Samsung 55-Inch Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series HDR Smart TV (UN55AU8000FXZA – 2021) Review
The Samsung 55-Inch Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series HDR Smart TV (Samsung model Samsung Model UN55AU8000FXZA) combines excellent picture quality, smart features, and a sleek design, making it a great choice for home entertainment. With its 4K UHD resolution, Motion Xcelerator for smooth action, and Alexa built-in, this model provides a complete and user-friendly viewing experience. The AU8000 model is ideal for those who want a reliable, quality TV with versatile features.
Display and Picture Quality
Crystal UHD 4K Resolution for Clear and Detailed Images
The AU8000’s Crystal UHD 4K resolution brings clarity to everything you watch, making movies, shows, and even sports look sharp and detailed. With four times the resolution of Full HD, the display ensures that visuals are lifelike and immersive, offering a more engaging viewing experience.
HDR for Bright and Vivid Colors
This model supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances brightness and contrast to deliver a richer color palette. HDR ensures that bright scenes are more vibrant and dark scenes retain detail, making each frame look more balanced. This feature enhances all types of content, giving colors a noticeable pop.
Motion Handling
Motion Xcelerator for Smooth Action
The Motion Xcelerator technology keeps fast-moving scenes looking sharp, whether you’re watching sports, action movies, or gaming. It minimizes blur by adjusting the frame rate to match the content, providing a smoother and clearer picture. This feature makes a difference for high-speed visuals, ensuring they stay easy to follow.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Powered by Tizen OS
Samsung’s Tizen OS powers the AU8000, making navigation smooth and intuitive. You get easy access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, allowing you to switch between shows and apps quickly. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, keeping everything organized for easy browsing.
Alexa Built-In for Hands-Free Control
With Alexa built-in, you can use voice commands to control the TV, search for content, or even manage smart home devices. Whether you’re adjusting the volume, switching channels, or asking Alexa for recommendations, the voice control feature adds convenience to the viewing experience.
Tap View for Quick Screen Sharing
The Tap View feature allows you to mirror your smartphone’s screen on the TV with a simple tap. This is perfect for sharing photos, videos, or apps on the big screen, making it easy to showcase content from your phone with family or friends. Tap View provides a hassle-free way to share and enjoy content.
PC on TV for Productivity
With PC on TV, you can connect your computer to the AU8000 and work directly from your TV screen. This feature is handy for remote work, allowing you to access your files, browse the internet, or work on presentations from your TV. It adds a level of versatility to the AU8000, transforming it from an entertainment center to a productivity tool.
Audio Performance
Q-Symphony for Enhanced Sound with a Soundbar
Q-Symphony syncs the TV’s speakers with compatible Samsung soundbars, providing a fuller and richer sound experience. Instead of muting the TV speakers when a soundbar is connected, Q-Symphony combines them, creating a surround sound effect that’s perfect for movies and games. This feature elevates the audio, making it more immersive without the need for complex setups.
Design and Build
Slim and Modern Design
The AU8000 has a slim profile and a minimalist design, with thin bezels that keep the focus on the screen. This sleek look blends seamlessly into any room, whether it’s mounted on the wall or set on a stand. The 3-sided bezel-less frame ensures an uninterrupted view, making it a stylish addition to your living space.
Multiple HDMI Ports for Easy Connectivity
With three HDMI ports, the AU8000 allows you to connect multiple devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or streaming devices without needing to swap cables. This convenience makes it easier to set up all your entertainment options and switch between them smoothly.
Conclusion
The Samsung 55-Inch Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series HDR Smart TV (2021 Model) offers a vibrant 4K display, smart features, and a sleek design that fits well in any room. With features like Motion Xcelerator, Tap View, and Alexa built-in, it’s designed for versatility and ease of use. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or even working, the AU8000 provides a well-rounded entertainment experience that’s sure to satisfy.
Pros and Cons of the Samsung 55-Inch Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series HDR Smart TV
Pros
Sharp 4K Picture Quality
Crystal UHD resolution ensures a crisp and detailed image.
Smooth Motion with Motion Xcelerator
Keeps fast scenes clear and minimizes blur for action-packed visuals.
Convenient Smart Features
Tizen OS makes streaming and app navigation simple and responsive.
Alexa Built-In
Hands-free control with Alexa offers added convenience.
Sleek and Modern Look
Slim profile and thin bezels fit well in any room.
Multiple HDMI Ports
Three HDMI ports allow for easy connectivity with multiple devices.
Cons
Basic Sound
Adding a soundbar can enhance the audio experience.
No Dolby Vision
Does not support Dolby Vision HDR, which some viewers may prefer.
Limited Refresh Rate for Gaming
The 60Hz refresh rate may not meet the needs of serious gamers.
Side Viewing Angle Limitations
Picture quality can decrease when viewed from wider angles.
Comparison of the Samsung AU8000 with Rival Models
The Samsung 55-Inch Crystal UHD AU8000 Series HDR Smart TV is priced at $529.99 in the U.S. Here’s a comparison with three similar models within a close price range.
| Feature | Samsung AU8000 ($529.99) | LG 55UP8000 ($499.99) | Sony X80J ($549.99) | TCL 55S435 ($479.99) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | Crystal UHD | LED | LED | LED |
| Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| HDR Support | HDR | HDR10 | HDR10 | HDR10 |
| Smart Platform | Tizen OS | webOS | Google TV | Roku TV |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa Built-In | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | Roku Voice Control |
| HDMI Ports | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| USB Ports | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Energy Efficiency | Class G | Class G | Class G | Class G |
Summary of Comparison
The Samsung AU8000 offers Crystal UHD resolution, HDR support, and Tizen OS, delivering a solid smart TV experience. The LG 55UP8000, slightly cheaper, includes HDR10 and webOS, ideal for LG fans who enjoy its interface. The Sony X80J, priced a bit higher, features HDR10 and Google TV, offering a wider selection of apps and streaming options. The TCL 55S435 is an affordable option running Roku TV, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who want simple streaming capabilities.
Customer Reviews of the Samsung 55-Inch Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series HDR Smart TV
Review of Samsung AU8000 by Amazon Customers
Amazon customers rate the AU8000 highly for its clear picture quality and user-friendly Tizen OS. Many appreciate the built-in Alexa for voice control and recommend adding a soundbar for a richer audio experience. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Review of Samsung AU8000 by Best Buy Customers
Best Buy customers enjoy the AU8000’s vibrant display and slim design, which fits well in various room setups. The Motion Xcelerator and Tap View features are also favorites, especially for gaming and screen sharing. Some recommend a soundbar to improve the audio experience. It holds a 4.6 out of 5-star rating at Best Buy.
Review of Samsung AU8000 by Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports highlights the AU8000’s strong color accuracy, contrast, and smooth performance. Although it lacks Dolby Vision, they rate the HDR feature positively for enhancing brightness and detail. The AU8000 scores 84 out of 100 from Consumer Reports, marking it as a reliable option for home entertainment.
Review of Samsung AU8000 by CNET
CNET reviewers find the Samsung AU8000 a good value for its Crystal UHD display and smooth Tizen interface. Features like Alexa and Motion Xcelerator are appreciated for added convenience, though they recommend pairing it with a soundbar for richer sound. The AU8000 is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by CNET.