Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the Samsung NU8500. This TV might be a few years old, but it's still a contender for anyone looking for a quality viewing experience without breaking the bank. We're going to break down its specs, performance, and whether it's still a worthwhile purchase in today's market. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

Unveiling the Samsung NU8500: A Detailed Look

The Samsung NU8500 was released as a part of Samsung's 2018 lineup, sitting comfortably in the premium mid-range category. It boasts a sleek design, impressive picture quality, and a range of smart features that made it a popular choice back in the day. But how does it hold up now? Let's break down the key specifications to find out.

Key Specifications of the Samsung NU8500

• Display Type: LED-backlit LCD
• Screen Sizes: 55", 65", 75", 82"
• Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz Native
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
• Processor: Quad-Core
• Operating System: Tizen OS
• Local Dimming: Supreme UHD Dimming
• Audio: 40W 2.1 Channel
• Connectivity: 4 HDMI, 3 USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Diving Deeper into the Display Technology

The NU8500 features a crystal display with dynamic crystal color, which enhances the vibrancy and accuracy of colors. This means you get a richer and more immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage, especially for watching fast-paced content like sports or action movies. It reduces motion blur and keeps the image smooth. The inclusion of HDR10+ is also a plus, as it dynamically optimizes HDR content for each scene, providing better contrast and detail.

Processing Power and Smart Features

Under the hood, the quad-core processor ensures smooth navigation and quick access to apps. The Tizen OS is intuitive and user-friendly, offering a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. You also get voice control support via Bixby, Samsung's virtual assistant. This allows you to control the TV and other smart devices with voice commands, adding to the convenience.

Picture Quality: How Does It Perform?

The picture quality of the Samsung NU8500 is where it truly shines. The combination of the crystal display, dynamic crystal color, and HDR10+ support delivers vibrant, detailed, and lifelike images. The high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, and the local dimming technology enhances contrast by dimming the backlight in specific areas of the screen. This results in deeper blacks and brighter whites, making the picture more dynamic and engaging. Watching 4K content on this TV is a real treat, with stunning clarity and detail that brings movies and shows to life.

Color Accuracy and Contrast

The NU8500 boasts excellent color accuracy, with vibrant and natural-looking colors. The dynamic crystal color technology expands the color gamut, allowing the TV to display a wider range of colors than standard LED TVs. This results in richer and more realistic images. The contrast is also impressive, thanks to the Supreme UHD Dimming technology. This local dimming system divides the screen into zones and adjusts the backlight accordingly, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter whites. This enhances the overall picture quality and makes for a more immersive viewing experience.

Performance in Different Lighting Conditions

The NU8500 performs well in both bright and dark rooms. In bright environments, the TV's high brightness levels ensure that the picture remains visible and vibrant. The anti-glare coating on the screen also helps to reduce reflections, making it easier to watch TV during the day. In dark rooms, the local dimming technology shines, delivering deep blacks and excellent contrast. This makes it ideal for watching movies or playing games in a dimly lit environment.

Audio Quality: What to Expect

While the picture quality is undoubtedly the NU8500's strongest suit, the audio quality is also decent. The TV features a 40W 2.1 channel audio system that delivers clear and balanced sound. The built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing, but audiophiles may want to consider investing in a dedicated sound system for a more immersive audio experience. The TV also supports Bluetooth audio, allowing you to connect wireless headphones or speakers for added convenience.

Sound Enhancement Technologies

The NU8500 includes several sound enhancement technologies to improve the audio quality. Dolby Digital Plus enhances the clarity and detail of the sound, while DTS Premium Sound 5.1 creates a more immersive surround sound experience. These technologies work together to deliver a more engaging and enjoyable audio experience.

Design and Build Quality: Aesthetically Pleasing?

The Samsung NU8500 features a sleek and modern design that will complement any living room. The curved screen adds a touch of elegance, while the slim bezels create a more immersive viewing experience. The build quality is also excellent, with a sturdy stand and premium materials used throughout. The TV looks and feels like a high-end product, which is a testament to Samsung's attention to detail.

Connectivity and Ports

The NU8500 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including four HDMI ports, three USB ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This allows you to connect a variety of devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. The inclusion of Bluetooth also allows you to connect wireless headphones or speakers for added convenience. The ports are conveniently located on the back of the TV, making it easy to access and connect your devices.

Gaming Performance: Is It Good for Gamers?

For gamers, the Samsung NU8500 is a solid choice. The 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. The TV also supports AMD FreeSync, which reduces screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a more fluid gaming experience. The vibrant colors and excellent contrast also make games look stunning. Whether you're playing fast-paced action games or immersive RPGs, the NU8500 delivers a great gaming experience.

Input Lag and Response Time

Input lag is the delay between when you press a button on your controller and when the action appears on the screen. The NU8500 has a low input lag, which means that the gameplay feels responsive and immediate. This is crucial for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts. The response time, which is the time it takes for a pixel to change color, is also fast, reducing motion blur and ghosting. This results in a clearer and more detailed image, even during fast-paced action scenes.

Smart Features: Tizen OS and Bixby

The Samsung NU8500 runs on Tizen OS, which is a user-friendly and intuitive smart TV platform. Tizen offers a wide range of apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. The interface is easy to navigate, and the performance is smooth and responsive. The TV also supports voice control via Bixby, Samsung's virtual assistant. You can use voice commands to control the TV, search for content, and even control other smart devices in your home.

User Interface and App Selection

The Tizen OS user interface is clean and well-organized, making it easy to find and access your favorite apps and content. The app selection is comprehensive, with a wide range of streaming services, games, and utilities available for download. The interface is also customizable, allowing you to arrange your apps and content to your liking. The performance is smooth and responsive, with quick loading times and seamless navigation.

Is the Samsung NU8500 Still Worth Buying?

So, the million-dollar question: is the Samsung NU8500 still worth buying in today's market? The answer is a qualified yes. If you can find it at a significantly discounted price, it offers excellent picture quality, smooth motion, and a range of smart features that still hold up well. However, keep in mind that newer TVs offer even better performance, particularly in terms of HDR and color accuracy. If you're on a tight budget, the NU8500 is a great option. But if you're willing to spend a bit more, you might want to consider a newer model.

Price and Availability

The Samsung NU8500 is no longer in production, so you won't find it in most major retailers. However, you may be able to find it on online marketplaces like eBay or from smaller electronics stores. The price will vary depending on the condition and size of the TV. If you're considering buying a used NU8500, be sure to inspect it carefully and ask the seller about its condition and history.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're not sure about the NU8500, there are several alternatives to consider. Newer models like the Samsung Q60T or the Sony X800H offer similar features and performance, with the added benefit of being newer and having longer support lifecycles. These TVs also offer improved HDR performance and better color accuracy. If you're willing to spend a bit more, these alternatives may be worth considering.

Final Verdict: A Solid Choice for Budget-Conscious Buyers

In conclusion, the Samsung NU8500 is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who are looking for a TV with excellent picture quality and a range of smart features. While it may not be the latest and greatest TV on the market, it still offers a great viewing experience at a reasonable price. If you can find it at a discounted price, it's definitely worth considering. Just be sure to weigh its pros and cons against newer models before making a final decision.