Review: Samsung UE65 RU7475

Samsung offers a large selection of TV models in all sizes and price ranges. In the middle of this stack we find the RU7475 series, which is one of Samsung’s dearer budget models. It’s available in sizes ranging from 43 to 65 inches with a seemingly promising price/device value ratio.

The Samsung screen has a stylish aesthetic that’s easy to like. The V-shaped centre foot brings to mind the company’s QLED models. However, it should be said this makes it a little harder to fit a soundbar directly below the screen. The RU7475 has a clever solution for hiding power and signal cables, which can be led through a slot and down through the foot.

User-friendliness and features

One good argument for choosing the RU7475 over cheaper Samsung models is its gorgeous remote control in brushed metal. It uses Bluetooth and therefore doesn’t depend on the user pointing it directly at the screen. It also has a clever button layout that makes it a dream to use. Samsung’s own Tizen menu system is simple and straightforward while offering many interesting apps. There’s plenty of streaming content to explore: Besides Netflix and HBO, you also get access to Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten TV plus a plethora of local services.

The Samsung RU7475 supports open HDR formats like HDR10 + and HLG but unfortunately has to do without Dolby Vision. This means that some movies and series (including Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and the Marvel series cannot be viewed with dynamic metadata. Our impression, however, is that the TV’s built-in image processing manages to compensate for this in many instances, but we’d like to have seen Samsung embracing Dolby as many of its competitors have now done.

Image Quality

The Samsung screen is equipped with a VA (Vertically Aligned) LCD panel which typically offers a smaller viewing angle in favour of better contrast/black levels. Sitting at the side of the screen, the picture bears hints of washed-out colours and faded contrast when compared to the LG and Philips IPS panels. On the other hand, when sitting right in front of the screen, image quality looks great. This also applies in a comparison with Sony and TCL, which use similar panel technology: Samsung has a generally sharper image with more detail and is also best when it comes to preserving image sharpness during motion – a definite advantage for sports content with rapid panning.

Samsung also comes into its own when we dim the lights and choose Film mode for watching a movie. The Netflix movie “Mowgli” is presented in 4K HDR format, and here it’s evident how the 65RU7475 renders the dark jungle scenes with sparkling contrast and black level. The dark fur of Bagheera appears far more clearly here, while there’s more bite in the bright nuances.

Sound quality:

The Samsung screen has a fairly ordinary audio system with undermounted stereo speakers and 20 watts of output power. However, the listening impression is that RU7475 has a rich and clear sound that is good for general TV viewing – clearly above the average. 

Conclusion

The RU7475 holds its end up well against the competition and emphasizes that Samsung is still among the smartest in class in terms of design, image quality and overall user experience. The remote control and menu system are still sewn together more intuitively than its Android competitors can manage. In addition, image quality is sharper with better contrast. Audio quality is not bad when we take price into account. That’s why we’ve plumped for the Samsung RU7475 as the test’s overall best TV!