Hisense A6 55" vs Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
The Verdict
Both 55-inch TVs deliver 4K resolution at 60Hz, but Samsung's CU8500 commands a significant price premium for measurable advantages. Picture quality differs notably: Samsung's Crystal UHD VA panel achieves 350 nits brightness versus Hisense's 300 nits, while the CU8500 includes Dolby Vision support that the budget Hisense lacks. Gaming performance favors Samsung with an 11ms input lag compared to 15ms, though neither supports VRR. Audio specs are comparable (16W vs 20W, both 2.0ch), and both run mature smart platforms with voice assistants. Build quality appears superior on Samsung at 30.4 lbs versus 22.3 lbs. For casual viewing and streaming, the Hisense A6 represents exceptional value at $249,nearly half the price with acceptable brightness and HDR support. However, if gaming performance, superior contrast, and Dolby Vision matter to you, Samsung's CU8500 justifies its $479 asking price. The recommendation depends on budget: choose Hisense for budget-conscious buyers, Samsung for performance enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Hisense A6 55" if…
- →Under $250 for a 55-inch 4K TV with Dolby Vision is remarkable
- →Google TV with full app store and Chromecast built-in
- →Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support at true budget pricing
Buy the Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) if…
- →Affordable 4K at $479 makes it one of Samsung's best budget options
- →Crystal Processor 4K handles decent upscaling for the price
- →Tizen OS provides a full smart TV platform with all major apps
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Hisense A6 55"
Pros
- Under $250 for a 55-inch 4K TV with Dolby Vision is remarkable
- Google TV with full app store and Chromecast built-in
- Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support at true budget pricing
- Perfect for bedrooms, guest rooms, or dorm rooms
- Lightweight and easy to set up
Cons
- Very low brightness — HDR is more of a checkbox than a real experience
- 60Hz panel with no gaming features
- 16W speakers are quiet and tinny
- Narrow viewing angles — best viewed head-on
Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
Pros
- Affordable 4K at $479 makes it one of Samsung's best budget options
- Crystal Processor 4K handles decent upscaling for the price
- Tizen OS provides a full smart TV platform with all major apps
- HDR10+ support for compatible content
- Slim design with clean aesthetics for the price segment
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or VRR for gaming
- 350 nits brightness is too dim for convincing HDR
- 20W speakers are weak — external audio recommended
- Only 3 HDMI ports, none are HDMI 2.1
- No Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision
Full Specifications
| Spec | Hisense A6 55" | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 22.3 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.4 x 9.3 inches | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 16 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 15 | 11 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | LED | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 300 | 350 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Bixby, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Hi-View Engine | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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