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Customer Reviews Collected from Samsung US |
Samsung - 51" Class (50-3/4" Diag.) - Plasma - 1080p - HDTV
Average Customer Rating:
4.3
Rating breakdown 46 reviews
5 Stars
32
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
3
1 Star
4
86%of customers recommend this product.
(
36 out of
42)
Customer Reviews for Samsung - 51" Class (50-3/4" Diag.) - Plasma - 1080p - HDTV
Customer Rating
5
This is the plasma you want
on April 12, 2013
Posted by: Hakuzen
from Seattle, Wa
Expertise:Intermediate
You will see a lot of reviewers offer you many reasons why this TV may not be for you. They will use words like "Budget" and "Base-Model", and maybe even complain about brightness or lack of features.
The truth? If you want a 51' plasma tv, there is no reason to buy anything else. Let me break this down:
Features:
This is the only area in which this TV does not get 5 stars from me. Why? Mainly one reason, lack of additional HDMI ports. This TV only offers 2 HDMI inputs, which is a pretty big bummer. Personally, I do not believe any TV should have less than 3 HDMI ports, but preferably should have 4. This is truly the one major weakness of this TV, but is certainly not a deal breaker. If you have more than 2 HDMI sources, you can always buy a switch.
This is the only area in which this TV does not get 5 stars from me. Why? Mainly one reason, lack of additional HDMI ports. This TV only offers 2 HDMI inputs, which is a pretty big bummer. Personally, I do not believe any TV should have less than 3 HDMI ports, but preferably should have 4. This is truly the one major weakness of this TV, but is certainly not a deal breaker. If you have more than 2 HDMI sources, you can always buy a switch.
There are other features missing, but they are mostly fluff. Namely, this TV is not a "Smart TV". I do not dock any points for this, because the whole "Smart TV" thing is simply a fad and is mostly useless to anyone who is not computer illiterate. Why do I say that? Well, that is because you can turn this TV into a "SmartTV" simply by plugging it into a modern computer. You can then watch ANYTHING from your computer on your TV, including Hulu, Netflix and all that other stuff. Not to mention a PS3/Xbox will basically do the same thing, if you do not own a modern computer.
In summary, this TV has all of the features you NEED, and none of the expensive fluff.
Performance:
This is inarguably the most important part of any TV performance. Who cares how nice the TV looks, or how robust it's features are, if the picture looks terrible? The answer is: Nobody.
This is inarguably the most important part of any TV performance. Who cares how nice the TV looks, or how robust it's features are, if the picture looks terrible? The answer is: Nobody.
-Picture Quality
The 5300 does not disappoint in this regard, delivering ultra-deep, inky blacks, vibrant whites, and an amazing contrast ratio. Do not listen to those who say Plasmas are not bright enough. That may have been true in the early 2000s, but it is certainly not true today. Just set the picture mode to standard, turn off ECO sensor and increase the Cell Light to 15-20(depending on preference). You will NOT be disappointed. The default 720p input looks great, but the second you watch a native 1080p movie (blu-ray) your jaw will simply drop to the floor. It is like watching a painting come to life. Stunning does not even describe it, and the picture quality is unmatched by ANY LED I have ever seen (Including the huge overpriced LEDs you will find on the showroom floors).
The 5300 does not disappoint in this regard, delivering ultra-deep, inky blacks, vibrant whites, and an amazing contrast ratio. Do not listen to those who say Plasmas are not bright enough. That may have been true in the early 2000s, but it is certainly not true today. Just set the picture mode to standard, turn off ECO sensor and increase the Cell Light to 15-20(depending on preference). You will NOT be disappointed. The default 720p input looks great, but the second you watch a native 1080p movie (blu-ray) your jaw will simply drop to the floor. It is like watching a painting come to life. Stunning does not even describe it, and the picture quality is unmatched by ANY LED I have ever seen (Including the huge overpriced LEDs you will find on the showroom floors).
-Refresh Rate
The 600hz sub-field motion makes a subtle yet noticeable difference in comparison to the standard 60hz plasma. Basically, the sub-field motion eliminates most motion-blur and stuttering, but does not give the "fast-forward effect" that the LED equivalent 'Motion interpolation' does. This is a HUGE benefit, as most people who own LEDs simply turn that feature off and deal with the motion blur due to the unnatural feel it gives to movies. Simply put, 600hz sub-field motion is the best of both worlds and will give you flawless playback the likes you have never seen.
The 600hz sub-field motion makes a subtle yet noticeable difference in comparison to the standard 60hz plasma. Basically, the sub-field motion eliminates most motion-blur and stuttering, but does not give the "fast-forward effect" that the LED equivalent 'Motion interpolation' does. This is a HUGE benefit, as most people who own LEDs simply turn that feature off and deal with the motion blur due to the unnatural feel it gives to movies. Simply put, 600hz sub-field motion is the best of both worlds and will give you flawless playback the likes you have never seen.
In summary, Performance is this set's strongpoint. Flawless picture with a perfect refresh rate creates a visually stunning experience perfect for movies, sports and gaming.
Design:
Samsung again has learned much from past experience, designing a near perfect modern television. The clear image panel uses a single layer, which fixes the two major flaws in plasma TVs people used to complain about. Namely, Ghost images and Image retention. This TV, straight out of the box, produces ZERO ghosting and even after leaving a static image up for over 15 minutes, there was no image retention to speak of. The classic arguments against plasma are no longer relevant, thanks in no small part to the Clear Image Panel.
The third issue that people often complain about with plasmas, screen glare, has still not been solved completely. In low-light, this TV is flawless. In a very bright room with open windows, you will still see some reflections. The reflections are greatly reduced/mitigated by the Clear Image Panel, but still not eliminated completely.
That one minor issue aside, the design of this plasma TV is flawless. The Plasma +1 means that you get an extra inch compared to other 51’ TVs, via the ultra-thin bevel featured on this set. Amazingly, with all these improvements, they’ve also managed to reduce power consumption AND overall weight of the TV.
In summary, the design of this TV is nearly flawless. The Clear Image Panel has eliminated most issues a plasma TV would typically have, and greatly mitigated the one issue it could not completely solve. In a dark environment, you will find no issues with this TV whatsoever. The ultra-light weight and thin design also makes it a prime candidate for wall mounting.
Value:
Overall, the value of this TV is quite substantial. It is very cheap for a 51’ plasma, and offers the same stunning performance you would find in a TV twice or even three times its cost. The only thing you are losing out on here are ports and fluff features that most people do not need.
In Conclusion:
Visually, this is a top-tier plasma for a bottom-tier price. Don’t be fooled by the more expensive options out there, they will deliver a similar product with features you do not need for much more cash that you do not need to spend. This TV hit’s the sweet-spot for Price and Performance, and I would highly recommend it to anybody in the market for a plasma TV.
Visually, this is a top-tier plasma for a bottom-tier price. Don’t be fooled by the more expensive options out there, they will deliver a similar product with features you do not need for much more cash that you do not need to spend. This TV hit’s the sweet-spot for Price and Performance, and I would highly recommend it to anybody in the market for a plasma TV.
Pros: Bright display, Inexpensive, Realistic color, Lightweight
Cons: lack of additional hdmi ports, screen glare in brightly lit rooms
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Samsung 5300series plasma
on July 26, 2013
Posted by: CtTechJunky
Over all this is a great television the picture quality is excellent as far as plasma's TV's are concerned, and compared to LED HDTV's you would have to buy a Samsung 13000 series to get the same picture quality and color quality. This HDTV does not offer all the same bells and whistles as the higher end models but unless you actually care about having the internet on your television its not a big deal since 90% of the populas has some sort of device hooked upto the tv anyways. The only cons I have about this tv is that there is a mild reverb in the speakers when watching movies or tv with the speakers set to the movie or music setting. Also there is almost NO information on howto pro spec all the little tv settings to get the absolute best picture quality possible from your set and there is almost no information on howto adjust the white level and colorspace. Beyond the lack of information on howto fine tune your individual television I think this is a great HDTV to buy
Pros: Built-in speakers, Bright display, Inexpensive, Durable, Realistic color, Lightweight, high picture quality, nice inky blacks
Cons: not enough information on howto fine tune the tv
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
3
Performance
5
Design
4
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
A very good TV, regardless its remarkable value
on March 3, 2014
Posted by: Broadus
from SC
Expertise:Intermediate
Wanting to replace our old Samsung CRT, I began researching HDTVs. My research led me to plasmas and then to the Samsung PN51F5300. I located one at a good price, brought it home, set it up with our entertainment system, and like it a lot.
Even with brightness and contrast reduced for the first month to break the plasma in, the picture quality impresses everyone who sees our television.. The viewing angles are great, the colors are really good, everything about the picture is a win.
We have two windows opposite the television, so we keep those blinds shut for daytime viewing. There is still a little reflection, as can be seen in the attached photo. With that in mind, daytime viewing is good; nighttime viewing is great.
If we get close to it, we can hear a little buzz if there is a snowy background, as in watching the Winter Olympics, but you won't hear it if you're not listening for it.
This is a fine television, especially for the price. Would I like one more HDMI port? Absolutely, and there's really no reason there are not at least three HDMI ports on the television. Still, it's not a major quibble.
For this price, you won't find a better picture on a 50/51" television. Double the price and you may get an LCD/LED that will come close. Unless someone has a bright room and needs an LCD/LED, the F5300 is a solid set for a great price.
Pros: Inexpensive, Realistic color, Lightweight
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
4
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Awesome!
on June 6, 2013
Posted by: jennie888
from New Castle, DE
Expertise:Beginner
This has been the first HDtv we have bought and we are very happy to have ths tv! The hd is very beautiful!
I recommend this if you want a simple tv that has a good image!
I recommend this if you want a simple tv that has a good image!
Pros: Bright display, Inexpensive
Cons: simpe
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
4
Happy W/ TV After Replacement
on July 28, 2013
Posted by: 2NDTIMEBETTER
from Oceanside, CA
Expertise:Intermediate
Overall very happy with TV the second time around. The first 5300 Plasma kept turning off at random times until I requested the retailer to pick up and replace the TV..
Very happy the 2nd time around
Pros: Built-in speakers, Bright display, Inexpensive, Durable, Realistic color
Cons: problem w 1st tv
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
4
Design
4
Value
4
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Awesome value
on February 9, 2014
Posted by: firebird67ho
from North Carolina
The value for dollar paid is awesome.
Can not go wrong with Samsung!
Can not go wrong with Samsung!
Pros: Bright display, Inexpensive, Realistic color
Cons: needs more connections, base could be a little more stable
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
This product works well in our home
on May 19, 2014
Posted by: Bribear
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Expertise:Intermediate
The size is the perfect fit for our family room. The picture quality is superb and the speakers are very clear. I have had compliments on our TV.
Pros: Built-in speakers, Inexpensive, Durable, Realistic color
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Plasma 5300 Series TV
on June 9, 2013
Posted by: TheDrill
from Los Angeles
Expertise:Intermediate
After viewing all the other TV,s in my price range , the quality of the picture on this Samsung model far outweighed the others, crisp and clear pictures on fast moving bluray action films.
Overall really excellent.
Pros: Built-in speakers, Bright display, Inexpensive, Realistic color, Lightweight
Features
3
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US