In order to find the best smart TV, you need to consider many factors. Since the TVs have become smart devices, the brands offer many amazing features which some are crucial for a intelligent TV and some just are nice features but not that necessary. So as a person who have encountered many of these entertainment devices, I’m here to help you understand how you can choose the best model for your needs, along with introducing some of the best smart TVs in a specific field. So, without wasting any time, let’s dive into the article.
Key features for a Smart TV
Screen Resolution and Size
In my experience, choosing the appropriate screen size along with going with a suitable resolution, can have a huge impact on your viewing experience. Choosing the right resolution is easy, always go with a 4K model, since the clarity and detail provided by TVs that are powered with 4K screens, is exceptional. Deciding on screen size depends on your room’s dimensions; if you have a large room, naturally a larger screen is required for having an immersive experience.
Operating System and User Interface
Your connected TV must utilize a powerful Operating system, if not, you will have a headache working with the smart device. This is also true for the user interface, it should be intuitive, so it can make accessing the content and settings an easy approach. ALT of the pic below= Operating system and user interface.
Connectivity Options
In my experience, choosing a TV which has a seamless integration with other devices is vital. For this, the model you choose must have multiple HDMI and USB ports built in, other than that, it should bring a reliable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Sound Quality
If you aren’t thinking about buying additional audio devices, paying attention the TVs sound quality is important. Devices with good sound quality always do a better job diving me deep into the story while watching Television.
The Best Smart TVs in 2024
The Best smart TVs in 2024 are:
- LG OLED G3: Best Overall
- Hisense U6G: Best Budget
- Samsung QN90A Neo QLED: Best Gaming
- Sony A90J OLED: Best for movie enthusiasts
- Sony X95J: Best Upper-Midrange
- Vizio V-series: Best Affordable
Moving forward, we are going to review each one of the models mentioned above.
Best Overall: LG OLED G3
I can’t emphasize enough how much I appreciate what LG has achieved with this device—I can only call this model a masterpiece! LG has seamlessly integrated state-of-the-art technology and an unbelievable user experience to create the LG OLED G3. The key feature that caught my attention first was its Micro Lens Array (MLA) OLED panel, bringing exceptional quality to the displayed images. Deep blacks and true-to-life colors are combined to provide an outstanding visual experience. Not only is the viewing experience great, but the sound quality is also mesmerizing
If you are a gamer, the 4k support and 120Hz refresh rate will bring you a smooth gaming experience. The journey to perfection with the OLED G3 doesn’t just stop there; LG has included Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos integration in this model, ensuring that movies and games look stunning, and now with 8K resolution, the visual experience is even more immersive. The only drawback to this TV is its price, so if you are a person who prioritizes picture quality and doesn’t mind its high-end price, you should definitely go with LG OLED G3.
LG used to be one of the leader brands for manufacturing 3D TVs, if you want to learn about where do 3D TVs stand in 2024, read the guide below:
Also Read:
3D TVs in 2024
Best Budget smart TV: Hisense U6G
Since it is always logical to pay attention to our budget, going with a budget-friendly yet great model is a smarter choice. If you agree with me, I introduce you the Hisense U6G TV. This model is a perfect balance between budget and performance. In one word, I can say that the visual appearance is brightly colored. Hisense U6G supports both Dolby and HDR10 which surprising for its price range.
The user interface is user-friendly and won’t give you headaches. Utilizing Android as the operating system has provided perfect access to a wide range of apps and streaming services. Another interesting aspect I experienced with this TV is its good responsiveness, which is often a challenge on budget TVs. Yet, I didn’t face any difficulties while working with the U6G. Although the Hisense U6G is excellent for its price range, it’s safe to say that the motion handling and brightness can’t compete with premium models.
Best smart TV for Gaming: Samsung QN90A Neo QLED
In 2024, when gamers come to me and ask for the best gaming smart TV, I always recommend the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED. If you are looking for a TV that is a powerhouse for gaming, this is the right choice. The 120Hz refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and 4K gaming features make this TV suitable and aligned with the latest consoles. Contrast and brightness are impressive on this TV due to the Mini LED technology provided by Samsung on this model; this feature, along with Quantum Dot technology, brings vibrant and detailed pictures in games, enhancing color accuracy and depth.
Most of the time, gaming becomes a competitive activity. Winning this competition requires a TV with low input lag, which is the most crucial feature in gaming TVs. The good news is that the QN90A has an incredibly low input lag! FreeSync Premium Pro is a feature on this TV that reduces screen tearing and stuttering. The QN90A is powered by Tizen OS, offering a smooth experience along with a wide range of apps. Unfortunately, this TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision, but this is a minor drawback and doesn’t affect the incredible gaming experience with the QN90A.
Another interesting fact to know about this model, is that its screen is provided with ambient mode, if you don’t know what ambient mode is, here’s a good description:
Ambient mode is a feature mainly present in Samsung’s QLED TVs. This feature transforms the TV into a decorative display in your room when not in use. The display might be different things; your TV may showcase art, useful information, personal content, etc. Functionality and aesthetic appeal are both enhanced by blending your TV into the room’s décor.
If you’re like me and praise Samsung’s innovation in the world smart TVs, then I suggest you take a look at our best Samsung smart TVs article.
Best smart TV for Movie Enthusiasts: Sony A90J OLED
For movie enthusiasts, there’s no better choice than the Sony A90J OLED. This TV is extremely capable of bringing you that cinema experience. Thanks to the OLED panel, with Filmmaker Mode and Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR, the blacks are deep, and colors are vibrant, making movie scenes incredibly realistic. Motion handling and upscaling are elevated, thanks to the TV’s processor.
A notable technology that Sony has utilized on this model is Acoustic Surface Audio +. With this feature, the sound comes directly from the center of the screen, and some actuators are positioned behind the TV. Their job is to vibrate, creating acoustics that move with the picture. Thanks to Google TV, the A90J OLED supports a wide range of streaming services. The price is kind of high, but it is worth it if you want a high-end TV that brings you an immersive cinematic experience.
Best Upper-Midrange smart TV: Sony X95J
An upper-midrange intelligent TV must maintain a balance between quality and features; considering these two factors, I can say that the Sony X95J is a great choice without a doubt. An important feature that Sony has built into the X95J is a Full Array LED panel, resulting in impressive brightness and contrast. Sony has utilized its XR Triluminos Pro technology to enhance color accuracy and HDR performance on this intelligent TV.
If you are a movie watcher like me, you will love the cinematic picture quality on this TV, along with its support for Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced. Thanks to Google TV’s smooth user interface, you are provided with a lot of streaming apps. Other than that, the TV’s sound quality is also noticeable, thanks to the Acoustic Multi-Audio technology which creates a great audio experience. So, if you wish to have a model with some great premium features of high-end TVs without their price tag, go with the Sony X95J.
You can read about other top Sony smart TVs in our guide about the best Sony smart TVs.
Best Affordable Smart TV: Vizio V-Series
If you are on a tight budget but still want a TV that offers decent quality compared to other networked TVs in its price range, we can introduce you to the Vizio V-Series as the best affordable smart TV series. It comes in a variety of screen sizes that you can choose based on your room size.
The Vizio V-Series provides decent picture quality for the money. It supports HDR10 and HLG and has full HD resolution. Since this is an affordable choice, we can’t expect premium features from it, yet the viewing experience is satisfactory for everyday use.
The SmartCast OS powers Vizio V TVs, and fortunately, it includes many popular streaming apps and supports Apple AirPlay along with Chromecast. This helps you stream content from your devices easily. The build quality might not be as good as high-end models, and the visuals may not be the best, but I can assure you that it is worth the price.
If you’re a Vizio fan, I suggest you definitely read our guide on the best Vizio smart TVs.
Smart TVs Technologies: What to Expect in 2024
Advancement in Display Technology
In 2024, we can see that companies have made a lot of progress in OLED and QLED technologies. The viewing experience has been elevated significantly due to these new advancements.
MicroLED: new king of display technology
With the introduction of MicroLED display technology and advancements in AI Upscaling in 2024, OLED and QLED displays have found serious competitors. The visuals are vivid because there are individual LEDs for each pixel. MicroLED provides you with a self-illuminating screen that has unbelievable contrast, along with deep blacks and true-to-life colors. Although this is a perfect new technology, it is only utilized on luxury TVs since it is still kind of expensive.
AI and Voice Control Features
We have all seen how much Artificial Intelligence has progressed in 2024; today, voice assistants play a big role in the smart TV industry. Considering the high pace of advancement in AI assistants, we can be sure that these assistants will continue to surprise us as smart home enthusiasts.
AI for Personalization
Intelligent TVs are becoming smarter thanks to Artificial Intelligence! AI gives your TV the ability to learn about your preferences over time; this helps the device recommend shows that you’ll love or even change the settings in a way that is aligned with your mood and viewing environment.
One good example that utilizes AI personalization is the LG C2 OLED; this TV is powered by LG’s ThinQ AI and can analyze your viewing habits over time and suggest content that you’ll enjoy.
Integration with Smart Home Systems
Controlling various smart devices through connected TVs is no longer a joke; the best smart TVs offer this functionality, allowing us to control lights, thermostats, and even security systems using the TV.
Comparing Leading brands in Smart TV industry
A vital strategy to keep in mind before buying an intelligent TV is understanding how leading brands in this industry operate. I have had experience working with all these brands over the years and know their strengths, weaknesses, and unique features that set them apart.
Samsung Smart TVs
On the one hand, Samsung has always been the innovator brand for me. Samsung’s Neo QLED technology, along with the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and Wi-Fi 6 support, can be called game-changing features for sure. Thanks to this feature, images are brighter than the older QLEDs. The vibrancy of colors and depth of black color make them the best choice for movies and games at the same time. The Tizen operating system powers Samsung TVs, providing a smooth experience for users and offering a vast range of apps and services.
On the other hand, not supporting Dolby Vision can be a drawback for Samsung intelligent TVs. Although the HDR10+ technology built into their TVs is excellent, it can’t be as widely adopted as Dolby Vision.
If you are wondering whether to go with a Samsung TV or not, I can tell you that they are definitely a wise choice, especially for people who want to stay aligned with the latest advancements in the world of tech.
LG Smart TVs
LG is mainly known for its OLED technology. The color accuracy and picture quality on LG TVs are outstanding, not to mention the high-quality blacks that appear on their screens. LG’s latest MLA OLED panels, utilized on models like the LG OLED G3, have elevated the performance of their connected TVs. These panels bring brighter images without compromising the deep blacks that OLEDs are famous for.
The features and user experience in LG’s WebOS platform are awesome and favorable among users. If you are a movie lover, you should know that Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support on LG TVs are positive points. However, LG TVs have two major drawbacks. Firstly, OLED TVs are usually more expensive and require a bigger budget. Secondly, there’s a minor risk of burn-in with static images. These two disadvantages always make me hesitant about this brand, but the quality they provide can’t be denied.
Sony Smart TVs
Sony is famous for how its TVs excel in image processing. The Cognitive Processor XR is a technology utilized in models such as the Sony A90J OLED and X95J, which enhances motion handling and upscaling in Sony TVs. This technology makes watching sports and fast-paced movies (e.g., action movies) an impressive experience on Sony TVs.
I highly respect how Sony is committed to producing natural images and vibrant colors on its TVs. The use of Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced in Sony screens is also something that makes movie enthusiasts happy.
Although Sony is a perfect choice, the price of its products isn’t that budget-friendly. Additionally, their intelligent TV interface is not as user-friendly as brands like LG or Samsung.
Vizio Smart TVs
I believe Vizio is an underrated brand. Vizio offers interesting features, especially in the budget and midrange categories. If you are looking for a budget smart TV, you should know that Vizio’s V-Series and M-Series bring satisfactory picture quality and support for HDR formats (like Dolby Vision) to the table. Additionally, the SmartCast platform’s user-friendly interface and inclusion of popular streaming apps will make you happy.
Vizio is a brand that offers basic intelligent TVs at an affordable price. I personally recommend it to users who want an acceptable device without having to break the bank. Obviously, the performance isn’t as perfect as the premium models, but it will be satisfying.
Another budget smart TV brand is Onn, for a complete review of Onn TVs, I suggest reading the article below:
Also Read:
Onn TV Reviews
Hisense Smart TVs
Hisense’s efforts in creating affordable yet feature-packed TVs have been attracting customers’ attention in recent years, and this brand is becoming more and more popular every day due to these efforts. As I mentioned earlier, the U6G is a Hisense TV that offers a great number of features with nice picture quality. Dolby Vision and HDR10 are also supported on this TV, making it an interesting choice for a connected TV in this price range. Hisense has powered its TVs with the Android TV platform, giving them access to a noticeable range of apps and services.
Hisense is a good choice for people who want a budget intelligent TV that brings good quality to the table. Hisense does a great job in creating a balance between price and performance.
How we test TVs
At Smart Home Scope, we value our visitors’ time, and we execute a thorough and methodical process to introduce you to the best models in the market. Here is a summary of how we test TVs:
Picture Quality
We analyze the picture quality, including HDR10+ Adaptive and Wide Color Gamut capabilities, of candidate models in different lighting conditions. It is important to check the brightness of TVs in these various conditions to draw a logical and accurate conclusion. To assess this, we test HDR performance along with how well the TV’s screen displays different content types, including movies, sports, etc.
Sound Quality
In order to assess sound quality, we look into the depth, clarity, and volume. Various audio formats are tested to see how well the TV performs with them. This process isn’t run just for the built-in speakers; TVs are checked with external sound systems as well.
User Interface and Smart Features
We work with the TVs for some time to figure out how user-friendly they are. After this process, we determine how well their operating system handles navigating the menus of the TV and how responsive its interface is. We also learn about the smart features provided to enhance the user experience.
Connectivity and Ports
To check connectivity, we look into the number, type, and accessibility of the ports built into the TV. The TV’s performance in interfacing with different external devices such as gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices is also examined.
One of the main connectivity technologies that I believe is a must on a smart TV is Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Thanks to Wi-Fi 6, we can get an enhanced streaming experience due to better speed and lower latency provided by this technology. This makes Wi-Fi 6 integral to the best smart TVs. An efficient connection and optimal performance in data-intensive tasks are brought to us in the best smart TVs that utilize this technology.
Build Quality and Design
Build quality encompasses the visual appearance and practicality of the TV’s design in various living spaces.
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced the best Smart TVs you can buy in 2024; all of these models are well-tested by our experts. The market has seen remarkable advancements in 2024, and with the progress of AI, we will continue to be surprised by these leading brands. We will continue to update this article and keep you informed of the latest best smart TVs.
