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

Description

A Sleek TV with Stunning Features – Samsung UN55AU8000FXZA Review

Testing the Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series has been an enlightening experience. This television immediately stands out with its Dynamic Crystal Color technology, delivering exceptionally vivid and vibrant visuals. As someone who loves binge-watching movies and diving into gaming sessions, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by its performance. That said, there are a few quirks worth noting.

Design and Build Quality

The sleek and slim design of this TV is an absolute winner. Its ultra-thin AirSlim profile ensures that it seamlessly blends into any living space without looking bulky or out of place. I mounted it on the wall in my living room, and it practically disappeared into the decor. Even the black finish gives it a modern, minimalist aesthetic that feels premium. While setting it up, I appreciated how lightweight it felt for its size—just around 35.7 pounds—which made the whole process much easier than I anticipated.

However, the plastic stand included with the TV felt a bit flimsy. If you’re planning to use the stand instead of wall mounting, this might be something to consider. It’s stable enough, but it doesn’t inspire much confidence if bumped accidentally.

Picture Quality: A Feast for the Eyes

From the moment I turned it on, the Dynamic Crystal Color technology had me hooked. The colors are rich and lifelike, making every scene pop with millions of shades that feel incredibly immersive. Watching nature documentaries on this screen is a joy, as every leaf and ripple in water appears crisp and detailed. The Crystal Processor 4K does an excellent job of upscaling content to near 4K quality, even with older shows or videos that aren’t originally in ultra-high-definition.

The HDR (High Dynamic Range) support further enhances the viewing experience by boosting brightness and contrast levels. In darker scenes, the details remain sharp, which is a game-changer for anyone into cinematic storytelling. However, I noticed that the HDR doesn’t always perform as well in extremely bright rooms. A bit of glare can creep in, making some scenes less impactful.

Performance for Gamers and Sports Fans

If you’re into fast-paced action, the Motion Xcelerator feature is a game-changer. I tested it by streaming live sports and playing a few high-speed games, and the minimized blur was genuinely impressive. Even during the most chaotic moments, everything stayed sharp and fluid. It’s not quite on par with TVs specifically designed for gaming, but for casual gamers like me, it’s more than sufficient.

The three HDMI ports are a significant plus for those with multiple devices. I connected a gaming console, a streaming device, and a sound system without any hassle. However, I wish there was an additional port for even more flexibility.

Smart Features and Voice Assistants

Navigating the Smart TV interface has been a breeze. The TV comes with built-in voice assistants—I primarily used Alexa, but it also supports other options like Google Assistant. Using voice commands to change channels or search for content felt intuitive and saved so much time compared to traditional remotes. The inclusion of Tap View, which allows you to mirror your smartphone with just a tap, was a fun feature to experiment with. It worked flawlessly with my Samsung Galaxy device, though I’ve read that compatibility might vary with other brands.

There’s also a PC on TV mode, which I tried out for remote work. Connecting my laptop was seamless, and the display was large enough to multitask effortlessly. It’s an excellent feature for anyone working from home or conducting presentations.

Key Benefits

• Dynamic Crystal Color for vibrant and lifelike visuals.
• Crystal Processor 4K ensures excellent upscaling and clarity.
• Motion Xcelerator minimizes motion blur for smooth action scenes.
• Built-in voice assistants make navigation effortless.
• Ultra-thin AirSlim design adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Limitations

• HDR performance could be better in very bright conditions.
• The plastic stand feels less stable than expected.
• Lacks an additional HDMI port for users with multiple devices.

Product Rivals

Comparing this model to others in the market, I found it holds its ground quite well. For instance, LG’s NanoCell series offers slightly better color accuracy, but it falls short on motion handling compared to the Motion Xcelerator feature here. Meanwhile, Sony’s mid-range 4K TVs have better HDR implementation, but they also come at a steeper price point.

If you’re looking for sheer value, TCL’s Roku TVs are formidable competitors, especially for budget-conscious buyers. However, they don’t quite match the sleek design or the sophistication of Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K. The overall feature set of this TV makes it a balanced choice for both casual viewers and tech enthusiasts.

True Value

From my perspective, this TV strikes a solid price-to-quality ratio. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the combination of 4K upscaling, dynamic colors, and smart features justifies the investment. The inclusion of multiple voice assistants and productivity tools adds to its versatility, making it more than just a TV—it’s a multi-functional hub for entertainment and work.

While there are areas for improvement, particularly with the stand and HDR handling in bright environments, the overall experience feels premium. For anyone seeking a stylish and feature-packed television, this model undoubtedly delivers.

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