Samsung Crystal UHD 55" Review (UK): Affordable 4K Done Right

Crystal UHD is Samsung's entry-level 4K TV range, updated each year. Our specs below refer to the 2024 55-inch DU7100 (UE55DU7100KXXU), a popular model, but Amazon UK may show newer or older Crystal UHD versions. Always check the exact model number before you buy, as features can differ slightly between years.

Who is it for?

A 55-inch Crystal UHD suits families, students and anyone upgrading from an older HD TV who mainly watches streaming services, live TV and sport. It's also a good second TV for a bedroom or games room. Serious film fans and gamers who want 120Hz, local dimming or OLED contrast should look at the LG C4 or a Sony BRAVIA instead.

Key specs

• Model referenced: Samsung UE55DU7100KXXU (2024)
• Panel: 55-inch 4K (3,840 x 2,160) LED, 50Hz
• Processor: Crystal Processor 4K with 4K upscaling
• HDR: HDR10+, HDR and HLG; PurColour; UHD Dimming
• Sound: 20W 2-channel with Object Tracking Sound Lite, Adaptive Sound, Q-Symphony
• Smart TV: Tizen with Samsung TV Plus, Gaming Hub, AirPlay, Alexa and Google Assistant support
• Gaming: ALLM, VRR, HGiG; HDMI at up to 4K 60Hz
• Connections: 3 HDMI (eARC), 1 USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2
• Size and weight: 1234 x 711 x 60mm without stand; 11.2kg; VESA 200 x 200
• Energy: Class G, 111 kWh a year (EU standard)

Picture quality

The Crystal Processor 4K upscales HD channels and streams to near-4K, and PurColour gives a bright, colourful image that works well in a typical living room. HDR10+ support is a bonus at this price. Because this is an LED panel without full-array local dimming, reviewers note that blacks can look slightly grey in dark scenes. That matters more for late-night films than for daytime TV and sport.

Smart features and sound

Samsung's Tizen platform is quick and includes Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Apple TV and NOW, plus hundreds of free channels on Samsung TV Plus. AirPlay makes it easy to share from an iPhone. Object Tracking Sound Lite moves audio between the speakers to follow the action, but at 20W the sound is fine rather than impressive, so a soundbar is a worthwhile upgrade.

Gaming

Auto Low Latency Mode switches to Game mode automatically, and VRR helps reduce screen tearing. Samsung Gaming Hub lets you stream games from Xbox and others without a console, although a subscription and controller are needed. The panel is 50Hz with HDMI at 4K 60Hz, so it can't do the 4K 120fps modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Pros and cons

UK price

Crystal UHD TVs are among Samsung's most affordable, and prices vary by model year and size. Our link opens Amazon UK search results so you can compare current 55-inch models. Check current prices on Amazon UK.

Verdict

A Samsung Crystal UHD 55-inch TV is a sensible, good-value 4K TV. It's bright, simple to use and packed with apps, with HDR10+ and handy gaming extras. It can't match OLED contrast or 120Hz gaming, so it gets four stars, but for most living rooms it does everything you need.

FAQs

How we researched this review: we compiled this guide from Samsung UK's official DU7100 specifications and independent hands-on reviews from independent reviews. Because our link covers the wider Crystal UHD range, check the specs of the exact model you choose. We have not tested this unit ourselves.