Expert Rating
Benefits
- Unique rotating screen
- game center
- Tizen smart platform
- Can be used as a Bluetooth speaker
The inconvenients
- No 120Hz support
- Dear
- Requires a lot of space
Our opinion
This second-generation Sero is a surprising alternative to cookie-cutter TVs. If you’re not on social media its appeal will obviously be limited, but we can absolutely see its appeal – it’s a TV like no other.
If you spend an inordinate amount of time scrolling through TikTok videos on your smartphone and other portrait apps, Samsung has something to show you. Introducing The Sero, a 4K QLED display that can switch from a conventional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio to a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, effectively expanding your social feed.
Rotation isn’t its only claim to fame either. The Sero doesn’t need AV furniture, as the screen spins above a substantial Bluetooth speaker stand. It’s also good for gaming (caveats apply) and boasts a solid smart TV platform, in the form of Samsung’s Tizen.
Design features
- Unique rotating design
- Built-in stand with speakers
- Includes solar powered remote control
In its usual TV orientation, the assembly has a “T” shaped profile. The panel tilts slightly, as it’s supported by a single rear leg, described by Samsung as a plate mount. I was expecting some wobble, but it’s as solid as a rock.
Steve May / Foundry
The bezel is reminiscent of the chunky, arty bezel used on Samsung’s The Frame TV, but isn’t customisable. The base of the screen incorporates a powerful 4.1 sound system, d istinguished by a navy blue grille but there are no other colors available which is a shame for a lifestyle TV.
All rear panel inputs are neatly covered by a pop-up panel. Revealed you’ll find three HDMIs (one of which supports eARC), two USB ports, a CI slot, as well as satellite and terrestrial antenna inputs.
The display comes with two zappers: a standard infrared remote control and Samsung’s slim, solar-powered Bluetooth pointer. The latter is the most obvious match for the Sero lifestyle. A button at the top right rotates the screen from one orientation to another.
A 4K QLED display that can rotate from a conventional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio to a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio, effectively expanding your social feed
The obvious question is how the up-close TikTok experience translates to a casual TV experience. Surprisingly well, I can confirm. The quick swipe with a finger is replaced by a right click on the navigation wheel of the Bluetooth remote control. Click down and you will find themed shortcuts of curated content.
I was surprised at how good the majority of TikTok clips looked on that larger screen, a testament to Samsung’s 4K Quantum Processor. As a regular TikTok user, I was absolutely won over by this larger presentation of portraits.
There is a momentary loss of sound and vision when the screen orients, but that’s the only problem.
Steve May / Foundry
Rather neatly, the UI adapts to the chosen aspect ratio. Recognizing Tizen, there is a wide range of streaming apps on tap, both subscription and catch-up, as well as IP-provided Samsung Plus linear TV channels, of which there seem to be around a gazillion. The TV is also compatible with SmartThings devices.
Image quality
- QLED 4K
- Matte finish
- Only 43 inches available
The Sero’s visuals are comparable to a mid-range QLED, although the adoption of a matte finish sets it apart from its conventional stablemates.
Image detail and texture handling are impressive. The set’s 4K Quantum Processor and 43-inch pixel-dense display (the only size available) ensure that native 4K images are razor sharp and color expression is impressive.
The low-glare screen makes the Sero an easy recommendation for brighter environments, as it tends to dim lamps and light sources.
Steve May / Foundry
As with other Samsung QLED 2022s, the Sero has autopilot tuning in the form of a smart mode that automatically adjusts picture and sound settings for ambient light and content style. That can generally be left to handle things, although our advice would be to toggle Optimized HDR, rather than Eye Comfort, to maximize image pop.
Turning Smart mode off will open up the usual picture mode selection, including Standard, Dynamic, Movie and Filmmaker modes. Standard is the best overall bet.
The low-glare screen makes the Sero an easy recommendation for brighter environments, as it tends to dim lamps and light sources.
The Sero’s HDR performance may be better than you imagine. I measured a peak brightness of 530 nits with a 10% metering window. This is enough to improve the sense of depth in the image and create a pleasingly dynamic image.
HDR support is consistent with other Samsung displays. There’s no support for Dolby Vision, although you do get HLG and HDR10+ Adaptive. The motion smoothing options are powerful, but generally best applied to live sports.
Steve May / Foundry
Although The Sero does not support high frame rate (120Hz) gameplay, it is a decent performer when it comes to latency. I measured input lag at an impressive 9.7ms (1080p/60fps) with Game mode selected. Samsung’s Game Hub interface brings together applications from game companies and offers shortcuts to connected consoles.
Sound quality
- 4.1 integrated
- Sound Lite object tracking
- Can be used as a Bluetooth speaker
The Sero has an above average audio system. There are no weeds pulling down here.
The audio system can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, with music streamed directly from your smartphone
Instead, the base of the display produces 4.1 channels of sound, with a total output power of 60W, driven by the Lite version of Samsung’s OTS (Object Tracking Sound) system, which takes directional cues from the screen video to move the audio here and there.
There’s a weight and force to its sonic presentation that you wouldn’t expect from a 43-inch TV.
Steve May / Foundry
The audio system can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, with music streamed directly from your smartphone. Tracks can be accompanied by a pulsing visualizer, or you can turn off the TV display completely.
Price and availability
The mobile-friendly Samsung The Sero QE43LS05B only comes in one size, and that’s 43 inches. It’s available now for $1,999 / £1,599 from Samsung and you can buy it from the following retailers.
While there’s stock of the original 2021 model circulating, here we’re testing the 2022 iteration, which stands out for its matte screen finish.
Find out what else is in our table of the best TVs.
Verdict
Samsung’s The Sero is a unique lifestyle TV solution with a rotating screen that can switch between a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio or a 16:9 landscape orientation. The QLED display offers excellent HDR performance considering its specs, with a peak brightness of 530 nits.
It may sound fancy, but I found it a pleasure to live with. It’s not often that you experience something entirely new when it comes to flat screens.
Picture performance is good for everyday TV consumption, the matte finish makes it a good choice for daytime viewing, and its sound base is particularly powerful.
The Sero will have obvious appeal for TikTok addicts and the like, but it’s also a decent gaming option, thanks to Samsung’s dedicated Game Hub interface and low latency.
For next-gen content consumers, none of that.
Specifications
- 43 inches
- QLED display technology
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- HDMI: x3
- HDR support: HDR10, HLG, adaptive HDR10+
- Tizen smart platform
- Freeview terrestrial tuner
- 4.1 sound system
- Dimensions: 564.7 (w) x 1200 (h) x 327 (d) mm
- Weight: 32.2 kg
Table of Contents
