The Perfect Guide to Smart TV’s
Smart TVs are pretty much standard-issue as we approach 2020. You’d struggle to find a suitable television that doesn’t incorporate at least some smarts. But first, there are some common questions about televisions we will answer first.
So, What do you mean by smart TV?
Today, a smart television is an internet-connected and capable of streaming as well as showing terrestrial broadcasts.
What Can Smart TV’s Do?
Depending on functionality these options range from surfing the web to downloading amazing apps like Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, and other streaming services. Some companies even synch with Alexa and you can remote control them from anywhere in the world.
Do Smart Tvs have built-in WiFi?
Most do, but some don’t. Check out the ones below and we can highlight them for you! However, all products must connect to a WiFi network to work properly.
We’re not here today to give you dense, jargon-heavy reviews. Instead, we’ve looked at smart TVs across the following major platforms:
• Android TV
• Roku TV
• SmartCast
• Tizen
• webOS
We chose the best smart televisions across these categories, and we’ve then stripped down the science to tell you all you need to know.
We’ll what brands are the best Smart TV’s?
1. Sony XBR-65A9G Master Series 65-Inch OLED 4K
2. TCL Roku 6-Series 55-Inch 4K UHD
3. Vizio P-Series Quantum X 65-Inch 4K HDR
4. Samsung QN65Q70RAFXZA 65-Inch QLED 4K
5. LG OLED55C9PUA 55-Inch 4K HDR with Soundbar
6. LG B9 Series 65-Inch 4K HDR
7. SunBrite TV Weatherproof Outdoor 55-Inch 4K UHD LED
The Beast Smart Televisions In Detail
1) Sony XBR-65A9G Master Series 65-Inch OLED 4K
Arguably the finest running on Android TV is this 65-inch from the Master Series by Sony.
Available in a trio of screen sizes, our overall favorite is the 65-inch. You can buy it with a wall-mount bracket and choice of soundbar if you’re looking for a bundle.
Google Assistant comes baked in. You can also use Alexa for voice control, but you’ll need an Echo device.
The 4K HDR processor controls 8 million pixels to create vivid splashes of color and the most exquisite detail. This X1 Ultimate processor continually works in the background to optimize the picture and contrast so you can kick back just like you’re at the movies.
Upscaling means that even regular SD and HD content shines on the Sony.
Acoustic Surface+ audio makes sure you’ve got a suitable soundscape for those staggering visuals.
This beast is certainly not cheap, but you’re not likely to get much satisfaction if you base buying a based on price alone. When you view the price tag of this Sony in relation to the overall viewing experience, it suddenly seems like great value.
2) TCL Roku 6-Series 55-Inch 4K UHD
Roku’s operating system remains enduringly popular. Since you won’t be locked into any specific streaming platform, you’ll get maximum freedom if you roll with the egalitarian Roku.
Indeed, Roku’s proprietary streaming service gives you a vast library of free movies that are changed out every few months. You’ll have access to over a half-million films and shows to keep you going all through 2020 and beyond.
If you’re looking for the ideal Roku platform, this TCL 55-inch 4K UHD is the obvious answer.
Along with 4 HDMI inputs, you’ll also get a USB port allowing you to watch any media you have on flash drives. There’s also an Ethernet port, audio out, and headphone jack.
4K UHD picture clarity is impressive, with Dolby Vision HDR bringing the screen to life.
If you’ve got teen gamers in the house, a dedicated gaming mode keeps lag and latency to a minimum for the most seamless and immersive experience.
The sleek edge-to-edge glass without the usual heavy bezel makes for a lean, clean look.
If you want the flexibility of streaming from a broad spread of platforms, this Roku is a smart choice. It’s also exceptionally keenly priced, so what are you waiting for?
3) Vizio P-Series Quantum X 65-Inch 4K HDR
Our favorite SmartCast is this powerful 65-inch 4K HDR beauty from Vizio.
What differentiates the P-Series from its competitors is the AirPlay 2 functionality opening up the whole Apple ecosystem and great news for iPhone users. You’ll be able to mirror content straight to the big screen.
HomeKit-enabled, you’ll be able to control with the Home app or using Siri and voice commands.
Beyond this, you’ll be able to call up Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video right off the home screen. WatchFree gives you over 100 free live channels across a range of genres.
4K Ultra HD gives you a razor-sharp picture with Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HLG content all supported. Deep, dark blacks and ultra-vivid colors give you a visual sensation whatever you’re watching.
For Apple fans, this is one of the best you can find. As an added kicker, it’s reasonably inexpensive and comes with a whopping 65-inch screen.
4) Samsung QN65Q70RAFXZA 65-Inch QLED 4K
Samsung’s 65-inch QLED is an affordable yet highly effective choice if you’re hunting for a Tizen.
Compatibility with the SmartThings ecosystem means you can tie neatly in with your connected home.
OneRemote gives you user-friendly control, and Samsung’s virtual butler Bixby comes baked in. You’ll also be able to use either Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control. All you’ll need is the requisite smart speaker or display. The simple on-screen universal guide makes navigation a cinch even if you’re not that comfy with tech.
Fuelled by Quantum dots, Samsung serves up a billion shades of color. Whites are pristine, and blacks pitch dark. Auto-adjusting contrast results in sharp and immaculate visuals that’s surprisingly cheap.
Sub-par content is upscaled to 4K, meaning whatever you watch will be popping off the screen.
Ambient Mode is a nice touch. You can use the screen to display visuals rather than leaving it switched off. Think of it as an impromptu digital art frame on a grand scale.
Suit all the family and slot snugly into your SmartThings ecosystem; you can’t go wrong with the Q Series.
5) LG OLED55C9PUA 55-Inch 4K HDR with Soundbar
The first of a pair of LG gems up next, this punchy 55-incher running on webOS.
A competitively-priced bundle offers you a soundbar and wall-mount kit for maximum value.
LG’s ThinQ platform brings home open AI. Google Assistant and Alexa are both onboard streamlining control, whoever your preferred digital assistant.
The C9 comes loaded with apps, and there’s a robust choice of streaming services, too. From Netflix and Amazon to YouTube and Rakuten, you’ve got all the main bases in hand.
The intelligent AI-powered recommendation feature can come into its own when you’re stuck for inspiration.
4K HDR gives you a deep and richly colorful viewing experience.
With the Home dashboard, you’ll get all your smart devices and IoT gadgets handily grouped so you can access everything in your connected home from one place.
We give the LG C9 our vote for the smartest TV this year.
6) LG B9 Series 65-Inch 4K HDR
Another superb from LG, the B9 Series has AirPlay 2 built-in. Cast anything you like from your iPhone or MacBook and see it writ large on the big screen.
And the screen is big, too. You’ll get a full 65 inches of eye-popping colors and subtle contrast.
Proprietary ThinQ tech means you’ll get both Alexa and Google Assistant already onboard. This is a wonderful touch adding to the Apple interoperability to give you complete control.
NVIDI G-SYNC-compatibility adds a new intensity to gaming.
Dolby Atmos bring you audio to match those visuals. You could also opt for a 3-channel or 4-channel soundbar.
As you’d expect from LG, you’ll be able to control other smart devices using your TV’s dashboard as a de facto hub.
For a smart TV that’s right at the edge of intelligence, the only surprising thing about the B9 Series is that it’s actually quite affordable. Check one out and you won’t be disappointed.
7) SunBrite Weatherproof Outdoor 55-Inch 4K UHD LED
As a wildcard to round out, we’ve got an awesome outdoor smart TV so you can enjoy watching the game with a BBQ or relax with a movie when you’re soaking in the hot tub.
The Veranda Series is ideal for shaded outdoor viewing. Thanks to the direct LED backlight, you’ll get a crisp and bright picture out on the patio or gazebo.
The housing and components are all strongly weatherproofed and capable of withstanding hostile conditions.
Inbuilt speakers guarantee audio to match those 4K UHD visuals.
A generous media bay gives you access to content from whatever media player or streaming device you prefer.
With all the connections you need from HDMI to USB, you can watch the content you want however you want it out in your smart garden. What’s not to love?
Final Word
You should now be spoiled for choice if you’re hunting for a new smart home technology whatever platform you prefer.
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