Turn your backyard into a sports fan haven, gather for movies and pool time on the weekends, and enjoy dazzling, crisp picture quality in full sun. Outdoor TVs go far beyond what regular TVs can do. They withstand the extreme elements of weather and temperature, all while performing their best in peak summer direct sun. You need a TV that lets you savor the great outdoors with the right features, functionality, and protection.
When comparing brands, it can be a hassle to learn exactly how they stack up. Digging into the details is time-consuming, so we’ve done the investigating for you in this comparison of the Séura Full Sun Series TV and the Samsung Terrace Full Sun Outdoor TV.
Comparison Overview
Outdoor Performance
Full Sun Brightness
Séura is truly in a class of its own when it comes to full sun brightness. Séura Full Sun Series TVs dominate the marketplace with a rating of 2000-nit brightness, which is color-calibrated for an unbeatable color setting. To put things into perspective, Samsung’s Terrace Full Sun Outdoor TV offers 1500-nit brightness, but there’s a catch. To get anywhere near 1500-nit, the white balance color setting has to be cranked up, reducing color accuracy and creating a white-washed appearance. Not a good look. To make matters worse, Samsung’s fine print states:
*Nit level capability may decrease in certain high temperature and sunlight conditions.
So, why would the Terrace decrease in brightness when you need it to perform at its brightest? Great question. And we’ll get to that answer in a minute. This disclaimer lets you know that the Samsung brightness is intentionally designed to compensate for a lack of high temperature protection needed to perform in very sunny conditions. In short, Séura stands above the rest when it comes to brightness in full sun.
Samsung Terrace Full Sun on left, Séura Full Sun Series on right.
Performance in Direct Sun
Considering this comparison is based on the demand for a capable outdoor television, this category of performance may be the most important of all mentions. Added layers of protection, including UV protection and high TNI panels, prevent screen overheating and blackout in Séura’s Full Sun Series TVs. These features, paired with Séura’s broad operating temperature range (as previously mentioned), put the Samsung Terrace Full Sun to shame even though it’s marketed as a full sun outdoor TV.
Operating Temperature Range
How do these two competitors stack up when it comes to withstanding extreme temperatures? This comparison is pretty simple: Séura Full Sun Series TVs can handle temperatures from -40°F to 140°F like a champ. Séura’s proprietary Extreme Temperature Protection™ automatically warms and cools the TV internals for optimum function during year round weather fluctuations. Unfortunately for the Samsung Terrace Full Sun TV, it’s not designed for temperatures above 104°F. And we get a bit more insight with fine print, once again:
*Panel protected up to 6 hours in sunlight at 700 watts and 104 degrees Fahrenheit; brightness may decrease to protect panel with other high temperature and sunlight conditions.
Turns out this small print has some huge limitations. You might be thinking 104°F is pretty hot, but think about how hot your car gets when it’s sitting under full sun. On average, car temperatures skyrocket over 40 degrees higher than the outside air temperature. Your full sun TV is much the same, reaching internal temperatures over 104°F even when the weather is a pleasant 70°F. Best not to risk ruining your party with a TV that dials down the brightness or shuts off when it gets too hot.
Weatherproofing
The Samsung Terrace and Séura Full Sun boast a weatherproof rating of IP55. So both brands will endure rain, snow, ice, and dust similarly. You won’t need to worry about any type of enclosure of shelter over your TV, and you won’t need to bring it inside. There’s also no risk of safety in regards to electrical or fire hazards when you leave the TV outside all year round. Great news! In addition, both TVs come with weatherproof remotes.
See what’s in front of you – Not behind you.
Even when the TVs are off, the difference between anti-glare properties is striking.
Anti-Glare, Anti-Reflective, and Viewing Angle
Both TVs have anti-glare screens that reduce reflections. However, when we viewed them side-by-side for the comparison, the difference was stunning. We’ll let you be the judge while you compare the image below (Samsung left, Séura right). The viewing angle lets you see the TV image even when the TV is not pointed directly at you. Séura is at the top of the line with a viewing angle of 178° Horizontal/Vertical. The Samsung claims to have a “wide viewing angle” without publishing any exact specification.
Samsung Terrace Full Sun pictured on left, Séura Full Sun Series on right. *TVs in this image are turned off to better display anti-glare properties.
Picture Quality
Outdoor Visibility Performance by UL
To receive the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) verification, a product must undergo several rounds of rigorous testing, in which peak brightness, a high contrast ratio, and high color volume are achieved. Séura’s Full Sun Series meets these requirements, but the certification did not exist when the series was launched. This is a new standard, created by an independent organization. And, yes, Samsung did go out of their way to become officially verified, for what it’s worth.
Picture Resolution
Séura and Samsung have impressive picture resolution at 4K UHD. Samsung nudges past Séura on the resolution comparison, with their 4K AI Upscaling, using a powerful Quantum Processor to reduce image noise, restore lost details and define edges for a full 4K resolution. It’s becoming more common these days for movies and television shows to be released in 4K already, but if there are any imperfections in 4K video, Samsung’s AI upscaling will clean up any pixelation.
Vivid Colors
Although both TVs have HDR 10+ producing vivid colors, the side-by-side comparison shows more detailed color on the Séura TV. Have a look at the Samsung (left) that dulls the color, while the waterfall waves on the Séura (right) appear more vivid, crisp and clear.
Samsung Terrace Full Sun pictured on left, Séura Full Sun Series on right.
Color Contrast
When it comes to color contrast, the most impressive picture quality shows brighter whites and darker blacks. So, the higher the color contrast, the better. When we viewed the TVs side by side, they were very close. Séura builds in a contrast ratio of 5000:1, while Samsung labels theirs “mega contrast” without disclosing any exact ratio in their specifications. Both Séura and Samsung have Full Array dimming, a type of backlighting technology that produces the industry’s best color contrast. It’s worth mentioning that Samsung has a 32x QLED panel, which means it has 32 zones on the back of the panel that can be controlled to achieve a high contrast ratio. Both TVs boast their own benefits and unique technologies when it comes to color contrast.
Adjustable Picture Settings
Choose from five outdoor modes—full sun to nighttime viewing—with Séura’s Outdoor Optics, which allows you to select a picture mode that best matches your environment and preferences. These modes are specifically programmed with balanced, ideal picture settings and brightness for a range of lighting conditions. Samsung’s Adaptive Picture technology automatically adjusts the picture brightness based on incoming light. This might sound incredible, except customers actually prefer to have control over picture settings. This is especially true when passing clouds trigger unwanted frequency in brightness level adjustments as the screen switches light and dark, again and again.
Refresh Rate
Samsung indeed offers a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz, compared to Séura’s 60 Hz. That said, more is not always better; an artificially induced frame rate can end up looking unnatural. It’s recommended to watch television at the frame rate it was filmed at. You didn’t just hear it from us.
For most television and movie watching, you’ll probably want to keep the refresh rate set 60Hz, anyway. Just keep the benefits in mind for sports and games, and don’t feel the need to push past 120Hz. Anything higher really is more of a gimmick than a truly useful feature.
WILL GREENWALD, PC MAGAZINE
Other Considerations
Smart Capability
Samsung does take the cake on this one. The Terrace is a smart TV with voice control that works with Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant. It’s also got Wi-Fi and Bluetooth TV connection, and can display apps from your mobile device, complete with a split screen view. Séura has inputs and outputs so you can connect your Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or other streaming device. Both TVs have a built-in media compartment, although Séura’s compartment space fits more streaming devices with an increased depth when compared to Samsung’s media bay.
Speakers
Samsung has internal 20W 2-channel speakers built into the Terrace, yet in any outdoor environment, you’d need the additional soundbar. Both brands offer outdoor soundbars, sold separately.
Design
The Full Sun Series TVs from Séura feature gorgeous mirrored side panels, creating an infinity edge by reflecting the surrounding environment, along with buttons placed along the side of the television and custom outdoor mounts. Samsung buttons are designed at the bottom, which can be difficult to access when installing a soundbar for the best outdoor sound experience.
Integrator: Powerful Systems
Photography: HANA
Warranty
This one is a no-brainer: Séura leads with a 2-year Outdoor Warranty, compared to Samsung’s 1-year (or 90 days for commercial use). If you enjoy the peace of mind in knowing your purchase is protected for longer, then Séura has your back.
Price
The price advantage here is really going to depend on what TV size you’re interested in purchasing, since the two brands don’t carry the same screen sizes across the product lines. Séura offers a more versatile range of TV sizes, starting at 50-inches up to 85-inches. And because both product lines offer a 65-inch option, it’s easy to see that Samsung has priced theirs $1K lower for the MSRP. Séura does compete at a lower priced level with the 50-inch for $7,299.
Final Thoughts
Séura Full Sun Series TVs are not only the brightest on the market, they create harmony between your outdoor environment and technology. If you’re on the hunt for full sun entertainment with striking visual clarity, unrivaled durability, and thoughtful design features, your search stops with the Séura Full Sun Series. We’ll echo once again about the impressive operating temperature range for year-round use, higher performance in full sun, plus blackout protection and a 2-year warranty. Séura’s advanced engineering is trusted by the world’s most prestigious brands. Work with one of our pros to ensure a seamless installation each and every time.