50″ Samsung CU7020 Review | 4K Smart TV
Explore the Samsung CU7020 4K TV. Our review dives into its design, performance, and value, revealing why it’s a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
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The Samsung CU7020 Crystal UHD 4K 50″ Smart TV is an entry-level model in Samsung’s 2023 line-up, targeting budget-conscious consumers seeking decent picture quality and smart features without a hefty price tag. This TV boasts a 4K resolution, HDR10+ support, and Samsung’s Tizen OS, aiming to deliver a comprehensive viewing experience for everyday use.
Samsung CU7020 Crystal UHD 4K 50″ Smart TV, With Object Tracking Sound Lite
289.00
Samsung’s Smart TV with PurColour technology enhances image quality, revealing hidden details and displaying true colors for a pristine, clear viewing experience powered by a robust 4K processor. Its near bezel-less screen design offers an immersive picture with minimal frame distraction. Additionally, the TV serves as a Smart & Gaming Hub, consolidating your favorite apps and allowing you to play the latest games from Xbox, Blacknut, Nvidia, and more directly on the TV without needing a console.
Samsung CU7020 Design and Build
It features a sleek, minimalist design with slim bezels that provide an immersive viewing experience. It includes sturdy legs for tabletop placement and supports wall mounting, although mounting hardware must be purchased separately. The build quality is solid for its price range, with a rear port layout comprising three HDMI ports, one USB port, an optical audio port, and an antenna port.
Technical Specifications
- Screen Size: 50 inches
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)
- Backlight: Edge LED
- Panel Type: VA
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- HDR: HDR10+
- Processor: Crystal Processor 4K
- OS: Tizen
- Connectivity: 3 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, optical audio port, antenna port, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Audio: 2-channel, 20W total output, Dolby Digital Plus
Performance
The CU7020 offers satisfactory performance for its price. It excels in upscaling lower-resolution content to near-4K quality, providing clear and vibrant images. However, its peak brightness and HDR performance are limited, affecting the vibrancy and impact of HDR content. The TV lacks advanced features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and HDMI 2.1, which are important for gaming, but it compensates with low input lag, making it a viable option for casual gamers.
CU7020 User Experience
Running on Tizen OS, the CU7020 provides a straightforward interface with access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. However, the interface has some navigation quirks, such as inconsistent icon sizes and a somewhat cumbersome settings menu. The One Remote is user-friendly, albeit with some redundant buttons and minor usability issues.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
The TV integrates well with Samsung’s ecosystem, supporting features like Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) for seamless control of connected devices. However, it lacks some advanced compatibility features found in higher-end models, such as voice control and smart home integration.
Value for Money
Priced competitively, the Samsung CU7020 offers good value for those seeking a reliable 4K smart TV without the need for high-end features. Its performance in everyday viewing and basic smart functionality makes it a strong contender in the budget segment.
Comparison with Other Products
- LG UP7000: Similar in price, the LG UP7000 offers comparable performance but includes webOS, which some users prefer over Tizen for its smoother navigation and app support.
- TCL 4-Series: This model provides slightly better HDR performance and more vibrant colours, making it a strong alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
- Sony X75K: Positioned slightly higher in price, the Sony X75K offers superior colour accuracy and better handling of HDR content, but may not justify the extra cost for all users.
Conclusion
Designed to deliver stunning visuals, this TV features PurColour technology, which uncovers hidden details and provides true-to-life colours, making every scene more immersive. The HDR10+ technology ensures that you enjoy more profound contrasts and more vivid colours, enhancing your viewing experience.
Powered by the Crystal Processor 4K, the CU7020 upscales your content to 4K resolution, providing sharper and more detailed images. Whether you’re streaming your favourite shows or watching live sports, the processor works in the background to optimise both picture and sound quality.
The Object Tracking Sound Lite feature ensures that audio follows the action on-screen, creating a more dynamic and immersive sound experience. This, combined with Samsung’s Adaptive Sound technology, adjusts the sound based on the content you’re watching, ensuring optimal audio performance at all times.
One of the standout features of the CU7020 is the Gaming Hub, which allows you to access your favourite games without needing a console. With easy access to cloud gaming services and a wide range of standalone apps, this TV is perfect for gamers who want quick and seamless gameplay. Additionally, the TV supports the Samsung Smart TV Hub, which makes finding and enjoying your favourite content easier than ever. It learns your viewing habits and recommends content tailored to your preferences.
The sleek, modern design of the CU7020 fits effortlessly into any home decor. It includes multiple connectivity options, such as HDMI and USB ports, making it easy to connect external devices. With built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, you can effortlessly stream content from your mobile devices or use the TV as a hub for your smart home devices via Samsung’s SmartThings platform.
Key Features:
- 50-inch 4K UHD display
- PurColour and HDR10+ for vibrant and detailed visuals
- Crystal Processor 4K for upscaling content
- Object Tracking Sound Lite for dynamic audio
- Gaming Hub for console-free gaming
- Samsung Smart TV Hub and Tizen OS for easy content access
- Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI and USB
- Sleek design with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities
The Samsung CU7020 Crystal UHD 4K 50″ Smart TV is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly 4K TV with essential smart features. While it lacks the advanced features of higher-end models, its performance in upscaling, ease of use, and integration with popular streaming services make it a worthwhile investment for everyday viewing.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall Rating: 7/10
Longevity and Future Adaptability: The CU7020’s focus on core features ensures it remains relevant for everyday use. However, its lack of advanced gaming and HDR capabilities may limit its appeal as new technologies emerge.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews for the Samsung CU7020 Crystal UHD 4K 50″ Smart TV present a mixed but generally positive outlook. Many users praise the TV for its excellent picture quality, vibrant colors, and ease of setup, highlighting the PurColour technology and the Crystal Processor 4K as standout features. The sound quality, enhanced by Object Tracking Sound Lite, also receives positive feedback, with some noting it as surprisingly good for a budget TV. The Gaming Hub is appreciated by gamers for its convenience, allowing console-free play.
However, some criticisms include a screen that isn’t very bright, lacking anti-reflective technology, and speakers that don’t impress everyone. Opinions on size vary, with some loving the large display while others find the remote too small or tricky to use. Overall, reviewers see it as a strong value-for-money option for everyday viewing, though it may not satisfy those seeking premium features.
For more perspectives on this product, why not check out RTINGS.com, Dignited or TechRadar?
