Roku Plus Series 55" vs Samsung CU8000 55"
Both 55-inch TVs occupy the same budget-friendly $399 price point but take different approaches to value. Roku's Plus Series leverages QLED technology with superior brightness (700 nits vs 300 nits), delivering noticeably richer colors and better performance in bright rooms. Its inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio provides a more cinematic experience, while Wi-Fi 6 connectivity offers future-proofing. Samsung's CU8000 counters with a slightly faster processor and marginally lower input lag (12ms vs 13ms), beneficial for gaming, though its Crystal UHD panel lacks the visual punch of QLED. The Roku's quadruple HDMI ports also edge out Samsung's three. For picture quality and immersive audio at this price, Roku Plus Series delivers stronger specifications. Samsung excels only in gaming responsiveness—a minor advantage for console players. Roku Plus Series 55" is the superior choice for most buyers seeking better contrast and brightness.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Roku Plus Series 55" | Samsung CU8000 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs | 27.1 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.6 x 10.2 inches | 48.8 x 30.8 x 8.8 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 13 | 12 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | QLED | Crystal UHD LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 300 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Roku OS | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | Roku Voice, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2 | Bixby, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Quad-core | Crystal Processor 4K |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Roku Plus Series 55"
Pros
- Roku OS is the simplest, cleanest smart TV platform available
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AND Dolby Atmos decoding — unusual at $399
- Works with every voice assistant: Alexa, Google, Siri (via AirPlay)
- Wi-Fi 6 for reliable 4K streaming
- QLED color enhancement is visible versus basic LED panels
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or gaming features
- 700-nit brightness is okay but not impressive for HDR highlights
- Roku's ad-supported free channels are prominently pushed in the UI
- No VRR for next-gen console gaming
Samsung CU8000 55"
Pros
- Very affordable entry into Samsung's 4K smart TV lineup
- HDR10+ support improves contrast in compatible content
- Tizen OS is a mature, full-featured smart TV platform
- Lightweight and easy to wall-mount at 27 lbs
- Crystal Processor 4K provides decent upscaling from 1080p
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz for smooth gaming or sports
- Low peak brightness limits HDR impact
- No VRR or HDMI 2.1 — poor for next-gen consoles
- 20W speakers sound thin — a soundbar is essential
Related Comparisons
Explore more in tvs, see all Roku products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Roku Plus Series 55" or the Samsung CU8000 55".