How to Choose the Right Smart TV: A Complete Guide

Buying a new smart TV can be very over the top, what with the large number of choices out there today. Between screen size, display type, operating system, ports, and more, the decision goes beyond which one looks best in the living room. Whether you are an upgrader of old TVs or a first-time smart TV buyer, we are here to help you pick the right one for you without any regret down the road.

1. What is a Smart TV?

A smart TV is a step beyond the average internet-enabled TV; it is a hybrid of TV and streaming hub that allows you into the world of online content—from films and TV series to music and games—and even some social media, all at the same time, no extra equipment required. What comes in the box also includes basic apps like YouTube, Netflix which also vary by region, but also may feature advanced options like voice control and screen mirroring.

But not all smart TV brands are the same. What they run on, which OS, performance quality, also which ones get new updates—that is what really makes the difference in terms of user experience.

2. Choose the Right Screen Size.

Size does matter with TVs, also bigger is not always better. Look at the size of the room, the distance from the sofa to the TV, and your comfort level. What may look great on a 55-inch screen in a store may in fact in a small bedroom look overbearing.

Here’s a rough guide:

• 32″ to 43″: For bedrooms, kitchens, and small rooms.
• 50″ to 65″: Perfect for family-sized living rooms.
• 70″ and above: For big spaces and home theaters.

Rule of thumb is that TV should present a cinema-like experience but at the same time not of a size which requires you to move your head for better view.

3. Pick the Best Display Technology.

There are some main types of display technologies to check out:

• LED (Light Emitting Diode): The most popular and affordable kind. LED TVs present great brightness and color performance which is particularly true in well-lit rooms.
• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode): Known for depth of black colors and rich contrast. Each pixel lights up individually, of which you get a better picture quality. However, they tend to be on the high price side.
• QLED (Quantum Dot LED): From what we had with LED we’ve got quantum dots which take it to the next level in terms of color accuracy and brightness. Great for bright rooms and vibrant visuals.
• Mini-LED: A better technology which improves upon traditional LED by fine-tuning light output and which in turn provides greater contrast.

Select a display that fits what you prefer. If you like to watch movies in the dark, OLED is the best choice. If you go for bright sharp images for sports or cartoons, QLED or Mini-LED may suit you better.

4. Resolution is Key but Don’t be Misled by the Numbers.

TV resolution is the number of pixels which are present on the screen. The more pixels the sharper the image. Also we see:

• HD (720p): Basic quality which we see in most budget models.
• Full HD (1080p): For most people it is enough.
• 4K (Ultra HD): Offers a four times higher resolution than Full HD does, which today is the standard.
• 8K: Very high resolution but in terms of content limited and price is high.

Most for sure will see 4K as enough which also is supported by a lot of streaming platforms and gaming consoles. For 8K to be for you think into the future and that you have a very large screen at over 75 inches.

5. Check out the Smart TV OS.

The performance of your TV experience is determined by the operating system. Also different manufacturers use different platforms.

• Tizen (Samsung): Clean design which also supports a wide range of apps.
• webOS (LG): Easy to use with seamless performance.Wide range of apps and Chromecast support.
• Roku TV / Fire TV: Easy, app-oriented, and great for streaming.

In what we use at present or one which aligns with your present tech set up I’d say for instance if you are into the Google suite of services you may see that Android TV is the way to go.

6. Port and Connection.

Many leave out that but what you should pay attention to is the variety and type of ports which you will need especially if you are connecting your gaming console, soundbar, external drive or Blu-ray player.

Here is what you will see:

• HDMI ports: At least 3 and in fact we prefer 2.1 for the latest gaming consoles.
• USB ports: For attaching peripheral devices.
• Optical or AUX output: For audio systems.
• Ethernet port: For a more reliable internet connection.
• Wi-Fi: Must have for streaming.
• Bluetooth: For wireless devices.

Ensure your TV has the right connectivity options for present and future use.

7. Quality of sound.

TVs today are very slim which in turn usually results in lesser quality sound from smaller speakers. Although most TVs do have passable audio what they fall short of is the performance of dedicated sound systems or even a basic sound bar.

Check out the following sound features:

• Dolby Audio or DTS: For a great audio experience.
• Built-in subwoofers: For improved bass.
• Speaker output (wattage): Greater values usually represent louder sound.

If you want quality sound invest in an external speaker set up. Also before you decide, test the inbuilt sound out.

8. High Definition Support.

HDR (which is High Dynamic Range) improves contrast and also color accuracy which in turn makes images very real. A good HDR performing TV will display more of the detail in both dark and bright elements of a scene.

Types of HDR you will see are:

• HDR10: The greatest number of.
• Dolby Vision: High quality HDR experience with dynamic metadata.
• HLG: Used for live TV and broadcasts.

If you have a large diet of present day films and TV shows, also in 4K, you will see great improvement in picture quality.

9. Interface and Control Panel.

A smart TV’s value is in how easy it is to use. Check out the interface’s responsiveness. Does the menu look clean? Are the apps easy to access? Does the remote have shortcut buttons?

Today’s remote controls include features such as:

• Voice control
• Dedicated buttons for streaming apps
• Minimalist design for easier handling

Some TV models also feature smartphone app control which is a nice touch.

10. Software Maintenance and Durability.

Just as with smartphones, smart TVs need regular software updates to stay compatible and secure. A TV which receives many updates is more likely to be functional and useful for a longer time.

Check that the manufacturers are updating regularly. With lesser-known brands which have out-of-date software your TV may become old very fast.

11. Brand Image and Customer Service.

Some brands do not do the same for quality of service and warranty as do others. Go for a brand which has good warranties, responsive customer care, and a history of product durability.

Renowned brands may charge a little more, but they usually provide better support and software updates which in turn will save you in the long run.

12. Reflect on what you watch.

Also think about what you watch. Do you dive into movies, follow sports, play games, or just watch the news and occasionally a show? That will play a role in your choice.

• For movies: Go with OLED or 4K HDR models.
• For sports: Look out for TVs that have high refresh rates and motion smoothing.
• For gaming: HDMI 2.1, low input lag, and Game Mode are a must.
• For everyday watching: A quality Full HD or 1080p TV will do.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect smart TV doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Look at what you need, the size of your room, and your usage habits. Also bear in mind the “best” TV for you may not be the most expensive—it is the one that best fits your lifestyle. With care and a little research you will walk away with a screen which brings home entertainment in exactly the way that suits you.

In the case of movie nights, binge-watching shows, or gaming marathons the right smart TV can be the centerpiece of your daily routine—so choose well.