Replacement for Samsung Smart TV Remote Control, Universal Compatible with All Samsung TVs, BN59-01388A for CU7000/DU7200, for 2015-2025 All Crystal UHD, Frame, QLED, OLED, Neo QLED Smart TVs Review

Lost your Samsung TV remote — again — or finally had it give up the ghost after years of couch-cushion abuse? The BN59-01388A universal replacement remote promises to step right in for virtually every Samsung smart TV made between 2015 and 2025. That's a bold claim. Let's see if it holds up.

Who This Is Actually For

This remote is squarely aimed at Samsung TV owners who've lost, broken, or worn out the original remote that came in the box. It's compatible with Crystal UHD, Frame, QLED, OLED, and Neo QLED lines — covering essentially the full Samsung smart TV lineup from 2015 through 2025, including popular models like the CU7000 and DU7200 series.

If you have a multi-TV household — say, a Samsung in the living room and another in the bedroom — picking up one of these as a backup makes a lot of practical sense. It's also a reasonable option for anyone setting up a new space and needing a reliable, no-fuss remote that just works out of the box.

Compatibility: The Real Selling Point

The headline feature here is the decade-spanning compatibility. Unlike cheap no-name remotes that claim universal support but require fiddly code entry, the BN59-01388A is designed specifically around Samsung's own Smart TV ecosystem. That means the smart buttons — like the dedicated streaming shortcuts and the home/menu navigation — should map correctly to your TV's interface without any reprogramming gymnastics.

The model number itself (BN59-01388A) indicates this is a genuine Samsung-format replacement, not a stripped-down generic. For Samsung TV owners, that matters: the original remotes have a specific button layout tied to Tizen OS navigation, and off-brand alternatives often get those shortcuts wrong.

What to Watch Out For

Here's where honest expectations matter. "Universal" in the Samsung remote world still means Samsung only — don't expect this to control your soundbar, cable box, or any other brand of TV. If you're running a mixed setup (say, a Vizio soundbar paired with your Samsung), you'll still need a separate solution for those devices.

It's also worth noting that very old Samsung TVs (pre-2015) or certain entry-level models may not pair correctly, even if they're technically Samsung smart TVs. If you have an edge-case model, verify compatibility before assuming it'll work plug-and-play.

Additionally, replacement remotes of this type typically use standard AAA batteries (not rechargeable), so you won't get the solar-charging or USB-C top-up features found on Samsung's newer premium original remotes. Purely functional, not fancy.

The Bottom Line on Value

At its price point, this remote is a practical, no-nonsense solution to a common problem. You're not paying for premium materials or cutting-edge features — you're paying for reliable Samsung-specific compatibility and a button layout that mirrors what you already know. For that job, it delivers.

If your goal is simply to replace a lost or broken remote and get back to watching TV without reprogramming headaches, this hits the mark. If you want a single remote to rule an entire home theater ecosystem, look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this remote work with my Samsung QLED or Neo QLED TV?

A: Yes — the BN59-01388A is listed as compatible with Samsung's Crystal UHD, Frame, QLED, OLED, and Neo QLED lines spanning 2015 to 2025, including the CU7000 and DU7200 series.

Q: Does it require any programming or setup?

A: For most Samsung smart TVs in the supported range, it should work as a direct drop-in replacement without code entry or pairing setup. Insert batteries and it's ready to go.

Q: Can this remote control other devices like a soundbar or cable box?

A: No. This remote is designed exclusively for Samsung TVs and does not offer multi-device or universal control for non-Samsung equipment.

Q: Does it have the same smart shortcut buttons as the original Samsung remote?

A: It is designed to replicate the Samsung Smart TV remote layout, including navigation and smart function buttons, as it follows the BN59-01388A specification.

Q: What batteries does it use?

A: Standard AAA batteries. It does not feature solar charging or USB-C recharging like Samsung's newer premium SolarCell remotes.

A solid, purpose-built replacement for Samsung TV owners who just need their remote back. Not glamorous, but it gets the job done — and for the price, that's exactly what you want.

— Tech Lead Editor 1, CPrice