TV Comparisons
Samsung AU8000 series vs Samsung CU8000 series: Which One Should You Buy?
The Samsung AU8000 and CU8000 are closely related entry-level Crystal UHD televisions with slim designs, three HDMI inputs, HDR10+ and automatic low-latency mode. In Tech Steve’s side-by-side comparison, the older AU8000 delivered better contrast, shadow detail, color and gradients using the factory Movie settings. The CU8000 handled motion more smoothly and added a newer Tizen interface, Gaming Hub, Multi View and a SolarCell remote. Most sizes in both families are limited to 4K at 60Hz, although the 85-inch CU8000 is a verified 120Hz exception.
Samsung AU8000 vs CU8000: The Older TV Wins on Picture Quality
The Samsung AU8000 and CU8000 are closely related entry-level Crystal UHD televisions with slim designs, three HDMI inputs, HDR10+ and automatic low-latency mode. In Tech Steve’s side-by-side comparison, the older AU8000 delivered better contrast, shadow detail, color and gradients using the factory Movie settings. The CU8000 handled motion more smoothly and added a newer Tizen interface, Gaming Hub, Multi View and a SolarCell remote. Most sizes in both families are limited to 4K at 60Hz, although the 85-inch CU8000 is a verified 120Hz exception.
| Feature | AU8000 series | CU8000 series | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture quality in factory Movie mode | Better perceived contrast, shadow detail and color | Less convincing black levels and shadow detail in the comparison | Tech Steve preferred the AU8000’s overall picture, contrast, colors and dark-scene detail. |
| Motion handling | More visible judder and choppier 24fps motion | Smoother motion, with an adjustable soap-opera effect | The CU8000 looked noticeably smoother during the motion demonstrations. |
| Gradient handling | Good gradient performance and slightly preferred | Good gradient performance but slightly behind AU8000 | Tech Steve felt the AU8000 held a slight advantage when smoothing gradients. |
| Native refresh rate by size | 60Hz on 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch models | 60Hz on 43-, 50-, 55-, 65- and 75-inch models; 120Hz on the 85-inch model | The 85-inch CU8000 is the only model in the comparison with verified native 120Hz and 4K/120 support. |
| Smart-TV functionality | 2021 Tizen with apps, TV Plus, AirPlay, SmartThings and browser | 2023 Tizen with redesigned Smart Hub, Gaming Hub, Multi View and workspace features | The CU8000 provides more multitasking and gaming-oriented smart features, although its interface can feel more complicated. |
| Remote control | TM-2180E Samsung OneRemote | TM2360E SolarCell Remote | The SolarCell remote reduces dependence on disposable batteries. |
| HDR formats | HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG; no Dolby Vision | HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG; no Dolby Vision | The verified HDR format support is the same. |
| Local dimming | No physical local dimming | No physical local dimming | Both use edge-lit backlights without physical local-dimming zones. |
| HDMI connectivity | 3 HDMI inputs, eARC and ALLM | 3 HDMI inputs, eARC and ALLM | Their core verified HDMI connection counts and automatic low-latency support are equivalent. |
| Internal audio | 2-channel, 20-watt system with Q-Symphony | 2-channel, 20-watt system with Q-Symphony | Both provide the same basic speaker configuration and rated output. |
| Overall Tech Steve ranking | 8 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 | Its picture-quality advantages outweighed the CU8000’s smoother motion and expanded functionality. |
AU8000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV
A slim 4K Crystal UHD television with strong budget picture quality, HDR10+, three HDMI inputs and a 60Hz panel across every US size.
Key technology
Dynamic Crystal ColorSamsung color-processing system designed to reproduce a wider range of finely differentiated color shades than its basic Crystal UHD color system.
Crystal Processor 4KProcesses incoming video and upscales lower-resolution material for presentation on the 4K panel.
Motion XceleratorSamsung motion processing intended to reduce visible blur; it does not change the television's 60Hz native panel rate.
AirSlim DesignA slim cabinet design measuring approximately one inch deep on most sizes without the stand.
Object Tracking Sound LiteVirtual sound processing that attempts to make audio movement correspond more closely with action on the screen.
Q-SymphonyAllows the television speakers to operate with selected compatible Samsung soundbars instead of automatically disabling the TV speakers.
Adaptive SoundAutomatically changes audio processing based on the type of content being played.
Buyer advantages
- AU8000 produced better perceived contrast, shadow detail and color in the factory Movie-mode comparison
- CU8000 delivered smoother motion and more extensive smart-TV functionality
- Both series include three HDMI inputs, eARC, ALLM, AirPlay and HDR10+
- AirSlim cabinets give both televisions a clean, thin appearance
- The 85-inch CU8000 provides verified native 120Hz and 4K/120 capability
Things to consider
- Neither series has physical local dimming or Dolby Vision
- AU8000 motion showed more judder with 24fps material
- CU8000 black levels, shadow detail and color were less convincing in the factory-setting comparison
- All AU8000 sizes and CU8000 sizes from 43 through 75 inches are limited to 4K at 60Hz
- Both use basic 20-watt, two-channel speaker systems
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43"UN43AU8000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 26.8 in | 4.9–6.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 50"UN50AU8000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 30.1 in | 5.7–7.8 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 55"UN55AU8000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | — | 6.3–8.6 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 65"UN65AU8000FXZA | — | 400 x 300 | 42.7 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"UN75AU8000FXZA | — | 400 x 400 | — | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 85"UN85AU8000FXZA | — | 600 x 400 | — | 9.7–13.2 ft | — |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker System2-channel
Speaker Count2
Woofer Count0
Included SubwooferNo
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Audio Output Watts20 W
Dolby AtmosNo
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Digital Plus
Sound ModesStandard, Adaptive Sound, Amplify
Dialogue EnhancementAmplify sound mode raises midrange and high-frequency emphasis; no separately verified Active Voice Amplifier feature
Voice AssistantsAmazon Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant compatibility
Optional AccessoriesSamsung Slim Fit Wall Mount, Compatible VESA wall mounts, Compatible Samsung Q-Symphony soundbars
Connectivity
HDMI Ports3
HDMI Inputs3
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes
Optical Inputs0
AirPlayYes
ChromecastNo
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
Native Refresh Rate Hz60 Hz
Maximum Refresh Rate Hz60 Hz
VRRNo
ALLMYes
Picture
Display TechnologyEdge-lit LED LCD marketed as Crystal UHD
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingNo
Local Dimming Zones By Size43": 0, 50": 0, 55": 0, 65": 0, 75": 0, 85": 0
HDR FormatsHDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Picture Modes HDR10Dynamic, Standard, Movie, Filmmaker Mode
Picture Modes HDR10 PlusDynamic, Standard, Movie, Filmmaker Mode
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches38 x 22 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb18.5 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches44 x 25.4 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb25.4 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.5 x 27.9 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb34.2 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches57.1 x 32.7 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb46.1 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches66 x 37.8 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb70.8 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.8 x 42.8 x 1.1 in
Weight Without Stand lb91.5 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemTizen Smart TV
ProcessorCrystal Processor 4K
Specifications
Screen Sizes43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85
VESA By Size43": 200 x 200 mm, 50": 200 x 200 mm, 55": 200 x 200 mm, 65": 400 x 300 mm, 75": 400 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 400 mm
Stand Width By Size43": 26.8 inches, 50": 30.1 inches, 65": 42.7 inches
Stand Depth By Size43": 7.7 inches, 50": 8.9 inches, 55": 8.9 inches, 65": 11.1 inches, 75": 13.1 inches, 85": 15.5 inches
Picture Modes SDRDynamic, Standard, Movie, Filmmaker Mode
CU8000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV
A 2023 Crystal UHD television with Samsung Gaming Hub, Multi View, a SolarCell remote and a size-specific 120Hz upgrade on the 85-inch model.
Key technology
Dynamic Crystal ColorSamsung color-processing system intended to produce more finely differentiated color shades.
Crystal Processor with 4K UpscalingProcesses incoming video and scales lower-resolution sources for display on the 4K panel.
Motion XceleratorMotion processing intended to improve moving-image clarity on the 43- through 75-inch models; it is not a claim of a higher native refresh rate.
Motion Xcelerator Turbo+The 85-inch CU8000's higher-refresh motion and gaming implementation. This size is separately identified because it has different refresh-rate hardware from the smaller sizes.
AirSlim DesignA slim cabinet design approximately one inch deep without the stand on most sizes.
Object Tracking Sound LiteVirtual audio processing that attempts to associate sound movement with action on the screen.
Q-SymphonyPermits the TV speakers and selected Samsung soundbars to play together as one coordinated system.
Samsung Gaming HubTizen interface that collects supported cloud-gaming services and connected gaming sources in one location.
SolarCell RemoteRechargeable TM2360E remote that can collect energy from light and supported radio-frequency sources rather than relying only on disposable batteries.
Buyer advantages
- Smoother motion than the AU8000 in Tech Steve’s demonstrations, reducing visible judder and choppiness during camera movement
- Samsung Gaming Hub organizes compatible cloud-gaming services and connected sources from the television interface
- Multi View can display compatible content from two sources for workouts, mobile sharing and multitasking
- SolarCell remote reduces reliance on disposable batteries
- The 85-inch model has a native 120Hz panel with verified 4K/120 capability, offering substantially better support for high-frame-rate console gaming
- Three HDMI inputs, eARC, ALLM and HDR10+ provide useful everyday connectivity and format support
Things to consider
- Factory Movie-mode contrast, shadow detail and color were less convincing than the AU8000 in Tech Steve’s comparison
- The newer Tizen home interface can feel complicated because it places media, gaming and connectivity features into a more extensive full-screen layout
- Only the 85-inch model is 120Hz; the 43- through 75-inch versions remain limited to 4K at 60Hz
- No physical local dimming, limiting backlight control in demanding HDR and dark-room scenes
- No Dolby Vision support, preventing native playback of that HDR format
- The two-channel 20-watt speaker system lacks the bass and scale of a dedicated soundbar
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43"UN43CU8000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 26.8 in | 4.9–6.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 50"UN50CU8000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 30.1 in | 5.7–7.8 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 55"UN55CU8000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 35.6 in | 6.3–8.6 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 65"UN65CU8000FXZA | — | 400 x 300 | — | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"UN75CU8000FXZA | — | 400 x 400 | — | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 85"UN85CU8000FXZA | — | 600 x 400 | — | 9.7–13.2 ft | — |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker System2-channel
Speaker Count2
Woofer Count0
Included SubwooferNo
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Audio Output Watts20 W
Dolby AtmosNo
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Digital Plus
Sound ModesStandard, Adaptive Sound, Amplify
Dialogue EnhancementAmplify sound mode is available; Active Voice Amplifier is not listed for this series
Voice AssistantsAmazon Alexa built in, Bixby, Google Assistant compatibility
Optional AccessoriesSamsung Slim Fit Wall Mount, Compatible VESA wall mounts, Samsung SlimFit Camera or compatible Logitech webcam, Compatible Samsung Q-Symphony soundbars
Connectivity
HDMI Ports3
HDMI Inputs3
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes
Optical Inputs0
AirPlayYes
ChromecastNo
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
ALLMYes
Picture
Display TechnologyEdge-lit LED LCD marketed as Crystal UHD
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingNo
Local Dimming Zones By Size43": 0, 50": 0, 55": 0, 65": 0, 75": 0, 85": 0
HDR FormatsHDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Picture Modes HDR10Dynamic, Standard, Movie, Filmmaker Mode
Picture Modes HDR10 PlusDynamic, Standard, Movie, Filmmaker Mode
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches38 x 22 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb18.5 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches44 x 25.4 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb25.4 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.5 x 27.9 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb34.2 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches57.1 x 32.8 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb46.1 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches66 x 37.8 x 1 in
Weight Without Stand lb69.2 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.8 x 42.8 x 1.1 in
Weight Without Stand lb91.5 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemTizen Smart TV with Samsung Smart Hub and Gaming Hub
ProcessorCrystal Processor with 4K Upscaling
Specifications
Screen Sizes43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85
VESA By Size43": 200 x 200 mm, 50": 200 x 200 mm, 55": 200 x 200 mm, 65": 400 x 300 mm, 75": 400 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 400 mm
Stand Width By Size43": 26.8 inches, 50": 30.1 inches, 55": 35.6 inches
Stand Depth By Size43": 7.7 inches, 50": 8.9 inches, 55": 8.9 inches, 65": 11 inches, 75": 13.1 inches, 85": 15.5 inches
Picture Modes SDRDynamic, Standard, Movie, Filmmaker Mode
Which one should you buy?
The AU8000 is the stronger choice for shoppers primarily concerned with movie and everyday picture quality. It delivered the better perceived contrast, shadow detail, color and gradient performance in this comparison, but its motion was less smooth and every size is limited to 60Hz. The CU8000 is better suited to shoppers who value smoother motion, Samsung Gaming Hub, Multi View, a newer Smart Hub and the rechargeable SolarCell remote, though its factory-setting picture did not match the AU8000 in the demonstrations. For gaming, the 43- through 75-inch versions of both series remain 60Hz televisions; the 85-inch CU8000 stands apart with verified native 120Hz and 4K/120 support.
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