Samsung AU7090 55 4K UHD Smart TV (2022): Review

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung AU7090 55-inch 4K UHD Smart TV from the 2022 lineup. This TV promises stunning visuals, smart features, and a user-friendly experience, all wrapped up in a sleek design. So, let’s break down what makes this TV tick, who it’s for, and whether it’s the right choice for your living room. We’ll cover everything from picture quality and sound to smart features and overall value.

Picture Quality: A Visual Feast?

When it comes to picture quality, the Samsung AU7090 aims to impress with its 4K UHD resolution. This means you get four times the pixels of a Full HD TV, resulting in sharper, more detailed images. The Crystal Processor 4K is the brains behind the operation, upscaling lower-resolution content to near-4K quality. This is particularly useful if you watch a lot of older movies or shows that aren't available in 4K. The processor also enhances color and contrast, aiming to deliver a more vibrant and realistic picture.

The TV also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), specifically HDR10+, which enhances the contrast and color accuracy. HDR content looks more dynamic, with brighter highlights and deeper blacks. However, it's worth noting that the AU7090's HDR performance isn't as impressive as higher-end models due to its lower peak brightness. In brighter rooms, the HDR effect might not be as noticeable. The panel technology used here is a standard LED-backlit LCD, which is common in this price range. While it doesn't offer the same level of black levels or contrast as OLED or QLED TVs, it still provides a decent picture for everyday viewing. Viewing angles are also adequate, but the picture quality can degrade slightly when viewed from extreme angles.

For gamers, the AU7090 includes Auto Game Mode, which automatically optimizes the TV's settings for gaming. This reduces input lag, making the gameplay more responsive. However, it lacks some of the more advanced gaming features found on higher-end TVs, such as HDMI 2.1 and variable refresh rate (VRR). Overall, the picture quality of the Samsung AU7090 is good for its price range. It offers sharp images, decent color accuracy, and HDR support. However, it's not the best choice for those seeking top-of-the-line performance, especially in bright rooms or for demanding HDR content.

Sound Quality: Does It Measure Up?

Moving on to sound quality, the Samsung AU7090 comes equipped with a 20W 2-channel speaker system. While it's adequate for casual viewing, audiophiles might find it lacking in depth and power. The TV supports Dolby Digital Plus, which enhances the audio experience by providing a more immersive soundstage. However, the lack of Dolby Atmos support means you won't get the full cinematic experience that some other TVs offer.

One of the notable features is Q-Symphony, which allows the TV's speakers to work in conjunction with a compatible Samsung soundbar. This creates a more immersive and powerful sound experience. If you're planning to upgrade your audio, this is a great feature to consider. The TV also includes Adaptive Sound, which analyzes the audio content and optimizes the sound settings accordingly. This can be useful for ensuring clear dialogue and balanced sound across different types of content. However, like many TVs in this price range, the bass response is limited. You might find yourself wanting to add a subwoofer for a more impactful low-end.

For everyday use, the sound quality is perfectly acceptable. Dialogue is clear, and the overall sound is balanced. However, for a truly immersive experience, especially when watching movies or playing games, investing in a soundbar or external speakers is highly recommended. The Samsung AU7090's sound quality is a decent starting point, but it's not its strongest selling point. The inclusion of Q-Symphony is a nice touch, but it's only beneficial if you already own or plan to purchase a compatible Samsung soundbar.

Smart Features: Tizen OS and Beyond

The Samsung AU7090 runs on Samsung's Tizen OS, which is a user-friendly and responsive smart TV platform. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with quick access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube. The app selection is extensive, and you can easily download additional apps from the Samsung app store. Tizen OS also offers voice control via Bixby, Samsung's virtual assistant. You can use voice commands to control the TV, search for content, and even control other smart home devices. The voice recognition is generally accurate, but it's not as seamless as some other voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

The TV also supports screen mirroring, allowing you to easily cast content from your smartphone or tablet to the big screen. This is great for sharing photos, videos, or presentations with family and friends. Another convenient feature is the Universal Guide, which aggregates content from different streaming services and provides personalized recommendations. This can help you discover new shows and movies that you might enjoy. The AU7090 also includes multiple HDMI ports and USB ports, allowing you to connect various external devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and USB drives. The smart features of the Samsung AU7090 are a major selling point. Tizen OS is a polished and intuitive platform that offers a wide range of apps and features. The inclusion of Bixby voice control and screen mirroring adds extra convenience. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end smart TVs, it provides a solid and reliable smart TV experience.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Modern

In terms of design, the Samsung AU7090 sports a sleek and modern look with slim bezels. This gives it a minimalist aesthetic that will complement any living room decor. The TV is relatively thin and lightweight, making it easy to mount on a wall. The stand is sturdy and provides good support, although it's worth noting that the feet are quite wide, so you'll need a fairly wide surface to place the TV on. The build quality is decent for a TV in this price range. The materials feel solid, and the overall construction is well-done. However, it doesn't have the premium feel of higher-end models with metal frames or more refined finishes.

The back of the TV features a clean design with well-organized ports. Cable management is straightforward, allowing you to keep your setup tidy. The remote control is simple and easy to use, with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services. It's not a fancy remote with voice control or motion sensing, but it gets the job done. Overall, the design and build quality of the Samsung AU7090 are commendable. It's a good-looking TV that will fit seamlessly into most living rooms. While it may not have the premium materials or advanced features of more expensive models, it offers a solid and well-built design that is sure to please.

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Investment?

When it comes to value for money, the Samsung AU7090 offers a compelling package. It combines 4K UHD resolution, smart features, and a sleek design at an affordable price. While it may not have the best picture quality or sound quality on the market, it provides a solid all-around performance that is suitable for everyday viewing. The inclusion of Tizen OS and Bixby voice control adds extra convenience and makes it a great choice for those looking for a smart TV experience. However, if you're a demanding user who wants the best possible picture quality, especially for HDR content, you might want to consider spending a bit more on a higher-end model. Similarly, if you're an audiophile, you'll likely want to invest in a soundbar or external speakers to enhance the audio experience. For casual viewers who primarily watch streaming content and don't require top-of-the-line performance, the Samsung AU7090 is an excellent choice. It offers a good balance of features and performance at a price that won't break the bank. Its ease of use and smart capabilities make it a great option for families or anyone looking for a hassle-free TV experience.

Pros and Cons

To sum it up, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Samsung AU7090:

Pros:

  • Sharp 4K UHD resolution
  • User-friendly Tizen OS
  • Extensive app selection
  • Bixby voice control
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Limited HDR performance
  • Average sound quality
  • No Dolby Atmos support
  • Basic remote control

Final Verdict

So, is the Samsung AU7090 55-inch 4K UHD Smart TV the right choice for you? If you're looking for an affordable smart TV with good picture quality and a user-friendly interface, then it's definitely worth considering. However, if you're a videophile or audiophile seeking top-of-the-line performance, you might want to explore other options. Overall, the AU7090 offers a solid and reliable TV experience that will satisfy most casual viewers. It’s a great all-rounder that balances features, performance, and price, making it a smart choice for many households. Happy watching, everyone!