The Samsung AU8000 is an entry-level 4K LED LCD TV that was released in 2021. It offers decent picture quality for various uses such as movies, sports, and video games. However, it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models from Samsung's 2021 lineup, such as variable refresh rate (VRR) support and HDMI 2.1 ports.
One notable improvement in this model is its great reflection handling, making it suitable for bright rooms. It also has a high native contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks in dark rooms, which is ideal for movie nights. However, its narrow viewing angle means that only people sitting directly in front will enjoy the best image quality. The TV has a good upscaling capability, allowing it to upscale lower resolution content without any issues. It also removes judder from 24p sources without introducing artifacts or making motion look unnatural.
In terms of HDR performance, the AU8000 has limited capabilities due to its low peak brightness and lack of local dimming. This means that highlights don't stand out as much as they should, and there's no wide color gamut support. The sound quality of the TV is decent, with two 10W speakers delivering sound that is loud enough to fill a small room. However, it lacks bass response and can sound muddy at higher volumes.
Overall, the Samsung AU8000 is a budget-friendly option for those looking for an affordable 4K LED LCD television. While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, it offers decent picture quality and is suitable for a variety of uses.
Hardware specifications of Samsung AU8000
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K |
| Panel Type | LED LCD |
| Contrast Ratio | High |
| Local Dimming | No |
| HDR Support | Yes |
| Peak Brightness | Low |
| Color Gamut | Limited |
| Input Lag | Low |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Variable Refresh Rate | No |
| HDMI Ports | HDMI 2.1 |
| Sound Output | 10W x 2 |
| Viewing Angle | Narrow |
| Upscaling | Yes |
| Flicker-Free | No |
| Motion Response Time | Slow |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| App Store | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes |
| Remote | Batteries |
| Ads | Yes |
A comprehensive overview of the capabilities of Samsung AU8000
The most important key feature of the Samsung AU8000 TV is its decent picture quality, making it suitable for a variety of uses such as movies, sports, and video games.
- Great reflection handling: The TV is suitable for bright rooms as it handles reflections well, allowing for an enjoyable viewing experience even with ambient light.
- High native contrast ratio: The high native contrast ratio delivers deep blacks in dark rooms, making it perfect for movie nights with friends or family members.
- Low input lag: The TV has low input lag, making it suitable for gaming and providing a responsive gaming experience.
- Decent sound quality: The two 10W speakers deliver decent sound quality, filling a small room with loud enough sound.
What you should be aware of
The main problem with the Samsung AU8000 TV is its limited picture quality and lack of advanced features. Here are the potential downsides of purchasing this TV:
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Limited HDR performance: The TV's low peak brightness and lack of local dimming result in HDR content not being displayed properly. Highlights don't stand out as they should, and there's no wide color gamut support either.
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Narrow viewing angle: The TV has a narrow viewing angle, which means that if you sit too close or move around while watching, the image will look washed out at the sides. This is not ideal for wide seating arrangements or for people who like to move around.
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Lack of advanced gaming features: While the TV has low input lag, making it suitable for gaming, it lacks features like variable refresh rate (VRR) support and HDMI 2.1 ports found in more advanced models. The slow response time also makes fast-moving action appear blurry.
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Average sound quality: The TV has two 10W speakers that deliver decent sound quality for an entry-level model. However, they lack bass response and can sound muddy at higher volumes. If you are looking for a more immersive audio experience, you may need to consider external speakers or a soundbar.
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Flicker and potential motion issues: The lack of flicker-free technology and the use of pulse width modulation (PWM) for backlighting can cause flickering, especially noticeable in dark scenes. Additionally, the slower response time can result in motion blur and duplications, making fast-paced scenes look blurry.
Final considerations: Our thoughts on this model
The Samsung AU8000 is a budget-friendly 4K TV that offers decent picture quality and low input lag. It has a good contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks in dark rooms, making it suitable for movie nights. However, it lacks features like variable refresh rate support and HDMI 2.1 ports found in more advanced models from Samsung’s 2021 lineup. The narrow viewing angle may not be ideal for wide seating arrangements. Overall, if you're looking for an affordable 4K LED LCD television and can live without the advanced features, the Samsung AU8000 could be worth considering.
