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The RU8000 is the top model of the Premium UHD series from Samsung. Compared to the QLED series you have to make some compromises, but you save some money. We’ll explain what makes the model different, how it differs from the QLED series and why it’s a real tip for gamers.
Quality and workmanship of the Samsung RU8000
The workmanship and quality make an overall neat impression. The cable management is not as clever as with more expensive models: The cables can be routed through one of the feet using several grooves and a clip. The connections are facing sideways, which is ideal for wall mounting! Available are four HDMI 2.0b ports, USB, Digital Optical, Ethernet and a Twin Tuner. The latter allows you to watch a TV show while another is being recorded.
Picture quality not sufficient for HDR
The Samsung RU8000 simulates 10 bit with its VA panel, with 8 bit + FRC. The black level is good thanks to the panel, but the image quickly becomes paler when viewed from the side. The contrast is a pleasant 5800:1. In contrast to its predecessor, the NU8000, it unfortunately no longer has local dimming.
In addition, the maximum brightness is only about 370 Nits, which is unfortunately not enough to display bright HDR details. HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG are supported. Dolby Vision is not available here. The RU8000 also has a wide color gamut, but the NU8000 from last year still has better color volume.
Be careful when selecting sizes: the frame rate is 120 Hz only from 55 inches. With the smallest 49 inch model, it is only half as fast at 60 Hz. Fast movements can be displayed extremely well on all models: Motion Handling is extremely good and a Response Time of only 4 ms ensures a barely visible drag effect.
Made for gaming
When it comes to gaming, the Samsung RU8000 is a very good TV. The input lag is a measly 15 ms! In this price range this is a record. But it gets even better: FreeSync VRR reduces the input lag to 6 ms. At 4K it rises again to 14 ms – nevertheless extremely good. Further gaming features are the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for automatically reducing the latency between controller and 4K TV as well as Real Game Enhancer and Dynamic Black Equalizer for more image details in dark scenes. This makes it one of the best gaming TVs in its price range.
Sound quality under par
As usual for flat screen TVs, the sound quality of the RU8000 is not particularly thrilling. The stereo speakers have a total of 20W. Unfortunately, the TV doesn’t support DTS or Dolby Atmos, like all Samsung models. Therefore we recommend the purchase of an external soundbar or a HiFi system, if you want to improve the sound quality of the RU8000.
Smart TV features of the Samsung RU8000
Like all Samsung TVs in recent years, the RU8009 uses Samsung’s very own Tizen as it’s smart OS. The fifth generation system is fast and intuitive. The ads displayed cannot be removed and may bother some users. The RU8000 supports PVR and Timeshift to record programs. The RU8000 is the most affordable TV that comes with Samsung’s Smart Remote which enables voice command capabilities with Samsung’s Bixby, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Apple AirPlay 2 is also included.
Compared to Samsung Q60R
Overall it is noticeable that the Samsung RU8000 is very similar to the Q60R. They differ in design and some technical features. The Q60R has a slightly better color space coverage and ambient mode, everything else is almost identical. The RU8000 is available in 49, 55, 65, 75 and 82 inch sizes.
Compared to Samsung NU8000
Despite the nice features of the RU8000 we have to admit the previous year’s model is a bit better. It is slightly annoying that Samsung has decided to remove the local dimming feature from the 2019 model. This affects the performance in dark environments. In addition, the NU8000 has a higher maximum brightness to display HDR content effectively. However, there were compatibility issues with the Playstation 4 that were removed from the RU8000. For demanding gamers, the Samsung RU8000 is the better choice.
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The more affordable alternative to the Q60R
The Samsung RU8000 is a nice UHD TV and especially interesting for gamers. However, it has no local dimming, is not bright enough for HDR features and does not support dynamic sound formats. Yet for gaming it’s almost perfect. Motion handling, low input lag and Freesync VRR as well as ALLM are features that are currently in demand. Thanks to the VA panel, the black level is good, which ensures neat performance in dark rooms. The brightness is also sufficient for bright rooms. It is the more affordable alternative to the Q60R with minor drawbacks.
Then benefit from its discount price now!
