Buying a new TV can be a daunting task with the variety of options and features available. Whether you’re looking for a great budget option, a TV with superior picture quality, or one optimized for gaming, this guide will help you make the best choice for your needs. Here are key tips to consider when buying a TV and some top value models for 2023-2024.
Key TV Buying Tips
1. Timing Your Purchase:
Timing is key when buying a TV. Avoid purchasing immediately after launch as prices drop significantly around sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. Additionally, older models from the previous year often provide similar performance at a fraction of the cost.
2. Consider Budget Brands:
Budget brands like TCL and Hisense offer excellent value for money. These brands often feature 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, and eARC support, which you’d usually find in higher-end models, but at a significantly lower price.
3. Size Matters:
Larger screens enhance the viewing experience, particularly with the jump from 55″ to 65″, which offers about 40% more screen area. If you’re looking at 8K TVs, a minimum of 75″ is recommended to truly appreciate the resolution difference.
4. Optimize Your Settings:
For the best picture quality, tweak your TV’s settings. Choose picture modes like “Expert” or “Filmmaker” to enhance color accuracy. Avoid modes like “Vivid” for movies, as they can distort the image. Also, turn off motion smoothing for films but leave it on for sports for a smoother viewing experience.
5. Sound Bars are Essential:
Even high-end TVs often come with mediocre built-in speakers. To get the most out of your TV, especially for movies or gaming, investing in a soundbar, like the Sonos Arc, can make a significant difference in sound quality.
6. Gaming Features to Look For:
Gamers should look for TVs that support HDMI 2.1, have a 120Hz refresh rate, and include features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for the best experience with next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
7. Picture Quality is Key:
When considering picture quality, focus on more than just resolution. Brightness (measured in nits), contrast ratios, and HDR performance are equally important. Mini-LED and OLED TVs provide superior contrast and brightness. While OLED offers deeper blacks, Mini-LED is excellent for brightly lit rooms.
8. Understanding TV Types:
- LED/LCD: Affordable, but lacks the color accuracy and viewing angles of more advanced options.
- QLED: Adds a quantum dot layer for better brightness and color performance.
- Mini-LED: Offers better contrast thanks to more dimming zones, ideal for high dynamic range (HDR) content.
- OLED: Provides the best black levels and viewing angles. Emerging technologies like QD-OLED and Micro Lens Array (MLA) OLED further boost brightness without sacrificing image quality.
9. Smart Features:
Most TVs today come with smart features, but if the interface isn’t to your liking, affordable streaming devices like a Chromecast or Fire Stick can easily enhance the user experience.
Recommended High-Value TV Models for 2023-2024
Here are some top TV models for every budget and preference.
1. TCL 6-Series (R655)
- Display Type: Mini-LED + QLED
- Sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″
- Resolution: 4K
- Advantages: Excellent contrast and color performance at an affordable price. Features like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDMI 2.1 make it perfect for gaming.
- Price: Lower than most OLEDs, but still delivers high-end performance.
2. Hisense U8K
- Display Type: Mini-LED + ULED
- Sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″
- Resolution: 4K
- Advantages: Known for great brightness and color accuracy, this model supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and features a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for movies and gaming.
- Price: Budget-friendly, especially during sales.
3. Sony X90L
- Display Type: Full-Array LED
- Sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″
- Resolution: 4K
- Advantages: Strong in color accuracy and image processing, with HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz refresh rate for gamers.
- Price: Balances quality with affordability.
4. LG C3 OLED
- Display Type: OLED
- Sizes: 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″
- Resolution: 4K
- Advantages: OLED delivers perfect black levels and infinite contrast, making it a top pick for movie lovers and gamers. Low input lag and features like Dolby Vision and HDMI 2.1 further enhance its appeal.
- Price: Pricier than LED/LCD, but excellent value for OLED technology.
5. Samsung QN90C
- Display Type: Neo QLED (Mini-LED)
- Sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″
- Resolution: 4K
- Advantages: Outstanding brightness for bright rooms and top-notch HDR performance. Its HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz refresh rate make it a strong gaming option.
- Price: High-end, but great value for Mini-LED technology.
6. Vizio M-Series Quantum X (MQX)
- Display Type: LED + QLED
- Sizes: 50″, 55″, 65″
- Resolution: 4K
- Advantages: Known for competitive pricing and solid performance in color accuracy and brightness, it supports Dolby Vision and is equipped for gaming.
- Price: One of the best value QLED models.
7. TCL 5-Series (S555)
- Display Type: QLED
- Sizes: 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″
- Resolution: 4K
- Advantages: A budget-friendly model that still offers impressive picture quality with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10.
- Price: Very affordable, ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
Summary
Whether you’re a gamer, movie enthusiast, or just looking for the best value, there are great TV options to suit every need:
- For high-value and great performance, TCL 6-Series and Hisense U8K are top choices.
- LG C3 OLED offers unmatched black levels and color accuracy, perfect for movies and gaming.
- If you prioritize brightness and color performance in a bright room, Samsung QN90C is an excellent option.
Keep an eye out for sales, as these models often see significant price drops during Black Friday and holiday events, offering even greater value. Happy TV shopping!
