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The Samsung TU690T 50" Crystal UHD 4K HDR Tizen Smart TV has entered a crowded market, but does it really elevate the viewing experience, or is it just another face in the lineup? With its promise of stunning picture quality and smart features, it’s easy to get swept up in the marketing. However, let’s take a closer look—can this TV truly deliver on its promises, or is it just a shiny facade masking deeper issues? In this review, we’ll break down the performance, usability, and overall value of this model, questioning whether it stands out in an age where consumers have endless options. Stay tuned as we unpack the reality behind the specs and see if this screen is worth your investment.
There are definitely some standout features I appreciated. The picture quality turned out to be excellent after my adjustments, and the sound was more than sufficient for my viewing experience. Pairing Bluetooth devices was straightforward, making it easy to adapt the TV to my personal setup. Plus, the interface was user-friendly, allowing me to navigate with ease once I was up and running.
Cons:
On the downside, the initial setup was less than ideal. The SmartHub update error was frustrating, and I found the requirement to use Samsung's app rather intrusive. I can see how someone less tech-savvy might feel overwhelmed by the smart features. Additionally, the lack of proper screws for mounting was a real letdown and made me question the attention to detail in the design.
Overall Evaluation:
In summary, despite the rocky start, I ended up enjoying the TV quite a bit. I think my decision to skip the SmartHub setup was crucial in preventing a larger headache. Once I had everything hooked up with my Roku, I felt like I was getting the full potential out of the TV. While there are a few things Samsung could improve, I’m overall happy with my purchase and look forward to many cozy nights in front of this screen.
Spec
| Parameter | SAMSUNG UN50TU690TF TV |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Screen Size | 50 Inches |
Reference Price | |
Model Year | 2022 |
Specific Uses | Indoor home entertainment, Smart home integration with Amazon Alexa and AirPlay 2 |
Built-In Media | Stand, TV |
Highlight | |
Operating System | Tizen |
Internet Applications | Netflix, Hulu, Browser |
Remote Control | Infrared |
Controller Type | Remote Control |
Control Method | Voice |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Technology | LED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Resolution | 4K |
HDR Format | HDR10, HDR10+ |
Picture Enhancement | Crystal Processor 4K, 4K AI Upscaling |
Motion Enhancement | 4K AI Upscaling, Game Mode |
Audio Channels | 2 |
Audio Output | Stereo, Surround Sound |
Audio Input | Optical, HDMI |
Speaker Description | Stereo speakers with HDMI and optical audio inputs |
Video Encoding | HDR |
Screen Mirroring | Apple AirPlay 2 |
Tuner Type | ATSC |
Power Consumption | 66 Watts |
Other Features | Flat |
Mount Standard | 200 x 200 mm |
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, HDMI |
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi |
Audio Out Ports | 3 |
HDMI Ports | 2 |
Signal Format | ATSC, ClearQAM |
System Experience
I recently received a new TV, and the initial excitement quickly turned into a bit of frustration. I had heard mixed reviews about smart TV setups, so I was prepared for the possibility of some challenges. However, I found that the experience was more cumbersome than I had anticipated. Once the TV arrived, I was greeted with a daunting "SmartHub is updating" message that seemed to linger indefinitely. Instead of wrestling with the Samsung SmartThings app, which I had heard could be a hassle, I decided to connect my trusty Roku player right out of the box. This decision turned out to be a lifesaver, as I was able to dive straight into my favorite shows within half an hour.Viewing Experience
When it comes to picture quality, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. While some reviews mentioned issues with brightness and darkness, I found that after a few minor tweaks—like adjusting the color temperature and turning off the smooth motion feature—the display looked fantastic. The clarity was impressive, and I felt like I was really immersed in the shows I was watching. It’s always a joy when a new screen meets your expectations, and this one did just that.Audio Experience
As for the sound quality, I was also quite satisfied. I know some people have critiqued the audio volume, but I found it to be perfectly adequate for my needs. The ability to easily switch to Bluetooth speakers or headphones was an added bonus, making it convenient to enjoy my content without disturbing others around me. Overall, I felt like the audio matched the high-quality visuals well.Other Experience
The overall experience was a mixed bag for me. While the setup was a bit tricky initially, once I bypassed the SmartHub and utilized my Roku instead, everything fell into place quite nicely. I was able to pair my Bluetooth devices without any major hiccups, and it felt satisfying to have everything integrated so smoothly just a few hours after unboxing. However, I did feel a twinge of annoyance at Samsung for not including compatible screws for mounting—something that seems to be a growing trend with electronics these days.Conclusion
Pros:There are definitely some standout features I appreciated. The picture quality turned out to be excellent after my adjustments, and the sound was more than sufficient for my viewing experience. Pairing Bluetooth devices was straightforward, making it easy to adapt the TV to my personal setup. Plus, the interface was user-friendly, allowing me to navigate with ease once I was up and running.
Cons:
On the downside, the initial setup was less than ideal. The SmartHub update error was frustrating, and I found the requirement to use Samsung's app rather intrusive. I can see how someone less tech-savvy might feel overwhelmed by the smart features. Additionally, the lack of proper screws for mounting was a real letdown and made me question the attention to detail in the design.
Overall Evaluation:
In summary, despite the rocky start, I ended up enjoying the TV quite a bit. I think my decision to skip the SmartHub setup was crucial in preventing a larger headache. Once I had everything hooked up with my Roku, I felt like I was getting the full potential out of the TV. While there are a few things Samsung could improve, I’m overall happy with my purchase and look forward to many cozy nights in front of this screen.
