- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Design
- Picture Quality
- Motion
- Inputs
- Sound Quality
- Smart Features
- Sizes and Variants
- Compared
- Conclusion
- Discussions
Reviewed on Jun 15, 2018
By Daniel O'Keeffe
, Adam Babcock, Bruno St-Georges-Robert, Dimitris Katsaounis, Eric Bousquet, Ian Cumming, Yannick Khong
Samsung NU7300
TV REVIEW
This tv was replaced by the Samsung RU7300
Sub-Type
:
VA
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
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. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
The Samsung NU7300 is a decent 4k TV with deep blacks when viewed from directly in-front, but the image degrades when viewed at an angle. It lacks more advanced features found on higher-end TVs like local dimming and a wide color gamut, but still has a decent picture quality. The image degrades when viewed at an angle, so it isn't good for those who have wide seating. The TV has excellent low input lag which is great for gamers, but motion handling is only decent.
Test Results
| Design | 8.5 |
| Picture Quality | 7.4 |
| Motion | 6.4 |
| Inputs | 9.4 |
| Sound Quality | 6.7 |
| Smart Features | 7.4 |
- Can produce deep and uniform dark scenes
- Feels very responsive
- Bad viewing angles
- HDR performance is mediocre
Update 2/28/2019:
Converted to Test Bench 1.3. Learn more about our versioned test bench system here.
Check Price
Design
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
The design of the Samsung NU7300 is very good. It is slightly curved and mainly made of plastic except for the borders that are metal. The stand is basic and supports the TV well, but the TV wobbles back and forth when moved. The are no gaps in the construction.
The back of the TV is plastic and has the distinct groves for guiding the cables. In this model, the cables cannot be hidden through the stand as in more premium models, as only a clip is provided to guide them along the legs.
Temperature
What it is:
It is the average and maximum operating temperatures we measured on the TV. If there is an external device, like a One Connect box in some Samsungs, we measure the temperature of that as well.
When it matters:
If the temperature of your TV is much higher, check that nothing is blocking the vents.
Maximum Temperature
:
108 °F (42 °C)
What it is:
The peak temperature found on the TV.
When it matters:
If the TV is placed in an enclosed space.
Good value:
<35°C
Noticeable difference:
5°C
Average Temperature
:
93 °F (34 °C)
What it is:
The average temperature measured on the TV.
When it matters:
If the TV is placed in an enclosed space.
Good value:
<35°C
Noticeable difference:
5°C
The Samsung UN55NU7300 gets quite warm at the bottom edge where the LEDs are encased. This, however, should not be an issue for most.
6.5
Build Quality
What it is:
It represents our perception of the quality of the construction of the TV, of the materials used, and how they all blend.
When it matters:
Poor build quality might lessen the expected lifetime of the TV, or make it more prone to faults due to mishandling.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
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
- 6% Reflections
- 4% Pre Calibration
- 1% Post Calibration
- 6% 480p Input
- 9% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 5% 4k Input
- 4% Color Gamut
- 4% Color Volume
- 2% Gradient
- 1% Temporary Image Retention
- 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
Score distribution:
The picture quality of the Samsung NU7300 is ok. The good contrast helps black look good in dark environments and the gray and black uniformity are good so there is very little clouding. The TV can get bright enough when displaying SDR content, but it isn't really enough to make HDR content stand out. The TV has a limited color gamut and hence color volume. This TV, as with most VA panels, is not well suited for a wide room as the viewing angles are not good so the image degrades when viewed at an angle.
8.9
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:
Score distribution:
Native Contrast
:
5583 : 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:
Contrast with local dimming
:
N/A
What it is:
Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks measured on our checkerboard test pattern with local dimming turned on (maximum) 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 Samsung NU7300 has an excellent contrast ratio. It has no problem displaying deep blacks in a dark room. This is in the same ballpark as other Samsung TVs with VA panels, like the flat NU7100.
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.
The Samsung UN55NU7300 has no local dimming option. The video is provided for reference only.
7.3
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:
- 64% SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
- 5% SDR Peak 2% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 10% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 25% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 50% Window
- 5% SDR Peak 100% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 2% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 10% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 25% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 50% Window
- 2% SDR Sustained 100% Window
- 1% SDR ABL
Score distribution:
SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
290 cd/m²
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. Our Real Scene was selected to represent a more regular movie condition. All measurements are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming on, max backlight and with an SDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies and TV shows in SDR.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 2% Window
:
169 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
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 10% Window
:
312 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
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 25% Window
:
310 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:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 50% Window
:
310 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:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 100% Window
:
309 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:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 2% Window
:
167 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 during a scene.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 10% Window
:
311 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 during a scene.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 25% Window
:
310 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:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 50% Window
:
309 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:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 100% Window
:
309 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:
When watching in a bright room.
Good value:
> 300 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
30 cd/m²
Score distribution:
SDR ABL
:
0.039
What it is:
The coefficient of variation of the SDR sustained brightness, after linearizing for noticeable differences in luminosity
When it matters:
Content with large bright areas, such as for PC or video game use, and sports such as hockey
Good value:
<0.07
Noticeable difference:
0.01
Score distribution:
Good SDR peak brightness. In dark scenes with a small bright highlight, the TV reduces the overall brightness to produce deeper dark scenes and thus highlights don't look too bright. Brightness, however, does remain consistent in less dark scenes, and the TV is ok for most rooms. It is just slightly brighter than its flat counterpart the NU7100
6.0
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:
- 63% HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
- 5% HDR Peak 2% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 10% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 25% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 50% Window
- 5% HDR Peak 100% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 2% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 10% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 25% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 50% Window
- 2% HDR Sustained 100% Window
- 2% HDR ABL
Score distribution:
HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
299 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.
Good value:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 2% Window
:
180 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 10% Window
:
337 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 25% Window
:
336 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 50% Window
:
335 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 100% Window
:
335 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 2% Window
:
180 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 10% Window
:
330 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 25% Window
:
329 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 50% Window
:
329 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 100% Window
:
329 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:
> 550 cd/m²
Noticeable difference:
80 cd/m²
Score distribution:
HDR ABL
:
0.041
What it is:
The coefficient of variation of the HDR sustained brightness, after linearizing for noticeable differences in luminosity
When it matters:
HDR content with large bright areas, such as HDR gaming
Good value:
<0.07
Noticeable difference:
0.01
Score distribution:
The HDR peak brightness of the TV is mediocre. It is just slightly brighter than the flat NU7100 but this may be due to unit variance. Is far behind the brightness levels of the TCL R617. The TV does keep similar brightness levels regardless of the window sizes, but dark scene highlights are not boosted at all.
7.7
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.
:
3.548 %
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
:
0.166 %
What it is:
Dirty Screen Effect. 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:
5% Std. Dev.
:
0.435 %
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 5% gray.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 1.15%
Noticeable difference:
1%
Score distribution:
5% DSE
:
0.089 %
What it is:
Dirty Screen Effect. High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 0.116%
Score distribution:
The Samsung NU7300 has good gray uniformity. On the 50% gray image, although there are uniformity issues, this is mostly darkening of the edges which doesn't create much dirty screen effect. These uniformity issues are not likely to cause dark spots on the screen, and this should make sports fans happy as no clouding will be visible in panning shots.
Similar and even better results are obtained at the 5% gray and this great.
5.3
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 Washout
- 16% Color Shift
- 24% Brightness Loss
- 16% Black Level Raise
- 24% Gamma Shift
Score distribution:
Color Washout
:
26 °
What it is:
The angle at which some colors drop to 80% of their original chroma.
When it matters:
When viewing colorful content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Color Shift
:
21 °
What it is:
The angle at which some colors hue shift by 3° (meaning they change color, such as becoming more blue-ish).
When it matters:
When viewing colorful content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Brightness Loss
:
36 °
What it is:
The angle at which the TV's lightness drops to 75% of its original lightness.
When it matters:
When viewing any content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Black Level Raise
:
12 °
What it is:
The angle at which the black level doubles its lightness, leading to dark shades looking washed out.
When it matters:
When viewing dark content from the side.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Gamma Shift
:
18 °
What it is:
The angle at which some grayscale shades shift by 3% of their relative position between the black and white levels.
When it matters:
When watching any content at an angle.
Good value:
> 45°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
The viewing angle is poor. Blacks fade as soon as you move from the center, colors start shifting at slightly larger angles. Finally, brightness is the last image quality that deteriorates as viewing angle increases.
This TV is not suitable for a wide viewing environment.
9.4
Black Uniformity
What it is:
Evenness of blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
- 75% Native Std. Dev.
- 25% Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
Score distribution:
Native Std. Dev.
:
0.535 %
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 1%
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:
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
:
N/A
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks with Local Dimming enabled
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 1%
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 amazing. Our panel has very little clouding on the lower right corner, this should not be a concern as most people will not notice it.
7.3
Reflections
What it is:
How much light is reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Score components:
Score distribution:
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.
Total Reflections
:
6.1 %
What it is:
The amount of light which is reflected off the screen, in all directions.
When it matters:
When watching TV in a bright room, with lamps, windows or walls which reflect directly off the screen.
Good value:
4.5 %
Noticeable difference:
0.5 %
Score distribution:
Indirect Reflections
:
0.7 %
What it is:
The amount of light reflected off the screen, ignoring direct (mirror-like) reflections
When it matters:
Watching TV in a bright room, without sunlight or lamps directed at the TV
Good value:
1.0 %
Noticeable difference:
0.5 %
Score distribution:
Reflection handling is ok. The semi-gloss finish manages to diffuse most of the ambient reflections but doesn't do a great job if the source is facing the screen
7.2
Pre Calibration
What it is:
TV's color accuracy before a full calibration. The only settings that are changed are those that don't vary from unit to unit, like picture mode, color temperature and gamma.
When it matters:
All video on an uncalibrated TV. This represents most people's use cases.
Score components:
- 46% White Balance dE
- 45% Color dE
- 9% Color Temperature
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
2.89
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
:
3.83
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.05
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
Color Temperature
:
6186 K
What it is:
The color temperature is a measure of the color of light. A colder color temperature (7000K) will look bluer and a warmer color temperature (4000K) will look yellower/redder. 6500K is the standard color temperature use in the TV and film industry as program, film, and photography directors usually work on monitors calibrated on the 6500k color temperature and do their color correction base on what they see on those monitors.
When it matters:
To get the most accurate picture when watching TV shows, movies or video games. This is particularly for skin tones.
Good value:
6500K
Noticeable difference:
400K
Score distribution:
Color Temp Setting
:
Warm 2
What it is:
The best value for the TV's color temperature setting. The setting name differs between brands; for some it's "Color Temperature", for others its "White Point".
When it matters:
All content on screen
Gamma Setting
:
BT.1886 +2, Brightness +2
What it is:
The best value for the TV's gamma setting; the setting name differs between TV brands.
When it matters:
Shadows, accurate grayscale performance.
The out-of-the-box color accuracy is decent. We obtained the best results with the Movie Picture mode.
The white dE and the color dE are a bit off, but these differences are too small to bother most people. Gamma is higher than our target and thus some dark details is lost. The colors are a little warm and this explains the faint red and yellow image tint.
Update 04/12/2019: This TV was incorrectly measured with Brightness +2, instead of at 0. This only has a small impact on the results (slightly dimmer dark scenes below about 30 IRE) and so we don't plan to retest it.
9.1
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:
- 46% White Balance dE
- 45% Color dE
- 9% Color Temperature
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
0.21
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
:
2.38
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.20
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
Color Temperature
:
6509 K
What it is:
The color temperature is a measure of the color of light. A colder color temperature (7000K) will look bluer and a warmer color temperature (4000K) will look yellower/redder. 6500K is the standard color temperature use in the TV and film industry as program, film, and photography directors usually work on monitors calibrated on the 6500k color temperature and do their color correction base on what they see on those monitors.
When it matters:
To get the most accurate picture when watching TV shows, movies or video games. This is particularly for skin tones.
Good value:
6500K
Noticeable difference:
400K
Score distribution:
White Balance Calibration
:
20 point
What it is:
Whether the TV's white balance can be finely calibrated.
When it matters:
When calibrating the TV.
Color Calibration
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV's color tone mapping can be finely calibrated.
When it matters:
When calibrating the TV.
Auto-Calibration Function
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV has an auto-calibration function that can be used with a measurement device. Note that this is not used during testing, as we calibrate the TV manually.
When it matters:
When calibrating the TV.
The post calibration color accuracy is remarkable. We were able to significantly lower the white balance dE, the Gamma was right on the 2.2 target and color temperature was almost perfect.
As with most 2018 Samsung TVs, we were unable to completely fix the color dE, although it was brought down to levels where very few people might notice.
You can see our recommended settings here.
6.8
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
:
No
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
:
74.77 %
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
:
81.81 %
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
:
53.71 %
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
:
59.94 %
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:
The color gamut is okay. The TV is only capable of covering about 3/4 of the DCI P3 space and only just a little more than half of the Rec. 2020 space.
The EOTF in Movie mode undershoots the target PQ curve significantly, so HDR content looks a little dimmer than normal. This is made less severe by setting Contrast Enhancer to Low, as shown in this plot.
The Game Mode EOTF photo shows that the same undershooting happens in this mode too. In the PC Mode EOTF, there is still some undershooting of the PQ curve, but it starts at higher input signal luminosity.
5.8
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 ITP
:
66.6 %
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 ITP
:
21.5 %
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 ITP
:
48.6 %
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 ITP
:
15.7 %
What it is:
How much of the Rec 2020 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 Samsung NU7300 has a disappointing color volume as it fails to cover the color space in various luminosity levels. Colors look dim in darker scenes and the TV fails to display the creator intended content accurately. This is also due to the limited color gamut.
8.0
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:
- 25% Red (Std. Dev.)
- 25% Green (Std. Dev.)
- 25% Blue (Std. Dev.)
- 25% Gray (Std. Dev.)
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.
Red (Std. Dev.)
:
0.113 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit red shades.
When it matters:
Details in skin tones, sunsets, and other reddish objects. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
Green (Std. Dev.)
:
0.125 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit green shades.
When it matters:
Details in ocean shades and other greenish objects. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
Blue (Std. Dev.)
:
0.097 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit blue shades.
When it matters:
Details in skies, water and other blueish objects. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
Gray (Std. Dev.)
:
0.102 dE
What it is:
The standard deviation of the color differences (dE) between subsequent 10 bit gray shades.
When it matters:
Details in dull colors, such as shadows, glow and urban scenes. Matters more for HDR content.
Good value:
< 0.12 dE
Noticeable difference:
0.01 dE
Score distribution:
The gradient on the Samsung UN55NU7300 is good. Although there is small banding pretty much everywhere, no major banding can be observed in any color except in dark green
Setting Digital Clean View to 'auto' smooths the gradient but can't fix it and causes a lost of fine details.
10
Temporary 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.
Note that this is different to permanent burn-in, learn more about permanent burn-in here.
Score components:
Score distribution:
IR after 0 min recovery
:
0.00 %
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
:
0.00 %
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
:
0.00 %
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
:
0.00 %
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
:
0.00 %
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
:
0.00 %
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:
There is no temporary image retention on the NU7300, which is typical for TVs with VA panels.
10
Permanent Burn-In Risk
What it is:
The risk of developing a persistent image retention, also known as burn-in, after being exposed to a static image for a prolonged time
When it matters:
When watching TV shows, playing video games or when using your TV as a PC monitor where static content is present
Score components:
Score distribution:
Permanent Burn-In Risk
:
No
What it is:
If the TV faces a risk of developing permanent burn-in after being expose, for a long period of time, to static images.
When it matters:
When watching TV shows with static logos or banners (news or sports channels), when playing video games with a HUD (head up display), and when using a TV as a PC monitors.
The VA panel in our long-term test appears to be immune so we do expect not this TV to experience permanent image retention.
Pixels
What it is:
The smallest element a screen can display is called a pixel. In color TVs, this consists of three (or more) subpixels. This is a picture of the TV's pixel structure.
When it matters:
It can help explain some display behaviors and can provide an indication of whether two panels are the same or not.
Motion
Score components:
- 53% Response Time
- 11% Flicker-Free
- 3% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
- 5% Motion Interpolation
- 12% Stutter
- 11% 24p Judder
- 5% Variable Refresh Rate
Score distribution:
Motion handling is decent for this Samsung NU7300. The response time is good, so fast-paced content can be displayed without much blur. The backlight uses PWM flicker to dim, but at a frequency of 240Hz it isn't noticeable to most people are motion appears decently smooth. The TV can also flicker the backlight at 60Hz to clear up fast-paced motion.
7.7
Response Time
What it is:
Amount of blur in fast motion.
When it matters:
Sports, video games.
Score components:
- 50% 80% Response Time
- 50% 100% Response Time
Score distribution:
80% Response Time
:
7.3 ms
What it is:
How quickly pixels can reach 80% of a full transition from one color to another.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 8 ms
Noticeable difference:
4 ms
Score distribution:
100% Response Time
:
18.7 ms
What it is:
How quickly pixels can fully transition from one color to another.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 20 ms
Noticeable difference:
10 ms
Score distribution:
The response time of the Samsung NU7300 is good. The pixels transition fast and should please sports viewers and gamers. At the same time, there is some blur in the image which is mainly caused by the backlight flickering. The response time is a bit faster than that of the flat NU7100, but this may come down to unit variance and these small response time differences are also visible in the moving logo photo.
6.0
Flicker-Free
What it is:
How noticeable flicker is on the screen, when all optional flicker has been disabled.
When it matters:
All usages, but particularly when viewing fast motion (such as in sports and video games) or when using the TV as a PC monitor.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Flicker-Free
:
No
What it is:
Whether the screen will be perceived as having no flicker during normal viewing conditions.
When it matters:
When flicker is especially bothersome, such as when using the TV as a PC monitor.
Good value:
Yes
PWM Dimming Frequency
:
240 Hz
What it is:
The flicker frequency of the screen, when all optional flicker has been disabled.
When it matters:
All usages, but particularly when viewing fast motion (such as in sports and video games) or when using the TV as a PC monitor.
Good value:
0 Hz or very high frequencies (> 300 Hz). Frequencies that are multiples of 60Hz are better.
Score distribution:
Just like the NU7100, the NU7300 uses PWM at 240Hz to dim the backlight except when at 100%.
However, when the motion interpolation is enabled through the Auto Motion Plus option the flicker frequency of the backlight changes to 120Hz as shown in this plot.
This causes worse duplications in the motion as shown in this photo
9.1
Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
What it is:
How effective the TV's flickering capabilities are in making motion look clearer, when flicker is desired.
When it matters:
When flicker is desired by the user. Flicker is especially useful to make motion look clearer when viewing 60 fps content (sports, video games) and when using motion interpolation.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Optional BFI
:
Yes
What it is:
Option to turn the screen black between frames.
When it matters:
When flicker is desired by the user. Flicker is especially useful to make motion look clearer when viewing 60 fps content (sports, video games) and when using motion interpolation.
Good value:
Yes
Min Flicker for 60 fps
:
60 Hz
What it is:
Lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern when playing 60 fps content.
When it matters:
When viewing fast motion such as sports and video games.
Good value:
60 Hz
Noticeable difference:
20 Hz
Score distribution:
60 Hz for 60 fps
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the screen can flicker at 60 Hz when playing 60 fps content.
When it matters:
When playing 60 fps content, such as sports and video games.
Good value:
Yes
120 Hz for 120 fps
:
N/A
What it is:
Whether the screen can flicker at 120 Hz when playing 120 fps content.
When it matters:
When playing 120 fps content, such as when using motion interpolation on a 120 Hz TV.
Good value:
Yes
Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
:
120 Hz
What it is:
Lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern when playing 60 fps content in Game Mode.
When it matters:
When playing video games with fast motion.
Good value:
60 Hz
Noticeable difference:
20 Hz
Score distribution:
The BFI is great.
In Game mode, 60Hz flicker is not possible, but the backlight flicker stays at 120Hz in Game mode as shown in this plot.
7.0
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.
Motion Interpolations is decent. Some occasional artifacts can be seen, and the TV stops interpolating when there's too much motion.
Note: that when Auto Motion Plus is enabled the backlight flicker changes to 120Hz, as shown in this plot.
8.2
Stutter
What it is:
Jarring effect caused by static frame time during motion sequences
When it matters:
When watching content with long panning shots and other smooth movement
Score components:
Score distribution:
Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
:
23.0 ms
What it is:
Time that frame is static during 24Hz videos such as movies
When it matters:
When watching movies and other low frame rate content which contain panning shots
Good value:
< 24 ms
Noticeable difference:
5 ms
Score distribution:
Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
:
0.0 ms
What it is:
Time that frame is static during 60 fps content such as TV shows
When it matters:
When watching 60 fps content containing slow panning shots (such as field sports)
Good value:
< 24 ms
Noticeable difference:
5 ms
Score distribution:
The Samsung NU7300 has a very good stutter results as there is practically no stutter on the 60fps signal, but there might be a slight stutter on 24p content. This, however, will not be noticeable by most people.
0
24p Judder
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.
Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
:
No
What it is:
Judder-free movies when playing from native apps.
When it matters:
Movies from streaming native apps (Netflix, Amazon TV, etc.).
Just like the NU7100, the NU7300 cannot remove judder from 24fps content. This holds true no matter if the content is 60p/i or from native 24fps content played from a Blu-ray.
This isn't a big issue since most people are not very sensitive to judder and probably won't notice it.
0
Variable Refresh Rate
What it is:
How frequently the TV can refresh and show new frames, and whether it can vary its refresh rate in real time using technologies like HDMI Forum's Variable Refresh Rate.
When it matters:
Mostly for gaming, but does provide a little better motion during normal usage.
Score components:
- 25% 4k VRR Maximum
- 25% 4k VRR Minimum
- 25% 1080p VRR Maximum
- 25% 1080p VRR Minimum
Score distribution:
Native Refresh Rate
:
60 Hz
What it is:
The out-of-the-box maximum refresh rate; how frequently the TV can refresh and show new frames.
When it matters:
When playing content with a frame rate that matches the TV's refresh rate (ex. 60 fps on a 60 Hz TV, 120 fps on a 120 Hz TV), or when using the TV's motion interpolation feature (soap opera effect).
Good value:
60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
:
No
What it is:
Feature that allows the TV to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.
When it matters:
Almost every usage, but is most noticeable when gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.
4k VRR Maximum
:
N/A
What it is:
The maximum frequency covered by the Variable Refresh Rate feature of the TV when the input signal is 4k.
When it matters:
Any time the VRR feature is enabled and 4k is sent.
Good value:
Matches maximum refresh rate at 4k.
Noticeable difference:
10 Hz
Score distribution:
4k VRR Minimum
:
N/A
What it is:
The lowest frequency covered by the TV's Variable Refresh Rate feature when the input signal is 4k.
When it matters:
When using the VRR feature of the TV at lower frame rates when sending a 4k signal.
Good value:
30 Hz
1080p VRR Maximum
:
N/A
What it is:
The maximum frequency covered by the Variable Refresh Rate feature of the TV when the input signal is 1080p.
When it matters:
Any time the VRR feature is enabled and 1080p is sent.
Good value:
Matches maximum refresh rate at 1080p.
Noticeable difference:
10 Hz
Score distribution:
1080p VRR Minimum
:
N/A
What it is:
The lowest frequency covered by the TV's Variable Refresh Rate feature when the input signal is 1080p.
When it matters:
When using the VRR feature of the TV at lower frame rates when sending a 1080p signal.
Good value:
30 Hz
VRR Supported Connectors
:
N/A
What it is:
The inputs which support a variable refresh rate (eg. HDMI, DisplayPort)
When it matters:
When gaming with different consoles or graphics cards.
This TV does not support VRR
Inputs
Score components:
- 86% Input Lag
- 14% Supported Resolutions
Score distribution:
The Samsung 55NU7300 has excellent input lag to please most competitive console gamers. It supports many input signals, including 4K @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + HDR. The TV can not pass DTS 5.1 audio to an external receiver. This, however, should not be much of a problem because most of the available content provide both DTS and Dolby Digital audio streams, allowing you to choose.
9.7
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:
- 36% 1080p @ 60 Hz
- 1% 1440p @ 60 Hz
- 38% 4k @ 60 Hz
- 19% 4k @ 60 Hz + HDR
- 3% 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
- 1% 1080p @ 120 Hz
- 1% 1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
- 1% 4k with VRR
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60 Hz
:
13.5 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p @ 60 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
:
78.3 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p @ 60 Hz input signal when in a fully featured picture mode.
When it matters:
For gaming and PC use, while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
1440p @ 60 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1440p @ 60Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz
:
13.2 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz + HDR
:
13.3 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz + HDR input signal.
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use in HDR.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
:
13.3 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible when displaying 4k @ 60 Hz with proper full 4:4:4 chroma, without subsampling. For this test a 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 signal is usually used, but a 4k @ 60 Hz @ Full RGB signal may be used if it's required for the TV to show proper 4:4:4 chroma subsampling.
When it matters:
PC use and gaming where fine text display (ClearType) is needed.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
:
61.3 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz input signal when in a fully featured picture mode.
When it matters:
For gaming and PC use, while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 60 Hz With Interpolation
:
61.4 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 60 Hz input signal, when motion interpolation is turned on.
When it matters:
When you want to play video games with motion interpolation (Soap Opera Effect) enabled.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
8k @ 60 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for an 8k @ 60Hz input signal.
When it matters:
PC use.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
1080p @ 120 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p @ 120 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
1440p @ 120 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1440p @ 120 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k @ 120 Hz
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k @ 120 Hz input signal.
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1080p input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When gaming with a device that supports Variable Refresh Rate, such as the Xbox One X or a PC.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
1440p with VRR
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 1440p input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When gaming with a device that supports Variable Refresh Rate, such as the Xbox One X or a PC.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
4k with VRR
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for a 4k input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When gaming with a device that supports Variable Refresh Rate, such as the Xbox One X or a PC.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
8k with VRR
:
N/A
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible for an 8k input signal when using Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync, etc).
When it matters:
When using a PC that supports Variable Refresh Rate.
Good value:
< 40 ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
:
No
What it is:
Whether a source (such as a game console) can request the TV switch into a low latency mode (such as game mode).
When it matters:
Console gaming; both PS4 and Xbox One S/X support ALLM.
Excellent low input lag, better than last year's MU6300. When the input is set to PC, the input lag is automatically the lowest possible.
There is no improvement in input lag if you activate Game mode within PC mode. The NU7300 does not a have a Game Motion Plus like the higher end Samsungs.
7.5
Supported Resolutions
What it is:
Different resolutions supported by TV.
When it matters:
PC monitor usage.
Score components:
- 17% 1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
- 8% 1080p @ 120 Hz
- 8% 1440p @ 60 Hz
- 4% 1440p @ 120 Hz
- 34% 4k @ 60 Hz
- 25% 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
- 4% 8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
ClearType text display for PC productivity and gaming with fine text.
1080p @ 120 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1080p @ 120 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
1440p @ 60 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1440p @ 60 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
Gaming and PC use.
1440p @ 120 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 1440p @ 120 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
Console gaming and PC gaming.
4k @ 60 Hz
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 4k @ 60 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
4k Blu-rays, gaming, PC use, etc.
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
ClearType text display for PC productivity and gaming with fine text.
4k @ 120 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display a 4k @ 120 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
PC gaming.
8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display an 8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
PC use.
8k @ 60 Hz
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can properly display an 8k @ 60 Hz signal sent from a physical input (HDMI, etc).
When it matters:
PC use.
The Samsung NU7300 is decent at resolution support. The following settings have to be implemented:
- The resolution 4k@60Hz @ 4:4:4 or @ 4:2:2 is only supported when HDMI UHD Color is enabled
- 4:4:4 Chroma is only properly displayed when the input icon is set to PC (aka PC mode)
- In PC mode, Sharpness is set to '10' by default and this means no added sharpness. However, you can 'soften' the image if you decide to reduce it.
The TV includes inputs for a composite or component connection. As the connection is shared it is not possible to connect a component and composite connection at the same time.
HDR10
:
Yes
What it is:
Standard HDR format.
When it matters:
Most common format. All UHD Blu-ray discs are required to have it.
HDR10+
:
Yes
What it is:
Enhanced version of HDR10, adds dynamic metadata like that found in Dolby Vision.
When it matters:
When playing HDR10+ content, such as from Amazon Video and some Blu-ray disks.
Dolby Vision
:
No
What it is:
Better format, due to its dynamic nature.
When it matters:
Dolby Vision mastered content. Current available from streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Video), some Blu-Ray players, the Apple TV 4k and ChromeCast Ultra.
HLG
:
Yes
What it is:
HLG or Hybrid Log Gamma is a broadcast HDR format.
When it matters:
HLG capable sources such as Youtube or OTA broadcasts in specific regions. Backwards compatible with SDR TVs.
HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
:
Yes (HDMI 1,2,3)
What it is:
HDMI 2.0 is the main used HDMI standard and supports a range of video resolutions and refresh rates up to 4k@60Hz, with a total maximum bandwidth up to 18Gbps.
HDMI 2.1
:
No
What it is:
Whether the manufacturer advertises HDMI 2.1 support.
When it matters:
When using an HDMI 2.1 source that takes advantage of its new features.
USB 3.0
:
No
What it is:
USB 3.0 is the latest USB standard which can transfer data up to 5 Gbit/s, and is easily recognizable due to its blue color-coding of the connector.
The TV can passthrough Dolby Digital signal, but no DTS.
Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) is needed for ARC, which passes on HDMI 3 only.
Audio Passthrough
What it is:
Whether the specific audio format (ex. Dolby Digital) can be sent by the source, pass through the TV, and be re-sent to an audio sink (such as a receiver) with all its functionality intact.
When it matters:
When playing surround sound using a receiver or soundbar, from a source that is connected to the TV.
ARC
:
Yes (HDMI 3)
What it is:
Audio Return Channel (ARC) enables a TV to transmit, via an HDMI cable, audio data to an A/V receiver, without the need for any extra audio cables.
When it matters:
When connecting your audio/video receiver directly to your TV via an HDMI cable.
eARC support
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).
When it matters:
Passthrough of Dolby Atmos/TrueHD and DTS-HD MA / DTS:X .
Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a Dolby Atmos signal to a receiver via HDMI eARC, when Dolby TrueHD is used as the carrier signal.
When it matters:
Blu-rays and video games with Dolby Atmos audio.
DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a DTS:X signal to a receiver via HDMI eARC, when DTS-HD MA is used as the carrier signal.
When it matters:
Blu-rays and video games with DTS:X audio.
5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to a receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs, Blu-rays and video games.
5.1 DTS via ARC
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can receive and pass a DTS 5.1 signal to a receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs, Blu-rays and video games.
Sound Quality
What it is:
How well and accurately the audio is reproduced.
When it matters:
When a good and accurate sound reproduction is needed.
Score components:
- 75% Frequency Response
- 25% Distortion
Score distribution:
The Samsung NU7300 has an average sound quality. This TV has above-average loudness, produces clear dialogs, and has some punch to its bass. However, it doesn't generate any thump and rumble in the sub-bass region, could produce pumping and compression under heavy loads, and doesn't have a room correction system. For a better sound, dedicated speakers or a soundbar is recommended.
6.5
Frequency Response
What it is:
How accurately the sound level of each frequency is being produced.
When it matters:
For a balanced and neutral sound.
Score components:
- 30% Low-Frequency Extension
- 5% Std. Dev. @ 70
- 20% Std. Dev. @ 80
- 15% Std. Dev. @ Max
- 20% Max
- 10% Dynamic Range Compression
Score distribution:
Low-Frequency Extension
:
80.00 Hz
What it is:
The lowest frequency at which the frequency response reaches -3dB of the target response.
When it matters:
Movies, Gaming. Shows how extended the bass is.
Good value:
< 60Hz
Noticeable difference:
10Hz
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 70
:
3.80 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard deviation) in frequency response measured at 70dB SPL, as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
Shows the TV's frequency response at quiet listening levels
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
0.5 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 80
:
4.09 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard deviation) in frequency response measured at 80dB SPL, as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
Shows the TV's frequency response at moderate listening levels
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
0.5 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ Max
:
6.33 dB
What it is:
The amount of deviation (weighted standard deviation) in frequency response measured with the TV at maximum volume, as compared to a target response that would sound perfectly balanced to most people.
When it matters:
Shows the TV's frequency response at under maximum load
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Max
:
86.0 dB SPL
What it is:
Maximum volume reached by the TV at their optimum viewing distance (size dependent)
When it matters:
For listening to loud audio.
Good value:
> 88 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Dynamic Range Compression
:
3.93 dB
What it is:
The amount of difference between the TVs frequency response performance at 70dB SPL and Max dB SPL. Too much compression will result in pumping in the sound.
When it matters:
When an accurate and free-of-pumping performance is required at higher volumes
Good value:
< 3dB
Noticeable difference:
0.5
Score distribution:
The Samsung NU7300 has an average frequency response. LFE (low-frequency response) is at 80Hz, which is decent. This results in a sound that doesn't lacks thump and rumble, but have some punch to its bass. The response above the LFE point is decently balanced, which is important for producing clear and intelligible dialogs. However, this TV doesn't get very loud and produces some compression and pumping artifacts under max volume. It doesn't have a room correction system either, which is why it wasn't to remove the modes of our test room around 200Hz.
7.1
Distortion
What it is:
Deformation of an output signal compared to its input, usually clipping, harmonic distortion, or inter-modulation distortion caused by non-linear behavior of the sound system.
When it matters:
When a clean, pure and transparent reproduction is desired.
Score components:
- 40% Weighted THD @ 80
- 25% Weighted THD @ Max
- 10% IMD @ 80
- 25% IMD @ Max
Score distribution:
Weighted THD @ 80
:
0.431
What it is:
The overall amount of harmonic distortion measured at 80dB SPL. To make the score more perceptually relevant, more weight is given to the higher frequencies.
When it matters:
How pure the sound is at moderate listening levels.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Weighted THD @ Max
:
1.084
What it is:
The overall amount of harmonic distortion measured at the TV's maximum SPL. To make the score more perceptually relevant, more weight is given to the higher frequencies.
When it matters:
How pure the sound is at moderate listening levels.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
IMD @ 80
:
1.25 %
What it is:
The average amount of inter-modulation distortion produced by the TV under maximum load. The percentage shown here is the average result of 3 separate test signals/standards: SMPTE, DIN, & CCIF
When it matters:
When a clean and free of aliasing reproduction is desired
Good value:
< 5%
Noticeable difference:
2
Score distribution:
IMD @ Max
:
2.97 %
What it is:
The average amount of inter-modulation distortion produced by the TV under maximum load. The percentage shown here is the average result of 3 separate test signals/standards: SMPTE, DIN, & CCIF
When it matters:
When a clean and free of aliasing reproduction is desired
Good value:
< 5%
Noticeable difference:
2
Score distribution:
The distortion performance is decent. The overall amount of harmonic distortion is within acceptable limits and doesn't increase dramatically at max volume either. However, this TV doesn't get very loud.
Smart Features
Score components:
- 42% Interface
- 2% Ad-Free
- 37% Apps and Features
- 16% Remote
- 3% Remote App
Score distribution:
The smart features of the Samsung NU7300 are decent. The TV is equipped with a limited version of the latest Tizen Smart platform from Samsung, also called Smart Hub. As always it is easy to navigate, it is well-organized and provides access to the Samsung app store where a plethora of apps are available. The TV does not support voice control/assistance. The interface is choppy with minimal animations, but because of this menus, load faster than the NU8500. The menu ads can be annoying and you don't have to option of opting out.
7.5
Interface
What it is:
The usability, features and performance of the main interface of the TV, not including the interfaces of the apps themselves.
When it matters:
Anytime when using the TV, but especially when changing settings and using apps.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Ease of Use
:
Easy
What it is:
How easy the interface is to navigate, affected by the organization of its layout, placing frequently accessed elements in areas that are faster to access, etc.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Smoothness
:
Average
What it is:
How smooth the interface is to navigate, affected by lag and frame drops.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Time Taken to Select YouTube
:
2 s
What it is:
How long it takes to select YouTube for launch, starting from HDMI 1 input, when YouTube is placed first on the list of apps or added as a shortcut. This does not include app launch time, and does not use a fixed YouTube button on a remote. This serves as an indication of the time needed to select any app.
When it matters:
When launching any app.
Time Taken to Change Backlight
:
6 s
What it is:
The time it takes to navigate to the 'Backlight' setting ('Brightness' on Sony TVs). This serves as an indication of how long it takes to navigate to basic TV settings.
When it matters:
When changing TV settings.
Advanced Options
:
Many
What it is:
Whether advanced options and settings are available, such as color calibration.
When it matters:
When customizing the TV and using the smart features.
The interface is characterized as good mainly due to the speed of menu loading. It feels choppy interface with minimal animations but is faster than the NU8500
0
Ad-Free
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:
Ads
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV's main interface has ads. This does take into account ads in third-party apps.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Opt-out
:
No
What it is:
Whether or not you can opt out of all ads. A TV only passes this test if it allows you to remove them completely, not just disable the personalized advertising.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Suggested Content in Home
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether suggested content appears in the TV's home menu or main menu. Suggested content can include recommended movies, TV shows, YouTube videos etc.
Opt-out of Suggested Content
:
No
What it is:
Whether the suggested content feed in the home menu can be removed or hidden
Unfortunately, the NU7300 comes with ads and suggested content, and does not offer the option to opt out.
8.5
Apps and Features
What it is:
The usability, features and performance of apps and other smart features.
When it matters:
Only when using smart features such as apps, casting and USB playback.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
App Selection
:
Many
What it is:
The number and variety of apps available to download for the smart platform.
When it matters:
When downloading new apps.
App Smoothness
:
Average
What it is:
How smooth it feels to navigate the interfaces of apps, affected by lag and frame drops.
When it matters:
When using apps.
USB Drive Playback
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can play content from a drive connected to one of the TV's USB ports.
USB Drive HDR Playback
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether HDR files played from a USB drive can be displayed properly.
HDR in Netflix
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether HDR content on Netflix can be played back in HDR using the native Netflix app.
HDR in YouTube
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether HDR content on YouTube can be played in HDR using the native YouTube app.
Samsung's app store has an abundance of apps to choose from. The Apps run fairly smoothly, and definitely smoother than the TV's own interface.
6.0
Remote
What it is:
The usability and features of the TV's physical remote.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
CEC Menu Control
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the remote can act as a universal remote for HDMI CEC enabled devices. This was tested on our Samsung UBD-K8500 4K Blu-ray player, and may not be valid for other CEC devices as implementations vary by manufacturer.
Other Smart Features
:
No
What it is:
Whether the remote has any other smart features, such as a pointer, universal remote support for non HDMI CEC devices, etc.
The remote is ok, but it is worth noting that this TV has no voice control. The buttons cover most of the basic functions, including inputs, quick access to the settings menu, and a picture size button to control the upscaling options for lower resolution content.
5.0
Remote App
What it is:
The features of the official phone and tablet app for the TV.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Acts as the Remote
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the remote app can emulate all the buttons of the physical remote.
Directly Launches Apps and Inputs
:
No
What it is:
Whether the remote app can directly launch the TV's apps and change between its inputs, without requiring any interaction with menus on the TV.
Streams Device Files
:
No
What it is:
Whether the remote app can stream files from the phone or tablet to the TV, files such as pictures, music and video.
Controls TV Settings
:
No
What it is:
Whether the app can change all or some of the settings on the TV, such as the backlight.
The remote App only acts as the remote. There is no option for Voice control as Bixby is not supported on this TV model
There is a single button located underneath the TV, similar to the NU7100. Pressing the button brings up a menu that can power cycle the TV, control volume, channels, and change inputs.
Differences between Sizes and Variants
We tested the 55" (UN55NU7300) version FA01. For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 49" (UN49NU7300) and the 65" (UN65NU7300) as well.
If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Samsung NU7300 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.
| Size | Model | US | UK |
| 49" | UE49NU7300 | N/A | UE49NU7300KXXU |
| 55" | UN55NU7300 | UN55NU7300FXZA | UE55NU7300KXXU |
| 65" | UN65NU7300 | UN65NU7300FXZA | UE65NU7300KXXU |
Compared to other TVs
Top left: Samsung NU7100 (UN55NU7100). Bottom left: TCL S405 (43S405). Middle: Samsung NU7300 (UN55NU7300). Top right: Samsung NU8000 (UN55NU8000). Bottom right: Sony X720E (KD43X720E). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.
The Samsung NU7300 is a decent 4k TV without much curved competition, but if you're willing to give up the curve then one of these competing models may be a better choice. See our recommendations for the best smart TVs.
Samsung NU7100
40" 43" 50" 55" 58" 65" 75"
The Samsung NU7300 is marginally better than the Samsung NU7100. The NU7300 is a touch brighter, and has a slightly faster response time but this may be just due to small variances between panels. Overall, there is no major difference between the two, though. The NU7100 is available in a wider variety of sizes.
Samsung NU8000
49" 55" 65" 75" 82"
The Samsung NU8000 is better than the Samsung NU7300. The NU8000 is much brighter and better able to overcome glare in a bright room. The NU8000 has a faster response time and is able to remove judder from most sources. The NU8000 also has new gaming features, including Auto Low Latency Mode and VRR (variable refresh rate).
Samsung RU7300
55" 65"
The Samsung RU7300 is the replacement for the Samsung NU7300, and there are no significant differences between the two. The RU7300 now supports 1440p, and it has a dedicated component input at the back, instead of the adapter used by the NU7300. The RU7300 also adds support for 5 GHz wifi.
LG UK6300
43" 49" 50" 55" 65"
The two TVs have different panel types, each with its advantages and disadvantages. If you've got a room with a wide seating arrangement and you'll be watching from the side, then the LG UK6300 is a better choice due to the better viewing angles. If you will be sitting directly in front, then the Samsung NU7300, is a better choice, as it can get brighter and can also deliver much deeper blacks to improve dark room performance. The LG UK6300 has better reflection handing, which is good if your room has many lights.
Samsung MU6300
40" 43" 50" 55" 65" 75"
The Samsung NU7300 is marginally better than the Samsung MU6300. While there are no major differences between them, the NU7300 has a better backlight with less noticeable flicker.
Samsung MU7000
40" 49" 55" 65"
The Samsung NU7300 is a bit better than the Samsung MU7000. The NU7300 has better black uniformity, which is important when viewing in a dark room. It also has less input lag, although both have excellent performance.
Samsung MU7600
49" 55" 65"
The Samsung NU7300 is somewhat better than the Samsung MU7600. The Samsung NU7300 has better input lag that you will enjoy if you play video games and better response time for fast action like sports. It can also display more uniform blacks, and this improves the picture quality in a dark room. On the other hand, the curved Samsung MU7600 has slightly better color gamut and color volume that make HDR content slightly better.
Samsung The Frame 2018
43" 55" 65"
The Samsung The Frame 2018 is a bit better than the Samsung NU7300. HDR content looks better on The Frame, as it is able to display a wide color gamut, and has better color volume. The Frame also has much better motion handling, with a faster response time and FreeSync support. The Frame can also remove judder from all 24p sources.
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Conclusion
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This is a good TV for mixed usage. Its low input lag, good gray and black uniformity along with the fast response time and the handling of popular inputs, make this TV good for most usages. It will, however, please more those who value low input lag and quick response time.
The TV is just okay for SDR movie watching. It has very good contrast, but it lacks local dimming and 24p judder removal. Motion interpolation of the Samsung UN55NU7300 is decent, but out-of-the-box colors lack accuracy. There are TVs that will provide a better movie watching experience.
The Samsung NU7300 is a good TV for watching TV shows. Although reflection handling is not its strong point, the TV can get bright enough to display well SDR content in brighter environments. It will scale-up well cable and Blu-ray content
The Samsung NU7300 is a decent TV for sports watching. Although the response time and the brightness are good and the gray uniformity will not be an issue, the handling of reflections along with the poor viewing angles make the TV not an optimal choice for sports viewing.
This a great TV for gamers. It has very low input lag and a good response time that suits games with fast action. The TV can flicker the backlight to produce a crisper image without creating stutter. The TV can display several input signal resolutions and definitely the most popular ones.
The NU7300 is a decent TV for HDR Movie watching. Although its contrast will produce deep blacks and the black uniformity is good, dark scenes will look dim. This is due to the limited color gamut and limited color volume that stop the TV of producing rich colors.
The Samsung NU7300 is a good TV for HDR gaming as it can handle the demanding input signal, and has a good response time for fast action. In dark scenes though, the colors will look a bit dim and although the blacks will be deep some people will say that the image does not come to life.
This is a good TV for a PC monitor. It has low input lag and good response time, but the viewing angles are limited, and reflection handling is just ok. It is great, however, at handling most input signals you throw at it, and although the slight curvature is a plus, most people will not notice.
