Review of Samsung Ultra HD 4k TVs - the best models for 2021

Ultra HD 4k TVs are models for demanding buyers. First of all, because they allow you to reproduce images with a unique color depth and excellent sharpness. Their capabilities in this regard can be compared with the standard of film images.

The quality of 4k TVs is close to ideal

What is 4K technology?

Good TVs with 4k Ultra HD quality are, first of all, models that have a whole range of effective technological solutions.

Along with 4K quality, expect full-screen LED technology. It determines the appropriate sharpness of the image and affects the clarity of details. When you choose a Samsung model, you can expect a 4K QLED TV with a rich color palette and HDR contrast that guarantees full Ultra HD quality.

What is 4K format?

This is a new level of detail in videos and games.
4K content generates four times the resolution of the Full HD we are already familiar with. 8 million pixels allow you to see the smallest details of the image and enjoy smooth transitions of the clearest picture. So is it time to update your computer to new technological trends? How much will a picture-perfect movie or game cost?

All information collected in this material is gleaned from various foreign and domestic sources. I have not had the opportunity to set up and work with 4K systems, so I have to rely on the words of competent technical specialists. Please point out any possible errors; I could have made a mistake. The purpose of the article is to decide for yourself and tell you what kind of animal this is, and whether it’s worth going out to hunt it.

The transition to ultra-sharp imaging poses a number of technical challenges. Let's look at them in order.

Best 43-inch 4K Samsung TVs as of 2021

Samsung 4K 43-inch TVs are relatively cheap, but high-quality TV models.

QLED Samsung QE43Q60TAU 43″ (2020) – one of the best Samsung models of 2021

The QLED Samsung QE43Q60TAU 43″ comes from the 2020 TV offerings and runs on a VA panel. It's a shame that the screen only offers 50Hz resolution. The QLED TV uses Edge LED backlighting and a variety of options to enhance the picture quality. One of them is Dual LED, which is responsible for even better color rendition.

Advantages:

• deep black;
• fantastic image dynamics;
• decent price.

Flaws:

• unsatisfactory sound quality.

Samsung UE43TU7002U 43″ (2020) – new at the end of 2021

Samsung UE43TU7002U is the first of the new products of 2021 to make it onto our list. The entry-level Ultra HD TV from the 2020 series offers compatibility with popular HDR and 50Hz formats.

Advantages:

• very good image quality;
• extensive intelligent functions;

Flaws:

• fairly average sound quality;
• Users complain about complicated controls.

Samsung UE43TU8502U 43″ (2020)

Samsung UE43TU8502U is a model from the 2021 offer. An important point is the use of Dual LED technology. It is responsible for better color reproduction than in cheaper models.

Advantages:

• good image quality;
• decent price;
• attractive design.

Flaws:

• built-in speakers of average quality;
• Some basic and smart features such as Bluetooth connectivity are missing.

Samsung UE43TU8500U TV review:

Ultra high definition video standards

If when playing high-definition videos on home equipment, it means 4K or Ultra-HD, then the situation is different with cinema halls. The big screen can show a movie in different aspect ratios, depending on the 4K resolution standard used.

Below is a table with all used standards with 4000 px.

It is for this reason that the user is often indignant when playing a pirated recording, because... it was taken from a cinema, the screen of which does not correspond to standard 4K resolution.

The best 50-inch Ultra HD 4k TVs from Samsung

More modern models of 50-inch Samsung TVs that support 4k technology:

Samsung UE50RU7170U 49.5″ (2019)

The color reproduction of the 50-inch 4k Samsung Smart TV is at a high level, and the smoothness of the image is ensured by 1400 Hz refresh. TV reception is provided by built-in DVB-T2, S2 and C tuners.

Access to Internet services and Smart functions is provided by the easy-to-use Smart Hub system. The elegant and slim body of the 50-inch Samsung TV has 3 HDMI connectors and 2 USB connectors, which are enough to connect all external devices.

Advantages:

• HDR support;
• good price;
• refresh rate 1400 Hz.

Flaws:

• speakers are of average quality.

Samsung UE50NU7092U 49.5″ (2018)

This model is only slightly inferior in its parameters to the previously described UE50RU7170U. Its refresh rate is 1300 Hz. This is less than its predecessor, but still a lot. PurColor technology is responsible for correct color reproduction, and high contrast is achieved thanks to HDR technology. The Smart Hub system makes it easy to play your favorite Netflix series or YouTube music videos, and you can control your 50-inch Samsung TV with your smartphone. Classic TV programs can be watched thanks to DVB-T2, S2 and C tuners.

Advantages:

• good price;
• HDR support;
• good functionality.

Flaws:

• a small number of HDMI and USB connectors;
• speakers are of average quality.

More details about what Full HD is

The resolution of the TV monitor is 1920×1080 pixels. Characterizes an HDTV-quality picture.

The model markings indicate the vertical pixel size - 1,080 i or p. These facts will not tell you which is better, a Full HD or 4k TV, but they will help you “recognize” the models.

The letters indicate the frame scan type. This multimedia content format is used in HDTV broadcasts. Characteristics of the reproduced picture:

• No frame format distortion.
• Reproduction of Ashdi frames without re-scanning.
• Frame scanning frequency - 24, 50 and 60 Hz.
• Naturalness of flowers.
• The aspect ratio of the unfolded picture is 16:9 (widescreen).

The comfort of viewing multimedia content on a screen with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels will be higher if the TV is located at a distance of 2.5 meters or more from the organs of vision. The distance is determined by the size of the display. When viewed closely, pixel squares (colored dots on the monitor) will be visible.

The best 65-inch 4K Samsung TVs – a selection of top models

QLED Samsung QE65Q77RAU 65″ (2019)

Samsung QLED QE65Q77RAU is an offer for people who are not satisfied with regular 4K TVs. The TV screen features Quantum Dot technology, a solution that is actively used by other manufacturers such as TCL. Smooth images are provided by a 100Hz matrix.

Advantages:

• 4K UHD resolution;
• easy wall mounting;
• HDR technology.

Flaws:

• unstable remote control

QLED Samsung QE65Q60RAU 65″ (2019)

Samsung QE65Q60RAU 4KHDR SmartTV with a diagonal of 65 inches is a device with a Quantum 4K processor that allows you to watch movies in very high definition.

In terms of image brightness and backlighting method, the QLED QE65Q60RAU is a step back from last year's devices. In video mode, brightness ranges from 350-380 cd/m2, so the HDR effect is usually not visible.

The sound quality from the stereo speakers is average. It is approximately at the same level as last year's Q6FNA model. The total power is 20W, which is enough for watching TV but will likely disappoint gamers and movie buffs.

Advantages:

• cable masking system;
• quantum HDR;
• intelligent image scaling;
• Smart TV.

Flaws:

• Does not support all codecs.

In pursuit of UHD TVs

Will broadcast TV ever catch up with high-definition TVs, or will we have to come to terms with the fact that our TVs are capable of so much more than existing TV channels? If we take into account the realities of the television business, then we will probably have to come to terms with this. This has already happened. At one time, HDTVs outpaced SDTVs by a wide margin, but most channels are still broadcast in SD. If someone is currently watching local news on a 2021 TV, then most likely they are receiving a picture in standard quality, and their TV is upscaling the signal to high definition. It probably doesn't look good. On the other hand, it all depends on the content itself and the user’s demands.

The best 4K Samsung TVs in terms of price-quality ratio

Samsung UE40NU7170U 40″ (2018)

The Samsung UE40NU7170U TV allows you to watch movies in 4K UltraHD quality, so you can see every detail on the screen. It is important to note that the equipment is equipped with PurColor image enhancement technology, as well as MegaContrast. Not to mention, it supports HDR 10+ effects.

The presented model has two speakers with a total power of 20 W, which are supported by the Dolby Digital Plus system. This is a smart TV so you can freely use internet apps or search engines.

For many owners of the device, its advantage is that the TV does not require an Internet connection via cable. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi module. The built-in DVB-T tuner allows you to watch broadcast TV programs without the need to connect a set-top box.

Advantages:

• Smart TV;
• Can work with a smartphone;
• Wi-Fi connection;
• good picture and sound quality.

Minuses:

• bulky remote control.

Samsung UE65RU7170U 64.5″ (2019) – 65 inch model with 4k support

The list of consumer-recommended 65-inch TVs includes the Samsung UE65RU7170U with 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution and 4K quality. The equipment has two built-in speakers, the power of each of them is 10 W. Dimensions of the device with the base: width 145.7 cm, height – 91.7 cm and depth – 31.2 cm, weight – 25.5 kg.

The 4K image presented on the TV screen will meet the expectations of even the most demanding users. The device uses UHD Dimming technology, which divides the screen into smaller sections. HDR increases tonal range, making colors on screen more pleasing. Efficient operation is ensured by the UHD processor.

Reviews of the Samsung UE65RU7170U TV are mostly positive. In the reviews published on the Internet, you can read that the image quality is really good. On this TV you can not only watch TV shows, but also use the Internet.

Advantages:

• efficient processor;
• Smart TV;
• UHD dimming technology.

Flaws:

• Problems playing some videos.

Compound

If I haven’t managed to scare you yet, then you can already relax. It’s a trivial matter: connect the monitor to the video card.

Conventional modern displays are connected to the video card using the HDMI interface. Most HDMI connections do not support 4K. HDMI 1.4 can achieve this resolution, and then only with a maximum FPS of 30. HDMI 2.0 can theoretically get the coveted 60 Hz on a 4K monitor, but so far there are simply no corresponding video cards.

Thus, you can forget about the familiar and familiar HDMI. Let's move on to DVI. This standard is capable of producing a 17 Hz picture with a resolution of 3840x2400 (in dual-link 33 Hz mode, but most monitors do not support such a connection).

What's the solution? DisplayPort! Only this interface is capable of squeezing 60 Hz on UHD and has proper support from video cards. But there is a hitch here too. Any DisplayPort will not work either; its version number 1.2 is required. Older versions "only" support 2560x1600. The cost of the lanyard is approximately $20.

An incorrectly selected cable can lead to artifacts and strange picture behavior. Flickering, illogical color changes and image distortion may make you worry about your expensive monitor, but the wrong cable cannot cause any harm.

The best top 4K Samsung TV models

Samsung UE82TU8000U 82″ (2020)

Samsung UE82TU8000U is equipped with a VA matrix, Edge LED backlight and Crystal Processor 4K.

Advantages:

• accurate color rendering;
• design;
• Smart TV;
• efficient processor.

Flaws:

• not found.

QLED Samsung QE85Q80TAU 85″ (2020)

The Samsung QE85Q80TAU model is a TV from the QLED family. It features a VA matrix, Full-Array Local Dimming and HDR backlighting

Advantages:

• high refresh rate (100 Hz);
• HDR support;
• Full-Array Local backlight.

Flaws:

• sound quality.

What about regular content on 4K devices?

This is one of the key questions asked when buying a 4K TV or projector (mostly when buying a TV, as they are more affordable). And the answer, of course, is “No problem!”

Almost all the latest TV models not only easily show content in other formats such as 1080p, 1080i, Blu-Ray, HD DVD or even 720p, but they also process it so that it looks much better. Old content really looks good on 4K TVs thanks to upscaling technology, and the cooler the TV, the more powerful the engine it has.

So, I want to emphasize that yes, your TV will display regular content and even enhance it, but you need to be sure that you are buying a model and brand of TV that has a good engine for upscaling technology.

The cheapest 4K TVs Samsung

Samsung UE43RU7097U 43″ (2019)

This TV model from Samsung has satisfactory picture quality in everyday conditions. Colors are natural, image smoothness is reasonable (compared to competing models in a similar price range), and HDR noticeably improves images.

Samsung UE43RU7097U offers a large number of necessary connectors. It runs on a quad-core processor, so your Smart TV will run smoothly.

Advantages:

• Ultra HD resolution with HDR technology;
• sound 20 W;
• Smart TV with open web browser.

Flaws:

• There is no standard remote control included, only a smart remote control.

Samsung UE43RU7470U 42.5″ (2019)

Samsung has focused on minimalism, which clearly distinguishes the UE43RU7470U from other models of this brand for 2021. The screen is surrounded by very narrow bezels.

Low input lag is something Samsung has been improving over the years, so it's no surprise that the UE43RU7470U has a latency of just 12ms in game mode, or 23ms.

Advantages:

• good image quality;
• expressive HDR mode;
• low input lag;
• useful game mode;
• matrix 100 Hz.

Flaws:

• no Dolby Vision

Samsung UE48JU6000U 48″ (2015) – the cheapest 4k Samsung TV

The price of UE48JU6000U with a diagonal of 48 inches fluctuates around 28,000 rubles. This makes it one of the cheapest 48-inch 4K TVs available in the market. It offers a wide range of colors and displays images with a high tonal range.

Advantages:

• good picture quality;
• NICAM stereo sound support;
• Smart TV system.

Flaws:

• not revealed for my money.

Review of the most affordable cheap 4k UHD TV from Samsung:

If there is no room for two monitors

Some people will say they want to buy a 4K monitor because they don't have room for multiple monitors. However, you need to think again.

If you have limited desk space, you can buy a monitor that rotates to portrait orientation. For example, a 1080p monitor with a diagonal of 22 inches when rotated to a vertical position becomes a diagonal of 13 inches. The main monitor can be in horizontal orientation and play video, and in portrait orientation you can read websites, work with Word documents and email.

What to look for when choosing

4K TVs are increasingly appearing in homes because they look stylish and provide comfortable viewing of movies and TV series. These are devices that can be placed on a shelf or, if necessary, hung on the wall. Which TV should you choose so that you can be completely satisfied with your purchase?

Display type

Based on display type, TVs can be divided into four groups: LCD, LED, OLED and QLED. First of all, devices with CCFL lamps are sold. The light they emit passes through polarizers (filters) and then enters a liquid crystal, which produces the appropriate colors (although their quality is not very high in most people's opinion).

LCD models are not very modern, so they are no longer very popular. Their improved version is LED TVs. Devices with LED displays include Full LED (LEDs are distributed over the entire surface of the screen) and Edge LED (LEDs are located only at the edges of the screen). Although the viewing angles of TVs equipped with an LED matrix are not very wide, they are worthy of attention. Their advantages lie mainly in high contrast and bright colors, which means good image quality.

OLED models use organic light-emitting diodes. Since all the pixels are illuminated independently, the colors on the screen can be quite vibrant.

Screen resolution

Whether the TV will provide comfortable viewing of your favorite programs also depends on the screen resolution. Technologically advanced devices allow you to receive images in the 4K Ultra HD standard (3840 x 2160 pixels), as a result of which even the smallest details are clearly visible. This screen resolution is found not only in modern OLED models, but also in LED ones.

Smart TV

Since most people use the Internet every day, anywhere and through a variety of devices, the best TV also allows you to surf the web or social media. This is possible thanks to the Smart TV function, which gives access to online services of films and TV series, video games, a web browser and the most popular portals. Such equipment must have an operating system installed, such as Android TV, My Home Screen or webOS TV - the type of software depends on the brand of TV.

Year of issue

When choosing a TV, pay attention to its year of manufacture. The newer the product, the easier it will be to find spare parts for it in the event of a breakdown. But this is not the only advantage. After all, every year more and more technologies are developed and the newer the TV, the more of them it can accommodate.

Samsung released a lot of 4K TVs in 2021, but if you want a 2021 model, you'll have to wait as only Full HD TVs are available for purchase in March.

1.5 / 5 ( 2 voices)

How to play or stream 4K content

From the technical side, the user can play such a high-definition video on any TV.

To do this you just need HEVC support:

1. The Smart TV must have a video player installed that supports the H.265 codec;
2. For old people, incl. analog TVs, you can use a 4K set-top box.

4K resolution maintains its quality even on a very large screen due to the large number of pixels that make up the image.
And after that, play the desired file, after which the show will begin. There is only one thing - the format will not be 4K, but limited by the resolution of the TV screen itself.

The process of receiving and playing files with higher resolution looks like this:

1. A digital device (TV or receiver) receives an image with 4K resolution;
2. The decoder deciphers the binary code into an image of the usual type, in accordance with the number of pixels in the matrix;
3. The picture is displayed on the screen, and sound is displayed on the speakers.

It is the decoder that performs the resolution debugging function and allows you to view 4K on older TV receivers.

4K resolution allows you not only to enlarge, but also to capture more images while maintaining quality

In order for there to be not only 4K support, but also the image itself to be displayed in the appropriate resolution, the output device matrix must include the same or more number of pixels.

In addition, its aspect ratio should match the image - 17:9 (which does not correspond to most HD resolutions with a 17:9 aspect ratio), but more on that later.

Regarding the transmission of 4K video, you need to understand this thing - each pixel is information and takes up some volume. Therefore, the more there are, the higher the data exchange speed should be.

Depending on the transmission format, this could be:

1. Local connection. Only HDMI 2.1 or USB 3.0, because other standards and wires are not capable of transmitting such a large amount of information. In extreme cases, this could be a Wi-Fi connection, but transmitting such “heavy” videos “over the air” can lead to a noticeable delay in output.
2. Network connection. Here you need a wired connection via a LAN cable, which guarantees a transfer speed of 100 Mb/s even in sparsely populated areas. In general, you need to carefully select the tariff for connecting to wired Internet.

The very first HDMI standard is the only one with which you can broadcast a movie or video clip in 4K over a wire.
Having considered the technical requirements for supporting content with 4K resolution, we can conclude that it is enough to have a more or less modern TV on hand, as well as an HDMI cable, and nothing more.

And high-quality viewing is possible only on a TV with a matrix of LCD-IPS, LED, QLED, OLED technology. Legacy TF/TFT LCD monitors are limited in size and do not output better than Full-HD.