Samsung CU8000 Review: A Solid Entry-Level LED TV with Impressive Design and Decent Performance

Samsung has a reputation for producing some of the best TVs in the market, particularly when it comes to picture quality. While the Samsung CU8000 may not reach the heights of Samsung’s more premium models, it still delivers a decent performance with its color reproduction and brightness levels.

One standout feature of the Samsung CU8000 is its design. It boasts a sleek and slim profile with a thin bezel and an attractive dark finish, making it a visually pleasing addition to any living room. The TV comes with two easy-to-install feet that can be positioned in different ways, allowing users to either place it on furniture or mount it on the wall with one of the best TV wall mounts.

In terms of picture quality, the Samsung CU8000 falls short in some areas. Its black levels and contrast are lacking, and its backlight uniformity in darker conditions leaves more to be desired. However, it does perform well when it comes to handling reflections and upscaling SDR content.

Sound quality is another area where the CU8000 could use improvement. With 2.0 channel speakers totaling 20W, the sound lacks power and punch. While speech levels are decent, bass is almost non-existent, and trebles can sound harsh at higher volumes. To truly enhance the audio experience, it is recommended to pair the TV with one of the best soundbars.

Gaming performance on the Samsung CU8000 is solid, despite only having a 60Hz panel. It offers smooth motion and vibrant graphics, but lacks next-gen gaming features such as HDMI 2.1 ports with 120Hz and VRR support. However, there is the Game Hub feature which provides access to cloud gaming apps like Xbox cloud gaming.

The Samsung CU8000 runs on Tizen, one of the better smart TV platforms available. It offers a user-friendly home menu, or ‘Smart Hub’, with a wide range of apps to choose from. The platform also provides personalized recommendations without overwhelming the screen.

When it comes to pricing, the Samsung CU8000 is a budget-friendly option with a range of sizes to choose from. Prices start at $399 / £370 / AU$895 for the 43-inch model and go up to $1,699 / £1,899 / AU$2,999 for the 85-inch version. While the picture quality and features may not make it a Black Friday steal, it is still a solid and affordable choice for a second TV.

In conclusion, the Samsung CU8000 is an entry-level LED TV that offers a sleek design, decent picture quality, and a user-friendly smart TV platform. While it may have some shortcomings in terms of contrast and sound quality, it is still a reliable choice for those seeking an affordable option from a reputable brand like Samsung.