Samsung UE40ES7000 review

Thoroughly modern, versatile and capable with all sources, we do like this 40-inch Samsung TV. the Samsung UE40ES7000 upscales as well as its draws out HD detail, and its smartness extends to its slim looks as much as it does to its slick Smart Hub of apps.

3D – complete with two pairs of 3D glasses – is a nice, well-rendered bonus, though this is an expensive, high-end option.

We liked

The Samsung UE40ES7000's built-in camera, backlit remote, iPhone app, Smart Touch remote and voice control all impress. A clean, contrasty and nicely upscaled standard definition image impresses, as does the Freeview HD EPG, Blu-ray detail and 3D trickery – the latter complete with lightweight specs. It's also great to see Freesat HD as an extra feature.

We disliked

Pricey, but versatile, Samsung's Smart Hub can feel cluttered, while gesture control seems a gimmick. Game mode features some lag and is disappointing, as are most of the picture presets, while Motion Plus requires some care. There are a few inconsistencies in the on-screen menus that make some of the picture options hard to locate, while bright areas of 3D images do appear to cause a lot of flicker.

Final verdict

One of Samsung's best-looking TVs both inside and out, the Samsung UE40ES7000's Freesat & Freeview HD tuners grace a versatile and innovation-packed effort.

Voice control impresses, as does a Smart Touch remote and clever smartphone app. The Smart Hub can feel busy, but there's plenty on this high-end TV to wow – not least its contrast-rich, detailed pictures, solid upscaling and immersive 3D images.

Also consider

If you're after a 40-inch Edge LED TV, your choices are myriad. A somewhat cheaper, though fairly polished attempt comes from the Sony KDL-40HX753, which lacks any of the 'smart interaction' choices offered by Samsung.

Voice and gesture control are not yet common in the TV market, but LG is trying its best, and the Magic Remote found on televisions such as the LG 42LM760T from its 760T Series work wonders – particularly for browsing the web.

Meanwhile, Panasonic's WT50 Series of Edge LED TVs experiment with a touchpad remote and a wonderful smartphone remote app within an incredibly impressive all-round performance.

Those after a 40-inch Edge LED telly with a far more basic, down-to-earth spec should investigate Toshiba's 40BL702B.