Samsung K6250  TV Review

Review updated Mar 01, 2017 at 06:31am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 

Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before amajor update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

Samsung K6250

Track

Track

 0
 TV Settings
The Samsung K6250 is a mid-range 1080p curved TV. It looks great with a sleek design, and polished metal finish. Unfortunately it only offers average picture quality and lacks features found in higher end TVs to improve this. The motion handling is poor, and input lag is disappointing. At least the smart platform works well.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

Below average for a wide range of uses. Picture quality is average. Dark scene performance is good, but lacks features such as local dimming to improve picture quality. Motion blur is good, but input lag is worse than most TVs.

Pros
  • Good contrast for dark scene performance
Cons
  • Poor motion handling
  • Higher than average input lag
  • Can't get very bright
0.0
Movies 

Poor movie performance. Dark scene performance is good with deep blacks, but lacks features such as local dimming to improve it further. Picture quality is average. Those sensitive to judder may notice it while watching movies.

0.0
TV Shows 

Average for watching TV in a bright room. Average at handling reflections, but can't get bright enough to combat glare. Upscaling of low quality content such as cable is good. Picture quality is average, and degrades when viewed at an angle. Smart features work well and are easy to use.

0.0
Sports 

Sports performance is slightly better than average. Fast movements look good due to the fairly quick response time, resulting in only a little motion blur. Uniformity is good. Picture quality is average.

0.0
Video Games 

Average for video games. Fast motion results in slightly below average blur which is good, but input lag is average. Picture quality is average.

0.0
HDR Movies 

Doesn't support HDR. Picture quality is average. Doesn't support a wide color gamut or high peak brightness of highlights.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

Doesn't support any HDR formats. Picture quality is decent but can't produce bright highlights or vivid colors.

0.0
PC Monitor 

Poor choice for a PC monitor. Native 1080p TV so doesn't support higher resolutions. Motion blur is good, but input lag is higher than most TVs which results in worse performance.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • 0.0
    TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Sports
  • 0.0
    Video Games
  • 0.0
    HDR Movies
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • 0.0
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Mar 01, 2017: Review published.
    2.  Updated Aug 24, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
    3.  Updated Aug 10, 2016: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

    Check Price

    40"UN40K6250
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    49"UN49K6250
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    55"UN55K6250
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 55" (UN55K6250) version FA01. For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the other sizes.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Samsung K6250 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

    Size Model
    40" UN40K6250
    49" UN49K6250
    55" UN55K6250

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: Samsung KU6300 (UN55KU6300). Bottom left: TCL FS3750 (48FS3750). Middle: Samsung K6250 (UN55K6250). Top right: Vizio M Series 2016 (M70-D3). Bottom right: LG LH5750 (55LH5750).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    While the Samsung K6250 is the cheapest curved TV, it is still priced well above the competition. Other TVs available at a similar price offer 4k resolution, and sometimes other features to improve the picture quality such as local dimming. Keep this in mind when viewing our recommendations below.

    How We Test TVs
    How We Test TVs

    We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests use specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.

    Test Results

    Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before amajor update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    0.0
    Style
    CurvedLockedLocked

    The Samsung K6250 has a sleek design, which appears quite high end. The borders have a metallic finish, and the four-legged stand supports the TV well. The back is very similar to the high end Samsung KS8500, with the same reflective finish. Although it looks good, it also attracts fingerprints and dust.

    Stand

    The four-legged stand supports the TV well. It also looks good, with a brushed metal finish.

    Footprint of the 55" TV stand: 28.7" x 11.7"

    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

    The back is sleek, with a smooth and reflective plastic finish. It is very similar to the high end KS8500, but the inputs go directly into the TV instead of a OneConnect box. The inputs all connect sideways, so this should not be an issue for wall mounting.

    Borders
    BordersLockedLocked

    The borders have a metallic finish, which looks good. They are an average thickness, but appear high end.

    Thickness
    Max ThicknessLockedLocked

    The K6250 appears a bit thicker in the picture due to the curved screen. It is still quite thin though, and looks good from the side.

    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1

    Contrast ratio is very good for the Samsung K6250. Blacks are deep and should provide a good picture quality in a dark room.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Samsung K6250 Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

    There is no local dimming feature available on the Samsung K6250. Video for reference only. There is an auto-dimming feature called 'CE Dimming', but it is implemented directly in the TV software and cannot be control under 'Movie' picture mode. This cause dark scene to become too dark and is generally more annoying than helpful. Under 'PC' mode the 'CE Dimming' is turned off.

    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²

    The Samsung K6250 has a bad peak brightness performance. The 2% window is extremely dim because of the implemented 'CE Dimming'. Under 'Movie' picture mode, the 'CE Dimming' cannot be turned off unfortunately. All the other size windows remain at around 272cd/m², which is still well under what other mid-range TV can generally do.

    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%

    The gray uniformity is good for the K6250. On the test picture, you can see the left side is more bright and the right side is more dark. Luckily, the rest of the picture is relatively uniform, which should not cause too much of dirty screen effect.

    0.0
    Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    for videos & test results

    Samsung K6250 Viewing Angle Video Sample
    LCD Type
    LockedLocked
    Color Shift
    LockedLock°
    Brightness
    LockedLock°
    Black Level
    LockedLock°

    Viewing angle is average for the K6250. The colors lose some saturation at an angle, but when compared to other TVs with VA panel, the Samsung K6250 outperforms most of them.

    Update: We have changed the methodology of testing. Since this is an old TV which we don't have anymore, we extrapolated the results.

    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%

    Black uniformity is great. We can still make out a bit of clouding, but it is more evident in our test picture. During normal movie viewing, the clouding is not really noticeable.

    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

    The Samsung K6250 has an 8 bit panel. The 8 bit gradations are clearly visible in the darker colors. The gradient does not show any signs of irregular color shades or any obvious banding.

    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

    Prior to calibration, the colors are slightly oversaturated and white balance is a bit off, but for most people this should not be an issue.

    0.0
    Post Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

    Calibration is easily performed using the inbuilt 10 point white balance and color settings. It results in very accurate colors, and a good white balance. The gamma drops slightly below 10% to preserve dark details. Our calibration settings can be found here.

    0.0
    480p Input

    Upscaling of 480p content results in a slightly soft picture, with some loss of details. Overall the result is quite good.

    0.0
    720p Input

    720p content such as cable TV also looks a bit soft, but the upscaling still performs well.

    0.0
    1080p Input

    Native 1080p sources look clear, as they require no upscaling. Some moire can be seen in this image, but this is a camera artifact and is not an issue.

    0.0
    4k Input
    0.0
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 uv
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 uv
    LockedLock%

    The colors of the K6250 are good for SDR content, but it does not support a wide color gamut for those interested in HDR.

    0.0
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage
    LockedLock%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage
    LockedLock%

    The Samsung K6250 can't produce a wide range of colors at different luminosities.

    0.0
    Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    0.0
    Reflections
    Reflection
    LockedLock%
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked

    The K6250 is average at dealing with reflections. The semi-gloss finish helps to diffuse reflections. The curved screen spreads them across the screen, but in doing so reduces the intensity of the reflections making them easier to see through. Some rainbow effect can be seen around reflections.

    0.0
    3D
    3D
    LockedLocked
    3D Type
    LockedLocked
    2D to 3D
    LockedLocked

    This TV doesn't support any 3D features, just like all other Samsung TVs this year.

    Pixels
    TypeLockedLED
    Motion
    0.0
    Motion Blur
    Refresh RateLocked60 Hz
    Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot
    LockedLock ms

    The response time is good and only results in a short trail following moving objects. The backlight uses PWM to dim, and so flickers at 120Hz. This can be seen in the clear duplications following the logo.

    0.0
    Image Flicker
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked
    BFI
    LockedLocked
    BFI Frequency
    LockedLocked
    BFI In Game Mode
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    24p Playback
    Judder-free 24p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-free 24p via 60p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-free 24p via 60i
    LockedLocked

    The K6250 is unable to play movies from any source without some judder, but most people won't notice it.

    0.0
    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    LockedLocked
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    LockedLocked

    The K6250 has a 60Hz panel, which is able to interpolate 30Hz content. To do this, set 'Auto Motion Plus' to 'Custom' and increase the 'De-Judder' slider.

    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p With Interpolation
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60Hz + HDR
    LockedN/A
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
    LockedN/A

    The input lag of the K6250 is average. Even casual gamers might notice some delay between controller actions and the result on the screen. Label the input as 'PC' to achieve the lowest input lag. With the input labelled as 'Game Console', and the 'Game' special viewing mode the input lag is 53.2ms.

    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    ResolutionLocked1080p
    1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked

    The K6250 is a 1080p TV, and so cannot accept or display any resolutions beyond this. It has a 60Hz panel, and so cannot display a 120Hz signal. It does support chroma subsampling though, so text appears clear on all backgrounds. To do this, label the input to 'PC'. The input lag in 'PC' mode is 47.2ms.

    Side Inputs

    All inputs are located on the side, same as the Samsung KU6300.

    Rear Inputs

    All of the inputs are located on the side of the TV.

    Total Inputs
    HDMILockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Component InLockedLocked
    Composite InLockedLocked
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)LockedLocked
    EthernetLockedLocked
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    IR InLockedLocked
    SD/SDHCLockedLocked
    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Vision
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.0 Full BandwidthLockedLocked
    ARCLockedLocked
    USB 3LockedLocked
    HDCP 2.2LockedLocked
    CECLockedLocked
    MHLLockedLocked
    Variable Analog Audio OutLockedLocked
    Sound Quality
    0.0
    Frequency Response
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Max
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Low-end Cutoff
    LockedLock Hz

    Average performance. Maximum volume and low-end cutoff are about average, for a TV. Frequency response is good at 75 and 85. However, at maximum volume considerable pumping and compression is present.

    0.0
    Total Harmonic Distortion
    Distortion @ 70
    LockedLock
    Distortion @ 80
    LockedLock
    Distortion @ Max
    LockedLock

    Poor distortion performance. The overall amount of harmonic distortion is decent at 75 and 85dB SPL. However, at maximum volume, there's noticeable rise in harmonic distortion, which may not necessarily be audible in real-life situations.

    Smart Features
    Apps

    The K6250 supports the most popular applications such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Video. There are a wide range of applications available from the store.

    0.0
    Interface
    Smart OSLockedLocked

    The Samsung K6250 comes with the latest Tizen smart OS. This is the same platform found in the other 2016 Samsung TVs, such as the KU6300. After turning on the TV it does take some time to load, but is simple to use, and feels responsive when it is up and running. There is a wide range of supported applications available in the 'App store'. It is easy to watch videos or movies with a thumb drive or USB hard drive.

    0.0
    Ads
    Ad-free
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out
    LockedLocked
    TV Controls

    Controls are located under the right side of the TV, same as most of the 2016 Samsung TVs such as the KU7000. They provide basic operations, such as changing the volume, input or channel and are easy to access if wall mounted.

    Remote
    RemoteLockedLocked

    The remote is the same smart remote found with the Samsung KU6300. It is simple and works well.

    In The Box

    • Manuals
    • Stand cover
    • Wall mount spacers
    • Cable management piece
    • Composite video adapter
    • Component video adapter
    • Batteries
    • Remote
    Misc
    Power ConsumptionLockedLock W
    Power Consumption (Max)LockedLock W
    FirmwareLockedLocked