Which is the Best TV?

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With technological advancements pushing the boundaries of what televisions can do, understanding the features, brands, and specific models is crucial to making an informed decision.

In this article, 123 Review will walk you through the essential factors to consider, provide a detailed comparison of top brands, and review the best TV models available in 2024.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a TV

Choosing the right TV involves a balance between personal preferences, room characteristics, and budget. To ensure you make the best choice, consider the following key factors:

Screen Size Options for Different Room Sizes

The screen size is one of the most visible and immediate factors when choosing a TV. However, selecting the appropriate size involves more than just opting for the largest screen available. The ideal screen size is influenced by both the room’s dimensions and the typical viewing distance.

Small to Medium Rooms (32 to 43 inches): In smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or small living rooms, a 32 to 43-inch TV is usually sufficient. These sizes offer a comfortable viewing experience without overwhelming the room. For bedrooms, where viewers might be watching from a bed, a 32-inch TV is ideal, offering clarity without the need for excessive head movement.
Medium to Large Rooms (55 to 75 inches): For larger living rooms or open-plan spaces, a 55 to 75-inch TV provides a more immersive experience. If your seating area is about 7 to 10 feet from the TV, a 55 to 65-inch screen is generally recommended. For those with more space and a greater viewing distance, 75 inches or more can create a true home theater feel.
Extra-Large Rooms (75 inches and above): If you have a dedicated home theater room or a very large living area, TVs over 75 inches can be an excellent choice. These sizes are ideal for viewing from 10 feet or more, offering a cinematic experience, especially when paired with high-resolution content.

Types of TV Displays: LED, OLED, QLED

Understanding the differences in display technology is critical when choosing a TV, as each type offers distinct advantages and is suited to different viewing environments.

LED (Light Emitting Diode): LED TVs are the most prevalent in today’s market. They use a backlighting system to illuminate pixels, making them suitable for brightly lit rooms. LEDs are often more affordable than OLEDs and QLEDs, making them a good choice for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, LED TVs tend to have a longer lifespan, making them a durable option for general-purpose viewing.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode): OLED technology is celebrated for its ability to produce perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios. Unlike LEDs, OLEDs don’t require a backlight, as each pixel emits its own light. This allows for extremely thin panels and outstanding picture quality, especially in dark rooms. The deep blacks and vibrant colors make OLEDs ideal for movie enthusiasts and gamers who value picture accuracy and depth.
QLED (Quantum Dot LED): QLED technology, primarily developed by Samsung, enhances LED TVs by using quantum dots to improve color accuracy and brightness. QLED TVs are particularly well-suited for bright rooms, where their enhanced brightness can counteract glare and reflections. They also offer excellent color volume, which makes them a favorite for those who watch a lot of HDR content.

Resolution: 4K vs. 8K and Its Impact on Viewing Experience

Resolution is a significant factor that directly impacts the clarity and detail of the images on your screen. The two primary resolutions available in modern TVs are 4K and 8K.

4K (Ultra HD): With four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p), 4K TVs deliver exceptional clarity and detail, especially on larger screens. As content in 4K resolution becomes more widely available through streaming services, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray discs, 4K has become the standard for most new TVs. This resolution is particularly beneficial for screens 55 inches and above, where the increased pixel density prevents the image from appearing pixelated even up close.
8K: 8K TVs offer twice the resolution of 4K, with 33 million pixels compared to 8 million in 4K. This results in even finer detail and sharper images, particularly on very large screens (75 inches and above). However, the benefits of 8K are most noticeable in specific situations, such as very close viewing distances or on extremely large screens. Additionally, native 8K content is still scarce, so much of what you watch will be upscaled from 4K or even lower resolutions, which may not justify the additional cost for many consumers.

Smart TV Features: Streaming Services and Apps

Modern TVs are not just displays for broadcast television; they are central hubs for all your entertainment needs. Smart TV features, therefore, play a crucial role in your overall experience.

Smart Platforms: Different TV manufacturers use different smart platforms, which can affect your user experience. Samsung TVs use Tizen OS, LG TVs run on webOS, Sony and TCL often use Android TV or Google TV, while others may use proprietary systems. Each platform offers a different user interface, app availability, and speed. Android TV and Google TV are known for their broad app support and integration with Google services, while Tizen and webOS are praised for their user-friendly interfaces and smooth performance.
Streaming Services and Apps: Ensure that the TV supports all the streaming services and apps you frequently use. Major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu are almost universally supported, but some lesser-known services or apps may only be available on specific platforms. Additionally, consider whether the TV supports future-proof features like 4K streaming, HDR content, and Dolby Atmos sound for a truly immersive experience.
Voice Control and Smart Home Integration: Many modern TVs offer voice control via built-in assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or even proprietary systems like Samsung’s Bixby. This feature allows you to control your TV, search for content, and even control smart home devices using just your voice. Integration with smart home ecosystems can also be a deciding factor, especially if you have a smart home setup.

Top Brands in the TV Market

The TV market is dominated by a few key players, each bringing its strengths to the table. Understanding what each brand offers can help you narrow down your options.

Samsung: Innovation and Technology in TVs

Samsung has long been a leader in the TV industry, known for its cutting-edge technology and innovative designs. The brand is particularly famous for its QLED lineup, which offers some of the best brightness and color accuracy available today.

QLED Technology: Samsung’s QLED TVs are known for their exceptional brightness, which makes them ideal for rooms with a lot of natural light. The Quantum Dot technology used in QLEDs enhances color accuracy and brightness, delivering vibrant, lifelike images. Samsung has also introduced features like the Quantum Processor, which uses AI to upscale lower-resolution content to near-4K or 8K quality, depending on the model.
Design and Build Quality: Samsung TVs are often praised for their sleek, modern designs. The company offers models with ultra-thin bezels, minimalistic stands, and even wall-mountable designs that sit flush against the wall, like The Frame series, which doubles as a digital art display when not in use.
Smart Features: Samsung’s Tizen OS is known for its smooth performance and user-friendly interface. It offers a wide range of apps and supports voice control through Bixby, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Samsung TVs also support advanced features like Multi View, which allows you to watch multiple content streams simultaneously.

LG: Best OLED Options for Home Entertainment

LG has established itself as the leader in OLED technology, offering some of the best TVs for home entertainment, particularly for movie lovers and gamers.

OLED Technology: LG’s OLED TVs are renowned for their picture quality, with perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and stunning color accuracy. The lack of a backlight in OLED panels allows for ultra-thin designs and excellent viewing angles, making them ideal for both small and large rooms where viewers may be sitting off-center.
Advanced Features for Gamers: LG’s OLED TVs are particularly popular among gamers due to their support for HDMI 2.1, which allows for 4K gaming at 120Hz. Features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) ensure a smooth, responsive gaming experience with minimal input lag.
Smart Features: LG’s webOS platform is highly regarded for its simplicity and ease of use. It offers quick access to a wide range of streaming apps and supports voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. LG TVs also integrate well with smart home systems, offering control over other connected devices.

Sony: Superior Picture Quality and Audio

Sony is known for its focus on delivering superior picture and sound quality, making its TVs a favorite among cinephiles and audiophiles alike.

Picture Processing: Sony’s TVs are equipped with the X1 Ultimate processor, which delivers exceptional picture processing power. This results in superb upscaling of lower-resolution content and enhanced clarity, color, and contrast in 4K and HDR content. Sony’s OLED models, like the A80J, are particularly noted for their excellent picture quality, with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth motion handling.
Audio Technology: Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology is unique in the TV market. Instead of traditional speakers, Sony’s OLED TVs use actuators behind the screen to vibrate the panel and produce sound, resulting in audio that seems to come directly from the screen itself. This creates a more immersive viewing experience, especially for movies and TV shows.
Smart Features: Sony’s TVs run on the Android TV platform (or Google TV in newer models), offering a vast selection of apps and games through the Google Play Store. The platform also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control, and integrates seamlessly with other Google services and smart home devices.

Comparing the Best TVs of 2024

With a plethora of options available, comparing the best TVs of 2024 can help you identify the model that best suits your needs. Here’s a detailed look at the top choices across different categories.

Best 4K LED TVs for Bright Rooms

If you have a room with a lot of natural light, a 4K LED TV with high brightness levels is essential for maintaining picture quality. Here are some of the top models in this category:

Samsung QN90B: This model is one of the best 4K QLED TVs available in 2024. It offers excellent brightness and color accuracy, making it ideal for bright rooms. The QN90B also features Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology, which enhances contrast and detail, even in the brightest scenes. The Anti-Reflection screen further improves viewing in well-lit environments by minimizing glare.
Sony X90K: Sony’s X90K is another excellent choice for bright rooms. It features a full-array LED backlight with local dimming, which provides better contrast and deeper blacks than edge-lit LED TVs. The X90K’s X1 processor enhances picture quality by optimizing color, contrast, and clarity, making it a strong contender in this category.

Best OLED TVs for Dark Room Viewing

For those who prefer watching movies in a dark room, OLED TVs are the best option due to their ability to produce perfect blacks and vibrant colors. Here are the top OLED models for 2024:

LG C2 OLED: The LG C2 OLED is widely regarded as one of the best OLED TVs on the market. It offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors, making it ideal for dark room viewing. The C2 also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, its gaming features, such as HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM, make it a top choice for gamers.
Sony A80J OLED: Sony’s A80J OLED is another top-tier option for dark rooms. It features Sony’s XR OLED Contrast technology, which enhances picture quality by delivering deeper blacks and more vivid colors. The A80J also includes Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which produces sound directly from the screen, creating a more immersive experience.

Best Budget TVs That Don’t Compromise on Quality

Finding a budget TV that doesn’t compromise on quality is possible, especially with brands like TCL and Hisense offering excellent options at affordable prices:

TCL 6-Series (R646): The TCL 6-Series is one of the best budget TVs available in 2024. It offers a 4K QLED display with mini-LED backlighting, which provides excellent brightness and contrast for the price. The 6-Series also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, delivering impressive picture quality for movies and TV shows. Its gaming features, such as HDMI 2.1 and VRR, make it a great choice for gamers on a budget.
Hisense U8G: The Hisense U8G is another strong contender in the budget category. It features a 4K ULED display with Quantum Dot technology, offering vibrant colors and high brightness levels. The U8G also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, providing a high-quality viewing experience at a reasonable price.

Best High-End TVs for Ultimate Viewing Experience

If you’re looking for the best of the best, high-end TVs offer cutting-edge technology and premium features that deliver an unparalleled viewing experience:

Samsung QN900B 8K QLED: The Samsung QN900B is one of the best high-end TVs available in 2024. It offers an 8K QLED display with Quantum Matrix Technology Pro, which enhances contrast and detail with exceptional precision. The QN900B also features AI-powered 8K upscaling, ensuring that all content looks its best, even if it’s not native 8K. With a sleek design and advanced smart features, the QN900B delivers a truly premium viewing experience.
LG G2 OLED: The LG G2 OLED is the pinnacle of LG’s OLED lineup, offering the best picture quality available. It features LG’s Evo OLED panel, which delivers brighter images and better color accuracy than previous generations. The G2 also supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and advanced gaming features, making it a top choice for those seeking the ultimate home entertainment experience.

Reviews of the Best TV Models

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a closer look at some of the best TV models in 2024:

Detailed Review of the Samsung QN90B Series

The Samsung QN90B Series is one of the standout models in the 4K QLED category. It offers impressive brightness and color accuracy, making it ideal for bright rooms. The QN90B features Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology, which uses mini-LEDs to enhance contrast and detail. This results in deeper blacks and brighter highlights, providing a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience.

The QN90B also includes Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor 4K, which uses AI to upscale lower-resolution content to near-4K quality. This ensures that everything you watch looks sharp and detailed, regardless of the source. The Tizen OS platform offers a smooth and user-friendly smart TV experience, with access to a wide range of streaming services and apps.

In-depth Analysis of the LG C2 OLED

The LG C2 OLED is one of the best OLED TVs available in 2024. It offers exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors. The C2’s OLED panel is capable of producing stunning images, especially in dark rooms, where its ability to display perfect blacks truly shines.

The C2 also features Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive viewing experience for movies and TV shows. For gamers, the C2 is a top choice, with features like HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM, which ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The webOS platform offers quick access to all your favorite streaming services and apps, and the Magic Remote makes navigation easy and intuitive.

Comprehensive Look at the Sony A80J OLED TV

The Sony A80J OLED is another top-tier OLED TV that excels in picture and sound quality. It features Sony’s XR OLED Contrast technology, which enhances picture quality by delivering deeper blacks and more vivid colors. The A80J’s OLED panel provides excellent contrast and color accuracy, making it ideal for movie lovers and gamers alike.

The A80J also includes Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which produces sound directly from the screen. This creates a more immersive viewing experience, with audio that seems to come directly from the action on the screen. The A80J runs on the Android TV platform, offering access to a wide range of apps and games, as well as voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Conclusion: Making the Final Decision

Choosing the best TV for your needs in 2024 involves balancing various factors, including screen size, display type, resolution, smart features, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option like the TCL 6-Series, the best OLED for dark room viewing like the LG C2, or a high-end 8K TV like the Samsung QN900B, the current market offers something for everyone.

Consider your viewing environment, the types of content you watch, and the features that matter most to you. By taking these factors into account, and using this guide as a reference, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and enjoy a superior viewing experience with your new TV.