Samsung 98-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU9000 Series Smart TV review

Description

A Massive Viewing Experience with the Samsung 98-Inch Class 4K UHD TV

Testing out the Samsung 98-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU9000 Series HDR Smart TV was nothing short of an adventure. I mean, this TV is HUGE, and I’m not just talking about the 98-inch screen size. It’s packed with features that feel like they’re straight out of a tech enthusiast’s dream. From the moment I set it up, I knew this was no ordinary television. But, as with any product, there are both key benefits and areas where it could improve.

Immersive Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the graphite black finish of this TV is sleek, modern, and blends seamlessly into most living spaces. The sheer size of the display—98 inches—makes it a centerpiece in any room. The thin bezels add a touch of elegance and keep the focus entirely on the screen. While it is undeniably stunning, I have to admit that weighing over 117 pounds makes it a bit of a challenge to install. Make sure you’ve got a sturdy wall and a friend or two to assist.

The 16:9 aspect ratio and the supersize picture enhancer really shine when you’re watching movies or sports. I tested this with a 4K nature documentary, and the vivid colors and sharpness were jaw-dropping. The PurColor technology ensures every shade pops, from the deepest greens to the most vibrant reds. It’s like the TV is trying to pull you into the scene itself.

Performance That Stands Out

The performance of this TV is where it truly excels. The 4K upscaling feature is a game-changer, especially if you’re watching older content or streaming shows that aren’t in native 4K. The Crystal Processor 4K works behind the scenes to enhance picture quality, and I was impressed with how much detail it brought out in even the grainiest videos.

Watching fast-paced action movies or sports? The Motion Xcelerator 120Hz ensures smooth visuals without blur or stuttering. I tested this with a high-speed car chase scene, and the clarity was unreal. It’s great for gaming too, thanks to the Game Bar and AI Auto Game Mode, which optimize the screen for an immersive gaming experience. I tried out a first-person shooter on this, and the Virtual Aim Point feature was surprisingly helpful.

That being said, the 2CH speaker setup is decent but not mind-blowing. While the Q-Symphony feature allows it to pair seamlessly with compatible Samsung soundbars, you’ll need external audio equipment if you want that cinema-like sound to match the stunning visuals.

Smart Features and Usability

Powered by Samsung’s Tizen OS, this TV is as smart as they come. I appreciated how easy it was to navigate through apps and streaming services. With Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, controlling the TV with voice commands was a breeze. I asked Alexa to switch between Netflix and YouTube, and it responded instantly without any lag.

The Game Bar UI is another standout feature. It allows you to adjust settings like screen ratio and even has a mini-map auto-detection for cloud and console gaming. This will definitely appeal to gamers who want to fine-tune their performance.

One small gripe I had was the requirement for a Samsung account to unlock several smart features. While it’s free and relatively easy to set up, it does feel like an unnecessary extra step for those who just want to enjoy their TV without additional accounts or logins.

Key Benefits

• Massive 98-inch screen for a truly cinematic experience.
• 4K upscaling that enhances older or lower-quality content beautifully.
• PurColor technology delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors.
• Motion Xcelerator 120Hz ensures smooth visuals for movies, sports, and gaming.
• Tizen OS offers a seamless smart TV experience with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Game Bar and gaming features make this a strong choice for gamers.

Areas of Concern

• The 117-pound weight makes setup a challenge without help.
• The 2CH speakers are underwhelming for such a high-end TV.
• Requires a Samsung account for full access to smart features.
• The price point might be steep for some, considering similar alternatives.

Market Rivals

Comparing this TV to competitors like the LG OLED C3 Series and Sony BRAVIA XR X95K, the Samsung 98-inch Crystal UHD model holds its own in several areas. For instance, while the LG OLED C3 offers superior contrast and deep blacks thanks to its OLED technology, it lacks the sheer size and PurColor spectrum of Samsung’s offering. The Sony BRAVIA XR X95K, on the other hand, boasts impressive sound integration, but its motion smoothing doesn’t quite match the Motion Xcelerator 120Hz.

Where Samsung shines is in its balance between size, smart features, and performance. However, if you’re looking for better native sound quality, you might lean towards the Sony. And for those who prioritize infinite contrast and HDR, LG’s OLED might be the better option.

Value for Money

Investing in a TV like this is no small decision. For those who crave a supersized cinematic experience with smart features and gaming capabilities, it’s worth considering. While the cost is on the premium side, the value proposition lies in its ability to combine size, picture quality, and versatility. However, if sound quality or weight is a major concern, you might want to weigh your options.

Overall, this product is an absolute beast. It’s bold, vibrant, and packed with features that cater to a wide audience—from movie buffs and gamers to families looking for an all-in-one smart TV solution. Just make sure you’ve got the space (and the back muscles) to handle it!

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