Tested Samsung UE55MU8000
A 4K HDR telly you might be able to afford
In an industry where the very best often carries a price tag to depress all non-billionaires, ‘mid-range’ is word that stirs up ideas of compromise. And compromise scares people. But mid-range doesn’t have to be scary… and the Samsung UE55MU8000 is proof of that.
Sitting one step down from Samsung’s premium QLED TV range, it delivers a lot of the same benefits as its flagship friends but at a much more reasonable cost. With the much sought-after 4K HDR specs, no slacking on design and a full roster of streaming services, it’s tough to see where Samsung has cut corners here. You won’t look at this picture and think ‘budget’.
Sure, Dolby Vision and Samsung’s contrast-smashing QLED have had to be sacrificed to hammer down the price. But if it means we can have a 4K telly with a picture as detailed as this for £1499, then we’ve a mind to throw Samsung our money and run for the hills before they change their minds.
1 Slim chance The bezel might not be quite as thin as it is on Samsung’s QE55Q7, and the stand not quite as elegant, but this remains a lovely-looking TV. It’s slim too, and thus easy to accommodate, with most of its connections in the separate Oneconnect box.
2 Bright future This TV comes with a number of important specs, such as 4K HDR (with support for HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma) and 1000-nit brightness. It’s missing Dolby Vision, though – Samsung is working on its own rival HDR10+ format with Amazon Video.
3 Fifty shades starker The MU8000 has a superb colour palette that’s rich but believable. It might not have as much subtlety as a QLED in terms of tonal variety and insight, but at this level it’s hugely accomplished – assuming you’ve read the panel opposite and set up the TV correctly.
4 App load Samsung’s smart TV offering is slick and easy to navigate, with a secondary menu that’ll let you jump straight into the content you love. As for apps, you’ll find a full roster of streaming services here, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Now TV.
5 Talk the talk The MU8000’S sound is clear and detailed, making it great for dialogue… but it’s not quite as convincing elsewhere. There’s enough weight to give voices body, but not enough to give authority to big action scenes. It just feels a little restrained.
If you don’t have the cash to splash on a flagship TV, the Samsung UE55MU8000 is a superb alternative that won’t leave you wanting. It’s a hugely capable 4K HDR TV, with a punchy, detailed picture, great contrast handling and an excellent smart TV system. If that’s compromise, then it’s one we’re happy to make. @verityburns
STUFF SAYS If you thou ht mid-ran e meant middle of the road, this excellent TV will make you think a ain