Roku Plus Series 55" vs Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
The Verdict
Both 55-inch 4K TVs deliver solid performance at entry-level pricing, but they target different priorities. Roku Plus Series offers a QLED panel with 700 nits brightness and Dolby Vision support, providing noticeably richer colors and contrast compared to the Samsung's VA LCD panel at 350 nits. The Roku also includes Dolby Atmos audio, adds an extra HDMI port (4 vs 3), and features Wi-Fi 6 connectivity versus the Samsung's Wi-Fi 5. Gaming performance slightly favors Samsung with 11ms input lag against Roku's 13ms, though neither supports VRR, making this difference minimal for casual gamers. The Samsung CU8500 counters with a slightly thinner bezel design and marginally faster response time. Roku's OS ecosystem is arguably more accessible with voice support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2 simultaneously, while Samsung's Tizen is more proprietary. At $80 less, the Roku Plus Series provides superior picture quality, better connectivity, and richer audio features. The Samsung justifies its premium only if you heavily prioritize Samsung's smart ecosystem integration. For most buyers seeking better overall value and picture performance at this 55-inch price range, Roku Plus Series is the stronger choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Roku Plus Series 55" if…
- →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)
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
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 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 | Roku Plus Series 55" | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs | 30.4 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.6 x 10.2 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) | 13 | 11 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | QLED | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 350 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Roku OS | Tizen OS |
| Voice assistant | Roku Voice, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2 | Bixby, Alexa |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Quad-core | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| USB ports | 1 | 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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