This is a 4K LED screen, powered by Samsung’s ‘Crystal 4K’ processor and with support for HLG and HDR10+ standards of HDR (we’re used to Samsung refusing to offer support for Dolby Vision, but it never stops being galling). It’s quite distinct through the mid-range and, again, quite decent levels of detail. Voices project forwards well, and they're actually quite nicely balanced – until they start to nudge into the upper frequency range. Once it reaches the higher frequencies, the BU8500 becomes quite hard and edgy, bringing sibilance and even a hint of coarseness to treble sounds. It’s a trait that’s only exacerbated by volume. Watch movies in stunning image detail, as intended by the directors. Even in the darkest and brightest environments, Samsung HDR TV technology reveals all the finest details. Finally, see what lurks in the shadows of a horror film or appreciate the true beauty of a sunny setting. On the plus side, the BU8500 does support 4K at 50Hz, along with HDR10, HDR10+ and HGiG. It also includes ALLM (automatic low latency mode), which detects a console and selects the Game mode, and as with most Samsung TVs, this produces an incredibly low input lag of 10ms. There are two feet to be screwed to the chassis, and they can be made to look like a single pedestal using a plastic cover that feels rather cheap and fits only approximately. Still, it raises the bottom of the screen sufficiently to comfortably fit a soundbar beneath. Samsung BU8500 review: Value

Percentage luminance drop at 20 degree vertical angle from the centre of the screen with 100% white output Percentage luminance drop at 35 degree horizontal angle from the centre of the screen with 100% white output The Samsung BU8500 might be an impressive TV when handling SDR, but its limitations become apparent when moving on to HDR. This is especially true in terms of peak brightness, which only hits 330cd/m² on both a 10% window and full-field pattern in Dynamic mode, and drops to around 285cd/m² on both a 10% and a full-field pattern with the more accurate Filmmaker mode. During setup, the adjustment to color balance is on a bit of a hair-trigger – it’ll tip from ‘just slightly understated’ to ‘rather too lively’ in no time. But play around a bit to find the optimum balance and the color palette is naturalistic, convincing and wide-ranging. Skin-tones, in particular, are detailed and varied. With a 4K upscaling TV that adapts to offer you the greatest 4K Ultra HD picture, you can simply relax and enjoy all of your favourite material. It doesn't end there, though. The sound is tailored to the content you're seeing. Whether it's a TV drama or tennis, you'll be immersed in the action.

Elevate your experience to epic 4K with the captivating Samsung UE65BU86500KXXU. This breathtaking 65” screen delivers rich, lifelike colours and detail like you’ve never seen before. Powered by the Samsung Crystal Processor 4K, this TV delivers powerful 4K upscaling and deep learning algorithms that help adjust the screen settings to the optimal options. So everything you watch is in the best possible quality. The Samsung Crystal Processor 4K also adapts the sound, so you can enjoy a more immersive audio experience that brings you closer to your favourite series, films, and sports. Lose yourself in a world of entertainment with this Samsung 4K UHD TV. With four times more clarity than Full HD TVs, you’ll enjoy powerful image quality and stunning clarity, so you’ll always feel part of the action. Max light output HDR (high dynamic range) while displaying a live scene and white square taking up 60% of the screen (measured in Nits) Subtitles and audio description information displayed on electronic programme guide more info panel The Samsung BU8500 is on sale now, though at the time of writing this particular model is available in Europe and some other countries, but hasn't been announced for North America or Australia (though it is available in New Zealand).

So not for the first time (and almost certainly not for the last), Samsung has managed to hit a price-point without too many obvious compromises. It's absolutely one of the best Samsung TVs available today for those on a budget. Samsung BU8500 review: Price and release date The BU8500 supports HDR10, HLG and HDR10+, but not Dolby Vision. However, the absence of the latter has nothing to do with the TV’s mid-range status because none of Samsung’s models support the format. The HDR10+ performance was good in testing, and while not as prevalent as Dolby Vision, the format is used by Prime Video, some 4K Blu-rays, and now Apple TV+. The Samsung BU8500 isn’t the greatest choice as a gaming TV, in part because the 50Hz panel precludes support for 4K/120Hz high-frame-rate gaming, along with VRR (variable refresh rate), Freesync and the Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro technology found on other Samsung TVs.

Plan Benefits

Of course, we don’t all live on a diet of brand-new cutting-edge content - and when it comes to upscaling, the Samsung (mostly) continues its good work. Certainly an HD broadcast of some elite-level tennis suffers hardly at all – colors are confidently described, on-screen movement is stable in almost all circumstances, and detail levels stay high. There’s a little coarsening of skin-tones and a hint of jaggedness to the more difficult edges, but by and large the BU8500 remains eminently watchable. Samsung Smart TV powered by Tizen provides easy access to the widest range of catch-up services and VoD services, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Now TV, and BT Sport apps (subscriptions may be required).