Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs Vizio V-Series 43"
The Verdict
Samsung's CU8500 delivers substantially better value at the 55-inch size, boasting a Crystal UHD VA panel with 350 nits brightness versus Vizio's dimmer 250-nit LED display. Picture quality advantages favor Samsung with superior contrast and color volume, though Vizio edges ahead with Dolby Vision support. Gaming performance is comparable,both feature ALLM and sub-20ms input lag,but Samsung's 11ms response is noticeably quicker. Audio output matches at 20W and 16W respectively, both underwhelming for serious viewers. Connectivity is identical across ports, though Samsung adds Bixby voice control alongside Alexa. At nearly half the price for a 12-inch larger screen with demonstrably better panel technology, Samsung dominates overall value. Vizio suits budget-conscious buyers prioritizing Dolby Vision and compact form factors, but Samsung CU8500 is the stronger recommendation for most buyers seeking 4K performance without compromise.
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 V-Series 43" if…
- →4K Dolby Vision TV for under $200 is the cheapest way to get premium HDR
- →Chromecast and AirPlay 2 built-in for wireless casting
- →Perfect size for bedrooms, kitchens, or small apartments
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 V-Series 43"
Pros
- 4K Dolby Vision TV for under $200 is the cheapest way to get premium HDR
- Chromecast and AirPlay 2 built-in for wireless casting
- Perfect size for bedrooms, kitchens, or small apartments
- Light enough to mount anywhere at 16 lbs
- Dolby Vision + HDR10+ support punches above its price
Cons
- 250-nit brightness means HDR is barely noticeable
- 60Hz — no gaming features whatsoever
- SmartCast OS is slow and occasionally buggy
- 16W speakers are very quiet — external audio is needed
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | Vizio V-Series 43" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 16.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 38.0 x 24.6 x 8.1 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 16 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 16 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 43" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 250 |
| 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 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 3 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | IQ 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 V-Series 43".