Stuff - UK (2021-08)

TESTED SAMSUNG 50AU9000

54

Looking for a cut-price alternative to the Korean

giant’s wildly expensive QLED televisions?

This 50in bargain seems to have you covered...

QThe AU9000 range is all about

prodigious value for money. This

50in set is as well made as you’d

expect from Samsung, and at

just under 26mm it’s shallower

in profile than most because LED

backlighting is arranged around

the edge of the screen, rather than

the whole of the rear.

QLike every 4K HDR Samsung TV

it snubs Dolby Vision – a pity when

the Dolby-following Netflix is front

and centre of the interface. Still,

Tizen is brilliant – a clear and logical

UI that hasn’t changed because

they got it largely right first time.

QThree HDMI inputs (one of them

eARC-enabled for use with any

worthwhile soundbar) plus a pair

of USB 2.0 sockets, a CI card slot

and an Ethernet port should be

enough connectivity for most

people. There’s dual-band Wi-Fi

and Bluetooth 5.2 too.

QWhether it’s motion-handling,

contrast, edge-definition or

low-light detail, the AU9000

is currently the outstanding

mainstream proposition. Huawei’s

Vision S (reviewed last issue) can’t

lay a glove on the picture quality,

while LG, Panasonic and Sony can’t

match it either for the price.

QIt’s not a perfect fit for new

consoles (see right), and the

sound is weak, necessitating

a soundbar; but if you want a

new TV simply to watch telly,

this is, pound for pound, among

the very best around.

Never doubt Samsung’s deep understanding of what makes a great affordable

television, because the 50AU9000 is a complete demonstration of what can be

achieved at a realistic price. Ignore its boneless sound and concentrate on the detail,

stability and realism of its pictures. Admire its skinny frame, enjoy the calm brilliance

of its user interface... then double-check the price to make sure it’s not a misprint.

At this price,

Samsung’s

gotten hold

of our heart

Simon Lucas

I’m into Samsung good

STUFF SAYS As much TV as most people will ever need, at a reasonable price +++++

Screen 50in 3840x2160 LED

OS Tizen Connectivity Wi-Fi,

Bluetooth 5, 3x HDMI, 2x USB,

Ethernet, optical HDR formats

HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ Dimensions

1119x645x25.7mm, 11.5kg

Q Samsung got me started

It comes with two remotes: one

is a bog-standard handset with

too many buttons, the other is

a lot swisher. You can also use

the SmartThings app, or talk to

it via Alexa or Google Assistant...

or even, if you’re a bit weird, Bixby.

Q Samsung in the way

The three HDMI inputs aren’t 2.1

for next-gen consoles, but Auto

Low Latency Mode and FreeSync

are present; and PC gamers will be

surprised to hear it can simulate

the ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio

supported by some titles.

£699 / stuff.tv/AU9000

Tech specs

Samsung big

A true mainstream

TV needs to cater for

the masses. This one

also comes in 43, 55, 65

and 75in versions so

you can find a size

to suit you.