The Samsung TU-8300 Series offers a curved 4K smart TV experience at a budget-friendly price point. This TV boasts vibrant colors, a user-friendly interface, and a unique curved design, making it a compelling option for casual viewers seeking a stylish upgrade. However, it’s important to understand its limitations before making a purchase.
Specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
| Display Technology | LCD |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Special Feature | Crystal Processor 4K; Multiple Voice Assistants; Smart TV Powered by TIZEN™; HDR; Curved TV |
| Included Components | User Manual, E - Manual, Power Cable, OneRemote TM2050A with batteries |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Supported Internet Services | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, Browser |
| Speaker Type | 2CH |
Today’s Samsung TU-8300 Series 4K Smart TV Deals
SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300
SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300
Picture Quality
The TU-8300 utilizes Samsung’s Crystal UHD technology, promising enhanced clarity and lifelike colors. While it delivers decent picture quality for everyday viewing, it doesn’t compete with higher-end models in terms of deep blacks or HDR performance. Upscaling of non-4K content is satisfactory, and the wide viewing angles are a plus, especially for rooms with multiple viewers.
However, the TU-8300 utilizes an edge-lit LED panel, which can lead to some blooming (bright areas appearing brighter) in dark scenes. Additionally, the motion handling, while adequate for most content, might not be ideal for fast-paced action movies or sports, where judder (a stuttery effect) might be noticeable.
Design
The TU-8300 boasts a curved screen design, which Samsung claims enhances the viewing experience by creating a more immersive feel. While this might be a subjective preference, it’s worth considering that curved screens can cause distortion when viewed from extreme angles. Additionally, curved TVs can be trickier to wall mount compared to flat models.
How Does it Compare? Stacking Up Against the Competition
The TU-8300 faces competition in the budget 4K curved TV market. Here’s a quick comparison against two key rivals:
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TCL 5 Series (S546): The TCL 5 Series offers a similar price tag and boasts a flat VA panel with potentially deeper blacks. However, the color accuracy might not be quite as good as the TU-8300, and the motion handling can be choppier in fast-paced scenes.
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Hisense H515 Series: The Hisense H515 Series is another budget-friendly flat TV option with decent picture quality and a user-friendly smart platform. However, the viewing angles are not as wide as the TU-8300, and the sound quality is generally considered average.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. If you prioritize deeper blacks and prefer a flat screen, the TCL 5 Series might be a better fit. If you desire wider viewing angles and a unique curved design, the TU-8300 offers a stylish alternative.
Brightness and Contrast
The TU-8300 delivers good brightness, making it suitable for well-lit rooms or even semi-outdoor settings. This is a plus for viewers who enjoy watching TV during the day with plenty of natural light streaming in. However, as mentioned earlier, the contrast ratio is not the best. While the blacks are decent, they might not be as inky as those found on higher-end models.
Sound Quality
The built-in speakers on the TU-8300 are adequate for casual viewing but lack the depth and power needed for a truly immersive experience. Dialogue is clear, but bass is lacking, and the overall audio can feel thin for action movies or music.
To truly elevate your viewing experience, investing in a soundbar or a surround sound system is highly recommended. This will provide a more robust and immersive soundscape, especially for movie nights and big sporting events.
Smart Features
The TU-8300 runs on Samsung’s Tizen smart platform, offering a user-friendly and intuitive experience. You’ll have access to a vast library of apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. The built-in voice assistant, Bixby, allows for voice control, letting you search for content, adjust settings, and even control other smart home devices.
However, compared to some newer TV platforms, Tizen can feel slightly less responsive at times. Additionally, app updates might not be as frequent as on competitor platforms like LG webOS or Android TV.
Motion
The TU-8300’s motion handling is adequate for casual viewing. Samsung’s Motion Xcelerator technology helps reduce blur in fast-paced scenes, but it’s not perfect. Judder (a stuttery effect) might be noticeable in very rapid movements, particularly in action movies or sports. Hardcore gamers seeking the smoothest motion for competitive gaming or fast-paced movies might want to consider a TV with a higher native refresh rate or more advanced motion processing.
Gaming Features
The TU-8300 offers basic gaming features like Auto Game Mode (ALLM) that reduces input lag for a more responsive gaming experience. However, features like HDMI 2.1 with high refresh rates (VRR) are absent. This might be a drawback for serious gamers seeking the most cutting-edge gaming capabilities on their TV.
Durability and Build Quality
The TU-8300 feels well-built with a sturdy plastic back panel and a metal stand that provides good stability. While not the most luxurious materials, they feel well-constructed and should last for years with proper care.
Viewing Angles and Screen Uniformity
The wide viewing angles are a significant benefit of the TU-8300, making it suitable for rooms with multiple viewers. However, this advantage is specific to the horizontal plane. Due to the curved nature of the screen, distortion might be noticeable when viewed from extreme angles, especially vertically. Additionally, some users report issues with dirty screen effect (DSE), which can be more apparent on curved panels.
Inputs
The TU-8300 offers a good selection of inputs, including:
- 3x HDMI ports (one with ARC for connecting a soundbar)
- 2x USB ports for media playback or connecting external devices
- Digital optical audio output
- Ethernet port for wired internet connection
- Composite and component video inputs (legacy connections for older devices)
This selection caters to most viewers’ needs, allowing you to connect various devices like streaming sticks, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players. However, keep in mind that due to the curvature of the screen, some wall mounting solutions might require spacers or specific brackets for proper alignment with connected devices.
Overall Value
The Samsung TU-8300 Series offers a compelling option for viewers seeking a curved 4K smart TV at a budget-friendly price point. It delivers a decent picture quality with wide horizontal viewing angles, a user-friendly Tizen smart platform, and a unique design aesthetic. However, keep in mind its limitations in contrast, sound quality, motion handling, potential drawbacks of a curved screen (distortion and wall mounting), and basic gaming features.
Conclusion
The Samsung TU-8300 Series is a solid option for casual viewers who prioritize a stylish curved design, a user-friendly smart platform, and wide viewing angles at a budget-friendly price point. If you can live with some limitations in performance and features, and the curved design suits your viewing habits, the TU-8300 offers a compelling value proposition.
