Samsung PN64F8500, PN60F8500, & PN51F8500 Plasma TV Comparison

The F8500 series is Samsung’s 2013 flagship plasma TV line and is available in three different sizes, 64” (PN64F8500), 60” (PN60F8500), and 51” (PN51F8500). There’s no doubt that these are nice TVs, but they're also extremely expensive (over $4k for the 64"), so you might ask yourself, “What makes the F8500 series worth the extra money over other TVs?”

In the past, we’ve tended to like Panasonic plasma TVs over Samsung, but this year things are starting to change. The F8500 is packed full of smart features, which is no surprise, but Samsung is touting vast improvements in picture quality as well. Their Super Contrast Panel uses larger sub-pixels for increased brightness, which they claim is similar to an LED TV. The panel also combines two other technologies, Real Black Pro filter for deep blacks in bright rooms, and Adaptive Reset Control, for deep blacks in dark rooms. They also utilize a single layer panel, which combats reflections and provides great off axis viewing (no matter what you read elsewhere, a plasma TV with a single layer panel will ALWAYS have much better off-axis viewing than an LED or LCD TV).

Samsung PN64F8500 Plasma TV

Another great feature for film buffs is native 24fps playback. Film is recorded at 24 fps (frames per second), but TVs in North America operate at 60fps, meaning the TV has to modify the incoming signal to match the frame rate of the TV.  Part of this modification process is called 3:2 pulldown, which can introduce motion judder into the image, but the F8500 series can avoid 3:2 pulldown.

Here’s what all of this boils down to. The F8500 series has the best image of any Samsung plasma to date, should fair as good or better than most LED TVs in a bright environment, and trounce most of the competition in dark environments.

Beyond picture quality, the F8500 series sports a quad core processor for fast operation of its built-in smart features. As far as we know, Samsung is the only company using a quad core processor in their home theater products.  It also features a full web browser, app store, and built-in camera for Skype calls or gesture control. If you have a Samsung phone or tablet you can even mirror what you’re watching on the TV to the tablet, or vice versa.  This means you can turn the TV to your favorite channel, then leave the room and continue watching that channel on your Samsung tablet or phone. With the use of the included IR Blaster you could even change the channel on the cable/satellite box using your mobile device. The F8500 series is also extremely thin for a plasma TV, measuring only 1.9” deep. And the inputs are on the side of the TV, meaning it can be mounted extremely close to the wall.

A few other features that should be included on any TV this price, and are included with the F8500 series, are: 3D capability with 4 sets of glasses included, built-in WiFi, smart/touch remote, and 600Hz subfield motion. Finally, the F8500 series features Samsung’s proprietary Soundshare technology, which allows the TV to wirelessly send all of its audio to a 2013 Samsung soundbar.

Samsung PN64F8500 Built-in Camera

If you are sold on one of these TVs, then be prepared to shell out a good amount of cash. The MSRP on each model is as follows: PN64F8500 - $4,399; PN60F8500 - $3,799; PN51F8500 - $2,699. Luckily, Samsung’s MSRP pricing is much higher than what you should expect to actually pay for any of these sets. For example, as of right now the PN64F8500 is widely available for just under $3,700.

If you think this might be a little too much TV for you, but want to stick with a Samsung, checkout our overview of their F5300, and F4500 plasma TVs. Otherwise, Panasonic's 2013 TV lineup is just as competitive, and we have never had bad luck with a Panasonic plasma.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.