LG UT70 50" vs Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
The Verdict
LG's UT70 offers solid 4K performance at an attractive $329 price point, featuring webOS 24 with comprehensive voice assistant support and adequate 300-nit brightness for casual viewing. Samsung's CU8500 steps up the game with a larger 55-inch display, superior Crystal UHD VA panel technology, brighter 350-nit output, and HDR10+ support versus HDR10,delivering noticeably better contrast and color performance. Gaming responsiveness slightly favors Samsung at 11ms input lag compared to LG's 14ms, though neither excels at high-refresh gaming. Both share identical 20W audio and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. For budget-conscious buyers seeking basic 4K streaming, the LG UT70 provides exceptional value. However, those willing to invest $150 more gain meaningfully superior picture quality, a larger screen, and better HDR support with the Samsung CU8500, making it the stronger choice for a primary living room TV.
Who Should Buy
Buy the LG UT70 50" if…
- →webOS 24 smart TV platform at budget pricing — best-in-class software for the price
- →AI-assisted upscaling from the α5 processor improves SD/HD content
- →Magic Remote with point-and-click navigation included
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 UT70 50"
Pros
- webOS 24 smart TV platform at budget pricing — best-in-class software for the price
- AI-assisted upscaling from the α5 processor improves SD/HD content
- Magic Remote with point-and-click navigation included
- Lightweight and easy to mount at 21 lbs
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or VRR for gaming
- Low brightness limits HDR impact
- No Dolby Vision — only basic HDR10
- Narrow viewing angles typical of budget VA panels
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 UT70 50" | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 21.2 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 44.1 x 28.2 x 8.3 inches | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 14 | 11 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 50" | 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 | webOS 24 | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | ThinQ AI, Alexa, Google Assistant | Bixby, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | α5 AI Processor 4K Gen 7 | — |
| 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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