Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs Vizio M7 Q-Series 55"
The Verdict
Both 55-inch 4K TVs deliver solid budget-friendly performance, but the Vizio M7 Q-Series edges ahead with meaningful upgrades. Samsung's CU8500 offers decent value at $479 with HDR10+ support, 350-nit brightness, and slim 1.0-inch bezel design. Vizio counters with superior brightness (600 nits), Dolby Vision compatibility, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and SmartCast with Chromecast integration for $499. Picture quality differences favor Vizio's Quantum Color LED technology, delivering notably richer colors and better contrast in typical viewing conditions. Gaming performance is nearly identical (11ms vs 12ms input lag, both lacking VRR). Audio remains equivalent at 20W across both. For streaming content and mixed usage, Vizio's brighter panel and modern smart features justify the $20 premium. Samsung works better if you prioritize Samsung ecosystem integration and don't mind slightly dimmer whites. Choose Vizio M7 for better overall image quality and future-proofed connectivity.
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 M7 Q-Series 55" if…
- →Quantum color at $499 delivers vivid, wide gamut colors
- →Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dual support is rare at this price
- →Local dimming zones improve contrast over basic LED TVs
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 M7 Q-Series 55"
Pros
- Quantum color at $499 delivers vivid, wide gamut colors
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dual support is rare at this price
- Local dimming zones improve contrast over basic LED TVs
- Wi-Fi 6 for fast, reliable streaming
- Lightweight at 29.5 lbs for easy installation
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or VRR for gaming
- SmartCast OS is sluggish and frustrating to navigate
- Only 3 HDMI ports, no HDMI 2.1
- 20W speakers are thin and lacking bass
- 600 nits is modest — HDR highlights don't fully shine
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | Vizio M7 Q-Series 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 29.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | 48.3 x 28.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 48.3 x 30.2 x 9.6 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 12 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | Quantum Color LED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 600 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | SmartCast (Chromecast built-in) |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 3 |
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 M7 Q-Series 55".