Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Unique rotating screen
- Game Hub
- Tizen smart platform
- Can be used as Bluetooth speaker
Cons
- No 120Hz support
- Expensive
- Requires lots of space
Our Verdict
This second generation Sero is a startling alternative to cookie cutter TVs. If you’re not on social media it’s appeal will obviously be limited, but we can absolutely see its appeal – this is a telly 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 screen that can rotate from a conventional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio to a 9:16 vertical one, effectively supersizing your social feed.
Rotating isn’t its only claim to fame either. The Sero doesn’t need AV furniture, because the screen spins above a substantial Bluetooth speaker stand. It’s also good for gaming (caveats apply), and benefits from a solid smart TV platform, in the shape of Samsung’s Tizen.
Design & Features
- Unique rotating design
- Built-in stand with speakers
- Includes solar-powered remote
In its regular TV orientation, the set has a ‘T’ shaped profile. The panel reclines at a slight angle, as it’s propped up by a single rear foot, described by Samsung as a Plate Stand. I was expecting some wobble, but it’s as solid as a rock.
Steve May / Foundry
The bezel is not unlike 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, distinguished by a navy blue grille but there are no other colours available which is a shame for a lifestyle TV.
All back panel inputs are neatly covered by a pop-out panel. Revealed, you’ll find three HDMIs (one of which supports eARC), two USB ports, a CI slot, plus satellite and terrestrial aerial inputs.
The screen comes with two zappers: a standard IR remote control, and Samsung’s slimline solar-powered Bluetooth pointer. The latter is the most obvious match for the lifestyle Sero. A button top right rotates the screen from one orientation to another.
A 4K QLED screen that can rotate from a conventional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio to a 9:16 vertical one, effectively supersizing your social feed
The obvious question is just how does the up-close TikTok experience translate to a lean-back televisual one. Surprisingly well, I can confirm. Rapid swiping with a finger is replaced by right-clicking on the navigational wheel of the Bluetooth remote. Click down and you’ll find themed shortcuts of curated content.
I was surprised at just how good the majority of TikTok clips looked on this larger screen, a testament to Samsung’s Quantum Processor 4K. As a regular TikTok user, I was absolutely sold on this bigger portrait presentation.
There’s a momentary loss of sound and vision as the screen orientates, but that’s the only niggle.
Steve May / Foundry
Rather neatly, the user interface adapts to whatever aspect ratio is chosen. Recognisably Tizen, there’s a wide range of streaming apps on tap, both subscription and catch-up, plus IP-delivered Samsung Plus linear TV channels, of which there appears to be roughly a gazillion. The TV is also compatible with SmartThings devices.
Picture Quality
- 4K QLED
- Matt finish
- Only 43in available
The Sero’s visuals are comparable to a mid-range QLED, although the adoption of a matt finish does set it apart from its conventional stablemates.
Image detail and texture management are impressive. The set’s Quantum Processor 4K, and the pixel-dense 43in screen (the only size available), ensure that native 4K imagery looks impressively crisp, and colour expression impressive.
The low-glare screen makes The Sero an easy recommendation for brighter environments, as it tends to diminish lamps and light sources.
Steve May / Foundry
As with other 2022 Samsung QLEDs, the Sero has an autopilot setting in the form of an Intelligent Mode which automatically adjusts picture and sound parameters for ambient light and content style. This can generally be left to manage things, although our advice would be to toggle HDR Optimised, rather than Eye Confort, for maximise picture pop.
If you switch the Intelligent mode off, you’ll open up the usual image mode selection, comprising Standard, Dynamic, Movie and Filmmaker modes. Standard is the best all round bet.
The low-glare screen makes The Sero an easy recommendation for brighter environments, as it tends to diminish lamps and light sources.
The Sero’s HDR performance is perhaps better than you might imagine. I measured 530 nits peak brightness with a 10% measurement window. That’s enough to enhance the sense of image depth, and make for a pleasingly dynamic picture.
HDR support is in line with other Samsung screens. There’s no support for Dolby Vision, although you do get HLG and HDR10+ Adaptive. Motion smoothing options are powerful, but generally best applied to live sports.
Steve May / Foundry
While The Sero doesn’t support High Frame Rate gameplay (120Hz), it’s 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 collects together apps from gaming companies and offers shortcuts to connected consoles.
Sound Quality
- 4.1 built-in
- Object Tracking Sound Lite
- Can be used as a Bluetooth speaker
The Sero boasts an above-average sound system. There are no weedy down-firing drivers here.
The sound system can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, with music streamed directly from your smartphone
Instead, the screen base outputs 4.1 channels of sound, with a total power output of 60W, driven by the Lite version of Samsung’s OTS (Object Tracking Sound) system, which takes directional cues from onscreen video to move audio hither and thither.
There’s a weight and forcefulness to its sonic presentation that you wouldn’t expect from a 43in TV.
Steve May / Foundry
The sound system can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, with music streamed directly from your smartphone. Tracks can be accompanied by a pulsating visualizer, or you can turn the TV display off completely.
Price & Availability
The mobile-friendly Samsung The Sero QE43LS05B only comes in one size, and that’s 43in. It’s available now priced at $1,999/£1,599 from Samsung and you can buy it from the following retailers.
While there are stocks of the original 2021 model in circulation, we’re testing the 2022 iteration here, which is distinguished by its matt screen finish.
Find out what else is out there in our best TVs chart.
Verdict
Samsung’s The Sero is a unique lifestyle TV solution with a rotating screen that can switch between a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio or landscape 16:9 orientation. The QLED screen boasts excellent HDR performance given its spec, with a peak brightness of 530 nits.
It may sound gimmicky, but I found it a blast to live with. It’s not often that you get to experience something entirely fresh when it comes to flatscreens.
Picture performance is fine for everyday telly consumption, the matt finish making it a good choice for daytime viewing, and its sound base is particularly potent.
The Sero will have obvious appeal to TikTok addicts and the like, but it’s also a decent gaming option too, thanks to Samsung’s dedicated Game Hub interface and low latency.
For next-gen content consumers, there’s nothing quite it.
Specs
- 43in
- QLED display technology
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- HDMI: x3
- HDR support: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive
- Tizen smart platform
- Freeview terrestrial tuner
- 4.1 sound system
- Dimensions: 564.7(w) x 1200(h) x 327(d)mm
- Weight: 32.2kg