Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra vs. TCL QM8 Roku TV: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a television in 2025, the Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra (2025 model, assumed as an enhanced version of the DU7200 series, e.g., UN65DU7200) and TCL QM8 Roku TV (2024 model, e.g., 65QM851G, assumed QM8 with Roku OS variant), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, represent contrasting options in the budget and premium QLED segments. The Samsung 7-Series Ultra is a cost-effective LED TV for casual viewing, while the TCL QM8 delivers high-end Mini-LED performance. 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, CNET.com, and Tom’s Guide.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra

The Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra (2025, assumed DU7200-based) is a 4K LED TV with a VA panel, edge-lit backlighting, and no local dimming. Powered by the Crystal Processor 4K and Tizen OS, it’s designed for streaming and casual use in moderate lighting, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

TCL QM8 Roku TV

The TCL QM8 (2024, assumed QM851G with Roku OS variant) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, Mini-LED backlighting, and full-array local dimming (~2,300 zones for 65-inch). Equipped with the AIPQ ULTRA Processor and Roku TV (assumed for Kenyan market), it’s optimized for HDR content and gaming, available in 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra (based on DU7200 data, RTINGS.com, BusinessInsider.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, edge-lit, no local dimming.
• Brightness: ~400 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~350 cd/m² (SDR), suitable for moderate lighting.
• Contrast: ~5,000:1 native, decent blacks but prone to backlight bleed.
• Color Performance: ~80% DCI-P3, decent colors without quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Crystal Processor 4K, decent (~6.7/10), adequate for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.
• TCL QM8 Roku TV (based on QM851G data, RTINGS.com, CNET.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, Mini-LED, full-array local dimming (~2,300 zones).
• Brightness: ~2,000 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~1,200 cd/m² (SDR), excellent for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~10,000:1 with dimming, deep blacks with minimal blooming.
• Color Performance: ~96% DCI-P3, vibrant colors with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG.
• Upscaling: AIPQ ULTRA Processor, fair (~4.8/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Excellent handling (~1.5% total reflections), anti-glare coating.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL QM8 outperforms with significantly higher brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~400 cd/m²), better contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~5,000:1), and a wider color gamut (~96% vs. ~80% DCI-P3), delivering stunning HDR visuals ideal for bright Kenyan living rooms. Its ~2,300 dimming zones minimize blooming, enhancing dark-room performance. The Samsung 7-Series Ultra offers better upscaling (~6.7/10 vs. ~4.8/10) for low-quality local broadcasts, but its edge-lit panel and lack of Dolby Vision limit HDR impact. Both have narrow viewing angles, favoring direct viewing. The TCL’s Mini-LED technology provides superior picture quality.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz, no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~10.0ms (4K@60Hz, estimated), responsive for casual gaming.
• Features: ALLM, no VRR or FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Adequate response (~10.0ms 80% response time).
• TCL QM8 Roku TV:
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz, 4K/120Hz or 1080p/240Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports.
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), ~8.0ms (4K@120Hz), less responsive.
• Features: VRR, ALLM, Game Accelerator (up to 240Hz).
• Game Mode: Fast response (~5.0ms 80% response time).

Verdict on Gaming: The TCL QM8 is superior for gaming with a 144Hz refresh rate, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and VRR support, making it ideal for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming. The Samsung 7-Series Ultra’s lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~15.0ms) benefits casual gaming, but its 60Hz panel and lack of VRR limit its suitability for next-gen consoles.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Object Tracking Sound Lite, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• TCL QM8 Roku TV: 2.1-channel speakers, 40W output, Dolby Atmos, good (~7.0/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: The TCL QM8’s 40W 2.1-channel system with Dolby Atmos delivers more immersive audio than the Samsung’s 20W setup. A soundbar is recommended for both to achieve cinematic sound in Kenyan homes.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, three HDMI 2.0, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, SmartThings, Gaming Hub.
• TCL QM8 Roku TV: Roku TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI (two 2.1), one USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6, Chromecast.

Verdict on Smart Features: The TCL QM8’s Roku TV offers a user-friendly interface with extensive app access (>4,000 apps), two HDMI 2.1 ports, and Wi-Fi 6 for better streaming, ideal for gaming and connectivity. The Samsung’s Tizen OS is intuitive with AirPlay and SmartThings, but its HDMI 2.0 ports limit next-gen gaming. Both support voice assistants, but TCL’s platform is more robust.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra: Slim (~1.0 inch, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~20.9 kg, good reflections (~5.0%).
• TCL QM8 Roku TV: Thicker (~2.9 inches, 65-inch), 0.3-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~24.9 kg, excellent reflections (~1.5%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung’s AirSlim design is sleeker for wall-mounting in Kenyan homes, while the TCL QM8’s superior reflection handling (~1.5% vs. ~5.0%) and narrower bezels enhance its look in bright settings. The TCL is heavier and bulkier.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2024/2025 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 20, 2025, 6:45 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra Prices (based on DU7200 data, BusinessInsider.com)

• 55-inch: $500–$600 ≈ KSh 65,000–78,000
• 65-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 75-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000

TCL QM8 Roku TV Prices (based on QM851G data, RTINGS.com, CNET.com)

• 65-inch: $900–$1,000 ≈ KSh 117,000–130,000
• 75-inch: $1,200–$1,300 ≈ KSh 156,000–169,000
• 85-inch: $1,800–$2,000 ≈ KSh 234,000–260,000

Verdict on Cost: The Samsung 7-Series Ultra is more affordable (~KSh 65,000–117,000 vs. ~KSh 117,000–260,000), offering better value for budget-conscious buyers, especially at smaller sizes. The TCL QM8’s higher cost reflects its advanced Mini-LED technology and gaming features.

Target Audience

• Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious families and casual viewers in moderate lighting. Its affordability and upscaling suit streaming and low-quality content in Kenyan homes.
• Use Case: Best for streaming, casual gaming, and general viewing in direct seating setups.
• Budget: KSh 65,000–117,000, for cost-sensitive buyers seeking reliability.
• TCL QM8 Roku TV:
• Ideal For: Cinephiles and gamers in bright or dark rooms. Its brightness, contrast, and gaming features suit HDR movies and modern consoles.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR content, competitive gaming, and bright-room viewing.
• Budget: KSh 117,000–260,000, for buyers prioritizing performance.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL QM8 Roku TV

The TCL QM8 Roku TV is the superior choice for its exceptional brightness (~2,000 cd/m² vs. ~400 cd/m²), high contrast (~10,000:1 vs. ~5,000:1), and vibrant colors (~96% DCI-P3), delivering stunning HDR visuals ideal for bright or dark Kenyan living rooms. Its ~2,300 dimming zones, 144Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support enhance HDR and gaming performance, offering excellent value (~KSh 117,000–260,000) despite weaker upscaling (~4.8/10) and narrow viewing angles (~25°).

The Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra provides decent colors (~80% DCI-P3), better upscaling (~6.7/10), and lower input lag (~10.0ms), making it suitable for casual viewing and low-quality Kenyan broadcasts at a lower cost (~KSh 65,000–117,000). However, its edge-lit panel, lack of Dolby Vision, and 60Hz refresh rate limit its HDR and gaming capabilities.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL QM8 Roku TV for vibrant HDR, competitive gaming, and bright-room viewing, with a budget of KSh 117,000–260,000. Opt for the Samsung Crystal UHD 7-Series Ultra for affordable streaming and casual viewing in moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 65,000–117,000. Verify pricing through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 20, 2025.

KINA MAISHA MAGIC EAST THURSDAY 21ST AUGUST 2025 SEASON 5 EPISODE 79