Ah, 4K. The sweet, sweet spot that lies right between 2K and 8K. Not too spazzy, not too expensive, just how we like it. Is it the greatest resolution out there? Nah, but it’s the one that’s hit the mainstream, and boy, has it made a name for itself in thetechfield.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a movie buff who just wants that theatre feel, a hardcore gamer who demands nothing less than lightning-fast response times, or just someone who wants to make their living room look a bit fancier, there’s a 4K TV out there for you, and we just made it our personal mission to find it.
Samsung S95C OLED UHD 4K Smart TV
The best of the best.
With this one, you get a 77-inch display with vibrant QD-OLED tech, sleek design, and immersive audio. Packed with gaming optimization and smart features, the S95C is, for sure, a top-tier TV that delivers an incredible home theater experience.
Who needs windows to the outside world when you have a 77-inch, 4K resolution, QD-OLED screen offering 100 percent color volume? (Complete with Quantum Dot, by the way). HDR compatibility is through the roof with Quantum HDR OLED+, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. Oh, and did we mention a refresh rate of 120Hz?
The TV also boasts a sleek Infinity One Design with a super slim 11mm profile, an attachable Slim One Connect box for those pesky cables, and a sturdy gunmetal base stand. In terms of picture quality, we have a Neural Quantum Processor 4K with AI upscaling paired with Quantum Matrix Technology and Ultimate UHD Dimming. With an EyeComfort Mode to save your eyes from excessive strain, of course.
That is not to say that the audio features are any less of a wonder. With Dolby Atmos for 3D sound, Q-Symphony 3.0, OTS+ (Object Tracking Sound+) moving sound to follow the action, it’s all music to (and from) your ears. Then comes an array of smart features, thanks to the Tizen OS smart platform. You know, your basic voice command services, multi-screen views, smart home device controls, right through to health monitoring, a digital workspaceandMS365 access.
Additionally, you also get AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync, and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), all capped with a delightful cherry on top, the Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro for rapid response times.
TCL QM8 65-inch 4K Smart TV
If you don’t want to go too overboard.
The TCL QM8 is a stellar 65-inch QLED TV that delivers 4K visuals with Mini-LED backlighting and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness. Packed with gaming features, Dolby Atmos audio, and the user-friendly Google TV platform, it’s a smart TV at an pretty decent price point.
With a 65-inch screen size and a 4K resolution, the QM8 is here to dominate the mid-range 4K market. For starters, the QLED panel has a mini-LED backlight to keep things nice and bright, while the impressive count of 1,080 dimming zones lets you appreciate the nuances of the darkest and brightest scenes.
Moving on, TCL’s AiPQ Engine Gen 3 processor ups the ante in the upscaling game, while Quantum Dot technology makes sure there’s no color left behind. What’s more, the 2,000-nit peak brightness (yeah, you read that right!) makes every frame pop, and the IMAX Enhanced certification doesn’t hurt either.
About the audio side of things, we’ve got ourselves a 2.1 channel speaker configuration (10W x 2 speakers + 20W subwoofer), sideloaded with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. The Google TV platform on this set is pretty decent as well. It also features a very handy built-in Google Assistant and Alexa, while supporting Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. Also, hands-free voice control, so you don’t have to fumble for the remote in the dark (we’ve all been there).
However, there is the teensy weensy issue of lack of Dolby Vision support… which puts you at a risk of burn-in. Also, the lack of ATSC 3.0 for 4K over-the-air channels might be a bit of an issue for some cord-cutters.
Insignia 43-inch Class F30 Series
Easy on the pockets.
The Insignia F30 is a budget-friendly 43-inch 4K smart TV that packs decent picture quality and the user-friendly Fire TV platform with Alexa voice control.
When it comes to budget-friendly smart TVs that don’t skimp on features, the Insignia F30 stands out from the crowd. How? Well, for just under $200, you get a screen size of 43 inches, a super sharp 4K UHD resolution @ 60Hz refresh rate (doesn’t make sense to keep mentioning resolution, though, because all of these are 4K), and an LED-backlit LCD.
What about the non-4K content, you ask? The F30 Series has some tricks up its sleeve with 4K Upscaling, Natural Color Enhancer, and a Noise Reduction feature. And with two-channel speakers and DTS Studio Sound audio enhancement, the audio department’s pretty covered too.
Also, you’ve got the Alexa voice remote for hands-free control, and access to all your favourite streaming services. Plus, with Chromecast built-in, throw those cute cat videos from your phone onto the big screen. Plenty of connectivity options too, with 3 HDMI ports, a USB port, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility.
But let’s get real. It’s not all… munching popcorn by starlight. Lack of features like local dimming, high refresh rates, or wide color gamut can be a bit disappointing. Still, considering its price point, Insignia’s F30 series proves to be a solid contender in the 4K budget TV race.
LG C3 OLED Smart TV
The glorious all-rounder.
The C3 gives you unparalleled picture quality with perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and AI-enhanced processing. Boasting gaming-centric features, Dolby Atmos audio, and the intuitive webOS platform, it’s a pretty solid choice for most people.
First off, let’s start with the size; a rather substantial 65 inches. The massive screen combined with the OLED evo display makes sure every corner of the screen looks impressive. Plus, with that snazzy 120Hz refresh rate, the visuals are going to be smoother than a velvety chocolate ganache (this article was written post-dinner).
Moving on to its processor and image quality. Now everyone’s heard of AI these days, but did you know your TV could have it too? Well, with the α9 AI Processor Gen6, this LG model is so intelligent it could probably pass a college entrance exam (we’re joking, of course…or are we?). Superior upscaling, dynamic tone mapping, and that brightness booster are just some of the cool features you get to explore here.
The audio is pretty sorted too, with a 40W output combined with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X support and AI Sound Pro. But can it do more? Actually, yes. It comes with a smart TV platform and easy access to all your favorite streaming apps, voice control, and even LG Channels with free content. The onboard webOS 23 is pretty user-friendly and intuitive as well.
We’re now going to a list a few things that might interest the gamers among you. Four HDMI 2.1 ports, HGiG mode for HDR accuracy, a handy game optimizer and a low input lag. And if that wasn’t cool enough, you also get a Filmmaker Mode, AI Picture Pro, Dolby Vision IQ, and a customizable Home Dashboard. All in all, a pretty solid pick.
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Samsung Q60C 32-Inch 4K TV
For fans of small spaces.
The Samsung Q60C is a compact 32-inch 4K QLED TV that delivers vibrant colors and decent HDR performance at an affordable price. With smart features like Alexa, gaming enhancements, and Object Tracking Sound Lite, it’s a solid entry-level option for small spaces.
In the market for a compact TV that packs a punch? The Samsung Q60C might just be the perfect fit for your cozy space. Apart from the 32-inch + 4K QLED resolution, the AirSlim design helps it give off a sleek and unobtrusive presence, while the VESA wall mount compatibility gives you the flexibility to free up even more space.
But it isn’t all about looks, is it? The Samsung Q60C also has a decent personality, err, we mean, quality. The screen might be small, but the Quantum Processor Lite 4K processor, 100% Color Volume via its Quantum Dot tech, Supreme UHD Dimming, and the Motion Xcelerator for smooth motion handling are all ready to put on a great show!
Aaand let’s not forget about the volume, with the 2-Channel speaker system, the directional audio of the Object Tracking Sound Lite, and the Q-Symphony that can sync with compatible Samsung soundbars. These are just some of the features that make the Q60 a brilliant pick for those who don’t want to use up too much of their space.
Not enough ports on your TV? We’ve got you covered withsome pretty solid HDMI switches.
Samsung Frame 55-inch 4K Ultra TV
Makes stuff look prettier.
The Samsung Frame LS03B is a smart TV that doubles as a piece of art. It features a 4K QLED display with Quantum HDR, an anti-reflection matte display, and Art Mode.
Ever thought about blending modern tech with a touch of artistic elegance? Well, Samsung has! With its vibrant QLED 4K display and Quantum HDR, this smart TV delivers some truly awesome visuals that bring your favorite content to life.
What sets this TV apart is its innovative Art Mode, which transforms your living space into a gallery. How does it work? Well, when not in use, The Frame showcases a diverse collection of artwork, seamlessly blending with your home decor. Plus, the anti-reflection matte screen ensures a comfortable viewing experience, even in well-lit environments.
This particular model is from 2021, so it’s slightly on the older side, but it is still very, very capable of holding its own against the other competitors in the market. However, if you are someone who prefers to go for the latest models only, then you may want to check out the2024 version of this. Although, truth be told, it doesn’t seem to be doing that well with the masses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OLED and QLED 4K TVs?
When it comes to 4K TVs, you will find that there’s two super common types of displays - OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) and QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode). To put it simply, if you’re after flawless black depths, broad perspectives, and stellar contrast ratios, OLED TVs are your go-to. In contrast, QLED TVs serve up a feast of vivid colors, impressive brightness levels, and an enhanced saturation range.
What does HDR do?
Essentially speaking, HDR is a feature that bumps up the contrast and color range of your 4K TV, which ends up giving you more lifelike and vivid images. While it’s not too essential, HDR can actually improve your viewing experience by a whole lot, especially when watching HDR content (bit of a no-brainer, that).
What should I look for in a 4K TV for gaming?
When you’re looking for a 4K TV that works for gaming, look for models with low input lag (ideally under 20ms), high refresh rates (120Hz or higher), and support for variable refresh rate technologies like HDMI 2.1, FreeSync, or G-Sync. These features are going to verify you get that smooth, responsive gameplay and reduce motion blur at the same time.
