Just a few years ago, most people could not even imagine that a device would soon appear on sale that combines the functions of a traditional TV and a personal computer. However, this happened, and on the shelves of modern home appliances stores you can find such a product as a smart TV. With it, you can watch ordinary TV programs, as well as connect to the Internet and use social networks through it, watch videos, feature films and other content posted there.
Many people who are going to buy such a gadget for the first time do not quite understand how to approach the problem of choosing a device. We will help you with this today — our rating of the best smart TVs of the year will allow you to quickly figure out what this product is. That’s just to start, we decided with the main features of the product and the rules for its selection.
How to choose a good smart TV?
When purchasing such products, one should take into account the area of u200bu200bthe room and the distance t of the TV to the direct viewer. Be sure to take into account the physical qualities of the screen, this includes its resolution, diagonal, matrix on the basis of which it functions, the magnitude of the viewing angle, the number of frames per second, and so on. The product interface should be as clear and convenient as possible, it is desirable that support for the Russian language be provided. For the most part, smart TVs consume a minimal amount of electricity.
One of the most important points that plays a key role in the process of choosing and purchasing a product is the platform on which it operates, since this parameter directly affects the usability.
The most common software is Tizen, which has a SmartHub shell built into it, there are large buttons located at the bottom of the screen. With their help, you can select a signal source, choose a resource suitable for viewing on the Internet. If desired, external equipment based on local protocols can be connected to a device based on this platform.
The next popular operating system for TVs is Web OS, which is characterized by excellent multitasking, and the interface is quite user-friendly and at the same time looks attractive. The remote control here supports gesture control, a virtual assistant is provided. The Android TV platform is also easy to use, and can even be controlled by voice commands thanks to the remote’s built-in microphone.
When choosing models to include in our ranking of the best smart TVs of the year, we were guided by all these principles, but also paid attention to value for money, and also took into account users. The review includes not too expensive products, so that each reader can choose the best products for themselves. Now is the time to start a detailed analysis of the characteristics of specific models.
Best Smart TVs of the Year
10. Samsung UE22H5600
The diagonal of the gadget’s display is not too large — it is 22 inches with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Due to such overall dimensions, the device is optimally suited for small rooms or for the kitchen. The resolution is quite high — 1920×1080 pixels, which corresponds to the Full HD format, frames are updated at a frequency of 100 Hz. On the sides of the matrix, you can find LED backlighting, due to which the device turned out to be thinner, however, some users claim that there are highlights along the edges of the screen. Viewing angles are decent — almost 180 degrees. The design is equipped with two stereo speakers that are capable of delivering a total power of 6 watts. In order to make the sound as voluminous as possible, the latest signal processing technology was used.
The TV does a great job of browsing the Internet, you can play or watch videos online. The interface is based on an operating system developed on the basis of the Linux platform, which is not afraid of computer viruses. There is a picture-in-picture function that allows you to watch two channels at the same time. In the field of interfaces, everything is quite familiar — there is a Wi-Fi module, there are also two HDMI connectors, the same number of USB connectors, there is a headphone jack. The body can be painted black or white, the TV can be hung on a special mount if necessary, the weight of the equipment is almost 3.5 kg.
Advantages:
- High quality images and pictures;
- Very convenient and pleasant-looking interface;
- Good resolution;
- Affordable price, despite the large number of various functions.
Flaws:
- Not a very large screen size;
- The console sometimes slows down.
Samsung UE22H5600
9. Sony KDL-40RE353
The model is equipped with a 40-inch LCD screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9. The resolution of this TV is 1920×1080 pixels, the picture is updated at a frequency of 50 Hz. The backlight of the design is located directly behind the screen itself and is a set of LEDs made using Direct LED technology. Thanks to this approach, it is possible to completely get rid of such an image defect as glare. Speakers are installed on the sides, the power of each of which is 5 watts. The TV features superb surround sound with the latest technology. If necessary, you can even record video directly from a television broadcast through this device.
The product has two HDMI outputs, so if necessary, you can connect a set-top box, there are jacks for USB and standard headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. It is worth noting that videos can be recorded directly to external media. This equipment weighs in the region of 6.5 kg, but if you fasten a stand to it, then the mass increases to 6.9 kg. Viewing angles are the same as the previous model. The device is quite bright, the screen has an anti-reflective coating, so even in direct sunlight the picture will retain its brightness and clarity. The body of the model is black, made of plastic, there are slots on the back side for reliable protection of the device from overheating.
Advantages:
- Most users note the attractiveness and colorfulness of the picture;
- High build quality of the case — dust does not accumulate in the slot, and any backlash is completely absent;
- Acceptable cost;
- The display has an anti-reflective coating.
Flaws:
- Not too convenient location of the connectors for attaching the bracket.
Sony KDL-40RE353
8. LG 49SJ810V
This manufacturer has always paid great attention to the appearance of their products. The body of the product is painted in light gray, which gives the TV an additional style and rigor. The bezel around the display is quite thin. They did not bypass the stand, which is made in the shape of a sickle. Despite the quite reasonable cost, the TV looks very interesting and expensive. The design is equipped with the Web OS operating system, and in order to make the device as convenient as possible to use, it has a very advanced remote control. There is a lot of content, if you wish, you can download a huge number of applications, both paid and free. When developing the TV, Miracast technology was used, with which you can exchange video content with various devices — tablets, mobile phones, personal computers or laptops.
There are quite a lot of tuners, thanks to which the model is able to work with various on-air signals, including satellite ones. Any broadcast can be recorded to external media — a flash drive or hard drive. The TV is equipped with a pair of stereo speakers, the power of each of which is 10 watts. Like any smart TV, this product is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module, but there are also physical connectors — two USB 2.0, one USB 3.0 and four HDMI, capable of supporting ARC and CEC formats. The picture quality is very high — 4K, the display is based on nano-crystals, so the image is bright, juicy and as natural as possible.
Advantages:
- Stably maintains connection with the Internet;
- Excellent image quality;
- No need to set up an internet connection;
- Possibility of interfacing with third-party devices.
Flaws:
- Despite the fact that the speakers are quite powerful, the volume seems rather weak to many.
LG 49SJ810V
7. Samsung UE49MU6300U
Despite the fact that this TV has been on sale for about two years now, its popularity has not waned at all, largely due to the presence of a curved screen. It allows you to almost completely immerse yourself in what is happening on the screen. The diagonal of the product is 49 inches, the display resolution is 4K. Despite the relative acceptable cost of products, in terms of its characteristics, the TV is at a higher quality level, which is comparable to more expensive models. The appearance is characterized by fairly thin bezels, but the case itself is quite thick. The stand has a decent overall dimensions and a significant weight, so the device will need a decent amount of free space. The weight of the product is 12.3 kg, and the stand weighs almost 1.2 kg.
The resolution of the display is 3840×2160 pixels, and the density of dots per inch is 90. The picture looks very clear even when the user is far away. In the manufacture of the TV, Auto Depth Enhancer and HDR video technologies were used. With the help of the first, it is possible to achieve the depth of the image due to the additional emphasis on the far, middle and near background. The second is designed to increase the color range and increase brightness. All colors are transmitted without distortion, almost indistinguishable from natural. The interface is most convenient and understandable to the user. All menus are located at the bottom of the display for easy operation. The remote has a very convenient joystick that allows you to fine-tune the equipment. The set of connectors here is standard, the distinguishing feature is the presence of a LAN jack.
Advantages:
- A very impressive image;
- High sound quality, which, coupled with the full immersion of the picture, provides almost direct user participation in what is happening on the screen;
- Adequate voice control;
- Easy to use menu.
Flaws:
- Significant dimensions;
- Impossible to hang on the wall.
Samsung UE49MU6300U
6. LG OLED55C7V
OLED technology was used in the production of the display, which gives the colors on the screen maximum liveliness and naturalness. No haze can be detected here, unlike the usual liquid crystal display. The diagonal is 55 inches, especially since the matrix thickness is only 5 mm — one of the most advanced indicators in our review of the best smart TVs. The stand of the device is quite large and heavy — its size is 57×23 cm. The screen is flat, so the design can be hung on the wall if necessary. The interface is quite simple, the control is carried out by the remote control. It is not only easy to use, but also has an ergonomic shape: it is comfortable to hold in your hands, you can easily reach your fingers to any hand. The remote control is made of matte plastic with a comfortable anti-slip coating.
The latest image processing technology was used in the development, so even the most dynamic scenes will be as clear as possible. The signal input delay is minimal, so playback is instantaneous. The intelligent system of the gadget operates on the basis of the Web OS 3.5 operating system, which was developed not only a couple of years ago. Viewing angles are wide enough, and the sound is clear and loud enough. The TV is equipped with a built-in low-level content encoder, which can significantly improve its quality.
Advantages:
- Comfortable and intelligently understandable menu navigation;
- Excellent sound and picture quality;
- There is everything you need for convenient use of the device.
Flaws:
- Very high cost.
LG OLED55C7V
5. LG 28MT49S-PZ
The appearance of this TV is quite standard, but it looks quite stylish, although not a single design refinement is provided here. The picture is very bright and clear, the dynamism is at a high level, many users even perceive it as voluminous. Viewing angles are wide — the image will not be distorted at any glance at the TV. No flashes were found either. As in the previous model, the operating system Web OS 3.5 is located here, which provides comfortable interaction with Smart TV elements. The device has a number of pre-installed applications, and through a special store, this list can be significantly expanded. The built-in browser is not very good, but you can easily install another one instead.
For small-sized TVs, this model has a decent diagonal — 71 cm. The dimensions are such that these products will best fit into the interior of a kitchen or other small room. Anti-reflective coating is not provided here, so it is better to hang the TV away from direct sunlight. The sound is quite decent, a pair of stereo speakers are provided for surround sound. The kit comes with a very easy-to-use remote control. Unfortunately, it is not Russified, but everything is clear in it even without it. There are enough connectors to connect a number of third-party devices.
Advantages:
- Optimal overall dimensions;
- High image quality;
- Pretty acceptable sound.
Flaws:
- The power supply is external;
- There is no anti-reflective screen coating.
LG 28MT49S-PZ
4. Sony KD-55XE9005
The design of this model is quite simple, some users even believe that it even slips into primitivism. However, this does not prevent this TV from looking as modern as possible, largely due to the insignificant thickness of the case and the narrow frames surrounding the screen. The stand is quite massive and stable, so it will not work to overturn the products with a careless hand movement. There are quite a few interfaces, all of them are standard. The build quality of the case is very high — it is made of reliable plastic with a matte finish, on which dust will be practically not noticeable, no backlashes and extraneous squeaks were found. In general, the case looks reliable and soundly, and it can easily fit into the interior of almost any room, regardless of the style in which it is decorated.
The TV works in 4K resolution, it uses upscaling technology, there is also the ability to play HDR content. The matrix backlight system is quite interesting and unique, so the TV will produce a very contrasting image compared to devices equipped with familiar LED displays. The remote control is not too large in overall dimensions, placed in a convenient plastic case with an anti-slip coating. The layout of the keys is carefully thought out, it is possible to control the device with your voice.
Advantages:
- There are several modes designed for watching documentaries or feature films;
- Excellent workmanship;
- Excellent image;
- Stable operating system.
Flaws:
- Along the edges, if you view the broadcast in complete darkness, you can detect slight highlights of the picture.
Sony KD-55XE9005
3. Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55
In third place in our ranking of the best smart TVs, this Chinese-made model was largely due to a significant diagonal, thin bezels framing the screen, and rather convenient controls. The display measures a whopping 55 inches, making it quite suitable for use in a decent sized living room. Most users note the original appearance of the structure. It is quite thin — at the base, the width is only 48 mm, and the narrowest section is generally 5 mm thick. The depth of the base is also not very large — it does not even reach 22 cm. In the assembly, the structure weighs less than 15 kg, so the TV can be easily hung on the wall. The display is covered with a special protective anti-reflective glass. The frame around it is made from solid aluminium. The back panel is plastic, has a high level of rigidity.
As a matrix, an IPS panel is used here, the resolution of which is 3840×2160 pixels — this corresponds to the 4K quality format. The display delay of the input signal is only 8 ms, the picture is updated at a frequency of 60 Hz. Viewing angles are very wide — they are 178 degrees. The backlight of the display is a dynamic Direct-Lit type, it is able to automatically adapt to what is happening on the screen. The TV also has a built-in mode that prevents eye fatigue. The model is based on the widespread Android platform, which is more focused on content than on the use of applications — for a TV, this solution is optimal.
Advantages:
- Excellent picture quality with natural colors;
- Acceptable cost;
- Slight bezel thickness.
Flaws:
- It will take a decent amount of time to delve into the settings of the TV in order to fully adjust it for yourself;
- The sound could be made more powerful.
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55
2. Panasonic TX-55FXR600
The most demanded category of smart TVs, which is second only to the Samsung brand in terms of the number of models sold. It uses a high-quality IPS-type matrix, which completely eliminates the occurrence of light in the process of watching TV shows. If necessary, you can install the structure on a horizontal surface, the set includes legs, and the distance between them can be adjusted. The body is made of plastic, including the front frames. The model is not too thick, closer to the bottom it will expand, which has a positive effect on stability. The backlight here is made on the basis of the latest Adaptive Backlight Dimming Plus technology, which optimizes its brightness, which allows you to achieve the highest image contrast.
The unique operating system My Home Screen v.3 is used here. Its shell is minimal, but there is the possibility of additional connections, including the installation of additional applications. If desired, users can download content from Netflix or other similar sources to the TV. The interface for connecting external equipment is standard, so it makes little sense to consider it. Of the original in this regard, it should be noted the presence of a built-in satellite tuner.
Advantages:
- High resolution 4K format;
- Output latency is virtually zero;
- Beautiful appearance;
- Many of the latest technologies are used.
Flaws:
- It’s not too easy to figure out the operating system.
Panasonic TX-55FXR600
1. Samsung UE40MU6100U
The leader of our rating of the best smart TVs is another model from a well-known South Korean manufacturer, which is characterized not only by high image quality and a large diagonal, but also by a rather attractive price. The only thing that indicates the budget of the product is a completely plastic case, including the front bezels surrounding the screen. Plus, those bezels are a bit wider than most of the models we’ve included in our review. However, the appearance is attractive and stylish. The stand on which this structure will stand is strong, practical and stable. The diagonal is 43 inches with a screen resolution of 4K, which also supports HDR. The TV will look best in a medium-sized room.
Viewing angles are 178 degrees, picture refresh rate is 60 Hz. Processing of dynamic scenes at a very high level, the signal delay is 20 ms. Scaling is stable. The design is equipped with two speakers, the power of each of which is 10 W, the bass lines look rather weak. The product works on the basis of the Tizen 3.0 platform, a special Samsung Smart Hub shell is installed, which allows you to access virtual content of various kinds, it also provides for a large number of useful and entertaining applications.
Advantages:
- Excellent build quality;
- Good clarity;
- The remote channel communicates with the TV via Bluetooth;
- Acceptable image refresh rate.
Flaws:
- Weak bass in the speaker system, otherwise there are no complaints.
Samsung UE40MU6100U
In conclusion, a useful video
Here we are at the finish line. In conclusion, I would like to wish you to choose the most optimal smart TV model. If you have any questions about any model, then you can always ask us in the comments, and we, in turn, will try to quickly resolve them.