Hands-On Review: Samsung’s Latest 4K TV
Samsung’s latest 4K TV, the AU8000, promises impressive visuals and innovative features at an affordable price. But does it deliver? In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into the TV’s performance, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your viewing needs.
Design and Build
The Samsung AU8000 boasts a sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any living room. The TV’s slim profile and narrow bezels create an immersive viewing experience, drawing your attention to the stunning 4K display. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy base and adjustable legs providing stability.
Display Quality
The AU8000’s 4K VA panel delivers impressive color accuracy and contrast. The TV’s 3840 x 2160 resolution provides crisp, detailed images, making it ideal for watching movies, sports, and TV shows. However, the panel’s slow response time can cause motion blur, particularly during fast-paced content.
Smart Interface
Samsung’s 2021 Tizen OS simplifies navigation, offering intuitive access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The interface is responsive, with minimal lag when switching between apps.
*Gaming Performance
The AU8000’s low input lag (around 10ms) provides a responsive gaming experience, making it suitable for casual gamers. However, the lack of variable refresh rate (VRR) and HDMI 2.1 support may disappoint serious gamers seeking smoother performance.
HDR Support
The TV supports HDR10+, offering enhanced color and contrast. However, the lack of local dimming and limited brightness (peak brightness around 400 nits) diminishes the HDR experience.
Sound Quality
The AU8000’s built-in speakers deliver decent sound, with clear dialogue and respectable bass. However, for an immersive audio experience, consider investing in a separate soundbar or home theater system.
Connectivity
The TV features four HDMI ports, including one HDMI ARC port, two USB ports, and Ethernet connectivity. Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Great reflection handling
– Low input lag
– Upscales lower-resolution content without issues
– Affordable price point
Cons:
– Slow response time
– Narrow viewing angle
– Lacks local dimming feature
– Isn’t very bright in SDR or HDR
– No VRR or HDMI 2.1 support
Usage Scenarios
– TV Shows and Sports: Decent, thanks to great reflection handling and low input lag
– HDR Movies: Okay, with vibrant colors but lacking brightness and local dimming
– Gaming: Decent, with low input lag but slow response time and no VRR support
– PC Monitor: Decent, with low input lag and great reflection handling, but narrow viewing angle
Comparison to Other Models
The Samsung AU8000 competes with other budget-friendly 4K TVs, such as:
– TCL 5 Series
– Vizio P-Series
– LG UN7300
Conclusion
The Samsung AU8000 offers impressive display quality, low input lag, and an intuitive smart interface. However, its slow response time, narrow viewing angle, and limited HDR capabilities may disappoint some viewers.
Recommendation
If you:
– Prioritize budget-friendly options
– Value great reflection handling
– Don’t require advanced gaming features
Then the Samsung AU8000 is a solid choice.
However, if you:
– Need faster response time
– Require wider viewing angles
– Want advanced gaming features
Consider alternative options, such as the Samsung Q80R or LG C9.
Rating: 3.5/5
Price: Around $800 (65-inch model)
Final Thoughts
The Samsung AU8000 is a capable 4K TV for casual viewers, offering impressive display quality and innovative features at an affordable price.
While it has some limitations, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly TV without compromising on picture quality.
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