Samsung AU8000 Review: Is This Budget UHD TV Worth Your Money?

KeyGood5298

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First Impressions​

The TV has a surprisingly premium design for an entry-level model. It comes with new feet compared to 2020'sSamsung TU8000, and they sit flat against the table. It has thin bezels all around and looks nice in any setup.
The back of the TV has similar etched horizontal lines as other Samsung TVs. It doesnt offer much in terms ofcable management, but you can run cables through the clips in the feet and the tracks in the back panel. The ports all face to the side, but because theyre placed inside a cutout on the back, they're nearly impossible to access when the TV is wall-mounted, so a mounting arm that pulls out from the wall is recommended.
This TV has decent build quality. Its made entirely of sturdy plastic, and everything is well-built with no significant issues. The back panel flexes a lot near the center and inputs, which is noticeable when plugging in HDMI cables, but this is common and wont cause any issues.

Introduce​

Parameter
Samsung AU8000​
Picture​
SamsungAU8000.jpg
Reference Price​
Model Year​
2021​
Built-In Media​
User Manual, E - Manual, OneRemote TM2180E with batteries, Power Cable​
Highlight
Display Size: 50 inches
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 (4K UHD)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Processor: Samsung Crystal Processor 4K
Operating System: Tizen OS
Streaming Services Supported: Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video
Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant compatible
HDMI Ports: 3
USB Ports: 2 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth: 4.2
Design: Ultra-thin AirSlim profile
Viewing Angle: 178 degrees

System​

Parameter
Samsung AU8000​
Operating System​
Tizen​
Internet Applications​
Apple TV+, Disney+, Google Play Movies & TV, Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, Sling TV, YouTube​
Remote Control​
Voice control​
Controller Type​
Remote Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
System Experience
The Samsung AU8000 delivers a user-friendly experience with its upgraded Tizen interface, making menu navigation smooth and intuitive. It boasts a strong selection of apps, including all major streaming services, ensuring access to a wide range of content. However, it does fall short in features compared to higher-end models, lacking options like MultiView. Additionally, the presence of ads on the home page and app store may detract from the overall experience for some users.

Display​

Parameter
Samsung AU8000​
Aspect Ratio​
16:9​
Display Technology​
LED​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
60 Hz​
HDR Format​
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG​
Backlight Configuration​
Edge-Lit​
Picture Enhancement​
HDR Compatible​
Motion Enhancement​
Motion Rate 120​
Viewing Experience
Overall Impression:

The Samsung AU8000 TV presents a mixed performance that may not fully satisfy viewers seeking deep contrasts and vibrant colors. While it offers decent HDR color gamut coverage, producing vibrant colors in many scenarios, it falls short in contrast due to the absence of a local dimming feature, resulting in washed-out blacks and a lack of depth in dark scenes. The gray uniformity is only decent, with some distracting patchiness, while black uniformity is notably good yet marred by cloudiness. The narrow viewing angle limits its versatility in wider seating arrangements, though its reflection handling is commendable. Additionally, the panel's subpixel layout may detract from text clarity when used as a PC monitor. Overall, this TV is best suited for viewers in darker rooms who prioritize color vibrancy over contrast performance.

Audio​

Parameter
Samsung AU8000​
Audio Channels​
2​
Audio Output​
Digital​
Audio Input​
HDMI
Speaker Description​
Sound Output (RMS) : 20W, Speaker Type : 2CH​
Audio Experience
Overall Impression: The product has a mediocre frequency response, lacking in bass and exhibiting compression artifacts at maximum volume. It performs better at moderate listening levels, where distortion is less noticeable, but overall sound quality remains subpar, particularly at higher volumes.

Features​

Parameter
Samsung AU8000​
Compatible Devices​
Laptop, Gaming Console, Desktop, Car Audio System, Tablet, Cellphone, Smart Speaker, Smart Watch​
Tuner Type​
ATSC​
D x W x H​
8.9"D x 44"W x 27"H​
Mount Standard​
200 x 200 mm​
Voltage​
120 Volts​
Line Voltage​
Unknown​
Other Features​
Dynamic Crystal Color, HDR, Crystal Processor 4K, Smart TV with Multiple Voice Assistants​
Motion Smoothing
The Samsung AU8000 TV presents a mixed overall impression. While it manages to preserve details well, its low-quality content smoothing is inadequate, leaving artifacts visible in dark scenes. The response time is only average, leading to noticeable black smearing and motion blur, particularly during transitions in darker environments. Additionally, the use of pulse width modulation for backlight dimming introduces flicker that may cause discomfort for viewers, although certain settings can mitigate this issue. The TV's interpolation capabilities offer some enhancement for 30fps content, but the inconsistent performance during busy scenes can be distracting. Overall, the Samsung AU8000 struggles with motion clarity and viewer comfort, making it less favorable for those sensitive to flicker or seeking a smooth viewing experience.

Connectivity​

Parameter
Samsung AU8000​
Connectivity Technology​
wired, wireless​
Bluetooth Version​
4.2​
Screen Mirroring​
Miracast​
Wireless Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
2​
USB2.0 Ports​
2​
HDMI Ports​
3​
Connector Type​
USB, HDMI
Signal Format​
Digital​
Sharing Direction​
TV to Mobile​
Hardware Interface​
Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Connecting TV
Overall, the Samsung AU8000 TV offers a strong performance for casual gamers, particularly with its low input lag, especially when Game Mode is activated. While it is limited to 4K gaming at 60fps due to its 60Hz refresh rate, the Auto Low Latency Mode enhances the gaming experience by automatically optimizing settings. The inclusion of eARC support allows for the transmission of high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize audio alongside gaming. However, it is important to note the limitations in advanced DTS support and the absence of HDMI 2.1 bandwidth inputs. Overall, the TV presents a balanced package for both gaming and audio enjoyment.

User Feedback​

Pros:
• Superb picture quality with excellent color and clarity after adjustments
• Effective performance on broadcast streaming channels
• Adjustable settings allow for a customized viewing experience
• Good value for the price, especially when optimized
• Minimal backlighting bleed with proper settings

Cons:
• Some dark scenes may lack brightness without adjustments
• Dynamic setting compromises detail for brightness
• Backlighting bleed noticeable in corners at maximum brightness
• Requires manual adjustments for optimal performance

Overall Impression:
The 43" Samsung AU8000 offers impressive picture quality, particularly when settings are fine-tuned. While it may require some initial adjustments to enhance dark scenes and reduce backlighting issues, the overall value and performance make it a strong choice for consumers looking for a quality TV at a reasonable price. Highly recommended, especially for those willing to experiment with the settings.
 
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