Hisense A6K 55" (UHD LED) vs Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
The Verdict
Both 55-inch 4K TVs deliver solid value but serve different budgets. Hisense A6K impresses at $329 with Direct LED backlighting, Dolby Vision support, and respectable 350-nit brightness alongside VIDAA U6's intuitive interface. Samsung CU8500 justifies its $150 premium through superior gaming credentials,ALLM support and lower 11ms input lag versus Hisense's 14ms make it noticeably better for console players. Samsung's slimmer bezel design and dual voice assistants add polish. Picture quality proves comparable; both offer HDR10+ and identical brightness specs on VA panels. Audio marginally favors Samsung at 20W versus 16W, though neither excels without external speakers. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing smart features and HDR movies, the Hisense represents exceptional value. Gamers and those seeking premium finishes should choose Samsung. Recommend Hisense A6K for general viewing; Samsung CU8500 for gaming-focused households.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Hisense A6K 55" (UHD LED) if…
- →55-inch 4K at $329 is one of the cheapest large-screen TVs available
- →Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support at a budget price is impressive
- →VA panel provides decent contrast for the price
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 A6K 55" (UHD LED)
Pros
- 55-inch 4K at $329 is one of the cheapest large-screen TVs available
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support at a budget price is impressive
- VA panel provides decent contrast for the price
- Lightweight at 25.4 lbs — easy to handle and wall-mount
- Alexa built-in for voice control without an external device
Cons
- 60Hz panel with no VRR — not suited for gaming
- 350 nits is very dim — HDR is essentially non-functional
- VIDAA OS has a limited app selection compared to Google TV
- 16W audio is weak and tinny — external speakers are mandatory
- No HDMI 2.1 or Dolby Atmos
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 A6K 55" (UHD LED) | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.1 x 3.2 inches | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.0 x 8.7 inches | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 16 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 14 | 11 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Direct LED (VA LCD) | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 350 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | VIDAA U6 | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | Alexa | Bixby, Alexa |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 2 | 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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