Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs TCL Q7 55" (QLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's CU8500 offers solid entry-level 4K performance at an attractive $479 price point, featuring HDR10+ support, 350 nits brightness, and adequate 11ms input lag for casual gaming. TCL's Q7 commands a $70 premium but delivers substantially superior specifications: 1000 nits peak brightness enables dramatically better HDR performance, full-array local dimming provides superior contrast, 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support caters to gamers, and Dolby Vision expands HDR compatibility. Audio quality decisively favors TCL with 30W Dolby Atmos speakers versus Samsung's basic 20W setup. TCL also includes Wi-Fi 6, 4 HDMI ports, and Google TV's superior app ecosystem. Samsung remains competitive for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value over features, but TCL's comprehensive advantages,particularly brightness, gaming features, and audio,justify the modest price difference for anyone valuing picture quality and modern gaming support. TCL Q7 is the stronger recommendation for most buyers.
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 TCL Q7 55" (QLED) if…
- →Excellent price-to-performance — QLED with FALD at just $549
- →1000 nits brightness makes HDR content look impactful
- →Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for universal HDR support
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
TCL Q7 55" (QLED)
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance — QLED with FALD at just $549
- 1000 nits brightness makes HDR content look impactful
- Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for universal HDR support
- 120Hz with VRR and Game Accelerator for responsive gaming
- Dolby Atmos and 30W speakers improve on budget TV audio
Cons
- Build quality and bezels feel budget-oriented
- TCL software updates lag behind major brands
- FALD zones are limited — visible blooming in dark scenes
- Remote control lacks premium feel and backlight
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | TCL Q7 55" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 31.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | 48.3 x 27.9 x 3.0 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 48.3 x 30.5 x 9.5 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 30 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 7 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | QLED with Full Array Local Dimming (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 1000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 4 |
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.
Explore more in tvs, see all Samsung products or all TCL products. View full details for the Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) or the TCL Q7 55" (QLED).