As technology advances, more people are taking the plunge and investing in Smart TVs. Smart TVs are great for streaming content, watching movies and TV shows, and playing video games. However, there are so many options; how do you know which Smart TV is right for you? Do your research and understand what features are most important to you before you make a purchase. Here are some tips to help you choose the best Smart TV.
Below are the most important things you should consider when you are buying a smart TV.
TV prices have dropped drastically across the past 3-5 years, and you can get a beautiful, top-of-the-line, 42-inch, 4K smart TV with virtually all the bells and whistles for less than a thousand bucks. Up the budget, and you can bring the same thing home at 65 or 75 inches… and with every feature imaginable.
Spending little extra money also means more profound blacks, improved contrast, and a wider, more vibrant color spectrum. (Deeper blacks are key, and you want them.) Above all, more money will get you a bigger screen, so let’s start there.
When buying a new smart TV, it’s important to consider size and resolution as these factors can affect the price tag. To determine the best size for your needs, measure the room’s dimensions and determine which display size will provide the viewing experience you want without dominating the room.
Smart TVs are available in various sizes, ranging from 42 to 85 inches (measured diagonally). Anything over 65 inches is much more expensive. If you’re having trouble picturing how your smart TV will fit, you can use augmented reality apps offered by Samsung, Sony, LG, TCL, and Best Buy to understand the room’s display size better.
It’s worth considering 4K resolution TVs as they offer an outstanding balance of quality and affordability. 1080p resolution is outdated today, and there’s no price benefit in opting for it. 8K resolution TVs are high-end and come with a hefty price tag, and only a little content can take advantage of the resolution. 4K, or Ultra HD, is the best choice for most consumers. Many streaming services and apps offer 4K content, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your TV.
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a must-have feature for TVs. It makes a huge difference to the look and feel of your TV and is worth the expense. HDR on TVs is different than on smartphones, where it combines multiple exposures to create a higher contrast image. With HDR on TVs, color accuracy is improved, and the contrast ratio is greatly expanded, resulting in a more natural and accurate picture with more depth. For the first time, vivid colors can now be accurately reproduced on television. Art directors and cinematographers love HDR for its accuracy, and you’ll understand why once you see it in action.
When selecting the best smart TV, you must consider the entertainment apps and services you want access to. All smart TVs have some apps preinstalled, and most will have app stores where you can select and download additional apps. For example, Samsung has the Samsung App Store, LG has the LG Content Store, and Vizio has all apps preinstalled and adds new apps via updates.
If the apps you want are unavailable on the smart TV you’re considering, you can consider getting a device like a Roku stick to help supplement accessible apps. Check any smart TV you’re considering purchasing for its installed and available apps to ensure your favorites are onboard.
Consider your home, other devices, and preferences when buying a smart TV. Smart TVs can integrate with other smart devices in your home and utilize voice commands, so the platform you choose should be compatible with your own devices. For example, Android TVs from Sony have Google Chromecast and Google Assistant built-in, which makes them a great option if your home is equipped with many Google devices. Likewise, buying the best smart TV with Alexa integration would be a great fit if you own Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.
Consider your budget, size, and resolution when buying a Smart TV. Do your research and understand what features are most important to you before you make a purchase. Measure the room’s dimensions and determine which display size will provide the viewing experience you want without dominating the room.