The Best Samsung TV

Samsung is a well-respected name in electronics, especially where TVs are concerned. But the race to be the latest and greatest often forces electronics manufacturers to constantly innovate. For Samsung, that means keeping up with a fierce competitor in the video space: Dolby Vision.

While competitors use Dolby Vision to bring high-definition video to various electronics, Samsung prefers to stick with its own proprietary technology. Dolby enthusiasts often gravitate toward other manufacturers for that reason, but Samsung’s newer TVs pack a pretty strong punch on their own. The company constantly works to keep up with changing technology, including the high-definition video found in today’s streaming apps, video games and Blu-ray devices.

One issue to consider when looking for a TV is refresh rate. Today’s TVs offer either a 120Hz or 240Hz rate, with the latter being better. However, there are other factors influencing picture quality, so it’s important to get the full picture before buying. Samsung TVs also build in something called local dimming to ensure those darker scenes have pure black without the issues seen in other TVs.

LED TVs, generally speaking, are better in a situation where viewers will be seated directly in front since straight-on viewing offers the purest picture. Samsung TVs have this issue, with limited viewing when you’re situated off to the side. Samsung has attempted to remedy this issue by building antireflective screens into some of its newer LED models, so check for that feature as you’re shopping.

In the end, though, price is often the biggest differentiator between Samsung models. Generally speaking, you’ll pay more for the much larger screen size of a 65-inch LED TV, but the extra price is worth it if you enjoy grabbing a bowl of popcorn and settling in for movie night. If you’re just looking for a screen for a bedroom or kitchen, the small, much more affordable 40-inch screen may be a better option.

• The latest Samsung TVs all feature the high-definition video that today’s consumers expect. However, picture quality can vary slightly from one set to another.
• Even with the best picture, some TVs struggle with highs and lows, offering disappointing results during extremely dark or bright scenes. Samsung’s TVs build in a feature called local dimming, which pulls it ahead of other TVs when it comes to displaying darker colors. The Samsung Flat 65″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series TV provides some of the most impressive details during these extreme scenes, especially when used with an Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The Samsung Flat 75″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series TV uses quantum dot color technology to make colors jump off the screen.
• A television’s brightness is measured in something called “nits.” The Samsung Flat 65″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series brings 1,422 nits, while the Samsung Flat 40″ 4K UHD 7 Series has only 450 nits with the model that has the dark gray stand. If you choose the Samsung Flat 40″ 4K UHD 7 Series TV with the charcoal black stand, you only get 430 nits of brightness.
• You’ll often see the term “refresh rate” related to picture quality in TVs. Refresh rate simply refers to the speed at which an image refreshes. Previous TVs refreshed at a rate of 60 times per second, making them 60Hz. Modern TVs refresh at least double that rate, at 120Hz, or 120 times per second, or 240Hz, or 240 times per second. The Samsung Flat 75″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series, Samsung Flat 65″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series and Samsung Flat 55″ 4K UHD 8 Series TVs all have refresh rates of 240Hz, giving you seamless, high-quality video in every scene. The Samsung Flat 40″ 4K UHD 7 Series TV offers a still-impressive 120Hz refresh rate.
• One weakness you’ll find in Samsung TVs is the lack of Dolby Vision support, a feature often praised in competitor TVs. Samsung prefers to build in its own technology, which tends to lag behind Dolby’s advancements.
• Your TV will become an important part of your room’s décor, so it may be worth considering how it looks. Samsung has moved away from its previous chunkier form factor and now has a sleek, slim look. The Samsung Flat 75″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series, Samsung Flat 65″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series and Samsung Flat 40″ 4K UHD 7 Series all feature a similar look, with a thin black bezel and small legs. The Samsung Flat 55″ 4K UHD 8 Series also features a thin black bezel, but you get a horizontal bar for a stand rather than the small legs.
• If you’re a gamer, pay particular attention to the Samsung Flat 55″ 4K UHD 8 Series, which has an automatic game mode to ensure your video doesn’t lag while you’re playing. Samsung Flat 75″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series is also popular with gamers, with built-in support for 4K gaming.
• One ongoing issue with Samsung TVs is the trouble it has maintaining quality from every angle. This makes Samsung’s LED TVs more ideal for narrow rooms, where most viewers will be watching head-on.
• With most Samsung TVs, you’ll need to invest in a sound bar to compensate for audio weaknesses. The Samsung Flat 65″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series has decent sound, but true audiophiles may still feel the need to invest in speakers.
• Price can be among one of the biggest deciders with any TV purchase. The Samsung Flat 75″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series and Samsung Flat 65″ QLED 4K UHD 6 Series TVs both exceed $1,000. But you can find both the Samsung Flat 55″ 4K UHD 8 Series and Samsung Flat 40″ 4K UHD 7 Series for well below $1,000. While all four TVs bring great quality for watching movies and gaming, you’ll find price goes up in correlation to the size of the screens you’re buying.