Samsung UE49RU8000 £699
This excellent screen offers most of the performance (and visual appeal) of the company’s excellent flagship 49in set, with a significant discount.
Connections consist of four HDMIS (one Arc-enabled), two USBS, an optical output, aerial and satellite inputs, Bluetooth, an ethernet socket and wi-fi.
The streaming library – accessed, like everything else, via a smooth, intuitive operating system – includes Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV and Rakuten in 4K and HDR; BBC iplayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and Demand 5 for catch-up; Plex and VLC for local streaming; and Spotify, Tidal and Deezer for music. Plus the Apple TV app.
We play the 4K Blu-ray of Bohemian Rhapsody and are immediately impressed. It’s a brilliantly detailed image with sharp, clearly defined edges that render each scene with excellent depth and solidity. And those colours are nicely judged, having a natural balance.
The contrast band is not the widest in Samsung’s range, but that’s not to say it’s a dull picture. This remains a punchy, enticing performer that merrily makes the most of this HDR10+ movie and the many HDR10 discs and streams we throw at it during testing.
We switch to the 1080p Fargo Blu-ray, and are satisfied by the natural, evenhanded delivery. Drop down to standard definition via the built-in Freeview tuner and, while the RU8000 struggles with dense patterns, it once again manages to balance authenticity and vibrancy nicely.
Sonically, this is a perfectly decent, if unspectacular performer, producing clear, well-projected dialogue and a controlled, smooth treble.
More of an all-rounder than the similarly priced Panasonic TX50GX800B, this screen scores a clear win.