{"id":28365,"date":"2023-01-09T12:00:19","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T11:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1067128"},"modified":"2023-01-10T04:37:00","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T03:37:00","slug":"best-smart-tv-2023-top-rated-budget-and-premium-4k-tvs-to-buy-this-year","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/best-smart-tv-2023-top-rated-budget-and-premium-4k-tvs-to-buy-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Best smart TV 2023: top-rated budget and premium 4K TVs to buy this year"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Matt Breen\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 09 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

A television is one of those high-value items that nearly everybody will invest in at some point in their lives. That\u2019s why the smart TV market is fiercely competitive, and one where new models appear at high speed and technology improves at a dizzying pace.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a market that can be hugely intimidating for buyers. It can be hard to know where to start with such a huge range in prices and a truckload of indecipherable numbers, acronyms, marketing spiel, and other jargon to contend with. And it\u2019s easy to go wrong \u2013 and if there\u2019s one thing you don\u2019t want, it\u2019s to end up with the wrong TV, a high-cost product that should last you for years on end.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve put together this comprehensive buying guide to stop that from happening. Along with our recommendations for the best smart TVs to buy, picked out from our tried and tested models, we\u2019ll also take you through everything you need to know about picking out the perfect smart TV. So if you want to binge your favourite boxsets in the full televisual glory they deserve, but your 10-year-old telly just isn\u2019t cutting the mustard, fear not \u2013 we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve found the TV that\u2019s right for you, head over to our best TV shows<\/a> guide for a full list of the series you should be watching this year.<\/p>\n

Jump to:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Best smart TV to buy at a glance<\/a><\/li>\n
Tips before you start shopping for a TV<\/a><\/li>\n
Choosing the best TV for your needs<\/a><\/li>\n
How much should I spend on a TV?<\/a><\/li>\n
Where to buy a TV in the UK?<\/a><\/li>\n
Best smart TV to buy in 2023<\/a><\/li>\n
TV buying jargon glossary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
Best smart TV to buy in 2023 at a glance<\/strong><\/h2>\nBest 4K smart TV:<\/strong> Philips OLED+936<\/a><\/li>\n
Best smart TV for design:<\/strong> Philips OLED805<\/a><\/li>\n
Best smart TV for cinematic sound:<\/strong> Samsung QN95A (QE55QN95)<\/a><\/li>\n
Best smart TV for picture quality:\u00a0<\/strong>Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B)<\/a><\/li>\n
Best TV for streaming:<\/strong> TCL RP620K (55RP620K)<\/a><\/li>\n
Best mid-range TV:<\/strong> Samsung Q70A (QE55Q70A)<\/a><\/li>\n
Best small TV:<\/strong> Toshiba 32WK3C63DB<\/a><\/li>\n
Best smart TV for mounting:<\/strong> LG G1 (OLED65G1)<\/a><\/li>\n
Best gaming TV:<\/strong> LG C1 (OLED65C1)<\/a><\/li>\n
Best value for money TV:<\/strong> Sony X90J (XR-65X90J)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
How to choose a smart TV: top tips before you start shopping<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Here\u2019s a checklist of things to do before you start shopping for a smart TV:<\/p>\n
Work out a budget.<\/strong> You can spend anywhere between \u00a395<\/a> and \u00a320,000<\/a> on a new TV, and it\u2019s a good idea to filter your search by price when looking through retailers and Google Shopping. Don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re not yet sure how much to set aside: we\u2019ll go into how much you should spend on a new smart TV later in this article.<\/li>\n
Know your optimum screen size.<\/strong> It\u2019s crucial you pick a smart TV with a screen size that\u2019s appropriate for your viewing space. Too small, and you\u2019ll have to invest in some binoculars; too big, and the picture quality will be sub-par. We\u2019ll go into screen sizes in the next section.<\/li>\n
List any must-have features.<\/strong> Whether it\u2019s an OLED screen, an in-built voice assistant or even a soundbar giveaway, it\u2019s always good to put together a wishlist of features. It will make your decision-making far easier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Frequently Asked Questions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\nWhat is the best smart TV brand?<\/h6>\n
According to a Kantar Media UK survey<\/a>, in 2019, an estimated 15.8 million people used Samsung TV sets, 11 million used LG sets, 7.4 million used Panasonic sets and 7.2 million used Sony sets.<\/p>\n
We can recommend all these brands as market leaders. You\u2019ll also find reliable sets from Philips, TCL and Hisense. There\u2019s much debate about which brand earns the top spot, but we can assure you that any smart TV you buy from these manufacturers will get you a television of assured quality and reliability. (That said, it\u2019s always worth knowing a retailer\u2019s returns policy before you make your purchase.)<\/p>\n
Which size TV should I buy?<\/h6>\n
You might want the biggest television you can get your hands on, but it\u2019s important to know which screen size works best for your viewing space.<\/p>\n
There may well be some leeway between sizes, depending on how rearrangeable your furniture is \u2013 the golden formulae to remember are that your viewing distance should be 1.5 times the screen size with standard HD televisions and 1-1.5 times the screen size for 4K televisions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Need to figure it out in reverse? Check out the screen size calculator in our what size TV should I buy<\/a> article. We also have an article on how to measure a TV screen<\/a>.<\/p>\n
How much should I spend on a TV?<\/h6>\n
If you want to buy a good-quality television but want to keep your spending to a sensible minimum, \u00a3500 is a good figure to keep in mind. This will guarantee you a perfectly respectable television that\u2019s 4K in quality and has an in-built streaming platform that will set you up with access to all the typical services. Entry-level 4Ks are growing ever cheaper, but you\u2019ll likely be spending a minimum of \u00a3300.<\/p>\n
Certainly, if you\u2019re looking for a small TV \u2013 40-inch or lower \u2013 then you can easily keep your spending below \u00a3500. But the good news for budget spenders is that a modest spend doesn\u2019t hinder you that much in terms of screen size: you\u2019ll find smaller 32-inch sets for as little as \u00a3150, while at the other end, you can pick up older-generation 65-inch sets for as little as \u00a3450.<\/p>\n
Spend between \u00a3500 and \u00a31,000, and you\u2019ll start to find 55-inch TVs from industry leaders like Samsung and LG. It\u2019s also at this price point you\u2019ll start to find smart TVs that incorporate a few extra features. Most notable are the QLED and NanoCell tech that you\u2019ll find in Samsung and LG TVs, respectively \u2013 these TVs will offer you a picture quality that\u2019s richer, more vibrant and better in contrast.\u00a0At this price, you\u2019ll also find the smart TVs have built-in voice assistants, and can potentially sync to other smart devices in your house.<\/p>\n
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
Choosing the best smart TV for your needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
There are a number of key criteria that everybody should consider before they buy their next smart TV. Here they are:<\/p>\n
Do you like to switch the lights off when you watch TV, or do you watch it with an overhead light on, or chiefly during the daytime? It may sway your decision, especially if you\u2019re choosing between a QLED and NanoCell TV.<\/li>\n
If you have any smart devices set up around your home, you may want to consider looking out for a TV with an in-built voice assistant like Alexa<\/a>, Google Assistant or Samsung\u2019s Bixby. Via your smart TV, you can potentially do anything from dimming the lights to adjusting your thermostat.<\/li>\n
Gaming<\/a> fan? If you plan to connect your console to your television, it\u2019s worth looking at the refresh rates in the specs of any TVs you\u2019re looking at. The refresh rate simply means how many times the image changes per second: look out for sets with 120HZ or high.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Skip straight to the TVs<\/a><\/p>\n
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How much should I spend on a smart TV?<\/strong><\/h2>\nBudget<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you want to buy a good-quality television but want to keep your spending to a sensible minimum, \u00a3500 is a good figure to keep in mind. This will guarantee you a perfectly respectable television that\u2019s 4K in quality and has an in-built streaming platform that will set you up with access to all the typical services. Entry-level 4Ks are growing ever cheaper, but you\u2019ll likely be spending a minimum of \u00a3300.<\/p>\n
Certainly, if you\u2019re looking for a small TV \u2013 40-inch or lower \u2013 then you can easily keep your spending below \u00a3500. But the good news for budget spenders is that a modest spend doesn\u2019t hinder you that much in terms of screen size: you\u2019ll find smaller 32-inch sets for as little as \u00a3150, while at the other end, you can pick up older-generation 65-inch sets for as little as \u00a3450.<\/p>\n
Mid-range<\/strong><\/h3>\nSpend between \u00a3500 and \u00a31,000, and you\u2019ll start to find 55-inch TVs from industry leaders like Samsung and LG. It\u2019s also at this price point you\u2019ll start to find smart TVs that incorporate a few extra features. Most notable are the QLED and NanoCell tech that you\u2019ll find in Samsung and LG TVs, respectively \u2013 these TVs will offer you a picture quality that\u2019s richer, more vibrant and better in contrast. Don\u2019t miss our LG or Samsung TV<\/a> explainer if you\u2019re in two minds about which brand to pick.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also start to find smart TVs that have a built-in voice assistant, and one that you can potentially sync to other smart devices in your house.<\/p>\n
High-spend<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re happy to spend upward of \u00a31,000 \u2013 and admittedly, there\u2019s still a dizzying range of prices \u2013 then you\u2019ll find yourself in the OLED range, which is a good place to be: it will get you what\u2019s the best picture quality, and will be for the next few years.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s in the high-spend category that we start to see prices vary much more sharply between sizes: while 55-inch OLEDs start at around \u00a31,200, be prepared to spend \u00a31,500 to \u00a32,500 on 65-inch sets and as much as \u00a34,500 on 75-inch or 77-inch sets.<\/p>\n
Scroll down to the bottom of this article for a round-up of televisions of differing sizes for each of these categories.<\/p>\n
Where to buy a smart TV in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe biggest retailers that stock smart TVs are Amazon<\/a>, Currys PC World<\/a>, John Lewis<\/a>, Very<\/a>, AO<\/a> and Appliances Direct<\/a>. Both Currys and John Lewis offer price-match promises, so if you see a television that\u2019s cheaper elsewhere, hold them to it!<\/p>\n
Amazon often stocks TVs at the lowest prices, but those prices fluctuate incredibly quickly and can sometimes be listed with outdated RRPs. Use the online tool CamelCamelCamel<\/a> to check an item\u2019s price history on Amazon to give you a better sense of the deal you\u2019re getting.<\/p>\n
Other features to consider when buying a new TV<\/strong><\/h3>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
It\u2019s always worth thinking about your TV-viewing habits before you make a decision on purchasing a smart TV. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n
Do you like switching the light off before sitting down to watch TV? Or, by contrast, do you typically watch television during daylight hours? It\u2019s in the gloom that QLED and OLED televisions really perform well, but they sometimes struggle under bright light conditions.<\/li>\n
Are you a gamer? If there\u2019s usually a console parked under your TV, you might want to seek out a television with a high refresh rate that stops your gameplay from juddering \u2013 look for sets marked as 120HZ or higher.<\/li>\n
Are you a film buff who\u2019s sorely missing the cinema? You\u2019re probably thinking about a TV with high-quality visuals, but it\u2019s also wise to set aside some of your budget for a soundbar<\/a>. You\u2019ll often find that retailers sell TVs and soundbars together in bundle deals.<\/li>\n
Have you considered putting your TV on the wall? It can make all the difference to the quality of your viewing, and TV wall brackets are inexpensive. Don\u2019t miss our how to wall mount a TV<\/a> explainer to find out more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Best smart TV to buy in 2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Philips OLED+936<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best 4K smart TV<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Superb 4K picture performance<\/li>\n
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support<\/li>\n
Dolby Atmos sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Imposing design<\/li>\n
Not all HDMI inputs support 4K 120fps gaming<\/li>\n
Expensive<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Four-sided Ambilight<\/li>\n
Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos sound system<\/li>\n
Advanced AI picture processing<\/li>\n
HDMI v2.1 connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>
When it comes to picture and sound, the Philips OLED+936 is one of the best 4K TVs currently available. Featuring the Philips Ambilight system, the smart TV has a ring of LEDs on the back of the screen that project coloured light onto the wall behind to create atmosphere as you watch TV. Despite its premium price tag, it\u2019s hard to fault this Philips TV.<\/p>\n
Read the full Philips OLED+936 TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy Philips OLED+936 TV for \u00a32,399 at Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Philips OLED805<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best smart TV for design<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Excellent picture performance<\/li>\n
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support<\/li>\n
Ambilight lounge lighting<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
No 4K 120fps HDMI support<\/li>\n
Poor input lag<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Three-sided Ambilight<\/li>\n
Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support<\/li>\n
Android TV smart platform<\/li>\n
Freeview Play<\/li>\n
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Philips OLED805 is a high-end 4K OLED TV with advanced picture processing, an Android smart platform and the brand\u2019s signature Ambilight lounge lighting system. The smart TV is ultra-thin and comes with a vibrant picture that is sharp. The new Pure Cinema mode maintains clarity but still keeps the picture looking cinematic \u2013 no easy feat.<\/p>\n
Read the full Philips OLED805 TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy Philips OLED805 TV for \u00a32,199 at Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Samsung QN95A (QE55QN95)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best smart TV for cinematic sound<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Mini LED backlight for better HDR<\/li>\n
Stylish super slim design<\/li>\n
Advanced OTS+ sound system<\/li>\n
4K 120fps High Frame Rate support<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
One Connect Box won\u2019t suit everyone<\/li>\n
No Dolby Vision support<\/li>\n
Premium price point<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Mini LED Neo QLED screen<\/li>\n
One Connect Box<\/li>\n
Tizen smart platform<\/li>\n
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support<\/li>\n
HDMI v2.1 connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The Samsung QN95A is at the top of the brand\u2019s Neo QLED TV range. The audio is particularly punchy thanks to eight speakers, including two high up on the rear, that create a lot of on-screen movement. The QLED TV looks great even in a brightly-lit room and works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Samsung\u2019s own Bixby.<\/p>\n
Read the full Samsung QN95A TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy Samsung QN95A TV for \u00a31,799 at Samsung<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best smart TV for picture quality<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n
Auto AI picture mode<\/li>\n
Universal HDR format support<\/li>\n
Good streaming and Catch-Up TV options<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n
A bit pricey for the screen size<\/li>\n
Only two HDMI inputs support High Frame Rate gaming<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
HCX Pro AI Processor<\/li>\n
My Home Screen smart platform<\/li>\n
Dolby Vision IQ<\/li>\n
Freeview Play<\/li>\n<\/ul>
It is in the picture quality where this TV excels. The OLED smart TV delivers a picture with deep blacks, superb contrast and rich, vibrant colours.<\/p>\n
Yes, it is a little more expensive than the same size competitive models but our TV expert thinks it\u2019s worth it. Reviewer Steve May writes: \u201cThere are rival OLED flat-screens from the likes of LG and Philips which sell for less, but they can\u2019t match this Panasonic offering when it comes to HDR format support, which is class-leading.<\/p>\n
Read the full Panasonic JZ980 (TX-48JZ980B) TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy Panasonic JZ980 smart TV for \u00a31,049 at Hughes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
TCL RP620K (55RP620K)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best TV for streaming<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Excellent Roku smart platform<\/li>\n
Freeview Play<\/li>\n
Stonking value<\/li>\n
Low input lag<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
HDR not the brightest<\/li>\n
1080p upscaling could be better<\/li>\n
Audio performance is average<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Built-in Roku smart platform<\/li>\n
Freeview Play<\/li>\n
Dolby Vision<\/li>\n<\/ul>The TCL RP620K TV is a mid-range 4K HDR TV that offers brilliant value for money. The Roku smart platform is easy to navigate, and apps available include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+<\/a>, AppleTV+<\/a>, NOW, and BT Sport. Despite the rather affordable price, the picture quality is crisp. This makes the TCL RP620K a great option if you\u2019re looking for a big smart TV on a limited budget.<\/p>\n
Read the full TCL RP620K TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy TCL RP620K TV for \u00a3299 at Currys<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Samsung Q70A (QE55Q70A)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best mid-range TV<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
AirSlim design<\/li>\n
Object Tracking Sound LITE<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Only one HDMI supports High Frame rate 4K 120fps<\/li>\n
No Dolby Vision support<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
QLED Edge-lit panel<\/li>\n
Tizen smart platform<\/li>\n
HDMI v2.1 connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Despite its more palatable price tag, the Samsung Q70A still boasts most of the features found in the brand\u2019s more expensive QLED 4K TV range. It has a great picture brightness, good contrast and a vibrant display, with the usual range of picture modes, including Standard, Dynamic, Natural and Movie.<\/p>\n
Read the full Samsung Q70A TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy Samsung Q70A TV for \u00a3749 at Very<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Toshiba 32WK3C63D<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best small TV<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Great value for money<\/li>\n
Freeview Play catch-up<\/li>\n
Toshiba Smart Centre<\/li>\n
Bluetooth music streaming<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Only 720p resolution<\/li>\n
No Disney+ app<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Freeview Play<\/li>\n
Amazon Alexa compatible<\/li>\n
Bluetooth built-in<\/li>\n<\/ul>
A brilliant, affordable small TV. The Toshiba WK3 TV is a great addition to any spare room or kitchen. It\u2019s HD Ready and supports a good number of apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Britbox, YouTube, Twitch, BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. The design isn\u2019t flashy, but the picture quality is decent for what it promises.<\/p>\n
Read the full Toshiba WK3 TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy Toshiba WK3 ~~\u00a3189.00<\/del> \u00a3159 (save \u00a330 or 16%) at Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n~~
LG G1 (OLED65G1)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best smart TV for mounting<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Top-notch 4K picture quality<\/li>\n
Interiors friendly design<\/li>\n
Cutting-edge panel<\/li>\n
4K 120fps High Frame Rate support<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
You\u2019ll probably need to wall-mount a soundbar<\/li>\n
A bit on the pricey side<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
High brightness EVO panel<\/li>\n
Gallery design<\/li>\n
4K HDR with Dolby Vision IQ<\/li>\n
Web OS smart platform<\/li>\n
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support<\/li>\n
HDMI v2.1 connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>
The \u2018G\u2019 in the LG G1 stands for \u2018gallery\u2019 as this TV is designed to be mounted on the wall. This won\u2019t suit everyone, but we awarded it four out of five stars because it delivered a vibrant and cinematic picture quality, ultra-sleek design, and smart TV features, including Google Assistant or Alexa support.<\/p>\n
Read the full LG G1 TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy LG G1 TV for \u00a32,299 at Currys<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
LG C1 (OLED65C1)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best gaming TV<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Excellent 4K picture quality<\/li>\n
Plenty of streaming app options<\/li>\n
Game Optimizer mode<\/li>\n
4K 120fps High Frame Rate support<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Average onboard audio<\/li>\n
No HDR10+ support<\/li>\n
Smart Platform could do with customisation options<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
4K HDR with Dolby Vision IQ<\/li>\n
Web OS smart platform<\/li>\n
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support<\/li>\n
HDMI v2.1 connectivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>This premium 4K TV is packed with features. It can display high frame rate games at 4K 120fps from a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X console, works with Google Assistant or Alexa, and has a super slim OLED display. We recommend adding a soundbar<\/a> for the full cinematic experience.<\/p>\n
Read the full LG C1 TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy LG C1 TV for \u00a31,699 at Very<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Sony X90J (XR-65X90J)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best value for money TV<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Outstanding picture performance<\/li>\n
Dolby Vision HDR<\/li>\n
Dolby Atmos sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Poor Catch-up TV support<\/li>\n
No HDR10+<\/li>\n
Not all HDMI inputs cope with 4K 120fps gaming<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Cognitive Processor XR processor<\/li>\n
HDMI v2.1 connectivity<\/li>\n
Google TV<\/li>\n
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant<\/li>\n<\/ul>
For less than \u00a31,000, the 55-inch Sony Bravia X90J ticks a lot of boxes. The 4K LED TV works with Alexa and Google Assistant, picture quality with superb detail and colour depth, plus next-gen games console support for the PlayStation 5. It\u2019s a solid choice for anyone after a powerful TV that won\u2019t break the bank.<\/p>\n
Read the full Sony X90J TV review<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Buy Sony X90J TV for \u00a3899 at Currys<\/strong><\/a><\/p>
TV buying jargon glossary<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When shopping for TVs, we\u2019re confronted with lots of acronyms and jargon. Here\u2019s a glossary of terms, what they mean, and more importantly, whether they\u2019re worth paying attention to.<\/p>\n
4K<\/strong><\/h4>\nUltra HD \u2013 or 4K as it\u2019s better known \u2013 has now become the default quality in televisions. It\u2019s known as 4K because of the 3840 x 2160 pixels of definition that are offered \u2013 a huge step up from the 1920 x 1080 pixels of standard HD. Since nearly all televisions that are being manufactured now are 4K in quality \u2013 and are growing ever cheaper \u2013 you\u2019ll definitely want a TV that\u2019s 4K-ready. Take a look at our what is a 4K TV<\/a> article for deep dive into what you can expect from a 4K television.<\/p>\n
8K<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The image resolution of 4K television might have sounded impressive, but they can\u2019t compare to the staggering 7,680 x 4,320 pixels offered by 8K TVs. While many 8K televisions are already on the market, they\u2019re still far too expensive for the average buyer. Not only that, 8K resolution only really pays off in super-size televisions like 75-inch or 85-inch sets. Our advice is to pass over 8K televisions for now \u2013 they\u2019ll likely grow much more affordable in the next few years.<\/p>\n
Smart TV<\/strong><\/h4>\n
This is a phrase that you\u2019ll see on pretty much every TV set on the market now. Indeed, in a RadioTimes.com<\/strong> poll we conducted last year with over 500 readers, we discovered that 47% of them already own a smart TV.<\/p>\n
A smart television is simply one you can connect to your home\u2019s Wi-Fi and use for both app streaming and internet browsing. Read our what is a smart TV<\/a> guide to find out more about how smart platforms differ, and which brands make the best smart televisions. To find out more about Google\u2019s latest smart platform (something you\u2019re likely to see on increasing numbers of sets), read our What is Google TV<\/a> article.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not currently in the market for a new television, you can add a smart device to your TV in the form of a streaming stick. The most popular brands are from Amazon and Roku, and our experts have tested several of them, including the Roku Streambar<\/a>,\u00a0 Roku Express 4K<\/a>,\u00a0 Amazon Fire TV Cube<\/a> and Now TV Smart Stick.<\/a> These have differing capabilities and picture quality, but they\u2019ll also set up your non-smart TV for streaming.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re thinking of buying one, the best place to start is by reading our best streaming device<\/a> article.<\/p>\n
LCD<\/strong><\/h4>\n
You\u2019ve probably heard this acronym before since it\u2019s been around for a while: it stands for Liquid Crystal Display. With the exception of OLED sets, all televisions still use LCD screens, which are illuminated by a rear backlight.<\/p>\n
LED<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The backlight we mention above is the LED or Light Emitting Diode. It\u2019s this that shines through the LCD screen in order to provide you with your image, and they\u2019re an integral part of all but the most advanced televisions. Sometimes TVs are marked as LED TVs, which really means they are still LCD TVs. Don\u2019t worry if this is confusing, it\u2019s not particularly important.<\/p>\n
HD<\/strong><\/h4>\nThis stands for High Definition TV \u2013 aka the next big thing of yesteryear. That\u2019s not to disparage the 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution of HD televisions: the majority of UK households have these in their living rooms. But given that 4K is now so eminently affordable, we don\u2019t suggest you buy an HD television now. You\u2019ll also see HD Ready marked on older sets, which is a slightly lower resolution \u2013 to learn more about the differences, read our HD Ready vs Full HD TVs<\/a> article.<\/p>\n
HDR<\/h4>\n
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, which is a kind of additional format that relates to 4K. There are many different formats out there, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+, and Advanced HDR by Technicolor, and there\u2019s much debate over which is best. Different televisions support different HDR formats, as do streaming services \u2013 for example, Netflix delivers its 4K content in Dolby Vision. But since they\u2019re all completely compatible, our honest advice is not to get too hung up on HDR.<\/p>\n
OLED<\/strong><\/h4>\nThis is a term that you should definitely pay attention when you\u2019re shopping for a smart TV and one that probably explains the hefty prices you\u2019ll encounter. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs currently enjoy top-tier status on the market, offering a rich, vibrant, high-contrast picture quality that\u2019s discernibly superior to your run-of-the-mill 4K. Go for it, if you can afford it, and read our what is an OLED TV<\/a> explainer if you\u2019re curious.<\/p>\n
And if you fancy taking a look at a recently released, cutting-edge OLED television, you can read our guide to the <\/span>Sony Bravia XR A90J<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
QLED<\/strong><\/h4>\nQLED is Samsung\u2019s homegrown, more affordable alternative to OLED. It makes use of traditional LCD\/LED technology but introduces a layer of \u2018quantum dots\u2019 to further optimise the picture. Samsung has wisely positioned this as the stepping stone between typical 4K and OLED. We dive into the details in our what is QLED TV<\/a> explainer.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re seeking out a TV that delivers an extra-high picture standard, but you want to keep your spending below \u00a31,000, you should definitely consider Samsung\u2019s QLED smart TV range.<\/p>\n
NanoCell<\/strong><\/h4>\nSimilar to QLED is NanoCell, a type of image tech developed by rival Korean brand LG. As we go into it our what is a NanoCell TV<\/a> explainer, this technology optimises the quality of 4K television by introducing a layer of \u2018nanoparticles\u2019 that improve the colour range and blacks of whatever you\u2019re watching. Again, it sits in the middle-ground between standard 4K sets and the elite OLEDs and is definitely worth considering. While models from the latest lines can cost around the \u00a31,000 mark, you\u2019ll find older sets for not much over \u00a3500.<\/p>\n
Neo QLED<\/strong><\/h4>\nSamsung\u2019s Neo QLED TV sets mark the next evolutionary phase in QLED tech, with the Mini LED lights being replaced by even smaller lights. These create a wider number of \u2018zones\u2019 across the TV screen, all of which can be little at different levels, which contributes to a sharper, more vibrant quality of image. To find out more, you can head to our Samsung QLED vs Samsung Neo QLED<\/a> explainer.<\/p>\n
Take a look at our Samsung Q70A TV review<\/a> to see what a Samsung QLED smart TV offers.<\/p>\n
Dolby Atmos<\/h4>\n
This is something you\u2019ll see showcased across a number of high-end smart TVs from the likes of LG and Samsung. It\u2019s essentially a surround-sound audio technology that was first introduced to cinemas nearly a decade ago. Streaming services like Netflix offer some titles with Dolby Atmos compatibility, but it all depends on whether it\u2019s supported by your television.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re someone who values high-quality audio with their television, one assured way is to invest in a soundbar, which can be used alongside (or more literally, directly under) the TV\u2019s built-in speakers. Our experts have put a number of soundbars to the test, including the TLC TS6100<\/a>, the Roku Streambar<\/a>, the Sony HT\u2013G700<\/a> and the Sonos Arc<\/a>, which supports Dolby Atmos.<\/p>\n
Want to know more about Sky\u2019s new TV? Head over to our What is Sky Glass<\/a> explainer. Or, finish your TV setup with one of our\u00a0 best indoor TV aerials<\/a>, or take a look at our top Disney Plus offers<\/a> this month.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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