Samsung UE55MU7000 4K TV Review

While here on HDTVTest we primarily focus on reviewing high-end televisions costing thousands of pounds, £1000 seems to be the magic threshold below which the vast majority of consumers are willing to spend on a new TV. And following gradual price drops over recent months, Samsung’s UE55MU7000 arguably gives you the best picture quality you can expect from a 2017 television in the 55-inch size class, thanks to a few factors.

Samsung MU7000

First is the use of a native 120Hz LCD panel which – among other benefits – allows for 5:5 pulldown so slow panning shots in 24fps (frames per second) movies can be displayed smoothly without telecinic judder. Also, effective motion interpolation and black frame insertion (BFI) can be deployed to improve motion clarity.

With [Auto Motion Plus] disabled, the baseline motion resolution on our Samsung 55in MU7000 review sample was 300 lines, which is typical of a sample-and-hold display. Engaging [Auto Motion Plus] would increase motion resolution to 1080 lines, the maximum measurable in Chapter 31 of the FPD Benchmark Software test disc. However, unless you go into the [Auto Motion Plus] “Custom” submenu to adjust the [Blur Reduction] and [Judder Reduction] values appropriately, the South Korean manufacturer’s motion-compensated frame interpolation (MCFI) system is prone to introducing soap opera effect (SOE) to 24p films, as well as interpolation artefacts.

The 55MU7000 also offers BFI technology to boost motion clarity without incurring SOE or interpolation artefacts – this can be activated by switching on [LED Clear Motion] in the [Auto Motion Plus] “Custom” submenu. Normally such an approach would lead to deal-breaking increase in flicker or drop in luminance, but Samsung’s BFI implementation exhibits less flicker than rival brands across different frame rates, and so may be more tolerable for viewers. The UE55MU7000 has sufficient light reserve to compensate for the BFI-induced dimness in all but the brightest rooms.

Subpixel structure
Macro shot of subpixel structure confirming RGB VA-type LCD matrix

The LCD panel found on the Samsung MU7000 is VA-type with true RGB subpixel arrangement, which delivers decent blacks by LED LCD standards, coming in at 0.05 cd/m22 on a 4×4 ANSI chequerboard pattern once peak white was aligned to our usual dark-room target of 120 cd/m2. Being an edge-lit LED LCD, the screen is illuminated by one single stripe of LED module along the bottom border of the panel, as you can see from the following thermal scan.

Thermal scan
Thermal scan showing bottom-lit LED configuration

Understandably, any pseudo-local dimming is going to be limited in its effectiveness given such an edge-lit configuration. Using our own custom-authored test pattern consisting a small white box crawling horizontally and then vertically against the borders of a black background, we counted between eight and ten vertical columns of independently dimmable zones, each spanning the entire height of the screen. As we’ve witnessed since last year, Samsung’s pseudo-local dimming algorithm on such bottom-lit sets favours keeping zones gently illuminated rather than switching them off totally to minimise blooming or haloing artefacts when bright elements exist on a black background.

Colorimetric performance for SDR (standard dynamic range) content on our Samsung UE55MU7000TXXU was very good after calibration, and the fact that the TV’s compatible with CalMAN’s QLED-designated direct display control (DDC) and AutoCal functionalities came as a pleasant surprise. After calibrating its greyscale and chromaticities, the MU7000’s colour palette appeared natural and believable.

Pre-calibration RGB Tracking
Pre-calibration Delta errors
Pre-calibration RGB tracking and delta errors (dEs)
Post-calibration RGB Tracking
Post-calibration Delta errors
Calibrated RGB tracking and dEs after [White Balance] adjustments
Pre-calibrated Gamma tracking Post-calibrated Gamma tracking
Pre-calibration gamma tracking (2.37) Post-calibration gamma tracking (2.34)
Post-calibration Colour saturation tracking
Post-calibration colour saturation tracking
Post-calibration colour errors
Post-calibration colour errors (<3 not appreciable to the eye)
Post-calibration colour checker
Post-calibration Colour Checker SG test
Post-calibration colour checker errors
Post-calibration Colour Checker SG errors (<3 not visible to the eye)

Where the Samsung UE55MU7000 fell short compared with higher-end full array local dimming (FALD) LED LCD and OLED TVs was in HDR, but then again it’s not as expensive so we can’t be too nitpicky. Due to the 55MU7000’s single-strip LED placement and lack of effective local dimming, HDR images (particularly darker sequences) have a tendency to be washed out by the high backlight demands of HDR. Also, similar to last year’s Samsung KS series, certain HDR scenes can throw up more posterisation and contouring artefacts than rival TVs.

PQ EOTF tracking
Tracking against ST.2084 PQ EOTF up to 1000 nits

On the plus side, peak brightness on our 55″ Samsung MU7000 review unit measured 560 nits on a 10% window and 450 nits full-field, comfortably among the top in this screen size and at this price point. Samsung sets generally follow the PQ (perceptual quantisation) EOTF (electro-optical transfer function) standard accurately before rolling off to retain specular highlight detail even up to 4000 nits, and that’s certainly the case with the UE55MU7000, resulting in a very watchable HDR picture. DCI-P3 coverage was 90%, so some of the more saturated colours in Ultra HD Blu-rays would look more subdued:

PQ EOTF tracking
UHD HDR colour saturation tracking against DCI-P3 gamut inside Rec.2020 container

Samsung TVs over the past few years have been some of the most responsive for playing reflex-based games, and the MU7000 was no exception. In [Game] mode, input lag (measured using a Leo Bodnar tester) was 24ms for SDR, and 19ms for HDR. Note that there’s only one [Game] mode whose settings are occasionally shared between SDR and HDR, so users may have to manually adjust certain parameters such as [Backlight] and [Smart LED] to get the best experience when playing HDR games.

Input lag in 1080p SDR mode Input lag in 2160p HDR mode
Input lag in 1080p SDR Lag time in 2160p HDR

Design-wise, the Samsung UE55MU7000 punches above its weight, giving a premium feel with its thin black bezel and brushed metallic silver trim. The supporting feet are located at both ends of the display, but the company has kindly provided to alternative inner slots to put the feet so owners can place the television on a narrower AV rack. Like 2016’s KS7000 series, the back cover could pop out after some use.

Bezel

Benchmark Test Results

Dead pixels None
Backlight/ screen uniformity Very good
Overscanning on HDMI Defeatable
Blacker than black Passed
Calibrated black level (black screen) LEDs shut off
Calibrated black level (4×4 ANSI) 0.05 cd/m2
Black level retention Local dimming/ [Smart LED] always on
Primary chromaticity Good
Scaling Very good
Video mode deinterlacing Effective jaggies reduction
Film mode deinterlacing Passed 2:2 & 3:2 tests in SD, though HD loses lock
Viewing angle (cone) 60°
Motion resolution 1080 lines or higher with [Auto Motion Plus] engaged
Digital noise reduction Optional; effective when enabled
Sharpness Defeatable edge enhancement
Luma/Chroma bandwidth (2D Blu-ray) Full Luma; Chroma vertically blurred
1080p/24 capability No judder
2160p/24 capability No judder
Measured panel refresh rate 120Hz
Measured peak brightness 560 cd/m2
Measured DCI-P3 coverage 90%
Input lag (Leo Bodnar tester) 24ms in [Game] mode; 19ms in HDR [Game] mode
Full 4:4:4 reproduction (PC) Yes for both 1920×1080 and 3840×2160@60Hz

Power Consumption

Default [Standard] mode 68 watts*
Calibrated [Movie] mode 40 watts
HDR mode 137 watts
Standby <1 watt

*Note: Out of the box, [Ambient Light Detection] was engaged by default in [Standard] mode.

Video Review

Verdict

Although the Samsung MU7000 didn’t match last year’s KS7000 in several aspects (lack of quantum dot filter leading to smaller colour gamut; lower peak brightness), it must be pointed out that the MU series is meant to succeed 2016’s KU series, whereas QLED is the evolution from the KS series. Regardless, among 55-inch 4K HDR televisions under £1000, no other model (including the Sony XE70/ XE80, Panasonic EX700 or LG SJ series) uses a 120Hz VA-type LCD panel, leaving the door open for the UE55MU7000 to rule the roost with its deep blacks, accurate colours, high motion clarity, and ultra-low input lag.

Best Value

11 comments

  1. @Vincent-san!

    Will there be a review on your site 75″ inch version ZD9?

    https://youtu.be/UECcjZrRtWA?t=185
    Have you tried to measure MLL ANSI?

  2. Why not test a Philips TV such as the 6482 or 7502 ..?

  3. Are you going to review the MU8000 or are the sets much the same as the 7000 with a nicer design?

  4. Do you think you might test something like the TCL P Series tv? Granted the EU version has 200 local dimming zones compared to the US versions 72 zones but still would be interested in seeing you review it.

  5. Hi,

    What about the 55xe85? Thats a 100hz panel as well

  6. This is the 3rd review of this set I have read & HDTVTest as everyone knows sets probably the “Standard” when it comes to reviews which gives immense peace of mind when considering buying choices.

    However, the two other (in depth) reviews I read (which were also from very well respected sources) were not so impressed at all with this model & felt it was lacking in many areas, particularly HDR & in many ways had gone backwards from last years models & even offered worse performance. They did not feel this model offered enough of a value & performance proposition from last year & in relation to the competition.

    This then leaves one (especially a novice) in a quandary – what might be the reasons for this? How should this conflict of opinions/results be taken with regards to a buying decision?

    I am looking to get two new sets in the 50″ & 55″ sizes at about the £1000 price point & am wondering what the very best options might be?

    Many Thanks!

  7. Sony XE80 doesn’t even come in 55″ this year.

    55″ above in their “8 series” starts with the XE85 which is indeed a 120Hz VA panel.

    …and rtings measures a wider colour gamut, better motion clarity and a higher peak brightness from the XE85 vs the MU7000, though the MU7000 does have a lower input lag.

  8. Good to see some more reviews here, Vincent. Thanks. Why don’t you review as much here anymore and why are there some reviews only on YouTube but not linked here? It’s hard to stay up to date the way it is lately. I guess you’re busy without David anymore but…

    Btw, there’s the Panasonic EX750 with a VA and 120Hz panel, and the Sony XE7002 (sure to be £599 or less for 55″ in the sales) is a VA panel (50hz).

    Also the Philips 6000 series is VA (although I’m sure 50hz) at 50″ and 65″. They also have a Samsung Display based QD model at 55″ and 65″ (8000 series) although nobody in the UK seems to stock it.

  9. Correction on my last post. The Sony xe7002 is only VA for 55 and above.

  10. Interested to hear your view on Samsungs’s The Frame TV. Is it true that it’s based on the MU7000? Any plans to review?

  11. Hi,

    Great review, as this is now down to £779.00 looks like a great buy. Do you know if this is a 10 Bit or 8 Bit +FRC?

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