LG B4 55" vs Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
The Verdict
LG's B4 represents a significant leap in display technology with its OLED panel delivering perfect blacks, 1100 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision support,ideal for cinephiles and HDR enthusiasts. Samsung's CU8500 offers solid 4K performance at a budget-friendly price point with adequate brightness (350 nits) for typical viewing. Gaming capabilities heavily favor the B4, featuring 1ms input lag, 120Hz refresh rate, and full VRR support compared to the CU8500's 11ms lag and 60Hz ceiling. Audio differs markedly: LG delivers 40W with Dolby Atmos versus Samsung's modest 20W stereo setup. Both feature comprehensive streaming platforms and voice assistants. For casual viewers on tight budgets, the CU8500 provides acceptable performance; however, the B4's superior contrast, motion handling, and gaming prowess justify the investment for serious users seeking noticeable quality improvements.
Who Should Buy
Buy the LG B4 55" if…
- →Lowest-cost entry into LG's OLED lineup with the same perfect blacks
- →All four HDMI ports with VRR and ALLM at 4K@120Hz for gaming
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos at an entry OLED 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
LG B4 55"
Pros
- Lowest-cost entry into LG's OLED lineup with the same perfect blacks
- All four HDMI ports with VRR and ALLM at 4K@120Hz for gaming
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos at an entry OLED price
- webOS 24 is one of the best smart TV interfaces available
Cons
- Only two HDMI 2.1 ports — the other two are HDMI 2.0 (limited to 4K@60Hz)
- α8 processor is noticeably weaker than the C4's α9 for upscaling and processing
- Lower peak brightness than the C4 or G4 — HDR highlights lack some punch
- No Wi-Fi 6, which limits wireless bandwidth in crowded network environments
- OLED burn-in risk remains a concern for heavy static-content users
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 | LG B4 55" | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 32.1 x 10.5 inches | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 40 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 1 | 11 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG, Filmmaker Mode | HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | OLED | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1100 | 350 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | webOS 24 | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | ThinQ AI, Alexa, Google Assistant | Bixby, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | α8 Gen 7 AI Processor 4K | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 3 | 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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