By: CE Critic - Buy Better Tech

Samsung is making massive 98-inch TVs more accessible with the introduction of its DU9000 Crystal UHD 4K TV. Priced at $4,000, it directly challenges similar offerings from TCL and Hisense.

The Supersized Screen Trend

The market for 98-inch TVs is booming. "Just a few years ago, a 65-inch TV seemed huge," said James Fishler, SVP of Home Entertainment at Samsung Electronics America. "Now, consumers crave even bigger screens. Sales of 98-inch TVs have exploded by nearly 15 times since last year."

Samsung DU9000: Key Specs and Features

• Screen Size: 98 inches
• Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
• Panel Type: Crystal UHD (likely a VA-type LCD panel)
• Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10, HLG
• Backlight: Edge-lit LED (no local dimming)
• Smart TV OS: Tizen
• Gaming Features: Motion Xcelerator, Game Bar, AI Auto Game Mode, Cloud Gaming Support (Xbox, GeForce Now)
• Upscaling: Supersize Picture Enhancer (for mitigating distortion on large screens)

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung DU9000 is available now for $4,000 directly from Samsung and other retailers.

How Does the DU9000 Stack Up?

The DU9000's main selling points are its immense size and affordability. Here's how it compares to rivals:

Samsung DU9000 vs. TCL and Hisense

• Price: The DU9000 is competitively priced against TCL's entry-level 98-inch models. However, TCL often offers discounts, so you might find their options at a lower price. Hisense also has similarly priced 98-inch options.
• Picture Quality: Lacking advanced features like MiniLED backlighting or Quantum Dot technology, the DU9000 likely won't match the peak brightness and color vibrancy of higher-end QLED models from Samsung, TCL, or Hisense.
• Gaming: The DU9000's 120Hz panel and gaming features should offer a smooth gaming experience, on par with most competitors.

Is the Samsung DU9000 Worth It?

The Samsung DU9000 is a compelling option if:

• You prioritize screen size above all else.
• You want a good gaming experience on a massive screen.
• You're on a tighter budget and can't splurge on premium QLED models.

If you can afford to spend more, consider TCL or Hisense 98-inch QLED TVs that offer better overall picture quality.

The Bottom Line

The Samsung DU9000 makes the dream of a supersized home theater more attainable. While it makes some compromises in picture quality, it delivers on size, gaming features, and that Samsung brand appeal. We can't wait for the reviews and CE Critic Score.