Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs Sony X90L 65"
The Verdict
Samsung's CU8500 delivers solid 4K performance at an exceptional $479 price point, featuring HDR10+ support and decent 350-nit brightness for a budget Crystal UHD panel. Sony's X90L represents a premium offering with a larger 65-inch Full Array LED display, native 120Hz refresh rate, and exceptional 1300-nit peak brightness for superior contrast and HDR impact. Picture quality favors Sony significantly,its Full Array LED backlighting, Dolby Vision support, and Cognitive Processor XR dramatically outperform the simpler VA LCD technology. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate Sony's VRR support and 8ms input lag versus Samsung's 11ms. Audio remains comparable at 20W across both, though Sony includes Dolby Atmos. At nearly 2.3x the price, Sony demands justification beyond specs,its size advantage (65" vs 55"), superior brightness, advanced processing, and gaming features make it worthwhile for serious viewers. Samsung excels as a value-conscious entry into 4K, perfect for casual watching. Choose Sony X90L for premium performance and gaming; pick Samsung for budget-conscious 4K enjoyment.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Sony X90L 65" if…
- →Sony's Cognitive Processor XR delivers best-in-class upscaling and color
- →Full-array local dimming produces excellent contrast for an LED TV
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for premium content
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony X90L 65"
Pros
- Sony's Cognitive Processor XR delivers best-in-class upscaling and color
- Full-array local dimming produces excellent contrast for an LED TV
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for premium content
- 120Hz with VRR makes it genuinely good for PS5 gaming
- Google TV has the widest app selection of any smart TV platform
Cons
- Blooming visible in dark scenes with bright highlights
- 20W speakers are average despite the Acoustic Multi-Audio branding
- Heavier than competing LED TVs at 48.5 lbs
- Google TV can feel sluggish and ad-heavy on the home screen
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | Sony X90L 65" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 48.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 57.3 x 35.6 x 11.4 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch Acoustic Multi-Audio |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 65" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | Full Array LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (native) |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 1300 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 4 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | Cognitive Processor XR |
Related Comparisons
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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