Samsung 43-Inch Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV UN43DU7200 review with HDR and PurColor

Description

Stunning Visual Performance with 4K Upscaling

The Samsung 43-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K DU7200 Series HDR Smart TV delivers a visual feast with its 4K upscaling technology. I tested it with various streaming services and even some older movies, and the picture quality was noticeably enhanced. The details in 4K resolution popped, whether it was a nature documentary or an intense action film. The PurColor feature is no gimmick either, as it made greens, blues, and reds more vibrant without looking over-saturated. Watching sunsets or lush landscapes on this TV feels like a window to another world.

Even fast-paced scenes were handled well, thanks to the Motion Xcelerator, which reduced blur and lag. Sports fans and action movie enthusiasts will especially appreciate how smooth everything looks. It’s not perfect, though; very occasionally, I noticed minor motion artifacts, but these didn’t detract too much from the overall experience.

Object Tracking Sound Lite: A Game-Changer for Audio

As someone who usually invests in soundbars, I was curious about the Object Tracking Sound Lite feature. Surprisingly, the built-in 2CH speakers delivered an immersive experience by creating a 3D surround sound effect. While watching a car chase scene, the audio followed the movement on-screen, making it feel like I was right there in the passenger seat. It’s perfect for those who want decent sound without the hassle of external audio equipment.

However, for audiophiles or those seeking a truly cinematic experience, pairing this TV with a Q-series or S-series soundbar unlocks the Q-Symphony feature, amplifying the sound clarity and depth even further. This pairing is easy to set up, and the difference is immediately noticeable.

Crystal Processor 4K: Intelligent Image Enhancement

The Crystal Processor 4K is one of the standout features that truly elevates this device. It automatically adjusts colors and sound depending on the content, and I found this especially useful when switching between genres. For instance, gritty dramas had a darker, more atmospheric tone, while animated movies were brighter and cheerier. This adaptive technology ensures that whatever you’re watching is optimized for the best possible experience.

What stood out to me most was the HDR capability, which brought out details even in the shadowy corners of darker scenes. However, I will admit that while the Mega Contrast feature does its job well, it sometimes struggles in extremely bright rooms. If you have a lot of natural light during the day, you might notice reflections or reduced contrast.

Smart Features Powered by Tizen OS

The Samsung Tizen OS is intuitive and makes navigating through apps a breeze. I loved how quickly I could jump from Netflix to YouTube or even open a workout app without any lag. The Samsung TV Plus also deserves a mention for its free live TV channels, which include news, sports, and even niche content. It’s a nice touch for those who don’t want to rely solely on paid streaming services.

That said, setting up a Samsung account is necessary to unlock the full potential of the smart features. While I didn’t find this to be a huge hassle, it might be an unnecessary step for those who only want a basic TV experience.

Highlights

• PurColor technology ensures vibrant, true-to-life colors.
• The Motion Xcelerator reduces blur and lag during fast-paced scenes.
• Crystal Processor 4K intelligently enhances image quality.
• Object Tracking Sound Lite provides a near-immersive audio experience.
• Fully integrated Samsung Tizen OS offers seamless app navigation.

Shortcomings

• Mega Contrast struggles in rooms with excessive natural light.
• Requires a Samsung account to access full smart features.
• Built-in speakers, while good, are not a replacement for a dedicated sound system.

Competing Brands

In comparison to LG’s NanoCell TVs, this Samsung option holds its own with better motion handling and richer blacks. LG, however, offers slightly superior viewing angles, which might appeal to larger households or those with wider seating arrangements.

Against Sony’s Bravia 4K lineup, the Crystal UHD shines in terms of affordability and ease of use. Sony models excel in color accuracy but often come at a higher price point, making this Samsung TV a better value for casual users.

Compared to budget-friendly options like TCL Roku TVs, this model boasts significantly better audio and visual features, such as the Object Tracking Sound Lite and HDR support. However, TCL’s Roku integration might be more appealing to those who prioritize simplicity.

Bang for the Buck

For its feature set, the price-to-quality ratio is impressive. The 4K upscaling, PurColor technology, and smart features make it a standout in its price range. While it doesn’t reach the premium quality of higher-end models, it offers a balanced blend of performance and affordability. If you’re seeking a TV that delivers on both visuals and smart capabilities, this one is worth considering.

Additional information