The Samsung Crystal UHD 85AU8000 is a massive 85-inch TV released in 2021, targeting budget-conscious buyers seeking a large screen experience. Let’s delve into its strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Picture Quality

  • Strengths: The main attraction of the 85AU8000 is its sheer size. This TV delivers a truly immersive viewing experience, perfect for movie nights or watching sports. The 4K resolution provides sharp visuals, and Crystal UHD technology boasts enhanced colors for a vibrant picture
  • Weaknesses: While the colors are good, they might not be as accurate or nuanced compared to higher-end Samsung models with QLED panels. Additionally, the 85AU8000 lacks features like local dimming, which can affect contrast, especially in dark scenes. Viewing angles are also somewhat limited

Sound Quality

  • Strengths: Similar to most budget TVs, the sound quality is adequate but not impressive. The large screen size might make the audio feel thin, especially for movies or music.
  • Weaknesses: Due to the size of the TV, the built-in speakers struggle to deliver a room-filling sound experience. Pairing the TV with a soundbar is highly recommended for an immersive audio experience

Smart Features

  • Strengths: The 85AU8000 is a smart TV with Samsung’s Tizen OS, offering a good selection of popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu. It also supports voice assistants like Alexa for hands-free control
  • Weaknesses: The Tizen OS, while user-friendly, can feel sluggish compared to higher-end smart TV systems, especially on a large screen. Some reviewers also found the remote control to be less intuitive

Other Considerations

  • Connectivity: The 85AU8000 has a decent selection of ports, including 3 HDMI ports for connecting devices like game consoles or streaming sticks. It also has Wi-Fi and an ethernet port for internet connectivity.
  • Design: The design is minimalist with a thin profile, but keep in mind this is a massive TV. Make sure you have ample space to accommodate it. The bezels are slightly thicker than some newer models, but overall, the aesthetics are decent for a budget TV.

Overall

The Samsung Crystal UHD 85AU8000 offers a fantastic viewing experience for budget-conscious buyers seeking a huge screen. The 4K resolution and large size are perfect for creating a home theater atmosphere. However, keep in mind the limitations in sound quality, smart TV features, and viewing angles.