Finding yourself dizzy just looking at all of the smart TV options on the market? Then you’ll definitely want to keep reading down below. In this article, we will take you through the most important features to look out for in your new smart TV. So that you can grab one that suits your needs, and lasts you for years to come. Let’s dive right in!
What Features Should You Look For In A Smart TV?
When on the hunt for the right smart TV, many people find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information being presented to them. Manufacturers compete for your attention by presenting long lists of unique features that can easily make your head swim. But what are the features that actually matter? Let’s take a look.
Screen Size
The first thing you should try to consider when looking for the right smart TV is the screen size. Of course, many of us naturally gravitate to the biggest screens possible, but you should make sure to consider your existing space. Is there enough room not only to get the screen into your home but also to store it securely in your chosen room?
Make sure to also think about how you plan to watch the TV! How are you going to organise furniture around the screen, and how are you going to place the TV accordingly?
Installing a new smart TV involves not only considering the positioning of the screen but everything else around it. Is there plenty of space to comfortably take the whole image in?
In order to make the most of a TV screen, it is important to make sure that there is enough space to take it all in. For instance, if you were to grab a 98 inch TV, you would need to ensure that there is plenty of space between the screen and the sofa. After all, you don’t want to have to move your neck into all manner of strange positions just to be able to see everything!
The size of a smart TV screen also goes hand in hand with the overall cost. The larger the screen, the more expensive the TV will be.
Resolution
While you consider the total screen size of your new smart TV, it’s also helpful to dedicate some thought to the resolution. Resolution and screen size go hand in hand, as the higher the resolution is, the larger the screen must be to accommodate.
Want to grab a 4K TV? Maybe even spend a little more on an 8K TV? Be sure to think carefully about the resolution you want, because it will affect the screen size and total cost of any given smart TV.
Higher resolutions are great for really immersing yourself in your favourite content. Blockbuster films will feel even more pulse-pounding, and you’ll feel like you’re right there at the biggest football matches.
Make sure to also consider the display type of your chosen smart TV. 4K OLED TVs, for example, are able to offer much greater contrast in every image thanks to independently-illuminated pixels. 4K QLED TVs, on the other hand, are able to offer far richer colour palettes thanks to the inclusion of unique quantum dot technology!
Smart Functions
Of course, any good smart TV worth its salt is going to need some truly awesome smart functions. There are a number of essential functions that you should be sure to look out for in a good smart TV.
Most importantly, you’re going to need to ensure that your new smart TV provides you with quick and easy access to all of your favourite services. Smart TVs are built for streaming. As such, many popular models actually come with a number of streaming services already installed onto them. Make sure to also look for smart TVs with built-in web stores, where you can download new apps to make your smart TV an even greater entertainment hub.
If you already have an existing collection of great tech, we recommend looking for a smart TV with plenty of connectivity with your smart device. Samsung 4K TVs in particular are great for connectivity. You can easily connect other Samsung devices to a Samsung smart TV through the ‘SmartThings’ app.
And of course, a truly smart TV should be able to adapt to how you use it. It’s worth looking out for smart TVs with algorithms that learn from how you use your device. Such smart TVs can make it easier to find the content that you want, while also providing recommendations based on your preferences. Let’s say you totally loved a show on Netflix, a good smart TV would be able to understand this, and then recommend similar content for your tastes!
Audio
While resolution is crucial, it’s also important that you don’t neglect the audio capabilities of a given smart TV.
Many of the best smart TVs come with amazing speakers pre-installed, so you can simply hook the screen up and enjoy content with amazing audio. LG 4K TVS, for instance, boast room-shaking Dolby Atmos sound that can replicate sounds faultlessly.
Good sound can help bridge the gap between you and your favourite films, or the year’s biggest sports events. Make sure to carefully consider the sound systems found within a specific smart TV. It can mean the difference between tinny and unsatisfying audio, and grand dynamic audio that sweeps you off of your feet!
It’s easy to overlook sound when it comes to choosing the right smart TV. If you really want to immerse yourself in all of your favourite content, then sound is incredibly important.
Navigation
Smart TVs are packed full of features. As such, you’re going to want to make sure that your perfect smart TV is able to organise all of these features neatly, and in a way that makes sense. You don’t want to end up getting lost just trying to find the Netflix app.
A good user interface helps to make using your smart TV an absolute pleasure. It makes it quick and effortless to hop between apps, or to specific types of content. A clunky interface that’s slow to navigate will prove incredibly frustrating and have you regretting your smart TV purchase.
When looking for good navigation on your smart TV, make sure to consider the processor! The processor is the “Brain” of the TV. It’s responsible for keeping everything organised, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. The greater the processor, the more efficient the TV will be. Having a greater processor will allow you to easily hop between content, or between apps, in a flash.
Finally, you should also make sure to consider how you interact with your smart TV. Every smart TV comes with its own proprietary remote control. You’ll want to look for one with a simple and intuitive button layout so that controlling your TV can become second nature. Some smart TVs come with special buttons that can take you to specific streaming services quickly.
If you want navigation to be as easy as possible, then we also recommend opting for a smart TV with voice control support. Voice control allows you to easily find anything you are looking for, whenever you need it. All without even having to comb through any menus! The built-in Google Assistant voice controls found in Philips 4K TVs help you to feel like the master of your entertainment centre!
What Do You Plan To Use The Smart TV For?
To help further narrow down your options, it can be really helpful to consider what you plan to use your smart TV for. Want to use it to stream Hollywood blockbusters from the comfort of your home? Want to join in the action at Wembley? Or perhaps you want to play the top gaming titles? Either way, you’ll need a suitable display for the job.
Television And Streaming
The best smart TVs for frequent binge-watchers and box-set lovers are those that offer easy access to the world’s top streaming services.
If you want to stream show after show on your smart TV, then we recommend opting for a model with a fast processor. This will allow you to hop from platform to platform, or show to show.
Make good use of voice assistants, so that you can stream endlessly, without even having to touch a single button!
Film
If you’re a serious film buff, with a penchant for the visual arts, then you’ll want a smart TV that not only boasts the best possible resolution and screen size but also an array of visual options.
Smart TVs are able to offer a number of post-processing features that can help to make your films look even better. From HDR features, like the HDR pro offered on TCL 4K TVs, to upscaling, which can boost 4K films into 8K resolutions.
Make sure that your smart TV has easy menu navigation so that you can toggle these features as and when you need them.
And be sure to consider the sound system associated with a given smart TV! Great sound makes your favourite films even better!
Gaming
Many top smart TVs come with ‘gaming modes’ that will automatically activate as soon as you activate your chosen console. Gaming mode will help to reduce input lag by turning off all post-processing functions. This helps to give players an unparalleled sense of control, perfect for those heated gaming moments.
When choosing gaming TVs, make sure to also look for a high refresh rate. “Refresh rate” refers to how many times a screen is able to refresh the image every second. If you plan to game at high frame rates, such as 60 frames-per-second, then higher refresh rates are totally essential for a smooth experience.
Live Sport
High refresh rates are also great for those looking to enjoy live sport on their new smart TV! With a higher refresh rate, even the fastest sports can be enjoyed at their best. This allows you to keep up with every single heart-racing moment. Want to witness the as the star player connects with the ball? Want to roar alongside the crowd as the ball flies into the goal? Then make sure to grab a suitable screen!
Higher resolutions are also great for sports lovers. With a greater resolution, viewers will be able to easily make out players on the pitch from a distance. If you’re a sports obsessive with a passion for tactics, then higher resolutions are essential!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose The Right Smart TV?
When looking for the perfect smart TV, you’ll not only want to look out for the best smart functions but also the perfect screen size and resolution for your space. Is there enough space for your new TV? And will the sound system help to fill that space with amazing audio? Make sure your new smart TV can keep up with everything you want!
How Do I Know Which TV Is Best For Me?
If you’re looking for your perfect TV, you’ll need to carefully think about what you want from it. Are you planning on watching the biggest films? Are you planning on binge-watching TV series? Want to play the latest gaming titles? The intended use of your new TV can easily dictate which is best for you.
Should I Buy A Smart Or Non Smart TV?
Because they offer a range of intelligent features, smart TVs naturally cost a lot more. If you don’t believe you’ll make good use of smart TV functions, then you may be better served by grabbing an ordinary non-smart TV for a lower cost. You might also benefit from a non-smart TV if you have access to a separate smart device that can emulate the features of a smart TV.
Is Netflix Free On A Smart TV?
The Netflix app itself is free to download and install on your smart TV. However, in order to access any content on Netflix, you will first need to subscribe. Netflix currently offers three subscription tiers, with varying features, so you can choose a price that is best for you. However, you cannot access Netflix for free.
