The Samsung TU8500 and TU8000 may look the same and have almost identical names, but there are a few key differences to consider when choosing between the two TVs.
We pitted the TU8500 against the TU8000 to see which offers the best value for money.
We tested the 50-inch TU8500, but we didn’t review its Crystal UHD sibling. For this reason, we’ll be comparing the two displays based on their specifications and functionality.
Scroll down to see which TV comes out on top.
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Samsung TU8500 vs TU8000 – Price
Samsung priced the 50-inch version of the TU8500 at £ 549 on its own website and you can find it for a similar price when you shop with Currys PC World on eBay. Enter code PRODUCT5 at checkout and you can set up the TV for just £ 521.55, saving £ 27.47.
The TU8000 is priced at £ 499 on the Samsung site, and of the two it’s the more affordable option, but there’s a reason for that. You can also buy the TU8000 for just £ 449 at a handful of stores including John Lewis, Amazon, and Spatial on eBay.
In terms of price, the TU8000 wins by saving £ 70-100 compared to the TU8500.
Samsung TU8500 vs TU8000 – Design
From a design standpoint, the TU8500 and TU8000 are not much different. The most obvious factors are the different types of stand (the TU8000 has legs) and the TU8000 is available in two additional sizes. The TU8500 is available in 43, 50, 55, and 65 inch models, while the TU8000 is available in these sizes as well as larger 75 and 82 inch editions.
Although the TU8500 is the thinner of the two, it is also 44mm taller and 76mm deeper than the TU8000 thanks to its V-shaped stand. For this reason, the TU8000’s feet would be better suited for TV stands. and less spacious shelves, but there’s also the factor that the TU8000’s feet are on the edges, so those with smaller racks / spaces may want a TV with a central pedestal.
The TU8500 and TU8000 have three HDMI ports (one eARC), two USBs, one Ethernet port and one CI slot. Both also include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
It’s difficult here with such similar designs. The TU8000’s feet make it awkward for TV stands, while the TU8500 doesn’t come in as many sizes. It’s all about what best suits your needs.
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Samsung TU8500 vs TU8000 – Specifications
The TU8500 and TU8000 support HDR10 + for better contrast with HDR content. Both smart TVs also take advantage of Samsung’s Tizen operating system, with access to Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, and BT Sport. They also feature the Ambient Mode feature, which allows users to disguise the screen as a work of art when not in use.
While the TU8500 and TU8000 can be controlled via the voice assistant, only the TU8500 is compatible with SmartThings. This offers smart integration with the TV and acts as a hub with other smart devices in your home. The TU8500 can also display two pieces of content at once using Multi View.
The TU8500 offers more features than its cheaper sibling, so it wins here.
Samsung TU8500 vs TU8000 – Performance
While both TVs are part of Samsung’s Crystal display lineup, offering pure colors and crisp contrast and brightness, the TU8500 is a step forward with its Dynamic Crystal colors compared to the more basic PurColor feature of the TU8000. Dynamic Crystal displays are capable of producing over a billion shades – 64 times more than a conventional UHD TV. The TU8500 also features Dual LED technology, for what Samsung calls bolder contrast and more lifelike images.
The TU8500 and TU8000 are both powered by Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K. Although we didn’t have a chance to test the TU8000, we were more than happy with the image quality of the TU8500. The TV provided crisp images with crisp colors and good contrast.
It’s hard to judge which TV performs the best when we’ve only seen one in action. However, depending on their respective specifications, we will have to give the victory to the TU8500. The Dynamic Crystal display and Dual LED technology tip this TV over the edge, promising lifelike colors and enhanced contrast.
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Samsung TU8500 vs. TU8000 – Verdict
The TU8500 and TU8000 are both TVs that don’t break the bank, but there can only be one winner.
The TU8500 is the best of the two. It comes with a few extra features and the picture quality will likely be better than the TU8000 thanks to the TV’s Dynamic Crystal screen and Dual LED technology.
That said, if you’re just looking to upgrade to 4K and don’t mind sacrificing, the TU8000 is worth considering. The TV comes in larger sizes, has most of the features of the TU8500, and is generally less expensive.