This is an ordinary TV made to look even less impressive by the strength of its competition

Alluring specification for the money

Unspectacular picture and sound performance ; strange, slightly magenta cast to images

This TV is far from poor, but given the quality of the competition it finds itself forced to accept average status

Full HD specification ; decent TV tuner ; insight OK ; smooth motion

Struggles with dark scenes ; noise apparent at times ; picture quality can't match class leaders

Elegant and very capable, this is a highly desirable TV that would sell at a lower price. However, at nine grand, it's up against some stiff competition

Superb clarity and contrast ; clean, noiseless backgrounds ; gorgeous design

It costs about five times as much as most same-sized competitors

This is a detailed performer and stunningly stylish TV, but it's got some strong competition.

Excellent detail levels and edge definition with all sources ; stunning looks ; terrifically stable DVD pictures

Can't quite do the deepest blacks and greatest insight simultaneously ; slight ruddiness to skin tones

If you want a Samsung TV then take your pick - both this and the UE40B7020 excel

Exhaustive spec ; pictures are strong across the board ; ultra-slim and stylish design

Sound is average

This Samsung does little wrong in terms of performance and brings unrivalled functionality, too

Stuffed full with new technology and features ; four HDMI inputs ; excellent tuner ; colourful, smooth video images

Not quite the subtlety of the very best

The Samsung mixes style and substance to good effect, but others are better all-rounders

Overflowing with connections and useful features ; produces deep, dark blacks ; great depth and detail to the picture with DVDs and Blu-ray discs

Not the greatest Freeview picture ; sounds poor

Often the best TV is the one that makes fewest sacrifices to achieve all-round ability - the Samsung is that set

Excellent detail, sharpness and colour reproduction ; good motion ; controlled standard-def pictures, but not at the expense of definition

Doesn't manage the very blackest blacks ; evidence of temporary image retention

Looks, spec, performance... this Samsung is a splendidly realised product that deserves full consideration

Brilliantly slim screen with a specification as long as your arm ; superbly balanced and convincing pictures from all sources

Needs careful tweaking to look at its best ; dongle for WLAN is a cost option

All in all, this Samsung is an excellent performer and at a tidy price too

Good contrast levels ; clean images ; handles blacks well ; good price

Only a slight lack of weight to the sound