QN90C Prices (based on RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide)

• 55-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 65-inch: $1,600–$1,800 ≈ KSh 208,000–234,000
• 75-inch: $2,000–$2,200 ≈ KSh 260,000–286,000

TCL Mini-LED 5-Series Prices (based on Q550G data, RTINGS.com)

• 55-inch: $400–$500 ≈ KSh 52,000–65,000
• 65-inch: $550–$650 ≈ KSh 71,500–84,500
• 75-inch: $750–$850 ≈ KSh 97,500–110,500

Verdict on Cost: The TCL 5-Series is significantly more affordable (~KSh 52,000–110,500 vs. ~KSh 156,000–286,000), offering excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung QN90C’s higher cost reflects its premium Mini-LED technology and gaming features.

Target Audience

• Samsung Neo QLED QN90C:
• Ideal For: Gamers, sports enthusiasts, and cinephiles in bright rooms. Its high brightness, gaming features, and sleek design suit premium Kenyan home setups.
• Use Case: Best for HDR movies, sports, and next-gen gaming.
• Budget: KSh 156,000–286,000, for buyers prioritizing performance.
• TCL Mini-LED 5-Series Roku TV:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious viewers and casual gamers in moderate lighting. Its affordability and Dolby Vision suit streaming-focused households.
• Use Case: Ideal for streaming, casual viewing, and budget HDR.
• Budget: KSh 52,000–110,500, for value-driven buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: Samsung Neo QLED QN90C

The Samsung Neo QLED QN90C is the superior choice for its exceptional brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~500 cd/m²), high contrast (~83,200:1 vs. ~6,000:1), and ~900 dimming zones, delivering stunning HDR visuals ideal for bright Kenyan living rooms. Its gaming prowess (120Hz, ~10.5ms input lag, four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR) and immersive 60W audio make it perfect for sports, movies, and next-gen gaming. However, its higher cost (~KSh 156,000–286,000) and lack of Dolby Vision are drawbacks.

The TCL Mini-LED 5-Series offers solid value with Dolby Vision, decent colors (~85% DCI-P3), and affordability (~KSh 52,000–110,500), suitable for casual streaming and viewing in moderate lighting. Its 60Hz panel, limited dimming zones, and weaker upscaling (~4.8/10) restrict its performance for HDR and gaming compared to the Samsung.

Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Neo QLED QN90C for premium HDR, gaming, and sports viewing in bright rooms, with a budget of KSh 156,000–286,000. Opt for the TCL Mini-LED 5-Series for budget-friendly streaming and casual viewing in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 52,000–110,500. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 19, 2025.

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