Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max vs. LG OLED evo C8: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

When selecting a television for your Kenyan home, the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max and the LG OLED evo C8 represent two distinct tiers of TV technology. The Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max is a budget-friendly LED TV with enhanced color and 4K resolution, while the LG OLED evo C8 (from LG’s 2018 lineup) is a premium OLED TV known for its superior picture quality. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience to help Kenyan consumers make an informed choice, with prices converted to Kenyan Shillings (KSh) for local relevance.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max

The Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max is part of Samsung’s 2025 entry-level 4K LED lineup, featuring the Crystal Processor 4K and Dynamic Crystal Color technology. It’s designed for affordability, offering solid performance for casual viewers, gamers, and those seeking vibrant colors in moderately lit environments. The Tizen OS provides a user-friendly smart platform with access to streaming apps.

LG OLED evo C8

The LG OLED evo C8, released in 2018, is an OLED TV powered by LG’s α9 Intelligent Processor, delivering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles. Despite its age, it remains a premium choice for cinephiles and those prioritizing picture quality in darker viewing settings. It runs on LG’s webOS platform and supports advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max:
• Panel Type: LED-backlit LCD with VA panel and Dynamic Crystal Color technology.
• Brightness: Likely around 350–450 nits (based on similar models like the DU8000), suitable for moderately lit rooms but not ideal for very bright environments.
• Contrast: VA panels offer a contrast ratio of approximately 5,000:1, providing decent blacks but with potential backlight bleed in dark scenes.
• Color Performance: Covers around 70–80% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, delivering vibrant colors enhanced by Dynamic Crystal Color, though less accurate than OLED.
• Viewing Angles: VA panels have narrower viewing angles, with color and contrast degradation when viewed off-axis.
• HDR Support: Supports HDR10 and HLG, but lacks Dolby Vision. HDR performance is limited by lower brightness and contrast compared to premium TVs.
• Upscaling: The Crystal Processor 4K provides decent upscaling for non-4K content, though it may introduce minor artifacts in low-resolution sources.
• LG OLED evo C8:
• Panel Type: OLED with self-emissive pixels, offering perfect blacks and infinite contrast.
• Brightness: Reaches around 412 nits in HDR mode, per Tom’s Guide testing, which is modest for OLED but sufficient for dark-room viewing.
• Contrast: Infinite contrast ratio due to pixel-level dimming, resulting in unparalleled black levels and shadow detail, ideal for cinematic content.
• Color Performance: Covers approximately 99% of DCI-P3, delivering rich, lifelike colors with excellent accuracy.
• Viewing Angles: OLED’s wide viewing angles maintain color and contrast consistency, perfect for group viewing.
• HDR Support: Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, with Dolby Vision enhancing dynamic range for compatible content.
• Upscaling: The α9 Intelligent Processor excels at upscaling, rendering non-4K content with sharp details and minimal noise.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The LG OLED evo C8 significantly outperforms the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max in picture quality. Its OLED panel delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and superior color accuracy, making it ideal for movies and dark-room viewing. The Crystal UHD’s brighter display and vibrant colors are better suited for casual viewing in moderately lit rooms but can’t match the C8’s cinematic excellence.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max:
• Refresh Rate: Likely 60Hz (based on similar models like the DU8000), adequate for casual gaming but not optimized for next-gen consoles.
• Input Lag: Around 10–12ms in Game Mode, responsive for most games.
• Features: Includes ALLM and FreeSync (on select models), but lacks HDMI 2.1 and VRR, limiting compatibility with PS5/Xbox Series X features.
• Game Mode: Enhances responsiveness but sacrifices some picture quality.
• LG OLED evo C8:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, supporting 4K/120Hz gaming, ideal for modern consoles.
• Input Lag: Approximately 13ms in Game Mode, slightly higher than newer TVs but still excellent for 2018.
• Features: Includes ALLM and low input lag, but lacks VRR and HDMI 2.1, which were not standard in 2018.
• Game Mode: Maintains excellent picture quality with minimal latency, enhanced by OLED’s fast response times.

Verdict on Gaming: The LG OLED evo C8 is the better gaming TV due to its 120Hz refresh rate and OLED’s instantaneous response times, which reduce motion blur. The Crystal UHD 6-Series Max is sufficient for casual gamers but lacks the advanced features needed for next-gen gaming.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max:
• Features a 2.0-channel speaker system with 20W output, supporting Object Tracking Sound Lite for basic 3D audio.
• Adaptive Sound technology adjusts audio based on content, but overall sound is less immersive without a soundbar.
• Supports Dolby Atmos via eARC for external audio systems.
• LG OLED evo C8:
• Equipped with a 2.2-channel system with 40W output, including a built-in woofer for deeper bass.
• Supports Dolby Atmos natively, delivering a more immersive soundstage than the Crystal UHD.
• AI Sound Pro optimizes audio for content, ensuring clear dialogue and balanced sound.

Verdict on Sound: The LG OLED evo C8 offers superior sound quality with its more powerful speakers and native Dolby Atmos support, making it better for standalone use. The Crystal UHD 6-Series Max provides decent audio but often requires a soundbar for a cinematic experience.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max:
• Platform: Tizen OS, intuitive with a Smart Hub for streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) and Samsung TV Plus.
• Voice Assistants: Supports Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant via third-party devices.
• Connectivity: Likely three HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, based on similar models.
• AI Features: Basic AI upscaling and content recommendations via the Crystal Processor 4K.
• LG OLED evo C8:
• Platform: webOS, user-friendly with a Magic Remote for easy navigation and access to streaming apps.
• Voice Assistants: Built-in Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility.
• Connectivity: Four HDMI 2.0 ports, three USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
• AI Features: ThinQ AI enhances content recommendations and smart home integration.

Verdict on Smart Features: Both TVs offer robust smart platforms, but the LG OLED evo C8’s webOS and Magic Remote provide a slightly more intuitive experience. The Samsung’s Tizen OS is equally capable, with broader app support and Samsung’s ecosystem integration, making it a close call.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max:
• Features an AirSlim design with slim bezels and a sturdy stand, suitable for tabletop or wall-mounting.
• Reflective screen may cause glare in bright rooms.
• Includes a standard remote with voice control.
• LG OLED evo C8:
• Ultra-slim OLED design with minimal bezels, ideal for wall-mounting and premium aesthetics.
• Better reflection handling than the Crystal UHD, though not as advanced as newer OLEDs.
• Magic Remote enhances navigation with point-and-click functionality.

Verdict on Design: The LG OLED evo C8’s sleek, near-bezel-less design and superior reflection handling make it more elegant and versatile. The Crystal UHD’s design is practical but less premium due to its thicker profile and reflective screen.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are converted from international estimates (based on sources like TechRadar and Smart Carting) using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 2025). Local pricing in Kenya may vary due to import duties, taxes, and retailer margins. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or Samsung/LG authorized dealers for exact prices.

Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max Prices

Based on similar models like the DU8000:

• 43-inch: $350–$400 ≈ KSh 45,500–52,000
• 55-inch: $450–$500 ≈ KSh 58,500–65,000
• 65-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 75-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 85-inch: $1,200–$1,500 ≈ KSh 156,000–195,000

Discounts are common, potentially lowering the 55-inch model to ~KSh 50,000 during sales.

LG OLED evo C8 Prices

As a 2018 model, the C8 is discontinued but available in secondary markets or refurbished:

• 55-inch: $1,200–$1,500 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 156,000–195,000
• 65-inch: $1,800–$2,200 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 234,000–286,000
• 77-inch: $3,000–$3,500 (refurbished) ≈ KSh 390,000–455,000

Prices reflect secondary market estimates, as new units are rare. Availability in Kenya may be limited, and prices could be higher due to import costs.

Verdict on Cost: The Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max is significantly more affordable, with prices starting at KSh 45,500, making it accessible to a broader audience. The LG OLED evo C8, even refurbished, commands a premium (KSh 156,000+), reflecting its superior technology but limited availability.

Target Audience

• Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious consumers, casual viewers, and entry-level gamers seeking an affordable 4K TV for everyday use. Its brighter display suits living rooms with moderate lighting, common in Kenyan homes.
• Use Case: Best for watching sports, news, or streaming in casual settings, such as family rooms or small apartments.
• Budget: Appeals to buyers with KSh 45,500–195,000 to spend.
• LG OLED evo C8:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles, home theater enthusiasts, and gamers prioritizing premium picture quality. Its OLED panel excels in dark rooms, ideal for dedicated media rooms or evening viewing.
• Use Case: Perfect for watching movies, HDR content, or gaming with modern consoles in controlled lighting environments.
• Budget: Targets buyers willing to spend KSh 156,000–455,000, often for refurbished units.

Final Verdict

Winner: LG OLED evo C8

The LG OLED evo C8 is the clear winner for its unmatched picture quality, delivering perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors that elevate movies, gaming, and HDR content. Its 120Hz refresh rate and superior sound make it a premium choice for immersive experiences, despite its age. However, its high cost (KSh 156,000–455,000, refurbished) and limited availability in Kenya may deter some buyers.

The Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max offers excellent value for budget-conscious consumers, with vibrant colors, decent performance, and affordability (KSh 45,500–195,000). It’s a practical choice for casual viewing but falls short of the C8’s cinematic quality due to its LED limitations.

Recommendation: Choose the LG OLED evo C8 if you prioritize top-tier picture quality and can source a refurbished unit within your budget, ideal for home theater setups. Opt for the Samsung Crystal UHD 6-Series Max if affordability and versatility for everyday use are key, especially for bright rooms or family settings. Verify local pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

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