For those who decide which TV is best to buy in 2018, a barrage of obscure abbreviations and confusing specifications makes it difficult to make the right choice. These people should take advantage of buying recommendations and articles that explain everything from OLED technology to HDR content. This article explains some key concepts that you should pay attention to 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 best to buy is its price. Most top-tier consumer electronics companies have a consistent policy, allowing an authorized seller to offer equipment no cheaper than a certain level. At the same time, they threaten to stop delivering their products to those retailers who do not comply.
Lower prices can be found at unauthorized dealers, but many manufacturers give up warranty and any support for the TV purchased outside their dealer networks. Some retailers replace the manufacturer’s warranty with their own, although its cost may vary, and it becomes completely useless if the dealer goes out of business. Buyers must carefully weigh whether it is worth the risk when buying cheaper.
However, it should be remembered that often the functionality of expensive TVs can be found in much cheaper models.
Ultra high definition
The definitive answer to the question of which TV is better to buy in 2018 will be 4K - this is what you should strive for. Ultra-high definition screen resolution 4 times the standard HD. With 4K content, the user gets an incredibly high image quality. Since ultra-high-definition kits have replaced HDTV and become the standard of a modern TV, 4K resources are becoming more accessible - online broadcasting is available in this format, there are Blu-ray players supporting it.
Update frequency
This feature indicates how often the screen image is updated. The higher it is, the movement and video will be more realistic. This largely determines which TV is best to buy. According to reviews, TVs usually operate at a frequency of 60 Hz, but experts recommend 120 Hz and higher. At the same time, the real value of this characteristic may differ from that stated by the manufacturer, so you should familiarize yourself with the results of professional testing.
Screen size
What diagonal is 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 thousand rubles. or 65 ”panels from 60 thousand rubles.
The answer to the question of which TV is better to buy - 32 inches diagonally or 100 - depends on how close the audience is from the screen. Typically, this is a triple 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 backlight. They have high brightness and can provide excellent color quality, but do poorly with black and dark shades. The best modern panels use OLED technology, i.e., organic LEDs. The pixels themselves emit light in them, 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, but quantum dots and local backlight are used to reduce the quality gap between the LCD and OLED displays.
Dynamic range
Another important factor for those who decide which TV to buy the best, and who wants to have a high quality image, 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 the base HDR10 to several competing premium standards such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus and Technicolor Advanced HDR. They have their advantages, but you can fully see the capabilities of each only when playing multimedia supported by the display.
User interface
Which smart TV is better to buy? Almost certainly, all modern models have “smart” features, as 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 - a 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 the help of a universal remote control, which will allow you to concentrate control in one convenient device. Some models even provide the ability to control smart home gadgets.
Streaming services
Which TV is better to buy in terms of access to online content? There are many options for viewing streaming broadcasts with any shows and films that the user only wishes. Many pre-installed applications include popular services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video. Some smart TVs also come with built-in cable TV replacement features like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue.
However, in the absence of a specific model of smart functions, you should not be upset. They can be easily added using a separate set-top box, such as the 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 effective, allowing you to receive channels over a long distance, while remaining invisible due to their compact design.
Soundbar
You should also think about the soundbar. Most TVs are designed to attract customers with a slim design that can be hung on the wall. The narrow built-in speakers are great for a great look, but they give a dull sound. The soundbar will provide the best sound quality with good low frequencies, without spoiling the interior by the confusion of wires of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound systems.
LG E7 OLED (OLED65E7P)
Users who are considering which TV company is best to buy and want to have a real home cinema should include the 65-inch E7 OLED product of the South Korean company LG in the first line of their list of candidates. Its stunning 4K display boasts fantastic image quality.
The owners are pleased with the deep black colors, clear frames, 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 sound that works so well that a separate soundbar may not be needed for cinematic display. From delicate vocals to vibrant action scenes, the audio quality of this model is one of the best, and even offers a deeper immersion thanks to the capabilities of Dolby Atmos.
According to user reviews, in addition to the magnificent image 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. Most of the mass that is usually expected to be seen from the back of the TV is missing. For the operation of smart TV, LG uses its own webOS software. Online offers are not as numerous as those of Android TV or Roku TV, but owners like the fast user interface and they appreciate how easy it is to navigate uncluttered menus.
LG's remote control dispels recent doubts as to which brand of TV is best to buy. The device combines all the traditional features of TV remotes with intuitive navigation controls, a smart scroll wheel and a gesture-based on-screen mouse.
Main characteristics:
- screen size: 65 ”;
- display type: OLED;
- refresh rate: 120 Hz;
- 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 support for 4K, excellent appearance, full-band sound system. The disadvantages include the high cost and fewer reliable offers than Android TV or Roku TV.
The best budget 4K model
For those who decide how inexpensive but good to buy a TV, reviews recommend the TCL Roku TV 55P607. This is a bargain: the 55-inch UHD display delivers brighter images than other low-cost 4K kits, and the Roku smart interface will satisfy all streaming needs.
The combination of accurate color reproduction and wide color gamut provide a brighter and more realistic image than competitors in this price range. In addition, the TV offers robust HDR support with compatibility with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Although many use the Roku smart interface, the TCL 55P607 is better and comes complete with an excellent remote control with voice interaction and a headphone jack for personal listening. If you need the most optimal combination of smart features with a grand 55-inch screen, the Roku TV 55P607 is an unrivaled option.
The model is equipped with a decent set of ports and has an excellent rear panel design. Some may want a higher-quality sound or premium OLED display, but the favorable price-performance ratio of the TCL Roku TV 55P607 clearly indicate what inexpensive but good TV to buy in 2018.
Main characteristics:
- screen size: 55 inches;
- display type: LCD;
- refresh rate: 120 Hz;
- number of HDMI ports: 3;
- dimensions: 124.5 x 76.5 x 21.1 cm;
- weight: 15 kg.
According to owners, the advantages of the model are support for HDR 4K, a user-friendly interface, a modern remote control with a headphone jack. Dissatisfied users with average sound quality, sometimes too rich colors and exaggerated brightness.
The best budget option
The answer to the question of which Samsung TV is best to buy is a 55-inch MU6300 that combines a high-quality 4K display and an excellent smart interface at an affordable price.
Comprehensive backlighting with local dimming significantly reduces black levels and unwanted halide effects on many LCD panels. Color quality is better than average, with high accuracy and support for HDR10 and Samsung's own HDR10 Plus. According to user reviews, there are some problems with limited viewing angles and slight shading in the corners of the display, but overall this is a very good screen for its price. The design of the MU6300 is much nicer than the utilitarian styles of most low-cost TVs. The TV has a sleek Y-shaped stand, flawless bezels and textured chassis. The MU6300 is equipped with three HDMI ports, two USB connections and a wireless connection via 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
In addition to performance and design, the TV impresses with a combination of elegant software and an intuitive minimalist remote. This makes it easy to watch streaming content, search for new movies, or manage your smart home. Using the built-in microphone of the remote control, you can even perform a voice search for television shows or make TV settings.
Main characteristics:
- screen size: 55 ”;
- display type: LCD;
- refresh rate: 60 Hz;
- 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 support for 4K and HDR, elegant design, excellent interface with excellent remote control. The disadvantages of the TV users include a limited viewing angle, the lack of Dolby Vision, as well as a decrease in sound quality at a higher volume.
Best Picture: Sony Bravia OLED XBR-65A1E
This is an excellent OLED TV with great picture quality, impressive sound and robust Android TV features.
The 65-inch OLED panel delivers deep blacks, stunningly sharp images and excellent viewing angles. The XBR-65A1E, even when compared to high-end models, provides better color, greater brightness and greater accuracy, especially with skin tones. The 4K kit also includes support for Dolby Vision and other HDR formats for greater brightness and a wider color range. Sony also provides its own video processing, which makes it possible to get a better image than the LG E7 OLED, despite the fact that Sony uses panels of the same manufacturer. No less impressive sound using Sony Acoustic Surface technology. The speakers are located directly behind the OLED display, and vibrating glass creates sound waves. Dialogues sound as if the words were coming directly from the lips of the actors on the screen. In addition, a full, rich sound is achieved thanks to a powerful built-in subwoofer.
Sony Android TV is the best smart interface due to the presence of all the main streaming applications, compatibility with Google Chromecast and proprietary streaming support for PlayStation Vue. The TV has a built-in Google Home function, which is used for voice search and management of smart homes.
Main characteristics:
- screen size: 65 inches;
- display type: OLED;
- refresh rate: 120 Hz;
- number of HDMI ports: 4;
- dimensions: 160 x 20 x 100 cm;
- weight: 49 kg.
The advantages of the model, according to owners, are an excellent OLED image with large viewing angles, impressive sound, well-run smart TV features. However, users are unhappy with the strange stance and extremely inconvenient remote control.