This Monster 70-Inch Samsung 4K HDTV Is $650 (But There Is a Catch)
If you decide to head into your local Best Buy this weekend, make sure to find the aisle that’s selling Samsung’s 70-inch 7 Series 4K HDTV. However, keep in mind there is a catch: you might not be so impressed with the picture quality.
If you decide to head into your local Best Buy this weekend, make sure to find the aisle that’s selling Samsung’s 70-inch 7 Series 4K HDTV.
Now priced at a steal at $650, this highly regarded set is literally screaming at you to take it home. Just know that you won’t find another deal as intriguing as this—especially for a Samsung offering in the 70-inch-plus range.
Keep in mind that the 7 Series won’t have the wow factor of the Korean tech company’s much-coveted QLED HDTVs, but this set still packs a punch without emptying out your bank account.
Featuring a stunning near-bezel-less design, it comes with must-have HDR support and 60Hz refresh rate. And the 4K Crystal Processor-driven VA-LCD panel provides above-average picture quality with surprisingly deep blacks, accurate colors and solid native contrast.
Unlike the more expensive high-tier QLED models, be aware that the legs on the 7 Series are set quite far apart, so if you’re using a TV stand or a table, save yourself from future headaches and make sure that it is long enough.
As with most LCD-based panels, be aware that wide-angle viewing may fall short of what you’re looking for—so if you have wider or wraparound seating arrangements, make sure to take note of that. And if you find yourself often watching TV during the daytime or in a bright room, it may be in your best interest to purchase a heavy-duty curtain or blinds to reduce those annoying glares and reflections.
However, know that if your chief purpose for the 7 Series is everyday TV watching and family movie nights, at this price point, you can be confident that it will probably exceed most of your modest expectations.
The 7 Series employs Smart TV capabilities powered by Tizen, which can be a mixed bag for some consumers. Much like its Korean archrival LG’s webOS platform, the Tizen has a pleasant stripped-down interface but it really lacks the muscle needed for today’s data-heavy streaming TV world.
Yes, Tizen offers access to popular run-of-the-mill apps like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu, but a more robust platform like Android TV or Roku will give you much more bang for your buck. On a more positive note, the software now seamlessly works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2.
Ethen Kim Lieser is a Minneapolis-based Science and Tech Editor who has held posts at Google, The Korea Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, AsianWeek and Arirang TV. Follow or contact him on LinkedIn.