Samsung DU8000 QLED TV Review: Is Tizen OS Worth It for Your Home Entertainment?

mufcroberts

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First Impressions​

The Samsung UN65DU8000FXZA looks good for an entry-level model. It's a thin TV with slim bezels on three sides and a slightly thicker one on the bottom. Overall, it looks premium.
The back of the TV is identical to theSamsung CU8000. Its made entirely out of plastic and has etched horizontal lines. There are two ports that directly face the back and a cutout where youll find the rest of the inputs, so these can be hard to reach if you have the TV wall mounted. The TV has channels on the back and comes with a clip that can be attached to either foot forcable management.
The Samsung DU8000 has mediocre build quality. Its made entirely of plastic, and theres some wobble from front to back, but the TV recovers quickly. Theres also some flex on the back of the TV that increases near the VESA mounting points, but this doesnt cause any issues. However, theres a large gap between the area where thescreen meets the border. We dont know if this is isolated to our unit, but it's concerning.

Introduce​

Parameter
Samsung DU8000​
Picture​
SamsungDU8000.jpg
Reference Price​
$497.99​
Model Year​
2024​
Specific Uses​
Home entertainment, gaming, and high-quality content viewing​
Built-In Media​
User Manual, Power Cable, Remote​
Highlight
Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 4K
HDR Support: Yes
Processor: Samsung Crystal Processor 4K
Color Depth: Over a billion shades
Contrast Technology: Mega Contrast
Motion Technology: Motion Xcelerator
Sound Technology: Object Tracking Sound Lite
Operating System: Samsung Tizen OS
Smart Features: Gaming Hub, streaming apps, voice assistant compatibility (Google Assistant, Alexa)
Design: Sleek and minimalist

System​

Parameter
Samsung DU8000​
Operating System​
Tizen​
Internet Applications​
Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, Alexa, hulu, Google Assistant, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, Web Browser​
Remote Control​
Bluetooth​
Controller Type​
Remote Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
System Experience
Overall Impression: The TV provides a user-friendly experience with the latest Tizen OS, offering essential functionalities like Multi View and a wide range of streaming apps. While it lacks some premium features found in higher-end models, its performance remains fast and intuitive. However, the presence of ads on the home screen may be a drawback for some users. Overall, it delivers solid value for those seeking a straightforward smart TV experience.

Display​

Parameter
Samsung DU8000​
Aspect Ratio​
16:9​
Display Technology​
UHD​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
60 Hz​
HDR Format​
HDR10/Hybrid Log Gamma​
Backlight Technology​
LED​
Backlight Setting​
UHD Dimming​
Backlight Configuration​
Direct-Lit​
Picture Enhancement​
Crystal Processor 4K​
Motion Enhancement​
Motion Xcelerator​
Viewing Experience
The Samsung DU8000 is a budget-friendly TV that offers decent performance but has notable limitations. Its native contrast is good, though the absence of a local dimming feature results in a lack of depth in bright scenes, leading to raised blacks during bright highlights. While it avoids blooming issues, it cannot enhance brightness without affecting overall image quality. The color gamut is satisfactory, with good coverage of the DCI-P3 space, but some colors are undersaturated or inaccurately displayed. The gray uniformity is decent, though some dirty screen effects are evident, and while black uniformity is impressive, cloudiness can occur with bright highlights. The viewing angle is sub-par, with significant color shifting and brightness loss off-center, making it less suitable for wide seating arrangements. Reflection handling is decent for indirect light, but direct light sources produce noticeable reflections. Additionally, its BGR subpixel layout may impact text clarity for PC use. Overall, the Samsung DU8000 is a solid option for casual viewing, but its limitations in contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles may not satisfy more discerning users.

Audio​

Parameter
Samsung DU8000​
Audio Channels​
2.0​
Audio Output​
Stereo, Object Tracking Sound Lite, Adaptive Sound​
Audio Input​
HDMI
Speaker Description​
2CH​
Audio Experience
Overall Impression: The TV offers a well-balanced sound profile at moderate volume levels, making it suitable for quiet environments. However, its frequency response and distortion performance are mediocre, with noticeable degradation in sound quality as the volume increases. The lack of bass further limits its audio performance, making it less ideal for those who prefer a more dynamic sound experience.

Features​

Parameter
Samsung DU8000​
Video Encoding​
HDR​
Compatible Devices​
Smartphone​
Tuner Type​
ATSC/Clear QAM​
D x W x H​
9"D x 48.5"W x 29.4"H​
Mount Standard​
200 x 200 mm​
Power Consumption​
13.69 Watts​
Other Features​
AirSlim; 4K Upscaling; Motion Xcelerator; Dynamic Crystal Color, HDR10+; Motion Xcelerator; Contrast Enhancer; Filmmaker Mode​
Motion Smoothing
Overall Impression:

The Samsung DU8000 TV exhibits a mixed performance, particularly in handling low-quality content. While it excels in detail preservation and has a good response time for fast motion, its low-quality content smoothing falls short, lacking effective artifact removal and resulting in visible blur during rapid movements. Dark scene transitions are slow, leading to black smearing, which detracts from the viewing experience. The use of pulse-width modulation for backlight dimming introduces flicker, which can affect sensitive viewers, with varying flicker rates across different picture modes. Although it offers motion interpolation that improves slower scenes, it struggles significantly with faster scenes, leading to noticeable artifacts and a screen-tearing effect. Overall, while the TV has some strong points, its performance in key areas leaves room for improvement.

Connectivity​

Parameter
Samsung DU8000​
Connectivity Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi​
Bluetooth Version​
5.2​
Screen Mirroring​
Wireless TV On, Tap View, Apple Airplay​
Wireless Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
2​
USB2.0 Ports​
2​
HDMI Ports​
3​
Connector Type​
USB, HDMI
Sharing Direction​
Mobile to TV​
Connecting TV
The Samsung DU8000 TV offers a solid gaming experience with its incredibly low input lag when using Game Mode, making it suitable for competitive gaming. The Auto Low Latency Mode enhances convenience by automatically switching to Game Mode when a game console is detected. However, it does have limitations, such as the inability to properly display 1440p at 60Hz in Game Mode, which results in increased input lag when set to Movie mode. While the 85-inch variant supports 4K at 120Hz and includes HDMI 2.1 on select ports, the overall model is restricted to HDMI 2.0 bandwidth. Additionally, while it features eARC support for high-quality audio transmission, the lack of DTS format support may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the TV is designed with gamers in mind, but it does come with certain compromises regarding resolution and audio formats.

User Feedback​

Pros
• Stunning picture quality with vibrant colors and deep contrasts (4K Crystal UHD and HDR)
• Immersive audio experience with Object Tracking Sound (OTS)
• Intuitive smart features and easy access to popular streaming services
• Built-in voice control for effortless navigation
• Sleek and slim design that fits well in any room
• Great value for a 4K experience
• Rechargeable remote with solar panel and built-in microphone for voice commands

Cons
• Remote feels basic compared to higher-end models
• Requires multiple people for unpacking and setup due to weight
• Initial brightness settings may need adjustment

Overall Impression
The SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000 Series Smart TV delivers exceptional performance in both picture and sound quality, making it a standout choice for those seeking an immersive viewing experience. With its user-friendly smart features and impressive audio capabilities, this TV offers great value for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system. While the remote could be more advanced, it still serves its purpose effectively. Overall, highly recommended for budget-conscious consumers seeking high-quality 4K entertainment.
 
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