Philips
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)
2019
82
/ 100
From $249
VS
Samsung
Samsung SmartThings Station
Hub
82
/ 100
From $79
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) lands at 82 and Samsung SmartThings Station at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) if…
- ✓Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
- ✓App-based setup
- ✓Works with major voice assistants
Pick Samsung SmartThings Station if…
- ✓Matter support (modern)
- ✓Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
- ✓Automations
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) 82
vs 82 Samsung SmartThings Station
Score breakdown
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)
82 ecosystem 82
local 70
ease 84
features 80
Samsung SmartThings Station
82 ecosystem 82
local 70
ease 84
features 80
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) | Samsung SmartThings Station |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2019 | — |
| Color | Black | — |
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black)
Pros
- +Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
- +App-based setup
- +Works with major voice assistants
Cons
- −Subscription sometimes required
- −Cloud dependency on many
- −Ecosystem lock-in
Samsung SmartThings Station
Pros
- +Matter support (modern)
- +Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
- +Automations
Cons
- −App quality varies
- −Cloud dependency on some
- −Ecosystem lock-in
FAQ: Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) vs Samsung SmartThings Station
Which is better, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) or Samsung SmartThings Station? +
Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) worth the price? +
At $249, Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in ease.
Is Samsung SmartThings Station worth the price? +
At $79, Samsung SmartThings Station delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in ease.
Does Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box (Black) or Samsung SmartThings Station last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.