Samsung CU7000 vs Samsung TU690T: Which One Should You Buy?
The Samsung CU7000 is the stronger overall budget TV in this comparison. Tech Steve ranked it 7/10 versus 6/10 for the TU690T after seeing richer color, better shadow detail and a slightly brighter-looking image from the CU7000 in his side-by-side viewing. It also provides three HDMI inputs, Samsung Gaming Hub, a rechargeable SolarCell remote and newer audio-integration features. The TU690T remains a practical alternative when it costs less or when its exclusive 60-inch size is the best fit. Both televisions are native 60 Hz models without VRR, local dimming or Dolby Vision.
Samsung CU7000 vs. TU690T: Which Budget 4K TV Is Better?
The Samsung CU7000 is the stronger overall budget TV in this comparison. Tech Steve ranked it 7/10 versus 6/10 for the TU690T after seeing richer color, better shadow detail and a slightly brighter-looking image from the CU7000 in his side-by-side viewing. It also provides three HDMI inputs, Samsung Gaming Hub, a rechargeable SolarCell remote and newer audio-integration features. The TU690T remains a practical alternative when it costs less or when its exclusive 60-inch size is the best fit. Both televisions are native 60 Hz models without VRR, local dimming or Dolby Vision.
| Feature | CU7000 | TU690T | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Steve overall ranking | CU7000: 7/10 | TU690T: 6/10 | Tech Steve preferred its picture, connectivity, smart features and remote, assuming a panel without the edge defect seen on his sample. |
| Picture impression | Richer color, better shadow detail and slightly brighter-looking image | Serviceable picture but less impressive in the side-by-side viewing | The CU7000 was preferred with everyday television and Disney+ movie content under factory Cinema-mode settings. |
| Native resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | Both use native 4K panels. |
| Native and maximum refresh at 4K | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | Neither model supports native 4K/120; motion-processing labels do not change the physical refresh rate. |
| 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 | No | Neither series has local-dimming zones. |
| HDMI inputs | 3 | 2 | The third HDMI input makes it easier to keep a console, streaming device and audio system connected. |
| Gaming connectivity | ALLM; no VRR; no native 4K/120 | ALLM; no VRR; no native 4K/120 | Core console signal support is effectively the same. |
| Gaming platform | Samsung Gaming Hub | Game Enhancer | Gaming Hub adds direct access to supported cloud-gaming services. |
| Built-in audio | 20 W, 2-channel, Object Tracking Sound Lite and Q-Symphony | 20 W, 2-channel with Dolby Digital Plus | Rated power is equal, but the CU7000 adds positional processing and compatible Samsung soundbar integration. |
| Remote control | TM2240A rechargeable SolarCell Remote | TM1240A battery-powered standard remote | The rechargeable SolarCell design reduces reliance on disposable batteries. |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 is a newer connection standard for compatible wireless accessories. |
| US size selection | 43, 50, 55, 58, 65, 70, 75 and 85 inches | 43, 50, 55, 58, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 85 inches | Both cover a wide range, while the TU690T uniquely offers a 60-inch model. |
CU7000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV
A native 60 Hz 4K Tizen TV with three HDMI inputs, HDR10+, ALLM, Gaming Hub and a SolarCell remote.
Key technology
Buyer advantages
- CU7000 delivered richer color, better shadow detail and a slightly brighter-looking image in Tech Steve's comparison.
- CU7000 has three HDMI inputs versus two on the TU690T.
- CU7000 includes Samsung Gaming Hub and a rechargeable SolarCell remote.
- Both televisions support HDR10+, ALLM, eARC and Apple AirPlay.
- TU690T offers a 60-inch version not found in the CU7000 US lineup.
- Both series cover a broad range from 43 to 85 inches.
Things to consider
- Both TVs are limited to 60 Hz at native 4K and lack VRR.
- Neither model has local dimming or Dolby Vision.
- Built-in sound is limited to 20-watt, two-channel audio.
- TU690T has only two HDMI inputs and uses an older battery-powered remote.
- Tech Steve's CU7000 sample displayed a faint white line or light bleed near one edge.
- The picture comparison involved different screen sizes rather than matching-size panels.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43"UN43CU7000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 33.1 in | 4.9–6.7 ft | — |
| 50"UN50CU7000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 39.8 in | 5.7–7.8 ft | — |
| 55"UN55CU7000FXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 40.6 in | 6.3–8.6 ft | — |
| 58"UN58CU7000FXZA | — | 400 x 300 | 42.9 in | 6.6–9.0 ft | — |
| 65"UN65CU7000FXZA | — | 400 x 300 | 46.7 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | — |
| 70"UN70CU7000FXZA | — | 400 x 300 | 53.4 in | 8.0–10.9 ft | — |
| 75"UN75CU7000FXZA | — | 400 x 400 | 56.2 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | — |
| 85"UN85CU7000FXZA | — | 600 x 400 | 67.1 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | — |
Complete specifications
Audio
Connectivity
Gaming
Picture
Size Details
Smart Features
Specifications
TU690T Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV
A native 60 Hz 4K Tizen TV with two HDMI inputs, HDR10+, ALLM, eARC and sizes from 43 to 85 inches.
Key technology
Buyer advantages
- The 60-inch model fills a size gap in the CU7000 lineup and may fit rooms where 58 inches is too small and 65 inches is too large.
- HDR10+ support provides dynamic-metadata HDR playback from compatible sources.
- ALLM can automatically engage the television's low-latency gaming settings with compatible consoles.
- eARC on HDMI 2 supports connection to a compatible soundbar or receiver.
- Apple AirPlay allows wireless playback from compatible Apple devices.
- Nine documented US sizes span 43 through 85 inches.
- The basic 20-watt audio output matches the CU7000's rated power.
Things to consider
- Only two HDMI inputs can become restrictive when connecting a console, streaming player and external audio system.
- The native 60 Hz panel cannot display native 4K/120 gaming.
- Motion Rate 120 is processing terminology and should not be mistaken for a native 120 Hz panel.
- No VRR support means the display cannot match its refresh cycle to changing game frame rates.
- No local dimming limits HDR contrast control.
- Dolby Vision is not supported.
- The battery-powered TM1240A remote lacks the rechargeable SolarCell design included with the CU7000.
- Bluetooth 4.2 is older than the CU7000's Bluetooth 5.2 implementation.
- Samsung Gaming Hub, Object Tracking Sound Lite and Q-Symphony are not listed for this model.
- Backlight construction is size-dependent and should not be generalized across the entire series.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43"UN43TU690TFXZA | — | 200 x 200 | — | 4.9–6.7 ft | — |
| 50"UN50TU690TFXZA | — | 200 x 200 | — | 5.7–7.8 ft | — |
| 55"UN55TU690TFXZA | — | 200 x 200 | 37.5 in | 6.3–8.6 ft | — |
| 58"UN58TU690TFXZA | — | 400 x 300 | — | 6.6–9.0 ft | — |
| 60"UN60TU690TFXZA | — | 400 x 300 | — | 6.9–9.3 ft | — |
| 65"UN65TU690TFXZA | — | 400 x 300 | 44.6 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | — |
| 70"UN70TU690TFXZA | — | 400 x 300 | 44.6 in | 8.0–10.9 ft | — |
| 75"UN75TU690TFXZA | — | 400 x 400 | — | 8.6–11.7 ft | — |
| 85"UN85TU690TFXZA | — | 600 x 400 | — | 9.7–13.2 ft | — |
Complete specifications
Audio
Connectivity
Design & Installation
Gaming
Picture
Size Details
Smart Features
Specifications
Which one should you buy?
The CU7000 is the better all-around choice for most shoppers. It combines the stronger picture impression with three HDMI inputs, Samsung Gaming Hub, a SolarCell remote, Bluetooth 5.2, Object Tracking Sound Lite and Q-Symphony. Its tradeoffs are the same core limitations found on many entry-level TVs—60 Hz operation, no VRR, no local dimming and no Dolby Vision—and Tech Steve's sample had a faint edge-uniformity defect. The TU690T produces a serviceable 4K picture and retains HDR10+, ALLM, eARC and the same 20-watt speaker output, but its two HDMI inputs, older remote and more limited smart experience make it less convenient. Buy the CU7000 when prices are close; buy the TU690T when the discount is substantial or its 60-inch size uniquely suits the room.
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