Yes, Samsung does have a good reputation. They make quality televisions, and have recently purchased a majority stake in Sony's S-LCD production. Both companies have supplied each other, and numerous other manufacturers with LCD panels for years. The two giants have been far more intertwined than either would let on for a long time.
Aside from very small differences ( Samsung has 3 HDMI, Sony has 4, ETC) Im being 100% serious when i say, it really does come down to the menu, and design of the sets. Once again, on a personal note, i've been biased to Sony displays for a long time. If you are truly interested in the Smart TV features, give the Samsung a try, you'll be pleasantly surprised!