Samsung CU8500: 55 Inch Samsung - Review 🏆

The Samsung 55-inch CU8500 is the company's latest mid-range 4K UHD smart TV for 2023. This model features an appealing slim design with a central stand, along with Samsung's Crystal UHD processor for upscaling lower resolution content to near 4K quality.

Some key highlights of the CU8500 series include support for HDR10+ high dynamic range, Samsung's Object Tracking Sound audio system, and the latest Tizen smart TV platform. The TV also has built-in Alexa voice control along with Samsung's Bixby assistant.

For gamers, the CU8500 checks all the right boxes with Auto Low Latency Mode, 4K 120Hz input, and integration with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Connectivity options are plentiful as well.

Overall, the 55-inch CU8500 brings premium features and performance at a more affordable price point compared to Samsung's higher-end QLED televisions. This review will take a deeper look at the design, display quality, audio, smart features, gaming capabilities, and general usability of this 2023 4K LED TV from Samsung.

Design

The Samsung 55-inch CU8500 UHD Smart TV features a thin and minimalist design that looks great in any living room. It has an "AirSlim" design, with the display panel measuring just 15mm thick. Despite the slim profile, the TV still delivers a premium, high-end aesthetic.

The stand is unique - rather than the traditional two feet on either end, the CU8500 has a central, curved stand. This single stand not only complements the minimalist design, but also leaves more room for soundbars or other accessories. The stand provides sturdy support while taking up less space on TV cabinets and entertainment centers. Overall, the slim frame and central stand give this Samsung TV a light, airy look that seamlessly blends into modern décor.

Display Quality

The Samsung 55 Inch CU8500 UHD Smart TV features a stunning 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution display. This high resolution provides incredible detail and realism, with 8 million pixels for lifelike clarity.

The TV supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), including HDR10+ and HLG formats. HDR expands the color palette and contrast range, allowing for more vivid, accurate colors that seem to pop off the screen. Bright highlights are brighter, while shadow details remain dark and detailed. Everything from sunny skies to night scenes appear more realistic.

Thanks to Samsung's Crystal Processor 4K, colors are rich and vibrant on this TV. The processor optimizes color, contrast, and detail scene-by-scene for a dynamic viewing experience. Reds, greens, and blues are all vivid and accurate. You'll appreciate the colorful HDR presentation when watching nature documentaries, animated films, or other vibrant content.

Overall, the combination of 4K resolution, HDR support, and excellent color reproduction makes the display on the CU8500 exceptionally immersive for movies, TV shows, games, and more.

Sound Quality

The Samsung 55 Inch CU8500 UHD Smart TV offers an immersive audio experience thanks to its Object Tracking Sound and 60W speakers. Object Tracking Sound uses multiple built-in speakers to deliver a 3D soundscape that seems to follow the action on screen. For example, when watching a movie, the sound of a helicopter will start from behind the TV and move overhead to the front as it flies across the scene. This creates a very realistic surround sound effect without the need for external speakers.

To power the Object Tracking Sound, the CU8500 has 60W speakers built-in. The 4.2 channel system provides crisp and clear audio with deep bass you can feel. It easily fills a large room at high volumes without distortion. Support for Dolby Atmos also enables cinematic 3D sound for compatible content. The advanced audio compliments the stunning 4K visuals perfectly for an immersive viewing experience.

Smart Features

The Samsung 55 Inch CU8500 UHD Smart TV comes with Samsung's intuitive Tizen smart platform that provides quick access to your favorite streaming apps and services. It has built-in Alexa voice control, allowing you to easily search for content, change channels, adjust settings, and more using just your voice.

Some of the key smart features include:

• Tizen OS - The simple and customizable Tizen operating system makes it easy to find your favorite movies, shows, sports and more from streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more. Tizen also gives you access to apps, games, and web browsing.

• Alexa Built-In - With Alexa built-in, you can use your voice to control TV functions like changing channels, adjusting volume, searching for titles, playing music and more. Just press the mic button on the remote to get started with Alexa.

• Universal Guide - Quickly find something to watch with the Universal Guide that aggregates movies and shows from multiple streaming services and live TV channels. Easily browse recommendations tailored for you.

• SmartThings App - Use the SmartThings app on your phone to control and monitor your TV and compatible smart home devices all in one place. Effortlessly sync your TV with your phone.

• Multi-View - Watch your favorite shows and sports at the same time. Multi-View allows you to view content from multiple sources simultaneously on the big screen.

• Personalized Profiles - Create customized profiles for each member of the family to curate suggestions, watch lists, viewing preferences and more. Switch between profiles easily.

With Tizen OS and Alexa, the Samsung 55 Inch CU8500 makes it simple to find and control all your entertainment options and smart home devices using just your voice or the intuitive menu system.

Gaming

The Samsung CU8500 is a great option for gamers thanks to the TV's dedicated Gaming TV hub and incredibly low input lag. The Gaming hub provides quick access to optimized picture settings, audio settings, and input lag reduction specifically for gaming.

Input lag, which is the amount of time between an input to the TV and seeing the result on screen, is exceptionally low at around 10ms according to Samsung. This super responsive input lag ensures you see gameplay as soon as you press a button on the controller, without any delay. Such minimal lag gives a noticeable competitive edge in fast-paced multiplayer games where every millisecond counts.

The TV also supports key gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. ALLM automatically switches the TV to game mode when a compatible console is connected. VRR matches the screen's refresh rate with the console's frame rate for smoother visuals. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro enables fluid, tear-free gameplay at up to 4K 120Hz. With the Gaming hub and these gaming features, the CU8500 is ready to deliver an immersive, optimized gaming experience.

Ports & Connectivity

The Samsung 55 Inch CU8500 UHD Smart TV comes with a good selection of ports and connectivity options. On the back of the TV you'll find 4 HDMI ports, with 1 supporting eARC for high quality audio pass-through. There are also 2 USB ports, allowing you to connect external devices like hard drives and flash drives. For wireless connectivity, the TV has built-in WiFi supporting the latest 802.11ac standard, as well as Bluetooth for connecting devices like wireless headphones. The WiFi is dual band, meaning you can connect it to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. The Bluetooth version is 4.2.

Overall the ports and wireless connectivity provide everything you need for connecting soundbars, games consoles, streaming devices and more. The 4 HDMI ports are ample for most setups, and you get the latest standards for smooth 4K HDR content streaming. The USB ports allow playback of media files, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth remove the need for bulky cables.

Ease of Use

The Samsung 55 Inch CU8500 UHD Smart TV is designed for easy and intuitive use. It comes with Samsung's sleek One Remote control that has been simplified to focus on the most essential buttons. The remote can control the TV and compatible devices, allowing seamless control of your home entertainment system.

Voice control has also been upgraded with support for Amazon's Alexa and Samsung's Bixby. You can use your voice to launch apps, search for content, control playback, change settings, and more. The far field mic array provides accurate voice pickup from anywhere in the room. This hands-free control makes it simple to manage the TV.

Overall, the simplified remote and hands-free voice control options ensure the CU8500 is extremely easy and convenient to use. The interface has been streamlined to focus on your favorite content and accessing it as quickly as possible. Everything is designed to be intuitive and responsive.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great picture quality: The Samsung CU8500 delivers stunning 4K resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) for incredibly realistic and vivid images. Colors are rich and accurate while blacks are deep and inky thanks to the TV's Quantum Dot technology.

• Slim design: This TV has an incredibly slim profile and minimal bezel for a modern, elegant aesthetic that blends into any living room. The stand is centered rather than splayed legs for a clean, streamlined look.

• Gaming features: For gamers, the CU8500 is a great option with low input lag, AMD Freesync Premium Pro support, and a dedicated gaming hub. Motion handling is also excellent for fast-paced action.

Cons

• Expensive: This is a premium 4K TV so it doesn't come cheap. The 55-inch model costs over £1000 which is a significant investment. Larger sizes only get more expensive.

• Limited viewing angles: Like most LED TVs, the picture quality degrades at wider viewing angles. So this TV is best suited for head-on viewing rather than a large room with viewers sitting at extreme angles.

Conclusion

The Samsung 55 Inch CU8500 UHD Smart TV is an excellent high-end 4K TV that excels for movies, gaming, and streaming. With its sleek AirSlim design, vibrant Quantum Dot display, powerful sound system, intuitive smart platform, and advanced gaming features, it delivers an immersive entertainment experience.

The Quantum Dot panel produces rich, accurate colors and deep blacks. Motion handling is superb, making action scenes look smooth. The anti-glare screen reduces reflections well.

For audio, Object Tracking Sound produces dynamic 3D sound that follows the on-screen action. There are multiple sound modes to choose from depending on the content. The built-in Alexa allows for convenient hands-free voice control.

Gamers will appreciate the Game Bar that provides quick access to gaming settings. Input lag is very low for responsive gameplay. Variable refresh rate support and ultra wide gameview deliver a smooth gaming experience.

With four HDMI ports, three USB ports, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, it can interface with various devices. The Tizen smart platform gives access to plenty of apps and streaming services.

Overall, the exceptional picture and sound performance combined with smart features make the Samsung CU8500 a great high-end 4K TV suitable for movies, gaming, and streaming. It delivers an immersive viewing experience.