Samsung UN50JU7100 Features Review

50 INCH 4K UHD LED TV

More on the UN50JU7100 UN50JU7100 Calibration and

Picture Settings

by Robert Wiley, Senior Editor

The 7-series LEDs from Samsung have been some of our favorite models over the past few years for its combination of excellent features and quality at a reasonable price. The JU7100 4K TV falls in the same category. Without going overboard with the very highest end features you get the ones you will appreciate most. These include UHD Picture Dimming, a quad core processor, contrast enhancer technology, precision black and peak illuminator picture quality adjustments. Also, the much upgraded Smart remote with touchpad and mic.

Picture Quality Rating: 90/100

"Light flow-through is exceptional and is one of the best traits of this TV"

As we've mentioned many times before, edge lit LED backlit LCDs are not the ideal picture technology, however Samsung's ultra clear coat screen is a big plus – especially from front and center of the screen. Light flow-through is exceptional and is one of the best traits of this TV. This is even more accentuated with the new Peak Illuminator technology employed which further accentuates light or bright areas of the screen. Images are clear and color information is accurate. Over time after use, some light bleed is likely to occur – noticeable during very dark or black background scenes. Colors pop very well for an LED TV and Samsung has the brightest LEDs (peak Whites) in the industry if you need a very bright screen. Last, the JU7100 includes a wide color enhancer plus technology for an expanded color pallet.


Color and contrast are strong suits of the JU7100, we were left very impressed. Also notice the attractive brushed silver frame Color and contrast are strong suits of the JU7100, we were left very impressed. Also notice the attractive brushed silver frame

HD to UHD Upscaling and Conversion

Ever wonder if the picture quality is better on a 4K UHD TV with a standard definition or HD signal pumped into it? The answer is yes only if the TV has a stellar upscaling and conversion technology built in. And with very limited 4K content available, upscaling quality is extremely important. Otherwise, you might as well purchase a 1080p TV. We give the JU7100 an average score in this category. The JU7100 analyzes the incoming signal, applies video noise reduction techniques, and scales up the lower resolution signal. Lastly, it enhances the detail which may be the most important bit. With HD signals the JU7100 upscaler did a nice job improving the picture quality detail by 40% or so to attempt to put a number on it. With lower resolutions you get less benefit from the JU7100s 4K resolution. This is one of the key differences between some of the higher priced 4K TVs, the upscaler technology employed is more robust.

Lastly, it enhances the detail which may be the most important bit. With HD signals the JU7500 upscaler did a nice job improving the picture quality detail by 40% or so to attempt to put a number on it. With lower resolutions you get less benefit from the JU7100s 4K resolution. This is one of the key differences between some of the higher priced 4K TVs, the upscaler technology employed is more robust.


A fine example of how broadcast TV can look great on a 4K display A fine example of how broadcast TV can look great on a 4K display

LED Edge Backlight – A Standout Feature

The light flow through created by the Samsung LED Backlights has been a major positive for the last couple of years and continues with this UHD offering. It's one of the TVs best characteristics. Some complain that it can cause screen uniformity issues. To tone down the LED backlight from causing some uneven screen uniformity issues turn the backlight setting (found in the picture settings menu) down to a more reasonable level – around 80% is what we recommend or even 70% if you are in a darker room. This will help keep screen uniformity and light bleed issues from arising and you still have plenty of brightness from this super bright LED TV. Having powerful LED backlighting in case you need it for super bright room conditions is a plus.

Side Angle Viewing – Still Room for Improvement " To the untrained eye, you may not notice the contrast degradation occurring from wider angles as much as we do" On the JU7100 Color and contrast do fade when viewing from off center though it is perhaps more subtle than in the past. The JU7100 is flat, but if you are super sensitive to the issue, possibly consider a curved screen, which does diminish side angle viewing weaknesses somewhat. Or go OLED and