Samsung UN46B8500 Review

Samsung UN46B8500

Overview
The Samsung UNB8500 series is by far the best LED TV. Unlike Samsung’s other LED TVs (i.e. UNB6000, UNB7000, and UNB8000 models) which use the LED as light sources positioned around the edges of the television screen, the UNB8500 series employ a full array of local dimming LEDs behind the screen which allows it to produce possibly the best flat-panel picture quality of the year. The UNB8500 is available in 2 sizes: the 55-inch UN55B8500, and the 46-inch UN46B8500 which is the one we are looking at in this review.

While having a full array of LED behind the screen, Samsung still manage to keep the ultra-slim profile on the UN46B8500. It measures only 1.6-inches deep at its thickest point and tapering even thinner toward the edges of the panel. Overall, the external design of the UN46B8500 is pretty similar to the UNB8000 series — with basic black frame, edged by a transparent border, giving the whole TV a jewel-like appearance.

In terms of picture quality, the local dimming technology of the Samsung UN46B8500 allows it to achieve much deeper black levels compared to the edge-lit models, thus providing a much better picture quality. Also, the Samsung UN46B8500 features 240Hz refresh rate which is higher than most other sets (normally 120Hz). As a result, it has a better motion resolution, although the difference might not seem obvious to most people. Samsung also includes an LED Motion Plus control that engages a sequential backlight scanning system to further improve motion resolution.


The Samsung UN46B8500 comes with a remote control that features RF capability. Once it’s paired with the TV, the users can remotely control the TV without having to aim the remote control to the TV.

Similar to other LED TVs, the biggest disadvantage of the Samsung UN46B8500 is still the price. It’s currently selling for $2049 on Amazon which is relatively pricier than other LCD TVs. However, what you get for the price is the best picture quality among all LCD TVs.

Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“In terms of video quality, this TV is awesome. I can’t imagine how the picture could be much better.

There are some minor picture quality issues with off-angle viewing (as the CNET review states), but I think CNET exaggerates the severity — it’s only noticeable to me if I’m far off center.

I haven’t yet noticed any…”

Read the full review >>

Technical Details

  • 7,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
  • Auto Motion Plus 240Hz
  • Medi@2.0 Internet@TV – Content Service; DLNA Wireless; Content Library (2GB Flash Memory); USB 2.0 Movie
  • Fast 2ms response time
  • 4 HDMI — Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) (side)

(see full specs)

Video Reviews

Review of Samsung UN46B8500 by CNet:

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