BN59-01301A Universal Replacement Remote Control Compatible with Samsung Smart TVs, LED, LCD, HDTV, 3D TVs(Updated from BN59-01199F/BN59-01289A) Review

Lost your Samsung TV remote? Sat on it? Let the dog have it? You're not alone — and the BN59-01301A is exactly the kind of no-fuss solution most people reach for. It's a universal replacement remote designed to work across Samsung's broad lineup of Smart TVs, LED, LCD, HDTV, and 3D models, and it markets itself as an updated successor to popular older models like the BN59-01199F and BN59-01289A.

Who This Is Actually For

Let's be direct: this remote exists for one very specific situation — your original Samsung remote is gone or broken, and you need a working replacement without paying Samsung's official prices or waiting for shipping from the manufacturer. For that use case, it hits the mark. If you're running a Samsung TV from roughly the last decade (the compatibility list covers a wide range of models), there's a good chance this will pair and work without any complicated setup.

It's not for someone who wants gesture controls, voice commands, or the full smart functionality of Samsung's newer premium remotes. This is a button remote — tactile, traditional, and intentionally simple.

Build and Feel

The remote has a familiar Samsung form factor — slim, lightweight, with a button layout that mirrors what most Samsung TV owners are already used to. The dedicated Smart Hub, menu navigation, and streaming shortcut buttons are where you'd expect them. It doesn't feel like a cheap generic remote with awkwardly relabeled buttons; the layout is clearly Samsung-specific.

That said, this isn't going to feel identical to your original. Replacement remotes at this price point typically use slightly lighter plastics, and the button travel can feel marginally different. It's functional, not luxurious.

Compatibility — The Critical Question

The "universal" label deserves some scrutiny. It works broadly across Samsung's lineup — but not every button will function on every model. Some Samsung Smart TV functions, particularly newer interface shortcuts (like the dedicated app buttons for Netflix, Prime, etc.) depend on the exact firmware version your TV runs. If your TV is older, a few buttons may simply do nothing. That's normal for any third-party replacement and not a defect — but worth knowing before you buy.

The core functions — power, volume, channel, input selection, menu navigation — work reliably across the compatible range. It's the edge-case smart buttons where your mileage may vary.

Setup

Pop in two AAA batteries, point it at the TV, and it typically just works. No pairing codes, no app, no Bluetooth handshake. That's genuinely refreshing in an era where even TV remotes are getting unnecessarily complicated. For less tech-savvy users — parents, grandparents, anyone who just wants to change the channel — this simplicity is a real feature, not a limitation.

Value at This Price

Replacement remotes at this price bracket compete well against buying directly from Samsung (which can cost multiples more for an OEM replacement). If it works with your TV — and it probably will — you're getting solid value. The math is simple: losing a remote shouldn't mean a $50+ trip to Samsung's parts department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the BN59-01301A work with my Samsung Smart TV?

A: It's designed to replace older Samsung remotes including the BN59-01199F and BN59-01289A, and covers a wide range of Samsung LED, LCD, HDTV, and 3D Smart TVs. Core functions like power, volume, and navigation will work on most compatible models, though some smart shortcut buttons may not function on all firmware versions.

Q: Does it need Bluetooth pairing or any setup?

A: No — it uses standard infrared (IR), so you just insert AAA batteries and point it at your TV. No app or pairing process required.

Q: Is this an official Samsung remote?

A: No, it's a third-party compatible replacement, not an OEM Samsung product. It replicates the functionality and layout of the original but is not manufactured by Samsung.

Q: What if some buttons don't work on my TV?

A: This is common with universal replacements. The dedicated streaming app buttons and some smart features may not respond on all models — especially older ones. The essential navigation and playback controls are the most reliably compatible.

Q: What batteries does it take?

A: Two standard AAA batteries, which are typically not included.

Bottom line: if your Samsung remote is gone and you just need something that works, the BN59-01301A does exactly what it promises for a fraction of the replacement cost. Don't overthink it.

— Tech Lead Editor, CPrice