Samsung UE40F6400 review

Apps a-plenty and with both touch-sensitive remote control and voice interaction onboard, the Samsung UE40F6400 is a hugely likable TV with ambitions above its station. Crucially, however, it conducts its core duties of impressive pictures and sound with little fuss.

We liked

We're big fans of the Smart Touch remote and this TV's streaming capabilities generally, though it's smart TV that most TV buyers will be impressed by. There's more third-party app innovation for Samsung's Smart Hub than anything else, and the company is also the only one to secure rights to present apps for all the UK's terrestrial broadcasters.

Sound is above average, colour and contrast impress, and MotionPlus processing is capable of taking 3D, especially, to another level.

We disliked

Though it looks polished, the Samsung UE40F6400's Smart Hub screens aren't quite as reliable as they could be, and they're not as quick as on pricier Samsung TVs.

Standard definition TV channels are upscaled rather weakly, the dual-core processor is liable to stutter, and so too is the integration with other Samsung products while streaming. Voice interaction, meanwhile, is best avoided.

Final verdict

It's not the best upscaler, nor the slimmest TV, and some won't like the need to use MotionPlus for both 2D and 3D, but we're quite taken by the Samsung UE40F6400. Packed with apps within a reasonably polished Smart Hub system, there's plenty of contrast, colour and detail to compete with pricier options.

We're also big fans of the Smart Touch remote and of its integration with Samsung Galaxy gadgets, though it does stutter occasionally.

However, on the extra features, we're mostly disappointed. It might sound like a strange thing to say, but the presence of voice interaction - and even of the hit-and-miss S-Recommendation system - actually detract from the Samsung UE40F6400's otherwise highly polished and great value package. Experimental technology is all it is, and until it's much more powerful we think that such technology is only going to introduce a sheen of disappointment.

Having just become the owner of one of the UK's best value smart TVs - and that's exactly what this is - that's a shame. With apps a-plenty and an easy to use interface and Smart Hub pages, the Samsung UE40F6400 is a great value option for a living room.

Also consider

There are many alternatives in this competitive sphere, not least from within Samsung's ranks. Elsewhere we'd suggest auditioning something from the Panasonic ET60 Series, which is similar save for a passive, rather than active, form of 3D.

Also take a look at the Panasonic TX-L42E6B, something from the slightly less smart Sony W805 Series, and the much less smart, though better-looking Philips 42PFL6008.