Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs Vizio M-Series 55"
The Verdict
Both 55-inch 4K TVs offer solid value at budget-friendly prices, but they excel in different areas. Samsung's CU8500 features VA panel technology with 350 nits brightness and HDR10+ support, alongside Tizen OS with Bixby integration. Vizio's M-Series outperforms significantly with 800 nits peak brightness, Quantum LED backlighting, native 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and superior gaming specs (8ms input lag vs 11ms, VRR enabled). The M-Series also includes Wi-Fi 6, an extra HDMI port, and the IQ Active Processor for enhanced upscaling. Samsung edges slightly in design (1-inch thickness) and offers more traditional smart home integration via Bixby. For most viewers, Vizio M-Series is the stronger choice,superior brightness, faster refresh rates, and gaming features justify the modest $30 premium. Choose Samsung only if you prioritize a sleeker design or prefer Samsung's ecosystem.
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 Vizio M-Series 55" if…
- →120Hz with VRR and 4K@120Hz at under $450 is great for console gamers
- →Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dual support
- →Four HDMI 2.1 ports — enough for every console and streaming device
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
Vizio M-Series 55"
Pros
- 120Hz with VRR and 4K@120Hz at under $450 is great for console gamers
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dual support
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports — enough for every console and streaming device
- Wi-Fi 6 and Chromecast built-in for fast streaming
- Quantum color delivers better color volume than basic LED
Cons
- SmartCast OS is slow and has fewer apps than Google TV
- 800-nit brightness is adequate but not impressive for HDR
- No local dimming zones — contrast is limited
- Vizio's long-term software support and update track record is inconsistent
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | Vizio M-Series 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 28.0 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 48.3 x 30.4 x 10.6 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | Quantum LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (native) |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | SmartCast OS |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 4 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | IQ Active 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 Vizio products. View full details for the Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) or the Vizio M-Series 55".