The Samsung Crystal UHD 85BU8000 is a 2022 model offering a massive 85-inch display with 4K resolution at a tempting price point. It caters to viewers who prioritize a large screen for an immersive experience without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Picture Quality

  • Strengths: The large screen size is the main attraction, perfect for drawing you into movies and games. The 4K resolution delivers sharp details, and Samsung’s Crystal UHD processing promises vibrant colors. You’ll also benefit from a decent contrast ratio for acceptable black levels.
  • Weaknesses: Like most budget TVs, the 85BU8000 lacks local dimming, resulting in blacks appearing less deep, particularly in dark scenes. Brightness isn’t top-notch either, making HDR content less impactful. Viewing angles are average, so picture quality might suffer if you have a wide seating arrangement.

Smart Features & Usability

  • Strengths: The 85BU8000 boasts Samsung’s Tizen smart platform, known for its user-friendly interface and a vast selection of popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. Voice assistants like Alexa are also supported for convenient control.
  • Weaknesses: While user-friendly, Tizen might feel less customizable compared to some competitors’ smart platforms.

Considering the Size

  • Placement: With an 85-inch display, ensure you have ample space to accommodate the TV comfortably. Viewing distance is crucial for such a large screen – sitting too close can be overwhelming.
  • Content: The 85BU8000 is best suited for 4K content to take full advantage of the high resolution. If you primarily watch standard definition or even 1080p content, the upgrade in picture quality might not be as significant.

Other Considerations

  • Refresh Rate: The 85BU8000 has a 50Hz refresh rate. While sufficient for most casual viewing, fast-paced content like sports or action movies might exhibit motion blur. If smoothness in motion is a priority, consider a model with a higher refresh rate (120Hz is ideal).
  • Connectivity: Similar to the smaller AU8000 model, the 85BU8000 has only three HDMI ports, which might be limiting for users with multiple devices. It also lacks HDMI 2.1, the latest standard supporting features like high frame rates for next-generation gaming.
  • Sound Quality: As with most TVs, the built-in speakers are average and lack depth. For a cinematic audio experience, especially on such a large screen, pairing the 85BU8000 with a soundbar is highly recommended.

Overall

The Samsung Crystal UHD 85BU8000 offers a massive screen at a competitive price, making it ideal for budget-conscious viewers who prioritize size and 4K resolution for casual viewing. The user-friendly smart platform adds to its appeal. However, if you prioritize the best picture quality, especially for dark room viewing or HDR content, crave high refresh rates for fast-paced motion, or need more HDMI ports, this TV might not be the best choice.