Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series vs. TCL Mini-LED 8-Series: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a high-quality television in 2025, the Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series (2021 model, e.g., AU9000, 55AU9000) and TCL Mini-LED 8-Series (2020 model, e.g., 55R825), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer compelling options in the mid-to-premium range. The Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series, an LED TV with enhanced gaming features, balances affordability and performance. The TCL 8-Series, a QLED TV with Mini-LED backlighting, delivers superior brightness and contrast for a cinematic experience. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from RTINGS.com, BrandChoose.com, and other sources.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series

The Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series (2021, AU9000) is a 4K LED TV with a VA panel, edge-lit backlighting, and Dynamic Crystal Color technology. Powered by the Crystal Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s designed for gaming, streaming, and general use, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

TCL Mini-LED 8-Series

The TCL 8-Series (2020, R825) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~160 zones). Running on Roku TV with the AiPQ Engine, it’s optimized for bright rooms and HDR content, available in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series (based on RTINGS.com, Tab-TV):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, edge-lit, no local dimming.
• Brightness: ~347 cd/m² (HDR real scene), ~168 cd/m² (SDR), suitable for dim to moderately lit rooms.
• Contrast: ~5,756:1 native, good blacks but prone to backlight bleed without local dimming.
• Color Performance: ~84.04% DCI-P3, vibrant colors with Dynamic Crystal Color.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24° for color washout), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Crystal Processor 4K, decent (~6.7/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.0% total reflections, estimated), semi-glossy finish.
• TCL Mini-LED 8-Series (based on RTINGS.com, BrandChoose.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~160 zones).
• Brightness: ~1,167 cd/m² (HDR real scene), ~800 cd/m² (SDR sustained 100% window), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~3,500:1 native, enhanced by dimming (~10,000:1), deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~93.5% DCI-P3 (estimated), more vibrant and accurate with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, broader streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: AiPQ Engine, good (~7.5/10), better for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Moderate handling (~6.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL 8-Series outperforms with significantly higher brightness (~1,167 cd/m² vs. ~347 cd/m²), better contrast with Mini-LED dimming (~10,000:1 vs. ~5,756:1), and Dolby Vision support, making it ideal for HDR movies and bright Kenyan living rooms. The Samsung 9-Series offers decent contrast and vibrant colors (~84.04% DCI-P3), but its lack of local dimming and Dolby Vision limits its HDR performance. Both have narrow viewing angles, favoring direct viewing setups.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz (Motion Xcelerator Turbo simulates 120Hz), no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), responsive for casual gaming.
• Features: FreeSync, ALLM, Game Bar, MultiView, no VRR.
• Game Mode: Decent for casual gaming.
• TCL Mini-LED 8-Series:
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz, 4K/120Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), comparable to Samsung.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, THX Certified Game Mode, no FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Optimized for console gaming.

Verdict on Gaming: The TCL 8-Series is superior with a native 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 for 4K/120Hz gaming, and VRR, making it ideal for PS5/Xbox Series X. The Samsung 9-Series’ simulated 120Hz and FreeSync are decent for casual gaming, but its lack of HDMI 2.1 and VRR limits next-gen console performance.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Object Tracking Sound Lite, Dolby Digital Plus, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• TCL Mini-LED 8-Series: 2.0-channel speakers, 30W output, Dolby Atmos via eARC, slightly better (~7.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The TCL 8-Series offers richer audio with higher power (30W vs. 20W) and Dolby Atmos support, providing a more immersive experience. The Samsung 9-Series’ audio is basic, and both TVs benefit from a soundbar for cinematic sound.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, three HDMI 2.0, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, Wireless Dex, Ambient Mode.
• TCL Mini-LED 8-Series: Roku TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), one USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung 9-Series’ Tizen OS is smooth with Wireless Dex and Ambient Mode, ideal for smart home integration. The TCL 8-Series’ Roku TV offers a user-friendly interface with broader app access, and its two HDMI 2.1 ports enhance gaming connectivity.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series: Slim (~2.37 inches, 55-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~14.5 kg (55-inch), good reflection handling (~5.0%).
• TCL Mini-LED 8-Series: Thicker (~2.8 inches, 55-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~24.2 kg (55-inch), moderate reflection handling (~6.0%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung 9-Series’ slimmer, lighter design is easier to mount and blends well in Kenyan homes. The TCL 8-Series’ sturdier build feels premium but is bulkier, with slightly weaker reflection handling.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2021/2020 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 17, 2025, 10:09 AM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series Prices (based on RTINGS.com, Tab-TV)

• 55-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 65-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 75-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000

TCL Mini-LED 8-Series Prices (based on RTINGS.com, BrandChoose.com)

• 55-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000
• 65-inch: $1,200–$1,400 ≈ KSh 156,000–182,000
• 75-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000

Verdict on Cost: The Samsung 9-Series is more affordable (~KSh 78,000–156,000 vs. ~KSh 117,000–260,000), offering better value for budget-conscious buyers. The TCL 8-Series’ higher cost reflects its Mini-LED technology and gaming features.

Target Audience

• Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious families and casual gamers in dim to moderately lit rooms. Its affordability and slim design suit Kenyan homes with varied viewing needs.
• Use Case: Best for streaming, casual gaming, and general TV watching in controlled lighting.
• Budget: KSh 78,000–156,000, for cost-sensitive buyers seeking reliability.
• TCL Mini-LED 8-Series:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and gamers in bright or controlled lighting. Its high brightness and HDR performance suit movie-focused setups and modern consoles.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies and gaming in bright rooms.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–260,000, for buyers prioritizing picture quality and gaming.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL Mini-LED 8-Series

The TCL Mini-LED 8-Series is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~1,167 cd/m² vs. ~347 cd/m²), enhanced contrast with Mini-LED dimming (~10,000:1 vs. ~5,756:1), and Dolby Vision support, delivering a cinematic HDR experience in bright Kenyan homes. Its 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, and VRR make it ideal for next-gen gaming, though its higher cost (~KSh 117,000–260,000) and thicker design are drawbacks.

The Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series offers vibrant colors (~84.04% DCI-P3), lower input lag (~15.0ms), and a slimmer, more affordable design (~KSh 78,000–156,000), ideal for casual viewing and gaming in dim settings. Its lack of local dimming, Dolby Vision, and HDMI 2.1 limits its premium performance.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL Mini-LED 8-Series for vibrant HDR visuals and gaming in bright or controlled lighting, with a budget of KSh 117,000–260,000. Opt for the Samsung Crystal UHD 9-Series for affordable, reliable performance in dim rooms, with a budget of KSh 78,000–156,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 17, 2025.

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