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We published new results of an investigative study on the long-term durability of TVs, revealing significant durability issues with popular edge-lit models. Read the full details here.

Samsung HU8550 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.9
Reviewed May 30, 2014 at 12:00 am
Samsung HU8550 Picture
8.2
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the Samsung JS8500

The Samsung HU8550 LED TV is the best 2014 flat screen 4k UHD TV that we tested. It is a great 4k TV, with excellent picture quality. Its only flaw is the loss of color saturation when viewed at an angle.

Our Verdict

8.2 Mixed Usage

There is no doubt that the Samsung HU8550 LED TV is a great TV. It is currently the best 4k flat TV you can buy. If it is within your budget, go for it without thinking about it.

Pros
  • Great overall picture quality, both in pitch black and very bright rooms.
Cons
  • Limited viewing angle. While the picture can still be seen, it losses color saturation.
  • 8.2 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated May 30, 2014: Review published.
  2. Updated May 28, 2014: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Apr 07, 2014: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Video

Test Results

Design
Design
Design

The design is very similar to the Samsung H7150. It has about the same depth, borders, and even overall look.

Design
Stand

The stand is a flat metal plate. It feels sturdier than it looks and it fits on top of a relatively small table.

Design
Borders

0.55" (1.4 cm)

Design
Thickness

1.42" (3.6 cm)

Picture Quality
9.1
Picture Quality
Contrast
Black 0.024 cd/m²
White 100.5 cd/m²
Contrast 4,188 : 1

Most Samsung TVs have a great contrast ratio between 4000 and 5000. The Samsung HU8550 is not an exception. It has deep blacks. The calibration out of the box was also very good.

8.5
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity

The black uniformity is great, with a few barely-visible brighter spots brighter spots around the edges.

7.5
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity

The uniformity of the gray color is excellent. It doesn't have any dirty screen effect. Some people reported banding issues on the 65", but our 65" didn't have any.

6.4
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle 24°

All Samsung LED TVs suffer from a loss of saturation and contrast when you are off-axis. Most people don't get bothered by this, though.

9.5
Picture Quality
Average Room
Reflection 0.7%
Surface Type Glossy

The HU8550 has a glossy screen, but it experiences significantly fewer reflections than semi-gloss screens. The blacks appear deeper. The trade-off is that any reflections are more defined.

8.9
Picture Quality
Bright Room
Max white 340.4 cd/m²

This TV can even be used in a very bright room if you don't mind the more defined reflections. It can get very bright.

10
Picture Quality
3D
3D Yes
Picture Quality
Pixels
4k Yes
Motion
8.5
Motion
Motion Blur

The motion blur is good, as expected. The backlight has a lower frequency than the H7150 or H8000, so moving objects appear slightly more distinct.

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation Yes
Inputs
5.3
Inputs
Input Lag
Input Lag 76.5 ms

Even when setting the input type to PC, the input lag was really high. In other modes, the input lag reaches as high as 150ms. This lag is noticeable with fast-paced games, but most gamers won't be bothered by it.
Update: It has been reported to us that this issue has been fixed by a firmware update. It is now 44ms, which is good.

Inputs
Side Inputs

3 HDMI
3 USB
1 Digital Audio Out
1 RF In

Inputs
Rear Inputs

1 HDMI
1 Audio Out
1 Ethernet
1 Component In
1 Composite In
1 IR Out

Smart Features
9.0
Smart Features
Smart TV

Samsung is leading the pack in terms of Smart TV functionality. Check out our full review of Samsung's 2014 Smart TV platform.

Smart Features
Remote

It comes with the same useful remote as the H7150.