The Haier S90 series is making waves in the home entertainment market, and after spending time with the 55-inch model, it's easy to see why. This television packs an impressive array of premium features into a surprisingly affordable package.
Specifications
The Haier S90 is priced at £549.99, with the test unit's price described as an offer via Haier directly. The 55-inch model features a 4K QLED Full Array (D-LED) panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, delivering Ultra HD visuals. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate, with 240Hz DLG support for gaming, and runs on Fire OS 8 with built-in Fire TV and Freely. HDR is handled through HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ, while audio comes from a 2.1-channel system by KEF with Dolby Atmos support. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, four HDMI 2.1 ports (including eARC) and one USB 3.0 port.
Design and Setup
Out of the box, the Haier S90 looks like a flagship model, with a slim profile and near edge-to-edge glass that would suit any modern living room. Despite the advanced technology inside, setup is exceptionally straightforward. The physical assembly is simple, and the Fire TV onboarding process gets you connected to Wi-Fi and streaming in minutes.
The TV also comes with built-in Freely, a different version of Freeview. However, the review used this alongside Sky Q, so it's not possible to say whether Freely is good, bad or indifferent at this stage.
Picture Quality
The QLED Full Array panel is the star of the show. According to the review, this television delivers the sharpest picture quality you'll find without spending thousands of pounds. Precise backlight control and quantum dot technology produce deep blacks and vibrant colours, creating a realistic and immersive viewing experience.
While standard settings offer excellent colour accuracy, exploring the picture modes reveals the panel's brightness capabilities. The "vivid" colour option makes 4K TV shows stand out, with HDR content popping with rich depth and incredible brightness.
Audio Performance
Audio is often the weak point of modern flat screens, but Haier has partnered with KEF to build a 2.1-channel system directly into the S90, complete with Dolby Atmos support. The result is great speakers for the price, although they lack punchiness in the low-end bass during heavy action sequences. For everyday viewing and casual gaming, the built-in sound is clear and spacious, though home theatre enthusiasts might still want to add an external subwoofer.
The Verdict
Finding a TV that balances high-end gaming specs, top-tier smart home integration, and stunning QLED visuals is rare at this price point. The Haier 55-inch S90 offers excellent value for money, making it an easy recommendation for anyone looking to maximise their budget without compromising on quality. In fact, the review declares it "the pound-for-pound best TV on the market, bar none."
