Samsung 8000 and 9000 Series TVs review

Samsung 8000 Series TV review

The 8000 series is available in flat 55in (UA55KS8000W - $3,599), 60in (UA60KS8005W - $4,499) and 65in (Reviewed - UA65KS8000W - $5,499) and curved in 55in (Reviewed - UA55KS8500W - $3,899) and 65in (UA65KS8500W - $5,799) sizes. At this point we’re into Samsung’s “SUHD” range which uses its “Quantum Dot” colour technology.

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As soon as you watch any colourful 4K content you’ll notice a big step up from the 6000 and 7000 series. All colours are incredibly vibrant. Contrast in general is better too along with blacker letterbox bars in movies although we did notice a little more light bleed at the edges of the curved model compared to the flat screen model. There were certainly fewer distracting reflections from windows and lights on the curved model though.

Upscaling is better too although there are still issues. We weren’t suffering from blocky artefacting in uniform colour areas although the Soap Opera effect did rear its head in some drama – it’s not completely distracting but it’s there.

It’s a very thin TV, enhanced by all ports being removed from the back and instead connected to a single breakout box. Styling at the back is glossy and smooth instead of the textured effect on the 9000 series. We can’t see too many people being upset by this.

It’s not quite as bright or vibrant as the 9000 Series though, but not by much. However, the flat panel variants are dramatically more expensive than Hisense’s excellent Series 7 ULED TVs and yet quality when displaying the best content is comparable - with better contrast coming from Hisense. Hisense is also better at reproducing standard definition content with better upscaling. As for the curved units, if you’re spending this much money on curved, you may as well go the whole hog and get the 9000 Series equivalents for a few hundred bucks more although the difference in quality is minor. Either way it leaves the 8000 Series with no compelling reason to buy into it.

Sound is impressively loud, clear and well-rounded. Samsung will encourage you to buy its partnered sound bars and speaker systems but for general TV watching we were impressed with what we heard.

Next page: Samsung 9000 Series TV review