Is a universal remote compatible with a Samsung smart TV?

Yes, a universal remote can work fine with a Samsung smart TV. Most Samsungs still accept standard infrared commands for power, volume, input, and navigation even if their original remote is Bluetooth. If you want big buttons and zero fuss, I would go with GE Big Button 33701. It is easy to see and press and it controls two devices so you can run the TV and your soundbar from one remote. In my experience the Samsung code usually works on the first try.

Setup is simple. Program the TV first using the included code list then program the second device as your soundbar brand. If your bar is on HDMI ARC you can also let the TV pass volume to it so you only need to program the TV. No Bluetooth pairing or app needed and it handles the basics you asked for such as power volume input arrows and play pause. It is well under your budget and two AAA batteries tend to last for months.

Yes and samsung sets still listen for the basic infrared commands even when the original remote is Bluetooth so a simple universal can cover power, volume, input, arrows, and play or pause without any drama. Look for one that says it controls two devices and has larger buttons since those tend to be easier to see and press and they are usually in your price range.

The smoothest setup is to program the TV first using the Samsung codes in the booklet, test power and input, then add your soundbar as the second device. If your bar is on HDMI ARC, turn on Anynet Plus in the TV settings so the TV passes volume to the bar, which lets you get away with programming only the TV. No Bluetooth pairing needed. Keep the bar's front sensor in line of sight for IR and you should be set. Works great.

Skip the phone app and use an IR universal remote, program the TV first then the soundbar, and try alternate codes or auto search if one fails. If the bar uses HDMI ARC enable the TV HDMI control so volume passes through and you only program the TV, and pick a remote without an always-on backlight to extend battery life.

set these up for family all the time and a basic universal works with Samsung without any tricks. The TV will respond to standard IR for the basics and that is all you said you need. Choose a remote that can run two devices and has big high contrast keys so it is easy on the eyes and hands.

Program the TV first with a Samsung code from the booklet, test power, volume, and input, then add the soundbar by brand. If you still have the original soundbar remote and the universal offers a learning feature, teach it volume up and down and mute so you are guaranteed a match. For the least fuss connect the bar with HDMI ARC and enable Anynet Plus on the TV so volume passes through. Keep both devices in line of sight and you will avoid missed button presses. No nonsense.