- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Design
- Picture Quality
- Motion
- Inputs
- Sound Quality
- Smart Features
- Sizes and Variants
- Compared
- Conclusion
- Q&A
Reviewed on Jun 24, 2016
By Daniel O'Keeffe
, Jean-Francois Lize, Justin St-Laurent, Eric Bousquet
Samsung KU7000
TV REVIEW
Usage Ratings -
Version 1.0
✕
Test Benches: test
- 1.2: Winter 2018
- 1.1: Summer 2017
- 1.0: Winter 2015
- 0.9: Winter 2014
- 0.8: Winter 2013
7.4
Mixed Usage
✕
What it is
General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.
Score components:
- 23% Movies
- 23% TV Shows
- 23% Sports
- 23% Video Games
- 5% HDR Movies
- 5% HDR Gaming
Score distribution:
Recommended if under (USD)
: Not at the latest test bench
✕
What it is:
Maximum price to be a better value than its competitors.
How to use it:
This product is the best choice in its range if you can find it below this price.
Automatically calculated every hour based on the scores and prices of all other products we've tested.
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
✕
What it is:
Product with the best value in this price range
←
Other best choice in a cheaper price range
→
Other best choice in a pricier price range
Automatically updated every hour based on the scores and prices of all other products we've tested.
6.9
Movies
✕
What it is
Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.
Score components:
- 14% Contrast
- 14% Black Uniformity
- 14% Local Dimming
- 14% 1080p Input
- 10% 4k Input
- 6% Pre Calibration
- 6% 24p Playback
- 5% HDR Movies
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 3% Gray Uniformity
- 3% Post Calibration
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 720p Input
- 3% 3D
Score distribution:
7.2
TV Shows
✕
What it is
TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.
Score components:
- 17% Reflections
- 17% SDR Peak Brightness
- 15% Viewing Angle
- 12% 720p Input
- 12% 1080p Input
- 8% 480p Input
- 7% Gray Uniformity
- 4% Motion Interpolation
- 3% 4k Input
- 3% Sound Quality
- 3% Smart Features
Score distribution:
7.2
Sports
✕
What it is
Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.
Score components:
- 16% SDR Peak Brightness
- 16% Gray Uniformity
- 12% Viewing Angle
- 12% Reflections
- 12% Motion Blur
- 12% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 4k Input
- 2% Image Flicker
- 2% Image Retention
Score distribution:
8.1
Video Games
✕
What it is
Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.
Score components:
- 23% Input Lag
- 19% Motion Blur
- 13% 1080p Input
- 9% Contrast
- 8% Black Uniformity
- 5% 4k Input
- 5% Supported Resolutions
- 4% Image Retention
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% 720p Input
- 3% Gray Uniformity
Score distribution:
7.5
HDR Movies
✕
What it is
HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.
Score components:
- 37% Color Gamut
- 21% HDR Peak Brightness
- 12% 4k Input
- 8% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 3% Local Dimming
- 3% 24p Playback
- 3% HDR10
- 3% Dolby Vision
Score distribution:
7.9
HDR Gaming
✕
What it is
HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.
Score components:
- 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
- 15% Motion Blur
- 14% Color Gamut
- 8% HDR Peak Brightness
- 7% 4k Input
- 7% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 5% Black Uniformity
- 5% Image Flicker
- 5% Image Retention
- 4% Local Dimming
Score distribution:
7.0
PC Monitor
✕
What it is
PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.
Score components:
- 20% Viewing Angle
- 11% Input Lag
- 10% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% Gray Uniformity
- 9% Motion Blur
- 7% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 6% Reflections
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 4% Contrast
- 4% Image Retention
- 3% Gradient
Score distribution:
This tv has been discontinued.
It was replaced by the Samsung MU7000
It was replaced by the Samsung MU7000
The 4k LED UHD Samsung KU7000 Series has a good enough picture quality for most content but lacks in a few areas. It handles fast motion decently and it feels responsive when playing video games. Unfortunately, HDR performance is average, judder is present in movies and the picture deteriorates when viewed from the side.
See our recommendations for the best 4k TV.
Test Results
| Design | 9.0 |
| Picture Quality | 7.4 |
| Motion | 5.8 |
| Inputs | 8.0 |
| Sound Quality | 6.8 |
| Smart Features | 8.5 |
- Better than average uniformity
- Good TV for playing video games
- Judder is present in movies
- HDR performance is limited
- Picture deteriorates when viewed from the side
Check Price
Design
The Samsung KU7000 is a great looking TV. Its frame looks like it is made of metal, the classic looking Samsung stand now shares a new style with a shiny reflective finish and the textured back of the TV adds a nice touch. The TV is also quite thin. Compared to the KU6300, it looks better.
Picture Quality
✕
Score components:
- 11% Contrast
- 6% Local Dimming
- 6% SDR Peak Brightness
- 6% HDR Peak Brightness
- 6% Gray Uniformity
- 7% Viewing Angle
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 2% Gradient
- 4% Pre Calibration
- 1% Post Calibration
- 6% 480p Input
- 9% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 6% 4k Input
- 4% Color Gamut
- 4% Color Volume
- 1% Image Retention
- 6% Reflections
- 1% 3D
Score distribution:
Watching movies on the KU7000 is average. The dark scene performance is quite good, but limited by lack of features. Judder is experienced when watching movies and motion interpolation options are limited. The TV can play HDR content, and does provide richer colors but the highlights can't get very bright. The colors are quite good out of the box, and the TV looks clear when displaying content from DVDs to 4k video.
8.6
Contrast
✕
What it is:
Brightness difference between white and black. This is the main component of picture quality.
When it matters:
Always, but especially when watching dark scenes.
Score components:
- 100% Native Contrast
Score distribution:
Native Contrast
:
4514 : 1
✕
What it is:
Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks measured on our checkerboard test pattern with a white target of 100 cd/m².
When it matters:
Dark scenes in a dark room.
Good value:
> 3,000
Noticeable difference:
500
Score distribution:
The contrast ratio of this TV provides good dark scene performance and should not be an issue for most viewers.
0
Local Dimming
✕
What it is:
The lights behind the LCD layer adapt to the picture displayed, improving the contrast ratio.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Local Dimming
:
No
✕
What it is:
Whether it has a feature that controls the LEDs behind the LCD layer, to match the picture and darkens the dark portion of it.
When it matters:
On LED TVs only. Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Backlight
:
Edge
✕
What it is:
Configuration of the lights of the backlight.
When it matters:
Effectiveness of the local dimming.
Good value:
Full-array/direct lighting is better for local dimming. As for the uniformity of the screen, it depends on the implementation. Some edge-lit TVs have more uniform blacks than some full-array TVs.
There is no local dimming on the KU7000. For reference, we took a video of our test. The backlight is edge lit, unlike the KU6300 which has a direct backlight.
6.9
SDR Peak Brightness
✕
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and with SDR content.
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; SDR content.
Score components:
Score distribution:
SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
256 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. This scene was selected to represent a more regular movie condition. All measurement are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming, max backlight and over SDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies or watching TV show in SDR.
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 2% Window
:
134 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 10% Window
:
236 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 25% Window
:
296 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in SDR video.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 50% Window
:
296 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 100% Window
:
296 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 2% Window
:
134 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent throughout a scene; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 10% Window
:
236 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 25% Window
:
296 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in SDR video.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 50% Window
:
296 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 100% Window
:
296 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
The SDR peak brightness is bad for the Samsung KU7000. At around 300 cd/m² overall, with the 2% and 10% being dimmer than the rest, the SDR peak brightness is lower than what would be considered a good value. The KU7000 would be best situated in a dark room because of the low SDR peak brightness.
7.0
HDR Peak Brightness
✕
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; HDR content.
Score components:
Score distribution:
HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
269 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. This scene was selected to represent a more realistic movie condition. All measurement are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming, max backlight and over HDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies or watching TV show in HDR.
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 2% Window
:
136 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 10% Window
:
240 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 25% Window
:
300 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 50% Window
:
300 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 100% Window
:
398 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 2% Window
:
136 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 10% Window
:
240 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 25% Window
:
300 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 50% Window
:
300 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 100% Window
:
398 cd/m2
✕
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
The KU7000 is bright enough for normal SDR content but well below the HDR standard of 1000 nits for highlights. There is no local dimming. With an HDR signal, the 2% window dims, but on a standard signal, the brightness remains constant across all window sizes. The peak brightness is lower than the KU6300.
Update: Updated with sustained brightness.
7.3
Gray Uniformity
✕
What it is:
Evenness of colors onscreen (not just gray).
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Score components:
- 40% 50% Std. Dev.
- 40% 50% DSE
- 10% 5% Std. Dev.
- 10% 5% DSE
Score distribution:
50% Std. Dev.
:
3.045 %
✕
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 50% gray.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 2.5%
Noticeable difference:
1%
Score distribution:
50% DSE
:
0.182 %
✕
What it is:
High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 0.165%
Noticeable difference:
0.025%
Score distribution:
There is some banding visible, with the horizontal edges appearing brighter and the vertical edges appearing darker. Overall the uniformity is better than most other LED TVs, with no major gray uniformity or dirty screen effect issues.
4.9
Viewing Angle
✕
What it is:
Color accuracy when viewed from the side.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Score components:
- 20% Color Shift
- 40% Brightness
- 40% Black Level
Score distribution:
LCD Type
:
VA
✕
What it is:
Type of LCD technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle.
Color Shift
:
35 °
✕
What it is:
Angle where the colors noticeable shift compared to when viewed from directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Brightness
:
41 °
✕
What it is:
Angle where the brightness drops to 50% of the brightness directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Black Level
:
18 °
✕
What it is:
Angle where the black level drops to 50% of the black level directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
The viewing angle is quite good for a VA TV, and should not be an issue for most people. Color saturation is lost when viewed at an angle however the picture remains more defined than most other VA TVs.
9.5
Black Uniformity
✕
What it is:
Evenness of blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
- 100% Native Std. Dev.
Score distribution:
Native Std. Dev.
:
0.684 %
✕
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 2%
Noticeable difference:
1%, but keep in mind that it varies a lot by unit, even of the same model; yours likely will not end up exactly like ours.
Score distribution:
The black uniformity is really good. Due to the way the TV is edge lit, there is a small 1/4" bright strip extending part way across the top and bottom edge. This should not be an issue for most content.
9.0
Gradient
✕
What it is:
How finely levels of color can be displayed.
When it matters:
Details in shadows, sky and skin tones. Matters more for HDR content.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Color Depth
:
10 Bit
✕
What it is:
Number of bits per pixel to represent a specific color. Note: we consider 8-bit with dithering to be equivalent to 10-bit, as long as the 10-bit gradient looks smooth.
When it matters:
HDR content like UHD Blu-ray players. Won't matter for cable TV, regular Blu-ray movies, video game consoles or content displayed from a Windows PC. Those are limited to 8-bit color.
Good value:
10-bit.
Noticeable difference:
1 bit.
Update 11/09/2016: Our original test was showing 8 bit gradations due to incorrect drivers on our system. After some correction to our test apparatus, we have retested the color depth and found that it is able to display a 10 bit gradient smoothly. There is some little imperfections in the darker green, but nothing that could make normal viewing problematic.
8.5
Pre Calibration
✕
What it is:
TV's color accuracy before a full calibration. Only the picture mode and backlight level were changed.
When it matters:
All video on an uncalibrated TV. This represents most people's use cases.
Score components:
- 50% White Balance dE
- 50% Color dE
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
3.18
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all video.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Color dE
:
2.2247
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.26
✕
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Out of the box, the White Balance dE, Color dE and Gamma had few issues. The reds were a little too high and the blues were slightly too low. This issues will not be visible for the average viewer.
9.8
Post Calibration
✕
What it is:
TV's color accuracy after a full calibration with a spectrophotometer.
When it matters:
All video on a TV that has been professionally calibrated. This isn't that useful, because most TVs can achieve a pretty good calibration if you spend enough time on them.
Score components:
- 50% White Balance dE
- 50% Color dE
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
0.35
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all videos.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Color dE
:
0.2655
✕
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.21
✕
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Just like previous Samsung TVs we've reviewed, the calibration was quite easy to do and took little time. We were able to correct most of the issues that were present in the pre-calibration.
8.0
480p Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 480p input.
When it matters:
Standard definition TV, DVDs.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
8.0
720p Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 720p input.
When it matters:
HD channels, some streaming videos.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
9.0
1080p Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 1080p input.
When it matters:
Blu-rays, streaming video, video files, video games.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
10
4k Input
✕
What it is:
Quality of a 4k UHD input.
When it matters:
Streaming video, UHD Blu-rays, some PCs.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
8.0
Color Gamut
✕
What it is:
How many colors the TV can display.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
Score components:
- 25% DCI P3 xy
- 25% DCI P3 uv
- 25% Rec 2020 xy
- 25% Rec 2020 uv
Score distribution:
Wide Color Gamut
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Whether the TV has an option to enable wide color gamuts.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
DCI P3 xy
:
86.86 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
DCI P3 uv
:
94.23 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
Rec 2020 xy
:
65.00 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
Rec 2020 uv
:
72.81 %
✕
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
Update 08/18/2016: The color gamut was re-tested and found to be wide, covering most of the P3 color space.
6.2
Color Volume
✕
What it is:
How many colors a TV can display at different luminosity levels.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Normalized DCI P3 Coverage
:
70.683 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80 %
Noticeable difference:
5 %
Score distribution:
10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage
:
34.309 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage
:
51.921 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the Rec. 2020 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80 %
Noticeable difference:
5 %
Score distribution:
10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage
:
25.970 %
✕
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
The KU7* series of TVs can produce fairly saturated colors for P3, but the coverage becomes worse at low brightness levels.
10
Image Retention
✕
What it is:
How much a static image is retained on a TV screen after a certain amount of time.
When it matters:
When watching TV show, playing video games or when using your TV as a PC monitor.
Score components:
Score distribution:
IR after 0 min recovery
:
0.000 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured right after the static image exposure, without recovery time.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 2 min recovery
:
0.000 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 2 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 4 min recovery
:
0.000 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 4 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 6 min recovery
:
0.000 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 6 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 8 min recovery
:
0.000 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 8 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 10 min recovery
:
0.000 %
✕
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 10 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
7.0
Reflections
✕
What it is:
How much light is reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Reflection
:
2.4 %
✕
What it is:
Ratio of ambient light reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Ambient light in the room.
Good value:
< 1%
Noticeable difference:
0.5%
Screen Finish
:
Semi-gloss
✕
What it is:
Type of coating on the screen.
When it matters:
Bright objects in the direct reflection path (for example, opposite the TV).
Good value:
Glossy is good for ambient light, but not for direct reflections.
Reflections can appear large and diffused. They can also be seen through as long as they aren't too bright.
0
3D
✕
What it is:
Optional 3D video capability on TV.
When it matters:
3D movies and videos.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
3D Type
:
No
✕
What it is:
The 3D technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
3D movies & videos.
Good value:
Active have better resolution, but flickers. Passive is more comfortable, but loses half the vertical resolution.
2D to 3D
:
No
✕
What it is:
Feature that converts 2D content to 3D.
When it matters:
If you want to watch 2D content in 3D. Note that the quality is not as good as that of native 3D.
Motion
✕
Score components:
- 71% Motion Blur
- 7% Image Flicker
- 14% 24p Playback
- 7% Motion Interpolation
Score distribution:
Watching sports on the Samsung KU7000 is pretty decent. Fast moving objects such as a football being thrown from a player will be followed by a faint trail and some screen uniformity issues may be visible during panning shots over a game field, but this should not be an issue for most people.
7.4
Motion Blur
✕
What it is:
Amount of blur on fast movement.
When it matters:
Sports, video games.
Score components:
- 80% Response Time
- 20% Overshoot
Score distribution:
Response Time
:
20.3 ms
✕
What it is:
How quickly pixels can change color.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 20ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
Score distribution:
Overshoot
:
0.0 ms
✕
What it is:
When TV’s pixels adjust too far; how quickly they come back.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 10ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
Score distribution:
The response time of this TV is similar to that of the Samsung KU6300 because they have a similar panel. A faint trail is visible behind the logo meaning that fast moving object will appear to have a following trail behind them just like this one. The backlight flickers at twice the frequency of the KU6300.
2.8
Image Flicker
✕
What it is:
Luminosity pattern when displaying images
When it matters:
Sports, video games, when TV is used as a PC monitor
Score components:
- 40% PWM Dimming Frequency
- 40% BFI Frequency
- 20% BFI In Game Mode
Score distribution:
PWM Dimming Frequency
:
120 Hz
✕
What it is:
Flickering pattern at different luminosities.
When it matters:
For people sensitive to flickering.
Good value:
N/A or high frequencies (> 300 Hz)
BFI
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Option to turn screen black between frames
When it matters:
Reduces eye tracking blur in sports or video games
Good value:
Yes
BFI Frequency
:
120 Hz
✕
What it is:
Lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern
When it matters:
Reduces eye tracking blur in sports or video games
Good value:
60 Hz
BFI In Game Mode
:
No
✕
What it is:
Option to insert black frames when in the best settings for gaming
When it matters:
Reducing eye tracking blur for video games
Good value:
Yes
The 'Auto Motion Plus' setting can be customized to introduce black frame insertion. This helps to clear up motion blur due to eye tracking. Unfortunately this option isn't available in the 'Game' special viewing mode.
0
24p Playback
✕
What it is:
Whether 24p content can play without any judder.
When it matters:
Only 24p content (mostly just movies).
Score components:
Score distribution:
Judder-free 24p
:
No
✕
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 24p signal.
When it matters:
Blu-ray and DVD movies; 24 hz PC signal.
Judder-free 24p via 60p
:
No
✕
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60p signal.
When it matters:
Movies from streaming devices (Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.); 60 hz PC signal.
Judder-free 24p via 60i
:
No
✕
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60i signal.
When it matters:
Movies from cable/satellite boxes.
The TV was not able to remove judder when 24p content is played through any input source. Those sensitive to it will notice judder when watching movies.
5.0
Motion Interpolation
✕
What it is:
Also known as 'Soap Opera Effect'. It is an optional feature that increases the frame rate of the video, smoothing movement.
When it matters:
If you like the look of smoothed video. Not everyone does.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 30 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 60 fps.
When it matters:
30 fps or lower videos. Includes movies, TV shows, some video games.
Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
:
No
✕
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 60 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 100 fps.
When it matters:
60 fps videos. Includes some video games, some sports channels.
Enabling 'Action Motion Plus' to 'Auto' will allow you to smooth out content that outputs 30fps, this isn't the case for 60fps content. Even though Samsung advertises that this TV has a '120Hz Motion rate' it is a 60Hz TV.
Video game performance is good due to the low input lag and decent motion blur. This provides a smooth experience even in fast paced games. There is a large range of supported resolutions for those looking to use the KU7000 as a PC monitor.
8.1
Input Lag
✕
What it is:
Delay between input and onscreen reaction.
When it matters:
Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.
Score components:
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz
:
24.7 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV with a 1080p @ 60Hz input.
When it matters:
Video games and also when TV is used as PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
1080p With Interpolation
:
116.5 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag when the motion interpolation feature is turned on.
When it matters:
When you want to play video games with the Soap Opera Effect enabled.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
:
110.0 ms
✕
What it is:
Input lag in picture modes other than the specific game mode.
When it matters:
For playing video games while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
37.7 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
When it matters:
PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz
:
21.4 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz.
When it matters:
Video games and also when TV is used as PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
37.1 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4.
When it matters:
PC Monitor
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz + HDR
:
21.2 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz with HDR.
When it matters:
HDR Video games.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
:
37.1 ms
✕
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 with HDR enabled at 8 bit
When it matters:
PC Monitor with an HDR capable graphic card
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
The input lag of the KU7000 is great, enable 'Game Mode' in 'Special viewing modes' to reduce it as low as possible.
Update 09/08/2016: In 'Game Mode', when sending an HDR signal at 1080p resolution, the input lag remain the same at 24.7ms
8.0
Supported Resolutions
✕
What it is:
Different resolutions supported by TV.
When it matters:
PC monitor usage.
Score components:
- 20% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 20% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 20% 4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
- 20% 4k @ 60Hz
- 20% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Crisp text on 1060p @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
PC productivity and 60 fps gaming.
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Crisp text on 4k @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
Productivity and 60 fps gaming in 4k.
Enable 'UHD Colors' for 4:4:4 at 4k and 60Hz on HDMI1. This is not possible on HDMI2 or HDMI3. Text becomes more clear when sending a 4:4:4 signal. 120Hz input is not supported.
HDR10
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
Standard HDR format.
When it matters:
Most common format. All UHD Blu-ray discs are required to have it.
Dolby Vision
:
No
✕
What it is:
Better format, due to its dynamic nature.
When it matters:
Currently, only available via streaming.
5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
:
Yes
✕
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
HDMI 2.0 full bandwidth is only available on HDMI1.
Sound Quality
Sound is average on the Samsung KU7000 which isn't too bad for a TV. Most sound bars would be an upgrade but those that don't want the additional clutter should still be somewhat satisfied by the sound of the KU7000.
Note: Sound Quality test for TVs reviewed before 2017 was performed at 75dB, 85dB, and Max SPL. Starting 2017, the target SPL levels have been changed to 70dB, 80dB, and Max dB SPL.
7.0
Frequency Response
✕
What it is:
Sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
For balanced sound.
Score components:
- 7% Std. Dev. @ 70
- 15% Std. Dev. @ 80
- 22% Std. Dev. @ Max
- 18% Max
- 37% Low-end Cutoff
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 70
:
4.27 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
70 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 80
:
4.40 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
80 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ Max
:
5.68 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
Max volume.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Max
:
90.7 dB SPL
✕
What it is:
Max volume on the TV at a distance of 1 meter.
When it matters:
For listening to loud audio.
Good value:
> 90 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Low-end Cutoff
:
95 Hz
✕
What it is:
How low of a frequency at which the bass starts.
When it matters:
Movies; gaming.
Good value:
< 50Hz
Noticeable difference:
10Hz
Score distribution:
Decent frequency response, low-end cutoff and maximum loudness for a TV. The responses at 75dB and 85dB SPL are pretty good, however, at maximum volume pumping and compression are present.
6.2
Total Harmonic Distortion
✕
What it is:
Pureness of a single frequency.
Score components:
- 20% Distortion @ 70
- 40% Distortion @ 80
- 40% Distortion @ Max
Score distribution:
Distortion @ 70
:
0.018
✕
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
70 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Distortion @ 80
:
0.040
✕
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
80 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Distortion @ Max
:
0.093
✕
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
85 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Average distortion results. At lower volumes, the performance is very good. At maximum volume however, there is a noticeable jump in the harmonic distortion.
Smart Features
The Samsung KU7000 offers an impressive smart interface performance that is both smooth and responsive. The TV comes with a fairly fast CPU and memory which allows applications to load quickly even when heavily multi-tasking, showing no hiccups at all. Also, the operating system supports a great deal of different applications such as Netflix, Amazon Video, Youtube, and many more, making it a very polished smart interface. As for the inputs, the Samsung TV offers many inputs of different variations making it capable of plugging all your devices in it. Be careful though, if you want to use the full capability of the TV make sure you use the HDMI 1 port as it's the only port that supports HDMI 2.0.
When a new device is detected (such as when a computer is woken from sleep while plugged into an HDMI port) the TV automatically switches to this device. This may be an annoyance if you are watching other content at the time.
0
Ads
✕
What it is:
Whether or not ads can be found on the TV's smart platform.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Score distribution:
Ad-free
:
No
✕
What it is:
The TV's ability to provide an ad-free experience.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Opt-out
:
No
✕
What it is:
Whether you can opt out of the ad services or not. A TV only passes this test if it allows you to remove them completely, not only disable the personalized advertising.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
The remote is identical to the Samsung KS Series remote. It's comfortable and is very easy to use to navigate through menus. It also has the voice command functionality that the KS Series remote has, which is a nice addition. This remote, compared to the Samsung KU6300, is somewhat better and has the voice command functionality.
Differences between Sizes and Variants
We tested the 55" (UN55KU7000) 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 KU7000 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.
Update 01/16/2017: The 43" has a AA01 panel, so our review might not correspond exactly to that size.
| Size | Model | US | Canada | UK | Warehouse | Warehouse long |
| 40" | UN40KU7000 | UN40KU7000FXZA | UN40KU7000FXZC | UE40KU6400 | N/A | N/A |
| 43" | UN43KU7000 | UN43KU7000FXZA | UN43KU7000FXZC | UE43KU6400 | N/A | N/A |
| 49" | UN49KU7000 | UN49KU7000FXZA | UN49KU7000FXZC | UE49KU6400 | N/A | N/A |
| 55" | UN55KU7000 | UN55KU7000FXZA | UN55KU7000FXZC | UE55KU6400 | UN55KU700D | UN55KU700DFXZA |
| 65" | UN65KU7000 | UN65KU7000FXZA | UN65KU7000FXZC | UE65KU6400 | UN65KU700D | UN55KU700DFXZA |
Compared to other TVs
Top left: Samsung KU6300 (UN55KU6300). Bottom left: Sony X850D (XBR55X850D). Middle: Samsung KU7000 (UN55KU7000). Top right: Vizio P Series 2016 (P65-C1). Bottom right: Samsung KS8000 (UN55KS8000). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.
The Samsung KU7000 is hard to recommend when cheaper TVs offer similar performances with a better value.
Samsung KS8000
49" 55" 60" 65"
The Samsung KS8000 is a superior TV especially for watching movies and with HDR content. It fits the living room better too since it can get a lot brighter. The KS8000 is pricier but is the TV to get for anyone looking at an upgrade over the KU7000.
Vizio P Series 2016
50" 55" 65" 75"
The Vizio P 2016 is better for movies, HDR and video games. Sports is also very good on it but it has a little worse uniformity.
Samsung KU6300
40" 43" 50" 55" 60" 65" 70"
The Samsung KU6300 offers nearly identical picture quality for SDR content, although it is not as thin. The Samsung KU7000 does provide slightly better HDR performance due to the wide color gamut, but for most people the Samsung KU6300 presents better value.
Sony X850D
55" 65" 75" 85"
The Sony X850D has a better picture quality when viewed from the side but not as good when watched directly from front or in a dark room. Get the X850D if most of the viewing is done in a well lit room.
Conclusion
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
The Samsung KU7000 is a decent TV with a few flaws. It is good for playing video games and sports fans won't complain but movie lovers might be bothered by the small amount of judder and the limited HDR performance. When viewed from the side, the picture of the KU7000 also deteriorates. In the end, the Samsung KU7000 is not easy to recommend since the KU6300 is cheaper and has the same picture quality. If you were looking for an improvement, go with the KS8000 instead.
Usage Ratings -
Version 1.0
✕
Test Benches: test
- 1.2: Winter 2018
- 1.1: Summer 2017
- 1.0: Winter 2015
- 0.9: Winter 2014
- 0.8: Winter 2013
7.4
Mixed Usage
✕
What it is
General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.
Score components:
- 23% Movies
- 23% TV Shows
- 23% Sports
- 23% Video Games
- 5% HDR Movies
- 5% HDR Gaming
Score distribution:
6.9
Movies
✕
What it is
Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.
Score components:
- 14% Contrast
- 14% Black Uniformity
- 14% Local Dimming
- 14% 1080p Input
- 10% 4k Input
- 6% Pre Calibration
- 6% 24p Playback
- 5% HDR Movies
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 3% Gray Uniformity
- 3% Post Calibration
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 720p Input
- 3% 3D
Score distribution:
7.2
TV Shows
✕
What it is
TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.
Score components:
- 17% Reflections
- 17% SDR Peak Brightness
- 15% Viewing Angle
- 12% 720p Input
- 12% 1080p Input
- 8% 480p Input
- 7% Gray Uniformity
- 4% Motion Interpolation
- 3% 4k Input
- 3% Sound Quality
- 3% Smart Features
Score distribution:
7.2
Sports
✕
What it is
Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.
Score components:
- 16% SDR Peak Brightness
- 16% Gray Uniformity
- 12% Viewing Angle
- 12% Reflections
- 12% Motion Blur
- 12% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 3% 480p Input
- 3% 4k Input
- 2% Image Flicker
- 2% Image Retention
Score distribution:
8.1
Video Games
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What it is
Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.
Score components:
- 23% Input Lag
- 19% Motion Blur
- 13% 1080p Input
- 9% Contrast
- 8% Black Uniformity
- 5% 4k Input
- 5% Supported Resolutions
- 4% Image Retention
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% 720p Input
- 3% Gray Uniformity
Score distribution:
7.5
HDR Movies
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What it is
HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.
Score components:
- 37% Color Gamut
- 21% HDR Peak Brightness
- 12% 4k Input
- 8% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 3% Local Dimming
- 3% 24p Playback
- 3% HDR10
- 3% Dolby Vision
Score distribution:
7.9
HDR Gaming
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What it is
HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.
Score components:
- 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
- 15% Motion Blur
- 14% Color Gamut
- 8% HDR Peak Brightness
- 7% 4k Input
- 7% Gradient
- 6% Contrast
- 5% Black Uniformity
- 5% Image Flicker
- 5% Image Retention
- 4% Local Dimming
Score distribution:
7.0
PC Monitor
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What it is
PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.
Score components:
- 20% Viewing Angle
- 11% Input Lag
- 10% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 10% Gray Uniformity
- 9% Motion Blur
- 7% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 6% Reflections
- 4% Image Flicker
- 4% SDR Peak Brightness
- 4% Contrast
- 4% Image Retention
- 3% Gradient
Score distribution:
Questions & Answers
17 ANSWERED QUESTIONS
22
Can't believe KU7000 is lesser then the KU6300. Are you guys 100% positive about the KU7000 quality considering natural mode looks way better then movie mode and your calibrations. Also what would the score be excluding the 0 from 3d, local dimming. Considering I don't care for those as well as living room and sound as well.
Both TV are very close and when compare the KU6300 and the KU7000. The KU7000 design is a bit more refined than the KU6300, but the picture quality is almost identical to the cheaper KU6300, so unless the 'look and design' of the TV is important to you, you could go with the KU7000. If you don't care too much about the design and want to have more for your money, the KU6300 is a better choice for you.
In about a month from now, some change will be implemented on the web site that will allow you to exclude some elements from the final scores. As for now we cannot do it.
Update 08/18/2016: We have re-tested the color gamut of the KU7000, and found that it does support a wide color gamut. As such, HDR content on the KU7000 will look a bit better with more saturated colors.
16
Will you guys review the Sony XBR43X800D so that we can compare against this Samsung?
We do have plans to review one of the sizes of the Sony X800D sometime in August.
15
You guys said that the HDMI #1 is the only HDMI 2.0, I've heard that other people talked to samsung via chat and said that all HDMI ports are HDMI 2.0.
From our tests, only HDMI 1 is able to handle the full bandwidth of the HDMI 2.0 standard.
9
Hi, thank you so much for all the work you do. You mentioned that the HDR of this TV is limited, however, it has HDR10 capabilities. Can you explain what is holding this TVs HDR capability back. Thank you in advance.
There is 2 factors that play a big role in making a good HDR experience. One is the wide color gamut and the second is the peak brightness of small highlight.
The Wide color gamut is the range of color that the TV can display. If you play an HDR movie, you want a TV that will reproduce the same color that were encoded when the movie was mastered. If your TV does not display the same range of color, you will not see the color as they were intended to be display.
Same thing with bright highlight, let say you have a scene with a bright sun, and the sun is supposed to be shining at 800 cd/m² on a 300 cd/m² sky, but your TV can only display a max brightness of 300 cd/m², the final image will have to be tone down and you will lose the visual effect that was intended.
There are other features that play a role in displaying a good HDR effect, but those two are the one that are the most noticeable and that have the most weight in the final score and unfortunately, the KU7000 have a below average in both. If you compare with the Samsung KS8000, you will see that it got a very good score in both of those test.
Update 08/18/2016: New color gamut measurements have shown that the KU7000 does support a wide color gamut, which does improve the HDR experience. However it is still lacking bright highlights and the better picture quality of other HDR TVs, and so has average HDR performance.
6
Wow, this is rated a lot lower than the previous generation. I'm looking for a 40" for a bedroom. I'll mostly be playing video games on it and sit somewhere around 5/6 feet away. I thought this would be the tv, but the review is pretty lackluster.
You have a few options. The best we have seen in this size is still the 2015 Samsung JU7500. For a much lower price though, take a look at the 40" Vizio D 4k. It is decent for watching movies and excellent for video games.
6
What about the curved version Samsung KU7500 43 inch? Is there any improvement? I personally enjoy curved picture when gaming, so wondering if it is any better.
We haven't reviewed the KU7500 but expect it to perform very similarly to the KU7000, with a curve. We expect it to also provide good gaming performance.
5
I got this TV a couple weeks ago and started to notice random drops in WiFi when I use the Smart Connect from my phone. Even Bluetooth gets disconnected from the TV to the speakers. Doesn't matter what you do to reset the connections, it doesn't work. The only way is to unplug the TV and plug it back in after a few seconds. Then restarting the TV will automatically recover all the connections. Have you guys noticed something similar during your review?
We did not notice this during our review of the TV. It could be that there is something in your environment that is causing some interference (electronic gear, microwave oven, bad power source, other wireless devices, etc) with your wireless signal or simply that you have a defective TV.
4
I bought the 43" a couple of weeks before the review came out and was actually quite disappointed after reading it. I'm looking hard for the flaws you mention in the review, but what I'm experiencing is great detail, very realistic color and skin tone, fairly deep blacks, and really good up-scaling. Could the smaller screen possibly look better than the 55" you reviewed or am I just easy to please and a TV viewing nube?
We found that the KU7000 performed about average in most of our tests. This is not bad, however TVs that do really well generally have additional features or performance that stands out above the rest. The main issues with the KU7000 were the lack of HDR performance (which will only be an issue for HDR content) and judder present when watching movies (although this is only noticeable to some people). Generally smaller screens do have fewer problems with uniformity, and if the field of view is smaller then the picture quality and upscaling do appear slightly better.
3
Would a firmware update fix the judder problems? Also what can a firmware update do anyways can it improve input lag, add new settings etc.
It is very unlikely, as last year's Samsung 60 Hz TVs behave that way also. Generally, firmware updates are for stability fixes (like crashes or rebooting). Improving input lag or adding new settings is possible, but this rarely happens.
3
Hello,
Would you be able to clarify the following statement under the PC monitor portion of your review:
Text becomes more clear when sending a 4:4:4 signal instead of 4:2:2, however it is not as well defined as the KU6300.
Does this indicate that text on the KU7000 is not as clear as it is on the KU6300 at 4:4:4 or does it indicate that the difference between text at 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 is not as noticeable on the KU7000 as it is on the KU6300? I am interested in using either the KU7000 or KU6300 as a PC monitor and text clarity is a big factor in the decision.
Thanks for your time in maintaining this site. It is an excellent resource.
We just retested 4:4:4 at all resolutions and text always stays perfectly clear. We must have made an error when we tested it the first time. We removed the sentence you're referring to and updated the review. Thank you for pointing that out.
3
Hello, I recently purchased the ku7000 55" FA01 model same as yours and was having trouble getting into the advanced calibration settings when connected to my PC.
Found any fix to get this working. Thanks
To adjust the 10 point white balance, special viewing modes (eg. 'Game Mode') must be disabled. Note that we do not recommend copying our white balance and color space settings as it varies on a unit by unit basis.
3
That's correct, the local dimming implementation in the KU7000 reduces the brightness of highlights significantly. With local dimming disabled the whole screen stays at a similar brightness for both TVs.
2
What is the input lag while in PC Mode? I noticed you stopped posting this figure in your 2016 reviews. Thank you.
The input lag of the Samsung Ku7000 while in PC mode is 37.3ms.
2
What is the input lag with HDR in and out of game mode thanks.
In game mode, we have the same input lag (24.7ms) with or without HDR signal. Outside game mode, we also have the same input lag (110.0ms) with or without HDR signal. We have updated the review with this new data.
1
What HDMI input should be used for a 4k HDR DVD player and is the TV capable of handling the signal?
Only HDMI 1 supports 4K HDR. The TV can play HDR content.
We are not taking any more questions for this product because we no longer have it in our lab.
