The Samsung UA85DU7000 85-inch Crystal UHD Smart TV promises a cinematic experience right in your living room. As a tech enthusiast, I’ve spent the last few weeks putting this 2024 International Version through its paces, testing its features and performance in real-world scenarios. This detailed review will delve into its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if this behemoth is the right fit for your home theater setup.

The UA85DU7000 boasts a compelling array of features. PurColor technology truly delivers on its promise of vibrant and lifelike colors. The 4K upscaling is impressive, noticeably improving the quality of lower-resolution content. Navigating the Tizen OS is intuitive and accessing streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ is seamless. The inclusion of Samsung TV Plus provides a nice selection of free live channels. The Q-Symphony feature, which synchronizes TV and soundbar audio, adds a significant layer of immersion, creating a truly enveloping soundscape. Finally, the built-in SmartThings hub simplifies smart home device control.

Picture quality is exceptional. The 85-inch ULED display provides stunning clarity and detail, making even fast-paced action scenes crisp and sharp. The 100Hz refresh rate minimizes motion blur, resulting in a smooth viewing experience. While not a QLED model, the color reproduction is vibrant and accurate, thanks to PurColor. The upscaling capabilities significantly enhance lower-resolution content, making older movies and shows appear surprisingly good. Sound quality is decent for a TV, but the Q-Symphony feature significantly improves the audio experience when paired with a compatible soundbar. The SmartThings hub worked flawlessly, seamlessly connecting and controlling various smart home devices.

One minor drawback I noticed was occasional slight backlight bleed in very dark scenes. This wasn’t a major issue and was only noticeable in specific circumstances. The viewing distance of 4.1 meters is ideal for the screen size, but some users may find it necessary to adjust slightly based on personal preference.

Pros:

• Stunning 85-inch display
• Vibrant PurColor technology
• Effective 4K upscaling
• Intuitive Tizen OS
• Excellent streaming app selection
• Immersive Q-Symphony sound
• Built-in SmartThings hub

Cons:

• Minor backlight bleed in dark scenes
• Not a QLED panel (although this is expected at the price point)

The Samsung UA85DU7000 is a fantastic large-screen TV that delivers an exceptional viewing experience. The combination of vivid colors, sharp resolution, and user-friendly interface makes it a joy to use. While minor backlight bleed exists, it’s easily overlooked considering the overall picture quality. If you’re looking for an immersive home theater experience and appreciate a large screen, the UA85DU7000 is highly recommended. The value for the size and feature set is significant.