Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs TCL QM8 65"
The Verdict
Samsung's CU8500 delivers excellent value as an entry-level 4K TV, offering solid HDR10+ support and responsive 11ms gaming performance at an aggressive $479 price point. However, TCL's QM8 65" substantially outperforms it across nearly every metric despite the higher $999 cost. With Mini-LED backlighting producing a stunning 5000 nits brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate support, and Dolby Vision IQ, the QM8 handles both cinematic content and competitive gaming far more convincingly. Its 50W audio system with Dolby Atmos, 6ms input lag, and superior processing via the AiPQ Pro chip create an immersive experience the Samsung simply cannot match. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value, the CU8500 remains competent. For anyone willing to spend more, the TCL QM8 represents genuinely transformative picture quality and gaming capability that justifies its premium positioning.
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 QM8 65" if…
- →Exceptional value — up to 5,000 nits peak brightness for under $1,000
- →One of the brightest consumer TVs available regardless of price bracket
- →All four HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR and ALLM for 4K@120Hz gaming
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 QM8 65"
Pros
- Exceptional value — up to 5,000 nits peak brightness for under $1,000
- One of the brightest consumer TVs available regardless of price bracket
- All four HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR and ALLM for 4K@120Hz gaming
- Google TV provides a smooth, well-supported smart TV experience
- Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ covered for the full HDR ecosystem
Cons
- Aggressive brightness can look oversaturated out of the box — calibration recommended
- Mini-LED blooming is more visible than on premium Samsung or Sony panels
- Build quality and remote feel cheaper than Samsung or Sony equivalents
- Fan noise under extreme brightness conditions reported by some users
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | TCL QM8 65" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 400 x 300mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 68.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 56.7 x 36.6 x 12.8 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 50 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.1ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 6 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 65" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | Mini-LED QLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 5000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 4 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | AiPQ Pro Processor |
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 QM8 65".