SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series Smart TV (UN65CU8000) Review

Design and Build Quality
One of the most striking aspects of the Samsung CU8000 is its ultra-slim design. The thin profile gives it a modern, premium look, making it ideal for wall mounting. The bezels are minimal, allowing the 65-inch display to take center stage, which enhances the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the TV comes with a SolarCell remote, which is eco-friendly and can charge via indoor light, solar power, or USB, reducing the need for disposable batteries.

Picture Quality
The Crystal UHD 4K display offers sharp, detailed visuals, and the PurColor technology enhances color accuracy, providing a more vivid and lifelike viewing experience. While the CU8000 doesn't use the more advanced quantum dot technology found in Samsung's higher-end models, the colors are still rich and the contrast is decent for its price range. The TV handles 4K content well, especially when watching movies or shows with bright and colorful scenes.

The Motion Xcelerator feature is aimed at improving motion clarity, particularly for fast-moving scenes such as action movies and sports. While it does a respectable job, it might not be as fluid as some higher-end models equipped with more advanced motion handling technologies. For most casual viewers, however, this feature will suffice.

Sound Quality
Samsung has included Object Tracking Sound Lite, which attempts to create a more immersive audio experience by simulating directional sound. While it's not as advanced as the Object Tracking Sound+ found in Samsung’s premium models, it does add a level of depth to the audio that you wouldn't get from standard built-in speakers.

The TV also supports Q-Symphony, which allows it to sync with compatible Samsung soundbars for a more harmonious sound experience. This feature is especially useful if you're looking to upgrade the audio without losing synchronization between the TV and external speakers. However, the built-in sound, while clear, might not be powerful enough for large rooms, making an external soundbar a worthy consideration.

Smart Features
Running on Samsung's Tizen OS, the CU8000 offers a familiar and user-friendly smart interface. The platform supports popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. Built-in Alexa voice control is a convenient addition, though you can also use Google Assistant or Bixby if you prefer other voice assistants.

PC on TV and Tap View are handy features that allow you to connect your computer or mobile device easily, making this TV a versatile option for work or casual screen mirroring. Additionally, the TV is equipped with three HDMI ports, giving you plenty of options for connecting gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or other devices.

Gaming Performance
While this TV is not marketed as a gaming powerhouse, the Motion Xcelerator and low input lag make it a good option for casual gamers. It lacks advanced gaming features like HDMI 2.1 or support for 120Hz refresh rates, which are important for next-gen consoles, but for 60Hz gaming and basic streaming, the CU8000 should perform well.

Positive Points
Affordable 4K performance: The Crystal UHD display with PurColor offers vivid, sharp picture quality for a reasonable price.
Sleek, modern design: The ultra-slim profile and minimal bezels make it a stylish addition to any room.
Eco-friendly remote: The SolarCell remote reduces the need for disposable batteries, aligning with more eco-conscious design choices.
Good smart features: Tizen OS is intuitive, and built-in Alexa voice control adds convenience.
Q-Symphony compatibility: Syncs well with Samsung soundbars for improved audio.
Negative Points
Limited contrast and brightness: While the picture quality is good, it's not on par with Samsung’s QLED or Neo QLED models, especially in terms of brightness and contrast in HDR content.
Average sound quality: The built-in speakers are adequate but may require a soundbar for a more immersive experience.
Lacks advanced gaming features: No HDMI 2.1 or support for 120Hz, which may be a drawback for serious gamers.
Not as fluid for fast motion: Motion Xcelerator is useful, but it may not handle fast-moving content as smoothly as higher-end models.
Conclusion
The Samsung 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series is a solid mid-range option that offers good value for its price. While it doesn’t come with the advanced features of Samsung's premium models, it performs well in terms of picture quality and basic smart TV functionality. If you're looking for a large-screen 4K TV with an attractive design and decent features for casual viewing and gaming, this model is worth considering. However, if you're seeking higher brightness, more fluid motion handling, or enhanced gaming features, you may need to explore Samsung’s higher-end offerings.