Samsung JU7100 120Hz (240Hz effective) 3D Smart LED TV
Samsung’s JU7100 and JU7500 are the top tier series in their 2015 standard 4K line-up before moving to the premium SUHD series. If you are concerned about picture quality and features of the 7 series versus the SUHD series, don’t fret. You will still obtain excellent picture quality and a very good feature suite with the 7 series, although it still will not match the performance and features of the SUHD series.
The JU7500 is the curved model, while the JU7100 is the flat-panel model. Available screen sizes for the JU7100 are 40, 50, 60 65 and 75 inches. This review can be applied to all screen sizes.
Design/Features
The JU7100 is a very handsome display featuring a very thin brushed silver chamfered bezel. The TV stand is also attractive and features a T-shaped design with a brushed silver finish. The depth of the panel is fairly thin at about two inches at its slimmest point and contains two down-firing speakers housed within the rear and bottom section of the display panel.
JU7100 Side View
Although the JU7100 doesn’t contain all the bells and whistles and picture-enhancing technology as the premium SUHD series, it still serves up plenty in these areas that will surely please and satisfy all but the pickiest consumers.
The JU7100’s glossy screen uses LED edge-lit backlighting for illumination and works in conjunction with Samsung’s UHD Dimming with Precision Black local dimming for excellent contrast and black levels.
Other picture-enhancing features include Peak Illuminator and Contrast Enhancer. Peak Illuminator enhances brightness, while the Contrast Enhancer optimizes contrast across multiple zones of the screen.
The display’s Ultra Clear Pro Panel absorbs ambient light, which reduces reflections for a better viewing experience in brightly lit rooms. It also displays deeper blacks and enhanced contrast for crystal clarity and reduces glare, so you can see a clearer image and enjoy more detail.
For video processing, application management and web browsing, this TV is equipped with a quad-core processor which is also used to execute functions within the smart TV platform featuring Samsung’s Tizen operating system. This new Smart Hub is very user-friendly with a layout that is similar to LG’s WebOS platform. So using your favorite apps such as Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus YouTube, Pandora and Spotify can be accomplished with ease.
Smart Touch Remote
The all-new smart touch remote features a very compact design that fits comfortably in my hand. The button layout is minimal which allows for more user-friendly functionality. This remote also has a voice recognition feature that allows you to control the TV with the sound of your voice. The remote can also be used as a computer mouse and simply point and click to operate TV functions.
For those of you who want and appreciate 3-D viewing, this set is 3-D-ready and can be used with active 3-D glasses, which unfortunately are not included with the TV and must be purchased separately.
This set allows for a wireless connection to your home’s network using 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology and has full web browser capability for surfing the internet. Wi-Fi direct is also available.
Connection Ports
To connect video devices that contain HDMI ports and to make a digital optical audio connection to the TV, the JU7100 is supplied with a One Connect Mini box. This tiny box is a scaled-down version of the full-size One Connect that is supplied with the JS9500 and JS900 from the SUHD series. This device connects to the TV using a supplied 6.5 ft proprietary cable.
JU7100 Rear Panel
Connection ports include:
- 4 HDMI 2.0 inputs (HDCP 2.2 compliant)
- 1 Component video input (rear of TV)
- 1 Composite video input (rear of TV)
- 3 USB inputs/ one on TV
- 1 Ethernet input (rear of TV)
- 1 RF input for antenna/cable/satellite (rear of TV)
- 1 Digital optical audio output
- 1 Stereo minijack output (rear of TV)
One Connect Mini Box
Performance
From the very beginning of my picture evaluation of the JU7100, I must say I was very impressed with what I saw. This display produced some extremely gorgeous 4K and images.
The color palette rendered by this set was simply first-rate. Colors were delivered with an excellent blend of richness, vibrancy and tonal accuracy which gave the colors a very natural and life-like appearance.
Picture detail and clarity were also excellent on this display. Fine detail in the images I viewed was very well resolved right down to the smallest points of detail; for example, I was able to make out all the fine texture in animal fur from the wildlife footage I viewed.
Picture image depth was rendered with extreme clarity which enabled me to see very fine subtle detail deep into the on-screen image.
Black level performance on this set was very good, providing deeply saturated blacks with very good shadow detail.
During my picture evaluations, I always like to test for contrast capability by seeing how well a display can render white text against an all-black background… the JU7100 did an excellent job on this test, delivering very good peak white brightness performance with no blooming; while at the same time delivering deep and very dark black levels to the rest of the image. Very good performance.
4K upscaling of 1080p sources on this TV was some of the best I’ve seen to date. I watched several scenes from the Blu-ray edition of Despicable Me 2. Images from this film were absolutely breathtaking, and if I didn’t know any better I could have been convinced this was a native 4K image source. That’s just how great this image appeared to my eyes.
The colors were very vibrant without being over-saturated. The image was also full of detail and clarity, that at times gave it a very three-dimensional appearance. I was very impressed.
Even though 4K content is not widely available at this time, you can still enjoy the benefits of a 4K display by viewing your Blu-ray disc collection which will be upscaled to near 4K quality by this TV’s excellent processing engine.
Motion Blur: I didn’t detect any issues with motion blur while viewing fast-action content on the JU7100.
Side angle viewing: There was some image dimming on this set when I viewed the screen at off-axis angles, however, the dimming was minimal and was not very distracting. There was also a slight loss in color saturation.
Picture uniformity appeared to be very good with no noticeable clouding or LED light bleed.
The sound quality of the JU7100’s speakers was not very good as is the case with most flat panel displays. The sound output had the usual “thin and lean” characteristics I’m accustomed to hearing from this display panel design. So using a soundbar with this TV is definitely recommended.
For all your video gamers out there, you will be pleased to hear this TV has a very low input lag, which makes it ideal for playing your favorite video games.
Conclusion
Samsung is certainly off to a good start this year with its excellent additions to the 4K Ultra HD TV market including the JU7100 under review here. The JU7100 has been added to my “shortlist” of televisions that could serve as my main home theater viewing display… I enjoyed its performance that much.
Overall, this set offers first-rate performance with 4K and 1080p picture images, delivering exceptional color, detail, clarity and black-level performance.
So if you are one of the many consumers considering the move to a 4K display this year, be sure to check out Samsung’s JU7100. Highly recommended.
My Rating & Specs
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Samsung JU7100
Wrap Up
Price:$2,799.99
Check current price at Amazon.com
Pros:
• Outstanding picture quality delivering excellent color, detail, clarity and deep black level performance.
• Very good 4K upscaling
• Redesigned smart TV platform featuring Tizen OS
• Great video gaming TV. Very low input lag.
• Cool remote control
Cons:
• Minimal picture dimming and color saturation loss at wide viewing angles.
• 3D glasses not included
Specs:
Screen size reviewed: 65″
Dimensions:
• With stand (W X H X D) 57.6″ x 35.3″ x 11.6″
• Without stand (W X H X D) 57.6″ x 33.2″ x 2.3″
Weight:
• With stand: 61.9 lbs
• Without stand: 52.5 lbs
Warranty: One year parts and labor.
You may also like these reviews of Samsung’s 65″ JS9000 SUHD and 55″ J6300 1080p TVs.
Thanks for review.
I am very close to purchasing the JU7100. But I keep looking at the JS8500 ( the flat version of the JS9000 you reviewed).
I really had no intention ( or business) spending $4000 on a TV…but I keep wondering if I should push my budget and find the extra $1000 to get the SUHD.
I tend to keep TV’s for 5-6 years before replacing and wonder if the JU7100 would be a keeper for the next 5 years or I’d be a fool not to upgrade at this time to the newer technology.
Thanks for any input.
Hi David,
Thanks for checking out this review.
If you desire to have the latest technology that the SUHD Series provides, but end up purchasing the JU7100 instead, you may end up asking yourself should I have purchased the JS8500, as you may begin to wonder how much of an improvement in picture quality I could have had by purchasing the JS8500.
To save yourself from this possible scenario and if you can spare the extra cash, and considering that you keep TV’s for several years, then I would consider going for the JS8500. But on the other hand, and not meaning to make your decision more complicated, you may also want to consider that this new technology will eventually trickle down to the non-premium models and at that time will be much cheaper to obtain.
This is just my advice and opinions. And I’m not trying to make the choice for you… because at the end of the day, you’re the one who should be totally satisfied with your purchase decision. Hope this helps.
How can the TV have deep black level performance and minimal picture dimming?
VA panels all have pretty much the same native black levels.
Hi John,
The picture dimming I’m referring to is when the TV screen is viewed at wide angles. Which is a common anomaly of all LED based displays.
When viewing the JU7100 head on, there is no picture dimming; therefore, there will be no loss in picture brightness, color saturation or black level performance.
Thank you for your question and comments.
how does overall picture quality compare to last years HU8550? is the upscale noticably improved?
Hi Ray,
Since I wasn’t able to compare these two TVs at the same time, I can not give you a accurate comparison of their picture quality and 4K upscaling. I would have to go off of memory alone. But what I can tell you is that both of these displays have excellent picture quality. However, if I had to assume which set may have the best picture quality performance, I would say it probably would be the JU7100 due to its latest technology features. Thanks for the question.
I am big time home theater nut who has been eternally searching for my 4K TV budget up to $4500(at the same time trying to save some). My choices are: Samsung 65JS9000, 65JS8500, 65JU7100, 65HU9000,75HU8550 and Sony 70XBR850b and 65X850C.
I think size is more important the quality since Samsung and Sony make great 4K TVs even at the entry level point. But 2015 models have some great improvements. I am lost!
My top 2 choices are: Sony 70XBR850b and Samsung 75HU8550, again I will take bigger TV and sacrifice a little quality.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Skim,
Lets start with your top 2 choices – the Sony 70XBR850B and the Samsung 75HU8550… both of these TVs provide excellent performance. However, and in my opinion, the HU8550 may have a slight edge in picture quality.On the other hand, the XBR850B has the better video processor (X-Reality Pro engine) and does provide better 4K upscaling. This feature will come in handy when viewing 1080p blu-ray disc on the 850B, which delivers some of the best 4K upscaling of 1080p sources I have seen to date.
As for the other models you mentioned, the 2015 Samsung’s are good choices which reportedly have better picture quality over last years models, especially the JS Series which provides picture enhancing features such as Nano-Crystal and HDR technologies, and a 10-bit display panel.
The HU9000 – which was Samsung’s top model from last year can know be had at a much lower price, however, this years JS Series reportedly has better picture quality.
The Sony X850C is not available yet.
Since you state that size is more important than picture quality, you may probably want to go with one of the discounted 2014 models and save yourself some cash. And no matter which TV you choose from your list of choices, you will end up with a set that provides excellent picture quality.
What difference between this one and the older HU7500? for example picture quality,viewing-angles 4k viewing youtube and other streamings ? hu7500 got more inputs
Hi Kenneth,
In your comments the Samsung model you are referring to: the HU7500, is a European model. So I can’t give you any answers to your questions since I only review and are familiar with USA models. However, I can tell you that the inputs on both models are about the same with the exception of the scart input which is not used in the US.
Hi Milton, I am in the market to buy an entry level 4K TV. My choices are now down to Samsung 65JU7100 and the Sony 6X850C. Any advice? Thanks
Henry
Hi Henry, Sony’s XBR850C Series in 55″ and 65″ screen sizes will be available on May 8th through Amazon.com, and I assume with other retailers as well. Since I have not reviewed or evaluated an 850C model, I can’t comment on its actual performance at this time. But I am willing to say if it is as good as last years equivalent models (850B Series), it will be an excellent performer with an even better features suite.
As for the Samsung 65JU7100, I recently reviewed this TV and found it to be and excellent performer. It is also getting very good reviews from consumers as well. Personally, this TV is on my short list of current 4K UHD TVs to purchase or recommend to potential buyers.
However, since you are also considering the Sony XBR-65X850C, you may want to wait a few weeks and check out this model when it becomes available before making your decision.
If cost is a factor, the 65″ JU7100 at $2,799.99 is much cheaper than the 65″ 850C priced at $3,500.00.
Hope this helps, and thanks for your question.
Hi Milton,
I am considering getting samsung-un65ju7100. I read several reviews mentioning wi-fi connection problems out of the box. Have they corrected the problem in TVs they are selling now? Where can I get best deal on this TV?
How is Samsung support? Can they send a USB with latest software/firmware update as my router is not near my TV loaction and I don’t have a RJ-45 cable that long!
Hi Girnar,
As far as any Wi-Fi connection issues, I’ve only heard of one consumer related circumstance, and that individual my have been having problems with their network. I spoke with a Samsung rep today and asked about any known Wi-Fi connection problems and I was told there were none.
My experience with Samsung support has been just fine. They were able to answer all of my questions. However, I have only had to contact them on one occasion.
A firmware update can be sent to you from Samsung which can be applied to your TV via a USB device. All you have to do is contact product support at 1 800 726-7864 and give them your model number.
As far a best pricing, all of the retailers I’ve checked with are priced about the same, coming in at just under $2,800 for the 65″ JU7100.
Is the JU7100 capable of HDR content?
Hi Josh,
The JU7100 is not compatible with HDR content. This feature is only available on the premium SUHD Series.
Great info! I am torn between the H7150 and the newer version in the JU7100. Cost is always an issue of course, but want to know if the cost is worth it. Don’t game and am a huge sports guy. My 2010 55C6300 just went out and I’m looking for the closest picture to it. The current 6300’s don’t have the clear coat display like mine. I want a 60″ but all the talk of the 60’s and the Sharp panels they used on the 7150 60″ (HH &GH versions) are also a concern for me. Or is the panel lottery a myth? Any opinion/info would be much appreciated.
Hi Ty,
Glad you liked this review, thanks. The 55C6300 is a 2010 model and still delivers good picture when compared to the latest selection of Samsung LED based displays. However, in my experience and opinion, the latest (higher end) LED models from Samsung, including last years H7150 and this years JU7100, provide better picture quality than the C6300. In fact, the H7150 and JU7100 are more similar in picture quality vs. the C6300. I have reviewed both the H7150 and JU7100 and found they both have excellent picture quality, and could live happily with either model. In addition, they both have the glossy/clear coat screen finish you desire.
But, if I had to choose between the to, I would go with the JU7100 simply because of the latest technology including the 4K image quality and 4K upscaling capability which I happen to enjoy. And as you already know, the H7150 is 1080p model. Also, when you factor in the cost of these displays, the 55″ models of the H7150 and JU7100 are currently priced about the same on Amazon; so if you’re still interested in the 55″ screen size, then the JU7100 would be the obvious choice in my opinion.
Since you are concerned about the type of panels used in the 60″ models of the H7150, I suggest you consider the 65″ H7150 if you decide to go with this series.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
I just bought a Sony XBR800B 65″ TV. While I like it, if it watch Football (from FIOS), I see a lot of pixelation/smudging in the background when the camera pans….perhaps from not as good upscaling. I’m thinking of trading it in for a JU7100 65″. Do you think that’ll have better upscaling? Since most of my tv watching will be sports (on FIOS), upscaling and low artifacts/smudging in the background and low motion blur are my highest priority. Do you think the JU7100 is better for that than the XBR800B?
Do you think the JU7100 is more ready for the future (in regards to HDMI ports and HDCP compatibility) than the Sony XBR800B?
Thanks.
Hi Praveen,
Sony’s X-Reality Pro Engine is considered to be one of the best TV video processors in the industry, and in my opinion provides better upscaling than Samsung’s video processing. With that said, I really don’t think your TV’s video processing is the problem. I believe it may be your video signal from FIOS… I’m not saying that FIOS is providing an inferior signal, in fact FIOS has one of the best signals available which is transmitted over their fiber optics network.
I believe your issues may be caused by video signal compression, which is used to free up bandwidth space to allow for more video signals (channels) to be sent over the video infrastructure. However, from my knowledge, FIOS doesn’t recompress their video signals, but the video signals from head-end service providers such ESPN is most likely being compressed which will cause signal degradation and can result in pixelation and smudging, as well as other signal artifacts that are then passed on to FIOS and eventually the end customer.
You may also have faulty equipment from FIOS which they would be able to identify. Yet another issue may be in your homes wiring or connection terminals. However, these two scenarios are unlikely considering you only experience your video issues during camera pans.
One trouble shooting step you can use to determine if your FIOS signal maybe at fault, is to connect a blu-ray player to your TV via an HDMI connection using a high-quality video source on blu-ray disc of a sporting event such as football and see if you are still having your pixalation and smudging problems.
As far as which TV is more ready for the future in terms of connectivity… both TVs have 4 HDMI 2.0 ports, and are HDCP 2.2 compatible.
Also, both TVs offer good motion blur control.
Hope this helps.
I recently bought the Sony 55XBR850C TV, which has a great picture when viewing straight on. Some of the seating in my family room, however, is at an angle from the TV, which degrades the picture. I am thinking of exchanging it for the Samsung 55JU7100. Is the Samsung less affected by viewing angle than the Sony? It’s hard to tell in the store, but the Samsung didn’t seem to be affected as much to me. Also, some other review sites say that both TVs suffer about the same from this problem. I’d very much like to get your input on this as well as how these two TVs stack up against one another. Thank you, and thanks for the great review.
Hi Frank,
Without doing a side-by-side comparison of the these two TV’s, I can’t say for certain if one out performs the other where side angle image degradation is concerned.
However, I recall both theses TV’s having minimal amounts of picture dimming and color saturation loss when viewed at side angles.
Something else to consider is that the JU7100 has a brighter picture image than the 850C; this can help to minimize the effects of side angle picture dimming.
Hope this helps, and thanks for reading this review.
Thanks for the quick reply, Milton. I do have one more question, though. I am also considering the 1080p, 55″ OLED TV by LG. I know that this TV has no side angle viewing issue, and is not 4K, but would this TV in general outperform the 55XBR850C and 55JU7100 TVs?
Thanks again!
Hi Frank,
In my opinion and experience, LG’s OLED 1080p models will out perform most, if not all 4K LED models in every picture characteristic except for image resolution and picture detail. If you want to stick with a 4K model, you may want to consider LG’s 4K 55″ EG9600. It’s a bit pricey though, at just under five grand.
Thanks again, Milton. I do have one final question. Referring to the 55 inch 1080p OLED model – are the picture detail or resolution differences noticeable relative to 4K at normal viewing distances? Thanks.
Hi Frank, when referring to a 1080p OLED of 55″ vs. a 4K model of the same screen size, there is (or can be) a small but yet noticeable difference in detail at normal viewing distances. And depending on the quality of the content you are viewing, you may have to sit even closer to the TV screen to see a difference.
In my opinion and experience, you will see a more notable difference with screen sizes of 65″ and larger.
Regards
Hi-
In the market for 2 televisions. A 60 or 65 inch for living room and 49 or 55 for den. My leans are the JS7000 on sale at video only for $1,100, the XBR850C and XBR65X810C. I went to the store today and the XBR65X810c wasn’t as bad as everyone said. Color isn’t as vibrant as the TRILUMINOS Sony’s or the 7000 with nano crystals. My concerns on the Samsung is the 60 refresh rate. I noticed on ESPN ticker some lag yet when watching sports not an issue. Salesman popped in a DVD for me and I watched X-Men on the Samsung and it was an amazing picture. Just read on rtings.com that the movie rating is 56. Gaming and sports much higher. Need sets that are good for regular television viewing and some sports and minimal gaming. I”m really leaning towards Sony brand and the 120 refresh rate with the better processor. I’m also considering the XBR830C 49 inch for my bedroom or the XBR55X810C at 55 inch or the XBR55X850C. Confused and need some advice. Thanks.
Hi Johnny,
I haven’t done a review on the Samsung JS7000, so I’m not very familiar with this set. However, I did do some quick research on this model and found that it has an IPS panel which detracts from picture quality in the form of black levels and contrast reproduction. It also does not support 24p content which will induce motion judder when watching movies. You mentioned that the JS7000 had an amazing picture – so I must ask – did you view this TV in a brightly lit showroom floor? If so, that type of environment would mask the TV’s mediocre contrast and black levels; which means if you were to view this TV in a dark environment, the picture image would not appear as good.
With that said, my personal preference would be to go with the XBR850C for your living room to achieve best overall image quality of the TVs you are considering for purchase. As far as your den goes, I would choose the XBR810C which will provide good picture quality at a more affordable price. These two TVs offer decent motion blur control for sporting events and other fast action content. These TVs also provide low input lag which makes them good choices for video gaming.
The least expensive XBR830C isn’t a bad choice for your den if you are willing to sacrifice a bit on picture quality.
Thanks Milton for the information. Purchased the 810 for my den and 850 for the living room. What I’ve found is I prefer a lot of color and pop on my screen. The 850C seems to offer that. I want to future proof my television and was wondering if wide color gamut is really that big of a deal for hdr content in the future. I”m considering trading in the 810C for the 850 model. Only hesitation is I read the 810 is better for gaming and watching sports. The main viewing for me in the den is movies, sports and low amounts of video gaming.
I made an adjustment to the 810 by using live color ( high) It helped a bit with color pop. I do like this television a lot its just the color pop that’s missing. Do you think the 7100 series Samsung would be a better choice that the 810C? Or go with the 55 inch 850 for the color gamut and future proofing.
Hi Johnny,
If you’re looking for that extra pop in color, then I suggest you go with the Samsung JU7100 over the Sony XBR810C since it does deliver better overall color reproduction.
As far as the Sony XBR850C is concerned, this would be the model I would personally go with due to its HDR capability, which will substantially improve picture quality when HDR content becomes available. You will also get an increase in color performance with this TV thanks in part to its wider color gamut.
Milton-
I agree with you the 850c is the way to go. Im sitting around 8 feet from the screen and noticing a bit of eye strain. I always move my eyes to view the corners of the display. Im wondering if this is too big a television for me. Unfortunately there is no 50 inch 850c. Id go with the samsung 8500 in a 48 inch which i can pick up for 1,200 on a scratch and dent. Sounds like an incredible deal and has the nano crystal display. Whats your thought on this television? Its not down to size versus screen quality.
Johnny,
My first suggestion to you is to sit a foot or two further from the TV screen if possible and see if this helps to alleviate your eye strain and lessen your eye movement to the corners of the screen.
I have yet to do a review on the JS8500; however, I do know this is a very good television and would be a good choice if you what to go with a smaller screen size.
The TV supports HDR and HDMI 2.0a now after firmware update in September 2015. In the manufacturer list of Amazon, HDR is indicated as a feature:
Peak luminance is not as bright as in the JS-series. But to my experience with this model you get an excellent, brilliant HDR picture in a normal (dim) living room.
Thanks for the info, Gustav. However, I wasn’t able to find the info regarding HDR support on Amazon’s website.
Can you please tell me where is HDMI port of the model UN65JU7100. I have Suddenlink box the I tried to find the hdmi to connect but I really don’t know where’s the one??
Hi Hemvicheth,
The HDMI ports are located on the One Connect Mini box that is supplied with the UN65JU7100.
Regards,