The LG CX OLED versus the Samsung Q90T QLED is the best way to understand the current TV alphabet soup. On the one hand, the LG CX is the best TV we tested this year, but Samsung's quantum dot screen technology impressed us time and again.

The LG CX OLED and Samsung Q90T QLED are moderately priced at $2,499 and $2,699 for the 65-inch models, respectively.

Both of these sets are reasonably good in their own right, but have their own advantages when it comes to design, smart features, gaming, and most importantly, picture quality. Despite their close branding, OLED and QLED panels perform differently. This LG CX OLED vs. Samsung Q90T QLED showdown reveals which is the clear winner (and which one to get in the Black Friday TV sales). Neither set is cheap, and both are priced at $1,799 for the 55-inch version, but the LG has a soft starting price of $1,499 for the smallest screen. [The LG CX OLED comes in 48", 55", 65", and 77", while the Samsung Q90T QLED comes in 55", 65", 75", and 85"; if you're sure you want a set under 50" or over 80", you're limited to one of the brands. If you're unsure, our guide to which size TV to buy can help.

The LG CX OLED and Samsung Q90T QLED are both high-end TVs with a sleek look. When it comes to universal, modern TV aesthetics, the CX and Q90T are the finest.

LG and Samsung use a single central stand rather than attaching legs to each end of the TV; the Q90T has a smooth curve, while the CX is wedge-shaped to optimize audio output.

The most obvious design difference between the LG CX OLED and the Samsung Q90T QLED is the OLED's incredibly thin panel. This is a hallmark of OLED TVs, and it is breathtakingly beautiful in person. The only drawback is that the CX cannot be flush wall-mounted because the housing components protrude out the back. If you plan to wall-mount your new TV, you might prefer the Samsung Q90T QLED's wall-mount design.

However, for top-notch models like the LG CX OLED and Samsung Q90T QLED (both of which use various upscaling technologies to deliver a crisp image), it is important to start by breaking down the differences between OLED and QLED panels.

OLED panels emit light on a pixel-by-pixel basis, so power is only sent to the pixels that need it at that point. The result is realistic, deep blacks in the truly black areas of the image; the LG CX OLED can achieve amazing contrast because there is no light leakage from the backlight.

Sounds great, right? But not necessarily; brightness tends to be compromised with OLED panels. If you prefer the brightest, most vivid images, QLED (Q stands for Quantum dot) is the technology for you. The backlight produces an ultra-colorful image that holds up well even when there is no angle or natural light in the room; with QLEDs, you may experience inconsistencies such as vignetting and blooming, but at least you are safe from the dreaded (yet rare) burn-in of OLEDs.

One thing to note is that the Samsung Q90T QLED does not support Dolby Vision content like the LG CX OLED. If you have never cared about Dolby Vision, this will not be a concern. But fans of the cinematic TV format will notice its absence.

Samsung has upped its set's audio game this year, but is it enough to challenge LG's top-notch sound capabilities? For one thing, both sets now feature automatic sound adjustment to match the sound in the room. Samsung TVs can also turn up the volume when they detect a nearby commotion.

Samsung has also introduced a clever audio feature called "object tracking sound" in its latest TVs. In response to the content on the screen, the TVs utilize upward and downward facing speakers to provide a more immersive soundscape. It is effective when heard in person.

However, object tracking sound is not for everyone. In fact, LG's preset sound modes should be better in terms of suiting the material. Despite the lack of space for traditional speakers, the LG CX OLED's blend of tuning and modes produces a balanced sound regardless of space or content.

However, this is an area of personal preference. You can also combine your new TV with the best soundbar.

The LG CX OLED and Samsung Q90T QLED use their own interfaces instead of implementing third-party smart TV platforms like Roku TV or Android TV.

Samsung Tizen and LG WebOS are capable of accessing favorite streaming services, such as watching Disney Plus with the family, Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, or cutting the cord on Sling TV. Sling TV is a capable smart TV platform that lets you access your favorite streaming services. Each OS also has a number of freely available music channels.

Last year, Samsung was lacking in this category thanks to Bixby. This year, fortunately, Samsung TVs also work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant; Bixby isn't terrible, but it falls short compared to the ubiquity of the two most popular smart home assistants.

LG has its own voice assistant for content search and TV operation, but also supports Alexa and Google Assistant for smart home operation. Support for these assistants allows the set to be integrated into smart home systems and smart home routines. If you are a smart home expert, you can't go wrong with either TV.

If you are not interested in gaming, you can skip ahead to the final results, but we thought you might be interested to know whether the LG CX OLED or the Samsung Q90T QLED would work better with the new Xbox Series X or PS5. Now that the next generation consoles are here, we want to pair them with TVs that show gorgeous graphics. And of course, something with a fast response time.

The Samsung Q90T QLED does not have an array of HDMI 2.1 inputs like the LG CX OLED, but it has 4K 120Hz gaming, variable refresh rates, and an automatic low latency gaming mode that limits input lag, which should make for a very responsive experience. It also supports AMD FreeSync, but not Nvidia G-Sync.

On the other hand, the CX OLED's four HDMI 2.1 inputs can accommodate any peripherals you plan to connect. It also has all the same features as the Q90T and supports G-Sync in addition to FreeSync. This is not a deal-breaker for a new gaming console, but it is important for PC gamers.

If you have to choose between the LG CX OLED versus the Samsung Q90T QLED, you are in a great position. Both sets are the best you can find right now and will feel like a significant upgrade over what you have. Whether it's the look, the sound, or the gaming capabilities, you won't be disappointed.

But if you want to recreate the cinema experience at home, get the LG CX OLED; the jet black of the OLED is unrivaled and will make your future movie viewing experience a memorable one. Not to mention, it is the only one of the two sets to support Dolby Vision.

Nevertheless, if you don't mind ditching Dolby Vision and plan to place the TV in a room with lots of natural light, the Samsung Q90T QLED is a better choice. Its even picture and excellent brightness will hold up at any time of day. Yes, even if you opt for a larger 85-inch screen.