TCL 49S517 vs Samsung 50NU7100: Workhorse against the Quality Standard

The TCL 49S517 vs Samsung 50NU7100 testing allows me to see that both models have a great smart functionality and different limitations. These TVs were presented in the 2018 year. The Samsung’s device belongs to the NU7100 series, which provides each user with PurColor feature and very slim design. The TCL’s unit is a part of S517 series. It can surprise with 3 HDMI plugs presence and edge LED backlighting. The 49S517 costs less than the 50NU7100.
Picture
The 49S517’s display is not as bright as a 4K HDR display has to be. The black looks good at daytime, although it lacks local dimming. At late evening the black is not clear and is closer to dark-grey. The 50NU7100 has an amazing native contrast ratio and black is deep-black even when the room is filled with light. It is moderately bright and colors look natural. Both models have poor viewing angles.
The TCL’s sound is horrible because all the whistles and bells are barely perceptible. Moreover, the voices are quiet, while the music and nature sound are much louder. The Samsung’s sound clarity of voices is exceptional because I can hear even the whispers. Switching channels is slower in 49S517 that in 50NU7100 because after pushing the button the black screen appears and then the picture. On Samsung’s TV, the image appears immediately.
Design & Build quality
Only one glance is necessary to compare the Samsung 50NU7100 vs TCL 49S517 aesthetic appearance and see that Samsung’s device has a thinner border (0.35" versus 0.55"). I really like that the 50NU7100 is slimmer (2.24"), but it has wider legs for better sustainability; while the 49S517 is thicker (2.91") and has lower unsafe legs. At the same time, the TCL can boast with better ventilation systems, which is able to keep the device cool. Samsung has a very hot backside. Build quality of both units is amazing.
TCL 49S517 Pros & Cons
- Movies and streaming content via Netflix look great when the content has 1080 or native 4K resolution.
- There are no input lags on either of the inputs and super-fast paced FPS games.
- The TV suddenly goes black when I start streaming.
- Advertisements in the TV menu are very annoying.
Samsung 50NU7100 Pros & Cons
- The remote controller looks very modern and allows operating from any part of the room.
- The picture is incredible by default. I don’t need to change settings.
- Analog audio output works intermittently. The sound is constantly interrupted.
- 3 HDMI ports are not enough for a modern TV, especially, if I have to use 1 as an ARC.