Which TV is better to buy: an overview of models, reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

For those deciding which TV to buy in 2018, a flurry of obscure acronyms and confusing specs makes choosing the right one much more difficult. These people should take advantage of buying recommendations and articles that explain everything from OLED technology to HDR content. This article explains some of the key concepts to look out for when choosing a TV, as well as an overview of the best models in their price range.

Cost

For many, an important factor in deciding which TV is better to buy is its price. Most top-tier consumer electronics companies have a consensus policy of allowing an authorized reseller to offer items no less than a certain tier. In doing so, they threaten to cut off the supply of their products to those retailers who do notcomply.

Lower prices can be found at non-authorized dealers, but many manufacturers refuse warranties and any support for TVs purchased outside of their dealer networks. Some retailers replace the manufacturer's warranty with their own, although the cost may vary and it becomes completely worthless if the dealer goes out of business. Buyers should carefully consider whether it's worth the risk of buying cheaper.

However, be aware that often the functionality of expensive TVs can be found in much cheaper models.

Ultra high definition

The unequivocal answer to the question of which TV is better to buy in 2018 will be 4K - this is what you should strive for. The ultra high definition screen resolution is 4 times the HD standard. In the presence of 4K content, the user receives an incredibly high image quality. Since ultra-high-definition kits have replaced HDTV and become the standard of modern TV, 4K resources are becoming more accessible - online broadcasting is carried out in this format, there are Blu-ray players that support it.

Update frequency

This characteristic indicates how often the image on the screen is updated. The higher it is, the more realistic the motion and video will be. This largely determines which TV is better to buy. According to reviews, TVs usually operate at 60 Hz, but experts recommend 120 Hz and higher. However, the real valueThis characteristic may differ from that declared by the manufacturer, so you should familiarize yourself with the results of professional testing.

Screen size

With what diagonal is it better to buy a TV? Experts recommend choosing the maximum possible screen for a particular room and budget. The best option, as a rule, are relatively inexpensive 55” 4K models costing about 32,000 rubles. or 65” panels from RUB 60,000

The answer to the question of which TV is better to buy - 32 inches diagonally or 100 - depends on how close the audience is to the screen. Typically, this is 3x the display height for HDTV and 1.5x for 4K.

Display technology

Not all screens use the same display technology. Which TV is better to buy in this case? Most modern models use LCD displays with LED backlighting. They are high brightness and can provide excellent color quality, but do not do well with blacks and darks. The best modern panels use OLED technology, i.e. organic light emitting diodes. The light in them is emitted by the pixels themselves, which eliminates the need for backlighting and allows you to make thin panels with very deep black levels. OLED screens are more expensive.

Many manufacturers offer advanced versions of LCD technology under other brand names. For example, Samsung has QLED. There is still a backlight here, but to reduce the gap in quality between LCD and OLED displaysquantum dots and local illumination are used.

Dynamic Range

Another important factor for those who decide which TV to buy is better and want to have a high quality picture, is support for dynamic range (HDR). This technology allows you to display more colors with high contrast and brightness. There are various HDR formats ranging from basic HDR10 to several competing premium standards such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus and Technicolor Advanced HDR. They have their own advantages, but you can only fully see the capabilities of each when playing media supported by the display.

User interface

Which smart TV is better to buy? Almost certainly all modern models have "smart" capabilities, since they have a network connection and support for streaming applications such as Netflix and Hulu. However, not all smart TV platforms are the same. Some of the larger manufacturers such as Samsung and LG offer their own interfaces, while others opt for third-party Roku TV and Android TV solutions.

Universal remote control

The user will need a way to control all their devices - Blu-ray player, cable or satellite TV set-top box and other equipment connected to the TV, but each of them has its own remote control. This can be fixed with a universal remote control that allows you to concentrate control in oneconvenient device. Some models even provide the ability to control smart home gadgets.

Streaming Services

Which is the best TV to buy in terms of access to online content? There are many options for watching streaming broadcasts with any shows and movies that the user desires. Many preinstalled apps include popular services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Video. Some smart TVs also come with built-in cable replacement options like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue.

However, if a particular model does not have smart functions, you should not be upset. They can be easily added using a separate set-top box such as a Roku Stick or Google Chromecast.

Antenna

When it comes to free content, there is still nothing more reliable than free local and network channels that can be received with a simple antenna. Today's HDTV antennas are affordable and efficient, allowing you to receive channels over long distances while remaining discreet due to their compact design.

Soundbar

You should also consider a soundbar. Most televisions are designed to appeal to consumers with a slim design that can be hung on a wall. The narrow built-in speakers are great for great looks, but they sound dull. The soundbar will provide better sound quality with good bass without spoiling the interior with a tangle of surround sound system wires.5.1 or 7.1.

LG E7 OLED (OLED65E7P)

Users who are wondering which brand of TV to buy and want to have a real home theater should put the product of the South Korean company LG - 65-inch E7 OLED in the first line of their list of candidates. Its stunning 4K display boasts fantastic picture quality.

Wearers enjoy deep blacks, crisp footage, impressive brightness and color reproduction. The E7 supports all major high dynamic range (HDR) formats (Dolby Vision, Ultra HD Premium and HDR10). The E7 also boasts built-in audio, which works so well that a separate soundbar may not be necessary for cinematic display. From delicate vocals to tumultuous action scenes, this model's audio quality is among the best, and even offers a deeper immersion thanks to Dolby Atmos capabilities.

According to user reviews, in addition to the excellent picture and sound, the TV impresses with its impressive “picture on glass” design: instead of the traditional black frame, the display is surrounded by translucent glass. Much of the bulk you'd normally expect to see from the back of a TV is missing. LG uses its own webOS software to operate smart TVs. Online offerings aren't as plentiful as Android TV or Roku TV, but owners love the quick user interface and appreciate how easy it is to navigate through uncluttered menus.

LG remote control dispels the last doubts about which brand of TV is better to buy. It combines all traditional TV remote features with intuitive navigation controls, a smart scroll wheel and a gesture-based on-screen mouse.

Key features:

• screen size: 65”;
• display type: OLED;
• refresh rate: 120Hz;
• number of HDMI ports: 4;
• dimensions: 146 x 87.6 x 6.1 cm;

The advantages of the model are stunning OLED-image with wide 4K support, great appearance, full-range sound system. Drawbacks include high cost and fewer solid offerings than Android TV or Roku TV.

Best budget 4K model

For those who are deciding which inexpensive but good TV to buy, reviews recommend TCL Roku TV 55P607. It's a bargain: The 55 UHD display delivers a brighter picture than other low-cost 4K sets, and Roku's smart interface meets all your streaming needs.

The combination of accurate color reproduction and a wide color gamut delivers brighter, more true-to-life images than competitors in this price range. In addition, the TV offers solid HDR support with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility. Although many people use the Roku smart interface, the TCL 55P607 version is better and comes bundled with a great remote control with voice interaction and a headphone jack forindividual listening. If you're looking for the ultimate combination of smart features with a grand 55-inch screen, the Roku TV 55P607 is the perfect choice.

The model is equipped with a decent set of ports and has a great back panel design. Some might want a higher quality sound or a premium OLED display, but the TCL Roku TV 55P607's favorable price-performance ratio is a clear indication of what an inexpensive but good TV to buy in 2018.

Key features:

• screen size: 55 inches;
• display type: LCD;
• refresh rate: 120Hz;
• number of HDMI ports: 3;
• dimensions: 124.5 x 76.5 x 21.1 cm;
• weight: 15 kg.

According to the owners, the advantages of the model are HDR 4K support, user-friendly interface, modern remote control with a headphone jack. Users are dissatisfied with the average sound quality, sometimes too saturated colors and exaggerated brightness.

Best budget option

The answer to the question of which Samsung TV to buy is the 55-inch MU6300, which combines a high-quality 4K display and superior smart interface at an affordable price.

Comprehensive local dimming backlighting significantly reduces black levels and unwanted halo effects on many LCD panels. Color quality is better than average, with high fidelity and support for HDR10 and Samsung's own HDR10 Plus. According to user reviews, there aresome issues with limited viewing angles and slight shading in the corners of the display, but overall this is a very good screen for the price. The design of the MU6300 is much nicer than the utilitarian styles of most budget TVs. The TV has a sleek Y-stand, flawless screen bezels, and a textured chassis. The MU6300 is equipped with three HDMI ports, two USB connections and wireless connectivity via 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Besides performance and design, the TV impresses with its combination of elegant software and an intuitive, minimalist remote. This makes it easy to watch streaming content, find new movies, or control your smart home. Using the remote's built-in microphone, you can even voice search for TV shows or tune your TV.

Key features:

• screen size: 55”;
• display type: LCD;
• refresh rate: 60Hz;
• number of HDMI ports: 3;
• dimensions: 124.2 x 72 x 6.4 cm;
• weight: 15.3 kg.

According to the owners, the advantages of the model are 4K and HDR support, elegant design, excellent interface with excellent remote control. The disadvantages of the TV, users include a limited viewing angle, lack of Dolby Vision, as well as a decrease in sound quality at higher volumes.

Best Picture: Sony Bravia OLED XBR-65A1E

This is an excellent OLED TV with great picture quality, impressive sound and solid Android TV features.

65-inch OLED-the panel delivers deep blacks, stunningly sharp images and excellent viewing angles. The XBR-65A1E, even when compared to high-end models, delivers better color, greater brightness, and greater accuracy, especially with skin tones. The 4K set also includes support for Dolby Vision and other HDR formats for greater brightness and a wider color gamut. Sony also provides its own video processing, which makes it possible to get a better picture than the LG E7 OLED, despite the fact that Sony uses panels from the same manufacturer. Equally impressive is the sound with Sony Acoustic Surface technology. The speakers are placed directly behind the OLED display, and sound waves are created by vibrating glass. The dialogue sounds like the words are coming straight from the mouths of the actors on the screen. In addition, a full, rich sound is achieved thanks to the powerful built-in subwoofer.

Sony Android TV is the best smart experience with all the major streaming apps, Google Chromecast compatibility, and proprietary PlayStation Vue streaming support. The TV has built-in Google Home for voice search and smart home control.

Key features:

• screen size: 65 inches;
• display type: OLED;
• refresh rate: 120Hz;
• number of HDMI ports: 4;
• dimensions: 160 x 20 x 100 cm;
• weight: 49 kg.

The advantages of the model, according to the owners, are an excellent OLED image with large viewing angles,impressive sound, well-run smart TV features. However, users are dissatisfied with the strange stand and extremely inconvenient remote control.