7 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Smart TV
Explore top tips for choosing a smart TV, from resolution and refresh rates to app compatibility and smart home features. Ensure you make the best choice for your space.
What is a Smart TV?
A smart TV is a modern television equipped with an operating system, allowing users to stream content from the internet without needing external devices. These TVs provide access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Additionally, smart TVs can connect to other smart home devices and offer various free and paid apps to enhance the entertainment experience.
1. Cost of a Smart TV
When purchasing a smart TV, it’s essential to know how much you’re willing to spend. Smart TVs range from affordable options to high-end models with more advanced features. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points:
| Price Range | What You Can Expect |
|---|---|
| <$300 | Small size (24-43 inches), 1080p resolution, basic features. |
| $600+ | Medium size (42-55 inches), 4K HDR resolution, mid-range technology. |
| $1,000+ | Larger size (42-65 inches), 4K HDR, advanced display technologies like QLED or OLED. |
| $2,000+ | Sizes start from 48 inches, enhanced picture quality, and premium features like better lighting systems and processors. |
| $5,000+ | Up to 75 inches or higher, 8K resolution, luxury features like floating glass displays. |
2. Size of a Smart TV
Choosing the right TV size is essential for both comfort and aesthetics. Most smart TVs come in sizes from 42 inches to 75 inches, measured diagonally. Larger TVs provide a more immersive experience but may not fit every space. Here’s how you can select the right size for your room:
- Measure the space where the TV will be placed.
- Choose a size that complements the room without overwhelming it.
- Use augmented reality apps to visualize the TV in your room (Best Buy and other manufacturers offer this service).
| Common Sizes | Considerations |
|---|---|
| 42-55 inches | Ideal for medium-sized rooms. |
| 55-65 inches | Perfect for living rooms with ample space. |
| 75 inches+ | Best suited for larger rooms or dedicated home theaters. |
3. Resolution
TV resolution determines the clarity of the image. Most smart TVs come in three standard resolutions: 1080p, 4K, and 8K.
- 1080p: While this resolution is still available, it’s outdated by today’s standards.
- 4K: Known as Ultra HD, this is the current standard, offering a balance between quality and affordability. It’s supported by most streaming services.
- 8K: The latest high-end option, but not worth the investment for most people right now due to the limited availability of 8K content.
4. HDR Support
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a feature that enhances picture quality by improving the contrast and color range. It allows you to see more details in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
- HDR10 is the most common standard.
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ offer slight variations but are equally effective for most users.
As long as your TV supports any form of HDR, you’ll experience better picture quality.
5. Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a TV refers to how many times the image updates per second. Smart TVs typically offer 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates. Here’s what to consider:
- 60Hz: Standard for most content like TV shows and movies.
- 120Hz: Ideal for sports and action-packed scenes, reducing motion blur.
Be cautious with movies at higher refresh rates, as they can appear unnatural when compared to what you’d see in a theater.
6. Smart Integrations
Smart TVs often integrate with other devices in your smart home. For example:
- Google Chromecast and Google Assistant: Found in Android TVs, making them ideal for homes with many Google devices.
- Amazon Alexa: Available in many smart TVs, allowing you to control devices through Alexa voice commands.
Choose a smart TV that complements the other smart devices in your home for a seamless experience.
7. Available Apps
Your entertainment preferences will guide which apps you need your smart TV to support. Popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are widely available, but some TVs may lack support for specific apps.
- Samsung Smart Hub and LG Content Store: Allow you to download additional apps.
- Vizio Smart TVs: Come with preinstalled apps and may need casting or screen mirroring for unsupported ones.
Always check which apps are available before making your final decision.
Conclusion
When buying a smart TV, consider factors such as cost, size, resolution, HDR, refresh rate, app availability, and smart home integrations. By focusing on these aspects, you can choose a TV that fits your needs, budget, and enhances your entertainment experience.