Samsung PN50A650 is one of the best plasma TV models from 2008. It has highly accurate colors and plenty of features. Though it is not as fantastic as Pioneer Kuro or high-end Panasonic plasma TVs, mainly because of its not so deep black levels, it still manages to offer superior picture quality and overall value compared to other models. This specific model comes with a red touch of color on its frame, this being Samsung’s trademark for 2008 HDTV models. PN50A650 is one of the high-end models from Samsung and in the reviews you will notice that is seen generally as a plasma TV worthy of your attention and money.
Pros:
- Cheaper than high-end Panasonic and Pioneer models
- Accurate primary colors
- Plenty of picture and color settings
- Good connectivity
- Generally, good picture quality
Cons:
- Black levels inferior to Panasonic high-end models and especially to Pioneer Kuro
- Red color of the frame is not optional. All Samsung models in the PN A650 class have the red tint.
Samsung PN50A650 Reviews
cNet.com
cNet has one of the most in-depth Samsung PN50A650 reviews around. They take a very technical approach, making detailed observations regarding each aspect that matters.
We expected the Samsung PN50A650 to perform very much like the excellent PN50A550 we reviewed earlier, and that’s pretty much what happened. The 650 delivered acceptable black levels, although they were not on a par with the best plasmas from Panasonic and Pioneer. Color accuracy was its major strength. We were also guardedly impressed by the 650’s improved anti-glare screen.
PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com - Panasonic TH-50PZ85U vs Samsung PN50A650
PlasmaTVBuyingGuide has an interesting approach, comparing PN50A650 to Panasonic TH-50PZ85U (a step-down version of TH-50PZ850U which is the top of the line plasma TV from Panasonic). In their review, they find the two plasma TVs to have a close value.
Both of these plasma TVs are high quality products. For Panasonic it’s two steps down from the top of the lineup while for Samsung, it’s only one. The Samsung PN50A650 ($2300) is typically around $100 to $200 more than the Panasonic TH-50PZ85 ($2100). Competing products from LG, Hitachi and lower end Samsung, and Panasonic plasma’s sell for around $1500 or less depending on the resolution. Are the two products reviewed worth the extra $500 to $700? Maybe, depending upon your needs. If nuances such as computer input, SD card slots, Touch of Color, more convenient input selection and upgraded processors are important to you. Both units supposedly have upgraded speakers (I’m suspect in Samsung’s case) and upgraded processors, which I don’t doubt. Cosmetics are obviously upgraded on both with hidden speakers and a more polished presentation.
User Ratings
The users of Samsung PN50A650 are very sattisfied with it. It has very high ratings across the board and user comments mostly speak about how great the quality of this plasma TV is. When it comes to those who have researched, compared and reviewed the PN50A650, without necesarily buying it, their ratings varry. Some point out that it doesn’t come close to Panasonic top of the line models or Pioneer Kuro plasma TVs, others consider that for the price it is a good plasma TV.
Amazon.com has a good amount of user ratings on Samsung PN50A650. Here’s one of them:
This TV is a Must Have for a Videophile
Look, I have had a lot of HDTV’s and like other reviewers I veered away from the plasmas because of Burn-In concerns and the like. I have had this TV for about a month and have enjoyed nothing but pleasure from it. The blacks are some of the deepest I have ever witnessed on a TV. I think this TV could truly give the Pioneer Kuro a run for it’s money. I looked at the Panny’s too and I was unimpressed when I saw the 650 next to it.If you are in the market for a TV that will be a centerpiece of your AV room and display a picture worthy of the HD signal with which you will power it then look no further. This TV is spectacular.
To read more ratings on Samsung PN50A650 at Amazon.com, click here!
cNet.com also has user reviews on this plasma TV. You can read them here.
Samsung PN50A650 Prices