55″ J6300 120Hz Full HD Smart LED TV
Currently, most manufacturers are focusing on their 4K UHD TV lineups and applying their best and latest technology features to these displays, as their popularity and consumer awareness continue to grow. This means that 1080p displays have taken a back seat to this latest technology.
Walk into your local electronics store and you will see the effects of this transition; for example, notice how most of the prime wall and shelf space is occupied by 4K Ultra HD models. However, if you look elsewhere within the same area, you will still find some 1080p full HD models.
Even though 4K UHD models are taking over the television landscape, 1080p models still remain popular among consumers. However, if you are looking for a 2015 high-end display, you may be out of luck, since for the most part, they are or will eventually be no longer offered by manufacturers. On the other hand, you will still be able to find quality 1080p models available for 2015.
Samsung’s UN55J6300, which is part of the company’s J6300 Series, is one of these models you will likely find on display. The J6300 Series is Samsung’s top-tier Full HD (1080p) lineup for this year and offers some of the company’s best smart features and picture quality enhancements, but still falls short of what their top 4K models are offering. The J6300 Series is available in 75″, 65″, 60″, 55″, 50″ and 32″ screen sizes.
Important note: There have been comments posted by consumers at Amazon.com and AVS Forum, that state the 50″ 60″ and 65″ models use non-Samsung LED display panels. These panels were reported to have lesser contrast, black level and motion blur performance than the models that use Samsung LED panels.
Design/Features
J6300 Side Angle View
In my opinion, the UN55J6300’s display panel design isn’t anything special, and aesthetically speaking, somewhat plain in appearance, yet still nice looking. The black bezel that surrounds the screen is very thin and measures less than a 1/2″ at its slimmest point. Panel depth measures just under 2″ at its thickest point.
The TV’s stand features a V-shaped design with an attractive brushed silver finish and actually has a high-end look in my opinion. The stand, although large enough, doesn’t keep the TV from wobbling, and leaves it a bit unstable.
The TV screen has a matt finish and is illuminated with edge-lit LED backlighting and uses Samsung’s Micro Dimming Pro technology that enhances contrast, black level and color performance.
Samsung’s Smart Hub smart TV Platform uses a quad-core processor to effortlessly execute the set’s smart TV functions. The Smart Hub gives you access to hundreds of apps including Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Blockbuster, Facebook, Twitter, sports and much more. The set also has built-in Wi-Fi and a full web browser.
Feature Highlights:
- Edge-lit LED backlighting
- Micro Dimming Pro
- Quad-Core Processor
- Wide Color Enhancer
- Smart Hub smart TV using Tizen OS
- Smart View 2.0
- Motion Rate 120 for motion blur control
- Standard full-size backlit remote control
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Full web browser
- DLNA Certified
- RVU ready
Samsung Smart Hub
Connectivity
- 4 HDMI inputs
- 1 Component input
- 1 Composite input (shared with component input)
- 1 Digital optical output
- 1 Audio output (mini jack)
- 3 USB inputs
- 1 Ethernet input
- 1 RF input for antenna/cable/satellite
- Built-in Wi-Fi and full web browser capability
- Wi-Fi Direct
Performance
The UN55J6300 delivered overall very good picture quality. One of the TV’s strong points was its contrast and black-level performance. For example, contrasting images with bright highlights and dark shadow elements were rendered very well and contained deeply saturated blacks.
Color rendering on this set was also very good, providing a pleasing color palette that was vibrant and tonally accurate with the proper amount of saturation. In addition, flesh tones were accurately rendered and had a very natural appearance.
Picture detail and sharpness were very good for a 1080p TV; for example, close-up shots of an actor’s face showed plenty of detail and clarity without being over-processed with a sharpness that can give the image an unnatural digital appearance.
Black uniformity was very good on this set and had no perceived clouding or flashlighting.
I didn’t detect any motion blur issues on any of the fast-action content I viewed.
Sound quality from the TV’s two down-firing speakers actually sounded better than I expected. The sound output wasn’t as lean and anemic as what I usually hear from this type of panel design. Instead, the audio quality was actually a tad more full-bodied and contained a bit more impact. Bass output, however, was still lacking.
During my side angle viewing assessment with this set, I experienced a fair amount of picture dimming while viewing off-axis. Even though this dimming wasn’t too excessive, I still advise you to keep side angle viewing to a minimum on this display.
Conclusion
The UN55J6300 is Samsung’s top-of-the-line Full HD 1080p TV for 2015. However, it isn’t a true high-end model since it is lacking in certain design elements, build quality and features. If you are seeking a “high-end” Samsung 1080p model, you may want to check out last year’s H7150 Series while they are still available.
However, in its own right, the UN55J6300 is a great 1080p TV and is one of the best models available for 2015. It has very good picture quality, a solid set of features, and a reasonable price tag for a top-tier model. So, if you’re not ready or don’t have a desire to purchase a 4K UHD TV any time soon, and are in the market for a good Full HD display, then check out the J6300 Series from Samsung. HDTVs and More recommended.
My Rating & Specs
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Samsung J6300
Wrap Up
Price: $998.00
Check current price at Amazon.com
Pros:
• Very good picture quality including excellent contrast and black level performance
• Great for viewing in a bright room
• Smart TV platform featuring Tizen OS
Cons:
• Side angle picture dimming
• Wobbly stand design
• No 3D (If you desire this feature)
Specs:
Screen size reviewed: 55″
Dimensions:
• With stand (W X H X D) 48.4″ x 30.3″ x 12.2″
• Without stand (W X H X D) 48.4″ x 27.9″ x 2.5″
Weight:
• With stand: 36.8 lbs
• Without stand: 34.6 lbs
Warranty: One year parts and labor
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These panels are not 60 Hz. I’m not sure where this is coming from. A look at the UN55J6300 service menu shows it being 120 Hz. I have the UN75J6300 and it is listed as SDC-240 Hz.
Hi pAmper,
My previous research for the UN55J6300 has shown conflicting results as far as the panel type for this set. I’ve seen this from other reviews as well as info posted in forums. Since receiving your comment, I decided to do a bit more research; what I found was more conflicting info on panel types – a post from AVS Forum shows the panel type according to a website called Panelook.com as 60Hz. However, in another post in that same thread there is a link to Rtings.com that states how manufacturers apply their TV’s refresh rates. What I discovered is what Samsung’s Motion Rate means for their 1080p and 4K displays (see here). And according to this info, I now tend to believe that the J6300 Series does indeed have a 120Hz panel.
Thanks for your comment pAmper, which prompted me to gather more insight on this much disputed topic.
Note: A link was removed for SSL reasons.
I remain confused by the motion rate jargon. I believe up to 2014, Samsung called it the CMR , but in 2015 they have changed the CMR to just motion rate. So, unless my thinking is incorrect, the motion rate has been advertised as 120 (using the CMR) and 60 (using this year’s motion rate). However the “real” refresh rate is 60Hz for either case is my thinking.
This reminds me of the sound wattage outputs manufacturers used for their equipment spec. They used “peak watts” and other means to impress and confuse the consumer. Now, it looks as though just about all manufacturers use the standard RMS wattage output ratings for the “real” wattage output. I hope the TV manufacturers will agree on some sort of standard also for the motion rates, refresh rates, etc. so the consumer has a better means of comparing the specs.
Hi William,
You are correct in regards to Samsung’s motion rate numbers. And yes, it can be quite confusing trying to figure out what all the numbers really mean, especially since TV manufacturers use different methods for rating their TV’s refresh rate, which then falls under any given name they choose to call their specific motion rate technology – adding to the confusion.
And as you stated, it would be nice if there was an industry standard that all TV manufacturers would apply to motion rate specs to help clear up any consumer confusion. But I don’t think this will be happening anytime soon, if ever at all.
Thanks for your comments.
So, if you don’t think manufacturers will ever use some sort of standard they can agree on, I guess the consumer is simply faced with demoing the different brand TV’s themselves to find the one their eyes like the most? Again, as with audio, not all brands sound the same.
I just purchased the UN55J6300 as a Christmas present for my wife. Was able to buy a new one for less than $600 which seemed to present a good bargain for the viewing experience. Plus, she will be happy when she begins streaming movies, etc. on the TV. The reason I didn’t want to spend more money on a 4K resolution TV is because she will be sitting far enough from the TV (approximately 9 feet) to where I don’t think her eyes will be able to tell much difference (if any) between the 1080p or the 4k resolution, as I am under the belief that the human eye has its limitations. Now, if she was going to sit any closer, then I would then consider the advantage a 4k TV might have. For me, at least, pushing these 4k TV’s is another marketing ploy (just like the motion rate jargon) to impress the consumer into buying the “latest and greatest.”
I was more impressed with the OLED TV’s more than the 4k TV’s with all of the bells and whistles. I see some future improvements coming to TV’s, but will wait until I see which path(s) the TV manufacturers take in order to bring prices down as there will be a more common supply regarding the demand.
Since I’m pretty new to reading reviews, have you ever written a review that expresses, on a priority level, what you look for (from most to least) when evaluating a TV? Just how much weight do you put on the specs as opposed to your own personal viewing experience with a TV?
William,
I don’t write my reviews based on a “priority from most to least” outline, because for me those priorities will always be the same. But I do always cover what I consider the most important review aspects (priorities) which consist of performance, features and design, and in many cases, “great value” if so warranted.
I don’t put much emphasis on specs when doing a review. I sometimes use specs as a baseline reference of what to possibly expect from a particular TV. I put most of my emphasis on the performance of the TV under review in addition to my own personal viewing experience and opinions.
Thank you for your comments, much appreciated.
Well on my bill it states 120hz , just bought the 55 inch last night and have had no time to unpack it yet so cant comment any further.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for sharing this info. And as I stated in the comments above, I now believe this set has a 120Hz panel. Please let me know what you may discover regarding your UN55J6300.
I too have the 55″ and can confirm that it has a 120hz panel.
I’ve had the tv for a few days now and can say that the picture is wonderful. Deep blacks, vibrant colour (with the option to slightly saturate as Samsung does so well) with a quick smart hub.
My only concern lies in its refresh rate during sports and gaming modes. It’s vaguely noticeable while watching sports but more so while gaming, especially during quick fps type games.
I am on the verge of exchanging it for a new 60″ model of last year’s Sony KDL-60W850b (which is reported to handle motion much better).
I’d love to hear some feedback from anyone who has had experience with either.
Hi Brian, I also did a review of the Sony KDL-60W850B. Here is the link.
Thanks a lot Milton, I appreciate the link. What would you recommend? Im a fairly balanced viewer looking for a tv that can display sports without motion blur (which I’ve seen on the J6300), has a good HD cable box display and can handle gaming. I have a sound bar so sound isn’t an issue. I’m debating the 55″ Samsung and the 60″ Sony. Your help is much appreciated.
Hi Brian, both of these displays have very good overall picture quality, and I would be happy with either one in this regard. However, the W850B should be a better performer with video gaming due to its lower input lag rating.
I didn’t detect motion blur with either set, which you stated you did in your comments regarding the J6300. The time I spend on average evaluating motion blur performance is very limited during my review process; which may explain why I didn’t experience this issue with either TV. And of course it also depends on the fast action content being viewed.
So when it comes down to what you’re looking for in a TV, the Sony my have a slight edge in performance where gaming is concerned, and as you know, you also get a larger screen size with the Sony.
Hope this helps.
I just got this tv today. While watching it with the sound set to Movie, I noticed a lot of automatic adjustments happening when there were commercials or different levels of sound from the same show. In some cases it got too loud and had to turn it down. Other times it got to quiet and I had to turn it up. Is there a way to turn this sound adjustment off?
Hey Marc,
This TV has an “Auto Volume” control. In your TV’s menu, go to Sound and then Additional Settings. Next, go to the Auto Volume setting and deactivate it. This should solve your problem. It not, try a factory reset, and then go back and deactivate the Auto Volume again.
Hope this solves your problem.
I’m noticing that audio and video are not always in sync. Its worst when using wifi connection to Netflix or Amazon. Any suggestions?
Hi Dan,
The J6300 has an Audio Delay function that corrects timing mismatches between audio and video.
Go to the TV’s menu and select Sound > Additional Settings > Audio Delay, and adjust this setting. This should help correct your sync issues.
If this doesn’t fix your problem, try resetting the “sound settings” within the same menu, and if necessary, adjust the audio delay function again.
Hope this clears up your sync issues.