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Samsung H5203 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.9
Reviewed Oct 31, 2014 at 12:00 am
Samsung H5203 Picture
7.7
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the Samsung J5500

The Samsung H5203 LED TV is a cheaper variant of the popular Samsung H5500. It has the same good picture quality, but with a slower processor and a thicker bezel.

Our Verdict

7.7 Mixed Usage

The Samsung H5203 LED TV is a basic TV, but with good picture quality for movies and TV shows. If you will use the smart features often, get the Samsung H5500 instead, because it has a faster processor. For video games, while this H5203 has low input lag, it has more motion blur than average, so you will be happier with the pricier H6203.

Pros
  • Great overall picture quality, with deep blacks.
  • Low input lag.
Cons
  • No motion interpolation feature. You will have to upgrade to the Samsung H6203 for this.
  • The motion blur trail is longer than average. This isn't an issue for movies or TV shows, but it is for video games or sports.
  • Cheap bezel that looks outdated. The TV is thick.
  • Very slow software features. Do not buy this TV if you plan on using the built-in apps often.
  • 7.7 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated Oct 31, 2014: Review published.
  2. Updated Oct 29, 2014: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Oct 20, 2014: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Test Results

Design
Design
Design

The Samsung H5203 looks like a five-year-old TV. The borders are wide and the TV is thick. This doesn't really matter, but it does look like an entry-level TV.

Design
Stand

It has a basic stand that does not swivel.

Design
Borders

0.87" (2.2 cm)

Design
Thickness

3.39" (8.6 cm)

Picture Quality
9.3
Picture Quality
Contrast
Black 0.021 cd/m²
White 98.67 cd/m²
Contrast 4,699 : 1

The blacks are really deep, which is great in a dark room. The color calibration out of the box was also very good.

9.0
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity

The black uniformity is great. It doesn't get any better than this for an LED TV.

6.0
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity

There is no dirty screen effect on this TV, which is good. However, the corners are significantly darker than the rest of the screen.

6.4
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle 24°

It loses saturation when you view it at an angle, which could be a problem if you have a lot of guests spread out across the room.

8.5
Picture Quality
Average Room
Reflection 1.8%
Surface Type Semi-gloss

Its semi-gloss finish reflects an average amount of light. Nothing to worry about if you have a few lights on.

7.5
Picture Quality
Bright Room
Max white 243.4 cd/m²

It doesn't get very bright. Good enough for one or two windows, but not more than that.

0
Picture Quality
3D
3D No
Picture Quality
Pixels
4k No
Motion
7.0
Motion
Motion Blur

Unfortunately, the Samsung H5203 has a long motion blur trail. This can't be seen in movies or TV shows, but it is noticeable on video games or sports.

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation N/A
Inputs
9.1
Inputs
Input Lag
Input Lag 28.7 ms

This TV has a low input lag of 28.7ms in every mode. You do not need to turn on Game or PC mode to enjoy this low amount of lag.

Inputs
Side Inputs
Inputs
Rear Inputs

2 HDMI
2 USB
1 Composite In
1 Component In
1 Ethernet
1 RF It
1 Headphone Out
1 Digital Optical Audio Out

Smart Features
7.0
Smart Features
Smart TV

The smart features are very slow on this TV, to the point that it is not really usable on a daily basis. You will need to upgrade to the Samsung H5500 to get a faster processor.

Smart Features
Remote

This TV comes with a basic remote.