In early 2026, both the Samsung S90D and LG C4 OLED are selling at significant discounts as retailers clear 2024 inventory. You can find 65" models of both for $800-1,000 — prices that were unthinkable when these TVs launched. This comparison is about value hunting, not cutting-edge tech.
LG C4 OLED 65"
At equivalent clearance prices, the LG C4 edges ahead for pure picture quality; the S90D wins if you're in the Samsung ecosystem.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Samsung S90D 65" | LG C4 OLED 65" |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | QD-OLED (2024) | OLED evo (2024) |
| Peak HDR Brightness | ~1,350 nits | ~1,000 nits |
| Native Contrast | Infinite | Infinite |
| Max Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz |
| Smart OS | Tizen 7 | webOS 24 |
| Typical Clearance Price | ~$850-950 | ~$800-900 |
What You're Getting With Carryover Stock
Both the S90D and C4 are genuine 2024-generation TVs — not outdated technology. The S90D uses Samsung's 2024 QD-OLED panel with peak brightness around 1,300-1,400 nits. The C4 uses LG's 2024 OLED evo panel at around 1,000 nits peak.
Neither TV has 2026-generation processing, but both still outperform most mid-range TVs selling at full price today. You're getting premium technology at budget prices.
The main risk with carryover stock is software support — Samsung and LG typically support TVs for four to five years from launch, so 2024-gen TVs have plenty of years left.
Picture Quality Comparison
The S90D's QD-OLED panel has a brightness and color volume advantage — around 1,300 nits peak versus the C4's ~1,000 nits. In a bright room, the S90D looks more vibrant on HDR highlights.
The C4's OLED evo panel has excellent calibration accuracy and clean dark scene performance. At discount prices around $800-900, it's extraordinary value for OLED quality.
For dark room viewing, the C4 is marginally preferable due to OLED's per-pixel precision. For bright rooms, the S90D wins on brightness.
Smart Features and Ecosystem
LG's C4 runs webOS 24, which is one version behind 2026's webOS 25 but still fast and well-supported. App availability is excellent.
Samsung's S90D runs Tizen 7. If you use SmartThings or Samsung Galaxy devices, the integration is smooth and genuinely useful.
Neither smart platform is a dealbreaker — both support all major streaming services and will receive firmware updates for several more years.
The Carryover Buyer's Checklist
Before buying either TV as carryover stock, verify the retailer has new sealed units rather than open box or display models. Open box pricing can look attractive but display units accumulate hours and panel stress.
Check the manufacturing date on the box — ideally you want units manufactured in 2024 or early 2025, not units sitting in a warehouse since 2023.
Both TVs will serve you well for five or more years. Carryover buying is smart when the price delta from current-gen is $300 or more — which is typically the case for these models in 2026.
Samsung S90D 65" Strengths
- QD-OLED brightness advantage (~1,300-1,400 nits peak)
- Samsung SmartThings ecosystem integration
- 4K/144Hz gaming with full HDMI 2.1 support
- Better performance in bright rooms
LG C4 OLED 65" Strengths
- OLED evo panel with accurate calibration
- Often available at slightly lower clearance prices
- webOS 24 is fast and polished
- Better dark room picture quality with OLED precision
Samsung S90D 65" Weaknesses
- Tizen 7 is a generation behind current Samsung software
- Clearance pricing varies significantly by retailer
- Some report panel uniformity concerns with 2024 QD-OLED
LG C4 OLED 65" Weaknesses
- Lower peak brightness than S90D
- webOS 24 — one version behind current LG smart platform
- 2024-gen tech that'll feel dated sooner than current models
Best For
- a: Samsung ecosystem buyers and bright-room viewers hunting carryover deals
- b: Dark room viewers and pure OLED quality seekers at the best possible price
FAQ
Is it risky to buy carryover TV stock in 2026?
Not really. Both the S90D and C4 will receive software support for several more years. The bigger risk is that HDMI standards don't change (they haven't) and 4K content is still the standard. The tech holds up fine.
Where do you find these clearance deals?
Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's often have the best clearance pricing. B&H and Adorama move display stock regularly. Major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart have clearance sections online — worth checking with price alerts.