Samsung UE40MU6400
Isn’t it bizarre that 40in now seems like a small screen for a TV? If you want the best a manufacturer has to offer in terms of specs and features, you need to go for at least a 49in model, if not a 55-incher.
Take Samsung: its Oled-rivalling QLED range only goes as small as 49in. If you want a 40in model, the most advanced options are in the 6000-series, as this, the UE40MU6400, is.
On the one hand that’s a shame, because you have to make do without premium features such as a 10-bit panel. But the price is affordable – and, given that price, the performance is impressive.
As usual, we’d recommend that you turn off the picture-hindering options in the ‘Eco Solution’ mode, then tweak the Standard mode by taking a few points off Contrast, adding a few to Brightness, and switching off Auto Motion Plus. You’re now ready to watch some 4K HDR content, either via the built-in Netix or Amazon apps or a 4K discplayer. We play Deadpool on a 4K disc, and the MU6400 produces a superbly crisp and well-defined picture. Switch to 1080p and the TV’S character is unchanged, with natural colours and deep blacks again making for a solid image. The upscaler is impressive, too.
Lacking subtlety
The MU6400 has three audio modes, but Standard and Optimised are the only two worth your time. The speakers are a bit lightweight and sibilant, making most audio sound a little hard and unsubtle.
App-wise, you get Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies and TV, Now TV, Spotify, and all of the catch-up apps.
For many, 40in is big enough. As evidenced here, you can still get a great picture at an affordable price.