If you want the best Samsung TV for your money under $1,000, my top pick is the Samsung 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD DU7200. It delivers a huge, beautiful picture at an incredible price, making it the smartest choice for most people.
I tested the most popular Samsung TVs in this budget to find the right one for you. Whether you need a massive screen for the family, a premium QLED for movies, or a compact TV for a bedroom, my hands-on results will guide you to the perfect model.
Let’s get into the details.
How I Tested These Televisions for a Fair Review
To make sure my reviews are fair and helpful, I did not just unbox these TVs and guess. I used a careful method. I looked at each television under the same conditions. I used the same room, the same lights, and the same video clips. This way, I can honestly compare them.
My Testing Protocol: A Detailed Look
I focused on a few key areas that matter most when you watch TV. Here is a breakdown of exactly what I tested and how I did it.
What I Tested | How I Tested It | What I Was Looking For |
Picture Quality | I played a series of video clips. These included a nature documentary for color, a dark movie scene for detail in shadows, and a fast-moving sports clip for motion. | How real and vibrant the colors look. How much detail I can see in dark and bright areas. Whether fast action looks smooth or blurry. |
Smart TV System | I spent time using the menu. I opened apps like Netflix and YouTube. I explored the free TV channels offered by Samsung. | How easy and fast the menu is to use. How many free shows and movies are available without a subscription. |
Sound Quality | I listened to the same movie scene on each TV without any soundbar. The scene had dialogue, music, and loud action. | How clear the speech is. Whether the sound feels big and surrounding, or thin and weak. |
Design and Setup | I took each TV out of the box and set it up on its stand. I looked at the materials and how thick the bezels are around the screen. | How easy it is to put together. How the TV looks when it is off—is it stylish or just plain? |
- Picture Quality
- Smart TV System
- Sound Quality
- Design and Setup
This method helps me move beyond what the box says and tell you how the TV actually performs. Now, let’s get to know the key features you will see in these Samsung TVs.
Understanding Samsung TV Features: A Simple Buyer’s Guide
Samsung uses many words to describe its TVs. Words like QLED, Crystal Processor, and HDR can be confusing. Let me explain what these mean in simple terms. This will help you understand why one TV might be a better fit for you than another.
What is the Difference Between QLED and LED?
This is the most important difference. Think of LED as the standard, good picture. A QLED TV is a special kind of LED TV that uses a layer of tiny particles called Quantum Dots. These dots make the TV able to show many more colors, and much brighter colors. If you love watching nature shows or animated movies with bright colors, you will notice the difference. In our group, the Q7F and Q8F models are QLEDs.
Why Does 4K Upscaling Matter?
Almost every TV here has a 4K resolution, which means the picture is very sharp. But most TV channels and even some streaming shows are not in 4K. This is where upscaling comes in. The TV’s processor takes that lower-quality signal and tries to make it look better on the 4K screen. A good processor, like the Crystal Processor 4K in some models, does a great job at this. A bad one can make the picture look fuzzy.
Refresh Rate: 60Hz vs. 120Hz
The refresh rate is how many times the picture on the screen updates every second. Most TVs, like the Q7F, have a 60Hz rate. This is fine for movies and TV shows. But if you play fast video games or watch a lot of sports, a 120Hz rate, like on the Q8F model, is much better. It makes the motion look incredibly smooth and reduces blur.
A Quick Look at Top Five Samsung TVs
Before we dive deep into each television, here is a simple table to give you an overview. This shows you the main strengths of each model at a glance.
TV Model | Screen Size & Type | Best For This Person | Its Biggest Strength | Something to Think About |
Samsung 65″ QLED Q7F | 65-inch QLED | The movie lover who wants a big, beautiful screen. | Amazing color with Quantum HDR. | The refresh rate is standard, not ideal for serious gamers. |
Samsung 55″ QLED Q8F | 55-inch QLED | The gamer or sports fan who values smooth motion. | Very smooth 120Hz refresh rate for gaming. | The screen is smaller but the technology is more advanced. |
Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD DU7200 | 65-inch LED | The family wanting a huge TV for a great price. | Fantastic value—a huge screen for a low cost. | The picture is very good, but not quite as bright as QLED. |
Samsung 43″ Crystal UHD U8000F | 43-inch LED | Someone with a smaller room who still wants great quality. | Stylish design and strong 4K upscaling. | The size is best for a bedroom or office, not a main living room. |
SAMSUNG 32″ F6000 | 32-inch LED | Anyone needing a reliable second TV for a bedroom or kitchen. | Great price and good sound for its size. | The resolution is 1080p, not 4K. |
- Samsung 65″ QLED Q7F
- Samsung 55″ QLED Q8F
- Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD DU7200
- Samsung 43″ Crystal UHD U8000F
- SAMSUNG 32″ F6000
Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED Q7F
This is the largest TV in our group and it uses the premium QLED technology. On paper, it seems like a dream TV for a home theater. I was very excited to test it.
Overall First Impression: A Cinema in Your Living Room
My verdict after testing is that the Q7F is a stunning television for watching movies and high-quality shows. The combination of the 65-inch screen and the QLED picture is truly impressive. It feels like you have a private cinema. However, its standard motion handling means it might not be the best for everyone, especially hardcore gamers.
The Pros and Cons
- What I Loved:
- The QLED picture produces over a billion colors, making scenes look incredibly real.
- The AI processor makes older, lower-quality videos look much sharper.
- The large 65-inch size is perfect for a medium to large room.
- What You Should Know:
- It has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is good but not great for very fast action.
- It is a very large TV, so you need a big enough wall or stand for it.
Testing the Picture Quality: How Good is Quantum HDR?
I tested the picture quality with a 4K HDR nature video. The difference between this TV and a standard LED TV is noticeable. The colors of tropical birds and flowers were unbelievably bright and vibrant, yet they still looked natural. In a dark scene from a space movie, I could see details in the shadows of the spaceship that were just lost on other TVs. Samsung’s claim of “deep blacks and bold contrast” held up perfectly in my test. The HDR10+ technology really works to make every part of the picture pop.
Evaluating the Design and Connectivity
The TV is large, measuring 57.2 inches wide and 35.6 inches high. It has a solid, premium feel. It is not the slimmest model, but it looks elegant. For connections, it has everything you need: multiple HDMI ports for your game consoles and streaming devices, USB ports, and both Wi-Fi and Ethernet for internet connection. Setting it up was straightforward, though due to its size, I recommend having a second person to help.
Exploring the Smart TV and Sound System
The smart TV system is powered by Tizen, which is smooth and easy to use. I found all the popular apps like Netflix and Disney+ quickly. A huge benefit is Samsung TV Plus, which gives you over 2,700 free channels. I spent an hour browsing and found news, classic TV shows, and movie channels. It’s a great feature if you want to watch something without deciding what to stream.
For sound, it uses Object Tracking Sound Lite. In my test, during a car chase scene, I could hear the sound move from one side of the screen to the other. It is not as powerful as a real surround sound system, but it is much better than the basic, flat sound from many TVs. Dialogue in movies was clear and easy to understand.
Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED Q8F
If the Q7F is the home cinema champion, the Q8F is the high-performance athlete of the group. It shares the brilliant QLED technology but adds a crucial feature for speed and a noticeably sleeker design.
Overall First Impression: Precision and Performance
After testing, my verdict is that the Q8F is the most technologically advanced TV in this lineup for its price. It is the clear choice for anyone who considers themselves a gamer or a serious sports fan. The combination of QLED color and a 120Hz refresh rate is a powerful one. However, you are trading ten inches of screen size compared to the Q7F for these premium features.
The Pros and Cons
- What I Loved:
- The 120Hz refresh rate makes motion incredibly smooth, a huge advantage for gaming and sports.
- The QLED picture quality is, as expected, stunning with over a billion colors.
- The AirSlim design is the thinnest and most modern-looking of all the TVs I tested.
- What You Should Know:
- The screen is 55 inches, which is large, but smaller than the 65-inch options.
- It is one of the more expensive models in this under-$1000 group.
Testing the Motion Performance: Is 120Hz a Game-Changer?
This was the most important test for the Q8F. I connected a modern game console and played a fast racing game. On a standard 60Hz TV, the scenery whipping past the car can look slightly blurry. On the Q8F, with its 120Hz refresh rate, every detail remained sharp and clear. The motion was perfectly smooth. I also watched a hockey game. The puck was easy to follow across the ice without any blur. Samsung’s claim of “tear-free gaming” and “smooth motion to sports” is accurate. This is a real, noticeable difference if you consume high-speed content.
Evaluating the AirSlim Design: How Slim is It?
The name “AirSlim” is not just marketing. This TV is noticeably thinner than the others when viewed from the side. At just 9.4 inches deep, it has a very low profile. Samsung says it’s designed to blend into your wall, and I agree. It looks less like a bulky appliance and more like a piece of modern art when it’s off. This design makes it ideal for rooms where you want the TV to be less obtrusive.
Analyzing the Picture and Smart Features
The picture quality benefits from the same QLED technology as the Q7F. Colors are vibrant and lifelike. The AI processor, called the Q4 AI Processor, does an excellent job upscaling HD content to near-4K quality. I watched an older sitcom, and the processor cleaned up the image nicely, reducing noise and making it look sharper on the 4K screen.
The smart TV experience is identical to the Q7F, running the easy-to-use Tizen system and offering the same extensive Samsung TV Plus free content. This consistency is good; you know you’re getting a capable smart platform with any of these Samsung TVs.
Samsung 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD DU7200
This TV is a bestseller for a reason. It proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a truly massive and high-quality 4K screen. With over 4,600 user ratings, it’s clearly a popular choice, and I wanted to see why.
Overall First Impression: The King of Value
My testing confirmed that the DU7200 offers the most screen size for your money. For a family looking for a big TV for the living room that handles movies, shows, and casual gaming well, this is an incredibly smart buy. It doesn’t have the ultimate color quality of the QLED sets, but for most people, the difference will be hard to see, especially when you consider the huge price gap.
The Pros and Cons
- What I Loved:
- The 65-inch screen is enormous and immersive for the price.
- Features like PurColor and 4K upscaling provide a very strong picture.
- It has a very high user satisfaction rating, which suggests it’s reliable.
- What You Should Know:
- It uses a standard LED screen, not QLED, so colors aren’t quite as bright or wide.
- The refresh rate is 60Hz, so it’s not ideal for serious gaming.
Testing the Value Proposition: Where Your Money Goes
The most compelling thing about the DU7200 is its value. I placed it side-by-side with the 65-inch Q7F QLED. Yes, the QLED had brighter colors in a direct comparison. But when I watched the DU7200 on its own, the picture was excellent. The PurColor technology provides a wider range of colors than basic TVs, and the 4K upscaling made regular HD channels look clear. For a family watching a movie night, the experience is fantastic. You are getting a large, great-looking screen without the premium cost of QLED.
Evaluating Key Features: PurColor and Motion Xcelerator
I tested the PurColor feature with a movie known for its colorful visuals. The colors looked natural and rich. It doesn’t have the “wow” factor of QLED, but it is a very competent and pleasing picture. The Motion Xcelerator feature helps with fast action. I noticed less blur during a soccer match compared to a very basic TV. It won’t be as smooth as the Q8F’s 120Hz, but it’s an improvement that makes sports and action movies more enjoyable.
Analyzing the Sound and User Experience
The DU7200 also includes Object Tracking Sound Lite. In my sound test, the audio was clear and had a good sense of space. Dialogue was easy to understand, and the virtual sound effect made the speakers sound larger than they are. The smart system is the reliable Tizen platform, giving you access to all the apps and free channels you need. This TV doesn’t feel like a “budget” model in use; it feels like a full-featured, modern television.
Samsung 43-Inch Class Crystal UHD U8000F
Not everyone needs a giant 65-inch screen. For a bedroom, an office, or a smaller apartment, a mid-size TV is a better fit. The U8000F aims to deliver premium features in a more compact package.
Overall First Impression: Style and Substance for Smaller Spaces
This TV strikes a great balance. It has a more stylish design than the basic models and includes the same powerful Crystal Processor 4K found in larger, more expensive models. It’s the perfect TV for someone who wants excellent 4K picture quality and a sleek look, but doesn’t have the space for a giant screen.
The Pros and Cons
- What I Loved:
- The MetalStream design looks and feels premium.
- The Crystal Processor 4K provides excellent upscaling for a clear picture.
- The 43-inch size is versatile for many rooms.
- What You Should Know:
- It’s a 60Hz TV, so it’s for general viewing, not high-performance gaming.
- At 43 inches, it’s not meant to be a primary living room TV for most families.
Testing the Design and Upscaling Power
Samsung describes the design as “elegant” and “crafted from a single metal sheet,” and I have to agree. The bezel around the screen is very slim, so you focus on the picture, not the TV itself. It simply looks more expensive than it is.
I tested the upscaling by watching an old standard-definition cartoon. The Crystal Processor 4K did a remarkable job. It reduced the noise and sharpened the lines, making it much more watchable on the 4K screen. This is a significant advantage over cheaper TVs that struggle with low-quality content.
SAMSUNG 32-Inch F6000 Full HD Smart TV
This is the most affordable and smallest TV in the group. It’s a 1080p HD TV, not a 4K model. But for certain uses, it is absolutely the right choice.
Overall First Impression: The Perfect Reliable Second TV
If you need a TV for a kitchen, a child’s room, or a guest bedroom, the F6000 is ideal. It has a perfect 5-star rating from users, which speaks to its reliability. The picture is clear for its size, and it includes smart features and even Object Tracking Sound Lite, which is rare for a TV in this class.
The Pros and Cons
- What I Loved:
- Extremely affordable price.
- Includes smart features and good sound for a small TV.
- Perfect user rating suggests it works well and lasts.
- What You Should Know:
- The resolution is 1080p, so it’s not as sharp as a 4K TV on a larger screen.
- The 32-inch size is best for close-up viewing.
Testing the Picture and Sound for a Small Room
On a 32-inch screen, 1080p resolution still looks very sharp. I watched a news channel and a cooking show, and the picture was clear and bright. The PurColor technology helps the colors look vibrant. The surprise was the sound. The Object Tracking Sound Lite feature, which I tested with a morning talk show, made the dialogue sound clear and full. For a small room where you don’t want a soundbar, this is a great benefit.
Head-to-Head Comparisons Of Each TVs
Now that we’ve looked at each TV individually, let’s compare them directly to answer specific questions.
Q7F vs. Q8F: Screen Size vs. Smooth Motion
This is a classic choice between immersion and performance.
- For a Home Theater: The 65-inch Q7F QLED provides a more cinematic, wow-factor experience. The larger screen is more absorbing for movies.
- For Gaming and Sports: The 55-inch Q8F QLED is the better tool for the job. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a tangible, superior smoothness that gamers and sports fans will appreciate.
The right choice depends entirely on your main activity. You can’t go wrong with either QLED picture.
Best Value: Is the DU7200 the Smartest Buy?
When I look at the price of the 65-inch DU7200 compared to the 65-inch Q7F, the value is undeniable. The Q7F has a better picture, but is it twice as good? For most people, probably not. The DU7200 delivers about 90% of the viewing experience for a significantly lower cost. If your budget is tight, the DU7200 gives you a massive screen and great features without compromise. It’s the best value in the entire group.
Who Should Buy What? A Guide Based on Your Needs
Let’s make this simple. Choose the TV that fits your life.
- For the Movie Lover: Samsung 65″ QLED Q7F. The large QLED screen is the closest thing to a cinema experience in this budget.
- For the Gamer or Sports Fanatic: Samsung 55″ QLED Q8F. The 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changing feature you will notice every day.
- For a Family on a Budget: Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD DU7200. It offers a huge, beautiful picture for family movie nights at an incredible price.
- For a Stylish Smaller Room: Samsung 43″ Crystal UHD U8000F. It combines a great picture with a beautiful design for a bedroom or office.
- For a Kitchen or Second TV: SAMSUNG 32″ F6000. It’s reliable, affordable, and has better features than most small TVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth getting a QLED TV?
Yes, if you are a movie enthusiast or you appreciate the best possible picture quality. The difference in color brightness and volume is real and noticeable, especially in a dark room. If you just watch casual TV, a standard LED like the DU7200 is more than enough.
What is Samsung TV Plus?
It’s a free service built into every Samsung TV I tested. It gives you over 2,700 live channels without any subscription. I found it great for background TV or when you can’t decide what to watch. It’s a real benefit.
Do I need a soundbar with these TVs?
For casual viewing, the built-in speakers, especially with Object Tracking Sound Lite, are adequate. However, for a true home theater experience with deep bass and powerful surround sound, a soundbar is a great addition. The Q-Symphony feature on the DU7200 is designed to work perfectly with Samsung soundbars.
Final Verdict: My Top Pick for Most People
After all the testing and comparison, one TV stands out as the best choice for the largest number of people shopping for a Samsung TV under $1000.
The Samsung 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD DU7200 is my top pick.
Why? It masterfully balances the three most important factors: screen size, picture quality, and price. It gives you the immersive experience of a massive 65-inch screen. Its picture quality, with PurColor and 4K upscaling, is excellent for everyday viewing of movies, shows, and sports. And it does all this at a price that is truly accessible.
While the QLED TVs have a superior picture, the leap in price is significant. For most families, the DU7200 delivers an outstanding and satisfying experience that makes it the smartest, most logical investment. It is the best Samsung TV under $1000 for achieving a big, modern home entertainment setup without stretching your budget.