Samsung AU8000 Series 55-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV review with HDR and Alexa

Description

Dynamic Crystal Color and Picture Quality

The SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series is a TV that truly delivers on visual brilliance. Testing its Dynamic Crystal Color technology, I was blown away by how vibrant and lifelike the colors appeared. It genuinely felt as if millions of shades were dancing on the screen. Watching nature documentaries, for example, was a surreal experience; the greens of forests and blues of oceans seemed to pop off the display. The Crystal Processor 4K is another standout feature, as it ensures that even non-4K content looks sharp and detailed. I streamed some older shows that weren’t originally in 4K, and the upscaling made a noticeable difference in clarity.

During fast-paced action movies and sports games, the Motion Xcelerator feature reduced blur significantly. You can almost feel the adrenaline in every scene with its enhanced motion clarity. Whether you’re a movie lover, a gamer, or someone who just enjoys a great visual experience, this TV’s picture quality is undoubtedly a highlight.

Smart Features and Voice Assistants

One of the key benefits of this TV is how seamlessly it integrates smart technology. The built-in voice assistants—Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby—add a layer of convenience to daily use. I found myself controlling the TV almost entirely through voice commands, whether it was to change channels, adjust the volume, or search for specific shows. Being able to schedule recordings and auto-adjust gaming settings with just a few words is a game-changer.

The Tap View feature deserves a special mention. By simply tapping my phone on the TV, I was able to mirror my screen instantly. Whether it was showing photos to friends or streaming videos directly from my phone, this feature worked flawlessly. However, it’s worth noting that Tap View is only compatible with Samsung Galaxy devices running Android OS 8.1 or higher, which might be limiting for non-Samsung users.

Design and Build Quality

The sleek and slim design of this TV is a head-turner. With its AirSlim profile, it blends effortlessly into any living room setup. I mounted it on the wall, and it almost felt like a piece of art rather than just another electronic device. Aesthetically, it’s minimalistic and modern, with a focus on functionality. The black finish adds a touch of elegance, and the overall build quality feels sturdy despite the lightweight frame of just 35.7 pounds.

One small gripe here is the stand design. While the TV looks fantastic on a wall mount, the included stand isn’t as premium-feeling as one might expect for a product in this range. If you’re not planning to wall-mount, you may notice this minor shortcoming.

Gaming and Entertainment Experience

For gamers, the auto-adjust gaming settings are a blessing. The TV recognizes when a console is connected and optimizes settings for the best possible gaming experience. I tested it with a PlayStation, and the low input lag combined with the 4K UHD display made every frame look stunning. The responsiveness was excellent, and I didn’t notice any stuttering or screen tearing.

Streaming movies and TV shows is equally enjoyable. With HDR support, even darker scenes are filled with vivid detail. Streaming newer films on platforms like Netflix or Disney+ showcased the high dynamic range capabilities really well. However, for older content without HDR, the difference in quality is less pronounced.

Good Points

• Dynamic Crystal Color technology offers an incredibly vibrant viewing experience.
• Crystal Processor 4K ensures all content looks sharp and detailed.
• Built-in voice assistants make controlling the TV effortless.
• Tap View and PC on TV features add versatility.
• Slim and modern design fits seamlessly into any room.

Critiques

• Stand design could feel more premium for this price range.
• Tap View compatibility is limited to certain Samsung devices.
• Older content without HDR may not fully utilize the TV’s potential.

Market Rivals

Comparing the AU8000 Series to other models like LG’s NanoCell TVs or Sony’s Bravia line is interesting. The Sony Bravia TVs, for example, excel in motion handling and sound quality, but they lack the affordability of this Samsung model. On the other hand, LG’s NanoCell TVs have competitive color accuracy but don’t always match the AU8000’s 4K upscaling capabilities.

One area where the AU8000 Series stands out is its smart features integration. While LG and Sony also offer voice assistant support, Samsung’s Tap View and PC on TV options provide unique functionality. For gamers, the Motion Xcelerator technology also offers a smoother experience compared to many competitors in this range.

Price Performance

From a price-to-quality ratio, this TV feels like a solid investment. While it doesn’t offer the advanced OLED or QLED technology of higher-end models, its features are impressive for a more affordable product. The cost-efficiency is evident when you consider the 4K UHD upscaling, smart features, and vibrant display quality.

If you’re someone looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed TV, this model strikes a good balance. It’s not the most premium option out there, but for an everyday user who values entertainment and smart integrations, it certainly delivers true value.

Additional information