Hisense U8N 65" vs Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
The Verdict
Hisense U8N 65" delivers premium performance at a competitive price point, featuring mini-LED backlighting with 3000 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision IQ, and 144Hz refresh rate ideal for gaming with 7ms input lag. Samsung CU8500 55" offers budget-friendly 4K viewing with basic HDR10+ support and adequate performance for casual use, though its 350 nits brightness and 60Hz refresh rate feel dated. Audio differs significantly: Hisense provides 60W 2.1.2ch with Dolby Atmos versus Samsung's modest 20W 2.0ch system. Gaming features favor Hisense with VRR and superior motion handling. Picture quality gaps are substantial,the Hisense's quantum dot technology and superior contrast control outclass Samsung's standard VA panel considerably. For serious movie enthusiasts or gamers, the Hisense U8N justifies its $620 premium through dramatically better contrast, brightness, and motion handling. Budget-conscious buyers comfortable with basic 4K should consider the Samsung.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Hisense U8N 65" if…
- →144Hz panel at 3,000+ nits for under $1,100 — remarkable specs-per-dollar
- →Two HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K@144Hz for PC gaming and next-gen consoles
- →IMAX Enhanced certification alongside Dolby Vision for broad HDR ecosystem coverage
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 U8N 65"
Pros
- 144Hz panel at 3,000+ nits for under $1,100 — remarkable specs-per-dollar
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K@144Hz for PC gaming and next-gen consoles
- IMAX Enhanced certification alongside Dolby Vision for broad HDR ecosystem coverage
- Wi-Fi 6 and 60W Dolby Atmos audio punch well above the price class
- Hi-View Engine X delivers accurate upscaling and natural motion processing
Cons
- Only two of the four HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 — the other two are HDMI 2.0
- Mini-LED blooming artifacts are more visible than on premium Samsung or Sony panels
- Hisense's long-term software support and update cadence trails LG and Sony
- Local dimming can occasionally dim fine detail in dark HDR scenes
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 U8N 65" | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 400 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 64.4 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.4 x 37.8 x 13.2 inches | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 60 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.1.2ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 7 | 11 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced | HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 55" |
| Type | Mini-LED ULED | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 3000 | 350 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | Bixby, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Hi-View Engine X | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 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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