The Samsung Crystal UHD 43AU7100 is a 43-inch TV ideal for budget-conscious viewers seeking a quality 4K experience. It prioritizes essential features while delivering a compelling picture and user experience. Let’s delve into the TV’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Picture Quality

  • Strengths: The 4K resolution delivers stunning visuals, showcasing sharp details and crispness in native 4K content. Samsung’s Crystal Processor effectively upscales lower resolution sources, resulting in clear and watchable images. Users particularly commend the impressive black levels for an LCD TV at this price point, offering good contrast and detail in dark scenes.
  • Weaknesses: HDR (High Dynamic Range) is not supported, limiting the TV’s ability to display the wider range of colors and brightness typically found in HDR content. Viewing angles are average, so picture quality might suffer when watching from the side.

Design

  • Strengths: The 43AU7100 boasts a sleek and modern design with minimal bezels that maximize screen real estate. The build quality feels sturdy despite being a budget model. The included feet provide ample space for a soundbar if desired.
  • Weaknesses: The design prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, so don’t expect a particularly unique look.

Smart Features

  • Strengths: The TV utilizes Samsung’s user-friendly Tizen OS, offering a smooth and intuitive interface. Popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ are readily available, ensuring easy access to your favorite content. Users appreciate the ability to control the TV with the SmartThings app and basic voice control functionality through Alexa.
  • Weaknesses: While the app selection covers most popular choices, it might be less extensive than what high-end smart TVs offer. The processing power behind the smart features might feel a little sluggish compared to pricier models.

Sound Quality

  • Similar to most budget TVs, sound quality is considered average. Dialogue remains clear, but the overall audio might lack depth and bass. Pairing the TV with a soundbar is recommended for a more immersive audio experience, especially for movies and music.

Value

  • The Samsung Crystal UHD 43AU7100 offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers a great 4K picture for casual viewers, boasts a user-friendly smart platform, and has a sleek design.

Overall

The Samsung Crystal UHD 43AU7100 excels as a budget-friendly 4K TV. It prioritizes core functionalities and delivers a compelling viewing experience. While it lacks features like HDR and wider viewing angles, it compensates with excellent black levels, a user-friendly smart platform, and a modern design. If you’re a casual viewer seeking a high-quality 4K experience at an affordable price, the 43AU7100 is a strong contender. However, if features like HDR, top-tier smart functionality, or wider viewing angles are crucial, you might need to consider higher-end models.