Tested Samsung 50AU9000

T E ST E D S A M S U N G 5 0 AU 9 0 0 0

I’m into Samsung good

Looking for a cut-price alternative to the Korean giant’s wildly expensive QLED televisions? This 50in bargain seems to have you covered…

£699 / stuff.tv/AU9000

The 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.

Like 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.

Three 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.

Whether 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.

It’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.

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.

Techspecs

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 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. 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.

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

At this price, Samsung’s gotten hold of our heart

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.