When it comes to choosing the perfect TV for your home entertainment needs, Samsung is one of the top brands that comes to mind. With a wide range of models available, it can be daunting to decide which one is right for you. Two of the most popular series from Samsung are the 7 Series and 8 Series, but what exactly sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between the two series, so you can make an informed decision when buying your next Samsung TV.
Display Technology and Resolution
One of the most significant differences between the 7 Series and 8 Series Samsung TVs lies in their display technology and resolution. The 7 Series models feature Samsung’s UHD (4K) resolution, which provides an impressive 3840 x 2160 pixels. This results in a crystal-clear picture with vibrant colors and excellent contrast.
On the other hand, the 8 Series takes display technology to the next level with Samsung’s QLED (Quantum Dot LED) technology. QLED offers even more precise color reproduction, higher brightness levels, and a wider color gamut. This leads to an even more immersive viewing experience with deeper blacks and more vivid colors. Additionally, the 8 Series boasts a higher resolution of 4320 x 2160 pixels, making it future-proof for emerging 8K content.
Quantum Dot Technology Explained
So, what exactly is Quantum Dot technology, and why is it such a game-changer? In traditional LED/LCD TVs, white LEDs are used to backlight the LCD panel. However, this can result in a limited color gamut and reduced color accuracy. Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology uses tiny crystals to create colors, which are then illuminated by the backlight. This leads to a much wider color gamut, improved color accuracy, and a more lifelike viewing experience.
Smart TV Features and Operating System
Both the 7 Series and 8 Series Samsung TVs come with Samsung’s Tizen operating system, providing a user-friendly interface and seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. However, the 8 Series takes things to the next level with its more advanced AI-powered processor, which provides faster app loading times, improved search functionality, and enhanced voice control through Samsung’s Bixby virtual assistant.
Another key difference lies in the SmartThings integration. While both series come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and support for SmartThings, the 8 Series takes it a step further with more advanced smart home integration, allowing for seamless control of compatible devices and appliances.
Bixby Voice Assistant Explained
Bixby is Samsung’s AI-powered virtual assistant, designed to simplify your TV viewing experience. With Bixby, you can use voice commands to change channels, adjust settings, and even control other compatible SmartThings devices. Bixby also integrates with popular third-party services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, providing a more comprehensive smart home ecosystem.
Sound Quality and Speaker System
When it comes to sound quality, the 7 Series and 8 Series Samsung TVs differ significantly. The 7 Series models feature a standard 2.0 channel speaker system, which provides decent sound quality for casual viewing. However, the 8 Series takes sound to new heights with its more advanced 4.0 channel speaker system, featuring additional woofers and tweeters for more detailed sound reproduction.
The 8 Series also benefits from Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound (OTS) technology, which uses AI to track the movement of objects on screen and synchronize the sound accordingly. This creates a more immersive audio experience, with a greater sense of realism and depth.
Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Explained
OTS is a cutting-edge audio technology developed by Samsung, designed to revolutionize the way we experience sound on our TVs. By using AI to track the movement of objects on screen, OTS creates a more realistic and engaging audio experience. Whether you’re watching an action-packed movie or playing a fast-paced game, OTS ensures that the sound follows the action, drawing you deeper into the action.
Gaming Features and Performance
If you’re a serious gamer, you’ll want to know that both the 7 Series and 8 Series Samsung TVs are gaming-friendly, with support for AMD’s FreeSync variable refresh rate technology and Samsung’s own Real Game Enhancer. However, the 8 Series takes gaming to the next level with its lower input lag, faster response time, and support for higher refresh rates (up to 120Hz).
Additionally, the 8 Series features Samsung’s Auto Game Mode, which automatically detects and optimizes the TV’s settings for the best possible gaming experience. This includes adjusting the picture mode, sound settings, and input lag for a more responsive and engaging experience.
Auto Game Mode Explained
Auto Game Mode is a convenient feature that simplifies the gaming experience on your Samsung TV. When you connect a gaming console or PC, the TV automatically detects the device and adjusts the settings for optimal performance. This includes switching to Game Mode, which reduces input lag and adjusts the picture settings for a more responsive and immersive experience.
Design and Build Quality
In terms of design and build quality, both the 7 Series and 8 Series Samsung TVs are sleek and stylish, with slim profiles and minimalist aesthetics. However, the 8 Series takes things to the next level with its more premium materials, such as metal frames and higher-quality plastics.
The 8 Series also features Samsung’s innovative Invisible Connection technology, which reduces clutter by hiding cables and wires. This creates a cleaner, more streamlined look that’s perfect for modern living rooms.
Invisible Connection Explained
Invisible Connection is a clever feature that streamlines the TV’s design by hiding cables and wires. This is achieved through a special cable management system that routes cables through the TV’s legs, creating a clean and minimalist look. Not only does this improve the TV’s aesthetic appeal, but it also reduces clutter and makes it easier to place the TV in tight spaces.
Price and Value
Finally, let’s talk about price and value. As you would expect, the 8 Series Samsung TVs are generally more expensive than their 7 Series counterparts, thanks to their advanced features and technologies. However, if you’re looking for a premium viewing experience with the latest and greatest features, the 8 Series may be worth the investment.
That being said, the 7 Series is still an excellent choice for those on a budget, offering a great balance of features and affordability.
| Feature | 7 Series | 8 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | UHD (4K) | QLED (Quantum Dot LED) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels | 4320 x 2160 pixels |
| Smart TV Features | Tizen OS, Wi-Fi connectivity | Tizen OS, Wi-Fi connectivity, AI-powered processor, Bixby voice assistant |
| Sound Quality | 2.0 channel speaker system | 4.0 channel speaker system with Object Tracking Sound (OTS) |
| Gaming Features | FreeSync, Real Game Enhancer | FreeSync, Real Game Enhancer, Auto Game Mode, lower input lag |
| Design and Build Quality | Slim profile, minimalist aesthetics | Premium materials, metal frames, higher-quality plastics, Invisible Connection |
In conclusion, while both the 7 Series and 8 Series Samsung TVs offer exceptional viewing experiences, the 8 Series takes things to the next level with its advanced features and technologies. If you’re looking for a premium TV with the latest and greatest features, the 8 Series is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget, the 7 Series is still an excellent choice that offers a great balance of features and affordability.
What is the main difference between Samsung’s 7 Series and 8 Series TVs?
The main difference between Samsung’s 7 Series and 8 Series TVs lies in their display panels, processors, and feature sets. The 8 Series TVs boast superior display panels with higher contrast ratios, wider color gamuts, and faster refresh rates. Additionally, they are equipped with more powerful processors that enable advanced features like artifact removal and noise reduction.
In contrast, the 7 Series TVs have more mid-range display panels and processors. While they still offer excellent picture quality, they may not be able to match the 8 Series’ level of detail and color accuracy. However, the 7 Series TVs make up for this with their more affordable price tags, making them a great option for those on a budget.
Which series has better picture quality?
The 8 Series TVs have significantly better picture quality than the 7 Series TVs. With their superior display panels, they can produce deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a wider range of colors. This results in a more immersive viewing experience with enhanced detail and texture. Additionally, the 8 Series TVs have advanced features like quantum dot technology and local dimming, which further enhance their picture quality.
However, it’s worth noting that the 7 Series TVs still offer excellent picture quality, especially in brightly lit rooms. They may not be able to match the 8 Series’ level of detail and color accuracy, but they can still provide a great viewing experience. Moreover, the 7 Series TVs have some features that can help improve their picture quality, such as HDR support and wide color gamut.
Do both series support HDR?
Yes, both the 7 Series and 8 Series TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range). HDR allows for a greater range of contrast levels and colors, resulting in a more lifelike viewing experience. Both series support various HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). However, the 8 Series TVs have more advanced HDR capabilities, including the ability to display more vivid colors and contrast levels.
It’s worth noting that the 8 Series TVs also support Samsung’s proprietary HDR format, HDR10+. This format allows for more precise control over brightness, color, and contrast, resulting in an even more immersive viewing experience. The 7 Series TVs do not support HDR10+, but they still offer excellent HDR performance.
What’s the difference in their smart TV capabilities?
Both the 7 Series and 8 Series TVs come with Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which provides a range of smart TV features. However, the 8 Series TVs have more advanced smart TV capabilities, including a more intuitive interface and better voice control. The 8 Series TVs also have more built-in apps and support for more third-party services, making it easier to access your favorite streaming services.
The 7 Series TVs still have a range of smart TV features, including built-in apps for popular services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, their interface may not be as intuitive, and they may not have as many built-in apps as the 8 Series TVs. Additionally, the 7 Series TVs may not have the same level of voice control, making it more difficult to navigate their menus and find content.
Do both series have the same connectivity options?
Both the 7 Series and 8 Series TVs have a range of connectivity options, including HDMI ports, USB ports, and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, the 8 Series TVs have more advanced connectivity options, including support for HDMI 2.1 and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). HDMI 2.1 allows for faster data transfer rates and support for higher frame rates, while eARC enables passthrough of higher-quality audio formats.
The 7 Series TVs also have a range of connectivity options, but they may not be as advanced as those found on the 8 Series TVs. They may not support HDMI 2.1 or eARC, which could limit their ability to handle higher-quality audio and video signals. However, they still have enough connectivity options to meet the needs of most users.
How do their prices compare?
The prices of the 7 Series and 8 Series TVs vary depending on the specific model and size. However, in general, the 8 Series TVs are more expensive than the 7 Series TVs. This is due to their advanced display panels, processors, and feature sets. The 8 Series TVs are positioned as premium products, and their prices reflect their high-end status.
The 7 Series TVs, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly. They offer excellent picture quality and smart TV capabilities at a lower price point than the 8 Series TVs. This makes them a great option for those who want a high-quality TV without breaking the bank. However, it’s worth noting that the prices of both series can vary depending on the retailer, promotions, and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to shop around.
Which series is right for me?
The right series for you depends on your budget, viewing habits, and personal preferences. If you want the best picture quality and are willing to pay a premium, the 8 Series TVs are the way to go. They offer superior display panels, advanced features, and a more intuitive interface.
However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest and greatest technology, the 7 Series TVs are a great option. They still offer excellent picture quality, smart TV capabilities, and a range of connectivity options at a lower price point. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different models before making a purchase.