Buying a TV is hard. There are tons of acronyms, specs, and features to memorize and consider when trying to find the right TV. Samsung has thrown another wrench in the works with their Crystal UHD technology. How is it different from the UHD you’re probably used to viewing? That’s what we are going to determine today. So, stick around as we dive deep.
Crystal UHD vs UHD: Side by Side Comparison
Crystal UHD | UHD | |
---|---|---|
Resolution | 3840×2160 | 3840×2160 |
Display Type | LCD | LCD, LED |
Panel Type | IPS Panel | Varies by Brand |
Smart Features | Yes | Yes |
Manufacturer | Samsung | Various |
Crystal Processor | Yes | No |
Crystal UHD vs UHD: What’s the Difference?
Resolution
A lot of people believe that UHD and 4K are completely different. And while technically true, it is more complicated than that. UHD just refers to the type of 4K you would find on consumer TVs or gaming monitors. The difference is the resolution of each.
4K is the term used in the film for a resolution of 4096×2160. Most film-grade cameras like Arri Alexa Mini or a RED 4K camera shoot in this aspect ratio. Most editors in the film and TV industry use 4K as a shorthand for this resolution.
UHD, on the other hand, is 4K for consumer-grade TVs that you would find in a living room. The resolution of UHD is 3820×2160. So, traditional 4K is a little wider, but the picture quality isn’t diminished with UHD.
Processor
In a nutshell, Crystal UHD is the marketing term that Samsung uses to define its lineup of non-QLED TVs. Mainly, Crystal UHD TVs use an LCD panel and Samsung’s Crystal processor. The processor is the thing that most separates it from regular UHD TVs. Samsung claims the Crystal processor expands the range of color and makes everything you watch 4K. This refers to the type of upscaling process that Crystal UHD TVs do. It also bumps up the contrast a bit which can help the picture but not on its own.
Contrast and color accuracy are great, but if your TV doesn’t have the brightness it needs, it won’t really do much to help your picture. To confuse us, Samsung also uses the Crystal processor in some of its other TVs. Mainly just as a way to help with the upscaling of certain content.
Features
In terms of features, you can get Crystal UHD with all the smart features found on Samsung’s other TVs. They also support HDR10+, so they offer a great dynamic range. Unfortunately, they do not support Dolby Vision like the rest of Samsung’s TV lineup, a key drawback for Netflix fans.
Picture quality
It must be said that Crystal UHD doesn’t hold a candle to QLED in terms of picture quality. QLED gives you a clearer, brighter, and more vibrant image than any Crystal UHD TV on the market. Which means you are going to pay for that increase in quality. QLED TVs are infamously expensive and out of reach for some consumers. In a way, Crystal UHDs is the answer for Samsung loyalists who want a large 4K smart TV without breaking the bank.
Price
The main thing that Crystal UHD TVs have going for them is price. They are Samsung’s budget option. However, they lack some of the clarity and definition of QLED and even some regular UHD TVs. Despite being the budget option, Crystal UHD TVs from Samsung are still more expensive than UHDs like LG, Hisense, and even Samsung. That’s right, Samsung has some UHD TVs that are less expensive and, in my opinion, give you better picture quality. The problem with Crystal UHD is that it’s made with cheaper, older materials. It uses LCD panels which bring down the cost but don’t last as long as LED. The picture is also a bit muddled.
- Crystal clear colors
- WiFi and Bluetooth enabled
- Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, Browser supported
- Powered by Tizen
Crystal UHD vs UHD: 5 Must-Know Facts
Like a said, TVs are hard. It is difficult to find a definitive answer on which is better between Crystal UHD and UHD because there are so many factors to consider, and every TV maker does things a little differently. Still, here are some facts that can help you remember the differences for your next TV purchase.
- Crystal UHD and UHD have the same resolution of 3840×2160.
- Samsung is the only manufacturer of Crystal UHD TVs
- Crystal UHD has a proprietary processor called the Crystal processor. Samsung hasn’t said much about this chip other than it has 4-cores.
- Crystal UHD TVs are much cheaper than QLED TVs, but most regular UHD TVs are still cheaper than both.
- Crystal UHD TVs are made with LCD panels which bring the price down. However, they are also less durable than LED TVs
Crystal UHD vs UHD: Which is Better?
Crystal UHD TVs are basically Samsung’s entry-level 4K smart TVs, and nothing is wrong with that. All TV manufacturers produce a wide range of options for all budgets. The major difference between Crystal UHD and regular UHD is just the processing unit Samsung uses in their Crystal UHD TVs, there really isn’t anything to compare the two properly.
If budget isn’t an issue, buy a 4K QLED or LG UHD OLED. You will get a much better picture with higher contrast and richer color. If not, many UHD TVs out there will give you a better picture than the Crystal UHD TV lineup.
Ultimately, there is no real difference between Crystal UHD and UHD resolution or picture quality-wise. The difference is the technology, Samsung’s Crystal UHD processor. So, when you are looking to buy your next TV, remember that UHD is UHD, it correlates to the TV’s resolution and not necessarily the picture quality.
- Crystal clear colors
- WiFi and Bluetooth enabled
- Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, Browser supported
- Powered by Tizen
Next Up…
- NanoCell vs QLED: Two TV Displays Compared: Confused between NanoCell and QLED? We have simplified it for you. Find out more here.
- JBL vs. Bose: Which Audio Brand Is Best?: Which audio brand produces the best sound quality? Read our guide here.
- 4K UHD vs Blu-ray: How Do They Compare?: What produces the best viewing experience, Blu-ray or 4K UHD? Find out here.
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