Samsung Crystal 4K Vivid Pro TV | Samsung Crystal 4K Vision Pro TV | Best TV 2024

Summary

In 2024, Samsung introduced budget TVs with the Crystal Vivid Pro, Crystal Vivid, and Crystal Vision Pro series. Vineet Malhotra reviews two models, highlighting differences in remote features, panel types (VA and IPS), and their respective contrast ratios. He praises the improved color calibration, satisfactory picture quality, and good blacks from the Mega Contrast Ultra HD Dimming feature. Despite average brightness and no Dolby Vision support, the TVs offer value with long-lasting performance and are recommended for budget-conscious buyers.

Takeaways

• 📺 Samsung has introduced multiple TV models in 2024 with different names on Amazon and Flipkart, but they are essentially the same with minor differences in remote features.
• 🔎 Vineet Malhotra, the reviewer, purchased two Samsung TVs to provide an unbiased review after using them for 100 hours.
• 🏷 The TVs come in two panel types: VA for 43' and 50' sizes, and IPS for 55' and larger, each with different contrast ratios and viewing angles.
• 🌞 Samsung's TVs in this budget range have a peak HDR of approximately 230 nits, which is average but sufficient for the price point.
• 🎨 The TVs offer a color gamut of 99% sRGB, with a slight over-saturation of green and red, but an improvement from the 2023 models which had an overly bright blue.
• 🖥 Samsung's Mega Contrast Ultra HD Dimming feature enhances the contrast on these TVs, providing good black levels despite the contrast ratios not being the best in the market.
• 📱 TVs named Vision Pro or Vivid Pro come with a solar charging remote control that includes voice assistant support, a notable upgrade from the standard Vivid model.
• 📚 The latest Tizen OS in Samsung TVs offers a new user interface with easy access to live channels and pre-installed OTT apps, enhancing the smart TV experience.
• 🎮 Samsung TVs support HDR gaming with low input lag, making them suitable for casual gaming through HDMI 2.1 eARC port and HGIG support.
• 🔊 Audio quality is average with 20W down-firing speakers, but can be enhanced when paired with a Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar.
• 💡 The TVs have an average brightness of 230 nits across sizes, and while they lack Dolby Vision support, they perform well with other HDR formats on streaming platforms.

Q & A

What are the different names for Samsung's budget TV models in 2024?

In 2024, Samsung's budget TV models are known as Crystal Vivid Pro, Crystal Vivid, or Crystal Vision Pro. The names vary because different retailers like Amazon and Flipkart use different names for the same models.

What is the difference between the Samsung Crystal Vivid and Crystal Vivid Pro models?

The main difference between the Samsung Crystal Vivid and Crystal Vivid Pro models is the remote control. The Vivid Pro comes with a voice remote that has solar charging feature, while the standard Vivid does not have these features.

What are the panel types used in Samsung's budget TVs and how do they differ?

Samsung uses two types of panels in its budget TVs: VA and IPS. For 43' and 50' sizes, a VA DLED panel is used, while for 55', 65', and larger sizes, an IPS DLED panel is used. The VA panel has a contrast ratio of approximately 2800:1, and the IPS panel has a contrast ratio of approximately 800:1.

What is the peak HDR brightness for Samsung's budget TVs?

The peak HDR brightness for Samsung's budget TVs, regardless of size, is approximately 230 nits as tested by Vineet Malhotra.

How does the Mega Contrast Ultra HD Dimming feature affect the TVs' black levels?

Mega Contrast Ultra HD Dimming is a Samsung feature that artificially enhances the contrast in these TVs, resulting in good black levels with details, even though the contrast ratio numbers may not be the best.

What is the color gamut percentage of these TVs and how is the color calibration different from previous models?

The color gamut of these TVs is 99% sRGB. The color calibration is different from the 2023 models, where blue was very oversaturated. In 2024 models, green and red are slightly oversaturated, but the overall color profile is more natural and less deceptive to the eyes.

What is the performance of motion blur on these TVs, especially during sports?

The motion blur performance is not much improved from the previous year. Watching sports like cricket may result in a slightly blurry appearance of the ball due to the budget nature of these TVs, even with the motion accelerator or MEMC feature.

What are the viewing angle characteristics of the VA and IPS panels in Samsung's budget TVs?

The VA panel has average viewing angles with a noticeable color loss on the extreme sides. In contrast, the IPS panel, found in 55' and 65' sizes, offers very good viewing angles with only a 10% color and brightness loss even on extreme sides.

What is new in the Tizen OS for Samsung TVs in 2024?

The Tizen OS in Samsung TVs for 2024 has an updated interface with a different way to access live channels from the home screen. It also includes the SmartThings app for easier integration with other Samsung devices or third-party devices like Alexa or Google.

Does the TV support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and how does it perform with streaming services?

The TV supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG but does not support Dolby Vision. It performs well with streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hotstar, offering 4K resolution and good HDR10+ content details.

What is the audio quality like on these Samsung TVs, and can it be improved with a soundbar?

The audio quality on these TVs is average with 20W down-firing speakers. However, if you have a Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar, it can virtually connect with the TV to provide a better audio experience.