Is the Samsung AU7000 Still Worth Buying? A 2024 Review

The Samsung AU7000 is a 4K UHD smart TV offering decent picture quality and a user-friendly interface. While it may not have the advanced features of newer models, its affordability makes it a reasonable option for budget-conscious consumers in Nigeria seeking an entry-level smart TV experience.

The Samsung AU7000 was released a few years ago, but it’s still available in many markets. In this review, we’ll examine if the Samsung AU7000 remains a worthwhile purchase in 2024, particularly for consumers in Nigeria looking for an affordable 4K smart TV.

What is the Samsung AU7000?

The Samsung AU7000 is a 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) smart TV from Samsung’s entry-level lineup. It’s designed to provide a basic smart TV experience with 4K resolution at an affordable price point. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade from older TVs or enter the world of smart TVs without breaking the bank.

Released as part of Samsung’s 2021 lineup, the AU7000 series aimed to deliver essential features at a competitive price, focusing on core picture quality and smart functionality. It’s often found in smaller sizes, making it suitable for bedrooms or smaller living spaces.

Key Features

Despite being an entry-level model, the AU7000 comes with a few notable features:

• 4K UHD Resolution: Offers four times the resolution of Full HD for sharper and more detailed images.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color accuracy.
• PurColor Technology: Aims to deliver a wide range of colors for a more vibrant viewing experience.
• Tizen OS: Samsung’s smart TV platform, providing access to streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Multiple HDMI Ports: Allows for connecting various devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes.

Ultimately, the Samsung AU7000 provides a solid foundation for those seeking a capable smart TV without the premium features and price tag of higher-end models. It’s designed to be an accessible and straightforward option for everyday viewing.

Picture Quality Analysis

Picture quality is a crucial aspect of any TV, and the Samsung AU7000 offers a mixed bag in this regard. While it’s not the best in class, it’s essential to consider its price point and target audience.

The AU7000 utilizes a Crystal Display panel. It ensures decent sharpness and clarity thanks to its 4K resolution. However, it lacks the advanced technologies found in higher-end models, such as local dimming or wide color gamut.

Strengths

• Sharpness and Detail: The 4K resolution provides a noticeable upgrade over Full HD, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
• Color Accuracy: The PurColor technology delivers a reasonably wide range of colors, making the viewing experience more vibrant.

Weaknesses

• Contrast Ratio: The contrast ratio is relatively low, which means blacks may appear grayish, and the overall image lacks depth.
• Brightness: The brightness level is not particularly high, which can be an issue in brightly lit rooms.
• Viewing Angles: The viewing angles are limited, meaning the picture quality degrades when viewed from off-center positions.

In summary, the Samsung AU7000 offers acceptable picture quality for its price range. However, those seeking a truly immersive viewing experience with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles may need to consider higher-end models.

Smart Features and User Interface

The Samsung AU7000 runs on Tizen OS, Samsung’s proprietary smart TV platform. Tizen OS is known for its user-friendly interface, smooth performance, and wide range of apps.

The platform provides access to a vast library of apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to find and launch your favorite apps.

Pros

• User-Friendly Interface: Tizen OS is easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
• Wide Range of Apps: The platform offers a vast library of apps, ensuring access to almost any streaming service you might want.
• Smooth Performance: Tizen OS is generally snappy and responsive, providing a smooth and seamless user experience.

Cons

• Ads: Tizen OS displays ads on the home screen, which can be distracting.
• Limited Customization: The level of customization is limited compared to other smart TV platforms.

Audio Performance

The audio performance of the Samsung AU7000 is adequate for everyday viewing but may not satisfy audiophiles. The TV features a 20W speaker system, which provides decent sound quality but lacks bass and depth.

For casual viewing, such as watching news or sitcoms, the built-in speakers should suffice. However, for a more immersive audio experience when watching movies or playing games, an external sound system or soundbar is highly recommended.

Recommendations

If you’re not satisfied with the built-in speakers, here is what could be done:

• Soundbar: A soundbar is an excellent option for improving the audio quality without taking up too much space.
• Home Theater System: A home theater system provides a truly immersive audio experience with multiple speakers placed around the room.

Conclusion

Overall, the audio performance of the Samsung AU7000 is acceptable for basic viewing but falls short for those seeking a more immersive experience. Investing in an external sound system can significantly enhance the overall enjoyment of your content.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Samsung AU7000 sports a minimalist and modern aesthetic. The TV features thin bezels around the screen, which help minimize distractions and maximize the viewing area. The overall design is clean and unobtrusive, making it easy to integrate into any living space.

The build quality is decent for an entry-level TV. The chassis is made of plastic, which feels reasonably sturdy. The stand is also made of plastic but provides adequate support for the TV.

Considerations

Here’s what to consider in the Samsung AU7000 design:

• Slim Bezels: The slim bezels create a more immersive viewing experience.
• Clean Design: The clean and unobtrusive design allows the TV to blend seamlessly into any living space.
• Plastic Build: The plastic build quality is decent but may not feel as premium as higher-end models.

In conclusion, the Samsung AU7000 offers a visually appealing design and decent build quality for its price range. The TV’s minimalist aesthetic and slim bezels make it a stylish addition to any room.

Potential Alternatives in the Market

If the Samsung AU7000 doesn’t quite meet your needs or preferences, there are several alternatives to consider in the Nigerian market. These alternatives offer similar features and price points, providing options to suit various budgets and requirements.

Some potential alternatives include the LG UP7500, the Hisense A6G, and the TCL P615. These TVs offer similar 4K resolution and smart TV capabilities. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, so researching which one best fits your needs is essential.

Other Options

Let’s consider these options:

• LG UP7500: Offers similar picture quality and smart TV features as the Samsung AU7000, with LG’s webOS smart platform.
• Hisense A6G: Another affordable 4K smart TV option with decent picture quality and the Vidaa smart platform.
• TCL P615: Provides good value for money with 4K resolution, HDR support, and Android TV.

Ultimately, the best alternative depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Researching and comparing different models is essential to make an informed decision.

Is the Samsung AU7000 Still a Good Buy in 2024?

So, is the Samsung AU7000 still a good buy in 2024? The answer depends on your priorities and budget. For those seeking an affordable 4K smart TV with decent picture quality and a user-friendly interface, the AU7000 remains a worthwhile option.

However, if you’re looking for cutting-edge features, superior picture quality, or a more immersive audio experience, you may want to consider higher-end models. The AU7000 is excellent for those seeking a budget-friendly option that delivers essential features and a satisfactory viewing experience.

The AU7000 offers a solid foundation for those seeking a capable smart TV without the premium features and price tag of higher-end models. It’s designed to be an accessible and straightforward option for everyday viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung AU7000 remains a decent option for budget-conscious consumers in Nigeria seeking an entry-level 4K smart TV. While it may not have the advanced features of newer models, it offers satisfactory picture quality, a user-friendly interface, and access to a wide range of streaming apps. Weighing its pros and cons against your specific needs helps determine if the AU7000 is the perfect fit for your home entertainment setup.