Samsung 85-Inch Crystal UHD CU7000 Series Smart TV review with 4K and HDR features

Description

A Behemoth for Entertainment Lovers: Testing the Samsung UN85CU7000

The Samsung 85-Inch Class Crystal UHD CU7000 Series is not just a TV; it’s an entertainment powerhouse. I’ve had my share of TVs in the past, but this one genuinely stands out for its sheer size, features, and versatility. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a gamer, or someone who just wants to binge-watch their favorite shows in spectacular quality, this TV promises to deliver. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s my detailed review after testing it thoroughly.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Modern

The Titan Gray finish on this TV is both subtle and elegant, making it blend seamlessly into any room. At 85 inches, the screen is massive, but the thin bezels keep it from feeling bulky. This design choice maximizes the viewing area and makes it feel like the visuals are spilling out into the room. Setting it up was straightforward, though the 91.1-pound weight means you’ll probably need help lifting and mounting it.

Its dimensions, 15.4 x 74.6 x 46.7 inches, make it more suitable for larger living rooms or dedicated media rooms. If you’re tight on space, this might not be for you. However, for those who can accommodate it, the TV is a real statement piece. The sturdy stand complements the overall build, ensuring stability even for such a large screen.

Picture Quality and Display Performance

The PurColor technology is where the magic begins. Colors look vivid, lifelike, and incredibly immersive. Watching nature documentaries felt like stepping into another world, with greens, blues, and reds appearing astonishingly vibrant. Even fast-moving scenes in action films or sports looked smooth and detailed, thanks to the Motion Xcelerator feature. I tested it with a mix of 4K content, HD channels, and even older SD content, and the 4K upscaling from the Crystal Processor worked impressively well.

The Mega Contrast and HDR capabilities ensure deep blacks and bright highlights, making dark scenes in movies more engaging. I noticed subtle details in shadows that many other TVs tend to lose. If you’re someone who loves watching movies in a dimly lit room, this TV will not disappoint. The 16:9 aspect ratio is standard but works perfectly for most content.

Immersive Audio Experience

While many TVs in this price range focus solely on visuals, the Object Tracking Sound Lite stood out. It creates a 3D surround sound effect that truly follows the on-screen action. During a car chase scene, it felt like the sound was moving with the vehicles, adding another layer of immersion. I paired the TV with one of Samsung’s Q-Series soundbars using the Q-Symphony feature, and the combination was nothing short of magical. The 20-watt built-in speakers, while decent on their own, clearly benefit from this pairing.

Gaming Paradise: Samsung Gaming Hub

Gaming on this TV was a blast. The Samsung Gaming Hub consolidates all your gaming apps and consoles in one place. Whether it was cloud gaming or traditional console gaming, the interface was intuitive. I particularly liked how the TV recommended games based on my preferences. The low input lag and smooth motion made action-packed games feel incredibly responsive. If you’re a gamer, this feature is a significant plus.

Highlights

• True-to-life colors with PurColor technology.
• Crystal Processor 4K upscaling makes even lower-quality content shine.
• Object Tracking Sound Lite delivers immersive audio.
• Gaming Hub simplifies access to gaming apps and settings.
• HDR and Mega Contrast bring out details in both bright and dark scenes.

Areas for Improvement

While the TV impressed me in many areas, there are some weaknesses worth mentioning:

• Heavy and large: Its size and weight make it cumbersome to set up. You’ll need a solid wall mount or stand.
• Ambient lighting affects viewing: The screen can reflect light in brightly lit rooms, slightly impacting the viewing experience.
• Limited HDMI ports: With only three HDMI ports, I found myself unplugging devices more often than I’d like.

Competing Brands

Compared to rivals like LG and Sony, the Samsung Crystal UHD stands its ground, especially in terms of value and features. Sony’s models often excel in color calibration and picture quality, but they come at a higher price point. LG’s OLED screens offer unmatched black levels, but their brightness isn’t as high as Samsung’s HDR implementation. Where this TV shines is its gaming-focused features and sound enhancements, which many competitors lack in this price range.

For those who prioritize size and immersive sound, this TV is hard to beat. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best in color accuracy for professional use, you might lean towards Sony’s offerings.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of cost-effectiveness, this TV offers a lot for its price. The mix of 4K upscaling, gaming features, and smart capabilities makes it an excellent choice for families or entertainment enthusiasts looking to upgrade their setup. While competitors might edge out in specific aspects, the Samsung 85-Inch Crystal UHD provides a balanced package that doesn’t break the bank. It’s definitely a smart spending choice if you want a large-screen TV with plenty of features to keep everyone happy.

Additional information