Samsung PN64F5300, PN60F5300, & PN51F5300 Plasma TV Comparison

The Samsung F5300 series sits right in the middle of their 2013 lineup and consists of three models, the PN64F5300, PN60F5300, and PN51F5300. In typical Samsung fashion, the first two letters of the model number indicates the type of product (plasma TV), the following two numbers indicate the size (64”, 60”, and 51”), then the year (2013 models use an “F”), and finally the series (in this case, the 5300 series).

Samsung PN60F5300 Plasma TV

The F5300 series is nestled in between their flagship F8500 series and entry level F4500 series. Compared to the F8500 series, it’s a big step down in terms of price and performance. You lose out on all of the smart features, including WiFi, SoundShare, Smart Hub, and built-in camera. You also lose out on their newest picture technologies, which boost brightness and black levels significantly. On the plus side, the F5300 is about half the price of the F8500 series.

Compared to the F4500 series, you have a bump in resolution from 720p to 1080p, available sizes (F4500 series consists of a 51” and 43” model), and get a swivel base.

In essence, the F5300 gets you a basic 1080p plasma TV. There are a few bells and whistles, like an Eco Sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the TV and Clear Image Panel that decreases reflections and increases viewing angle, but you miss out on premium features found in more expensive sets.

If you are looking for a basic plasma TV with good picture quality and 1080p resolution, but don’t want to pay more for an extensive feature set, the F5300 series should fit nicely. However, you would do well to consider something like the S60 or ST60 lines from Panasonic as well. The S60 line from Panasonic is pretty similar, but features built in WiFi and smart features for a similar price. And for a few hundred more the ST60 series gets you 3D.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.