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Smart TV Buying Guide: Know this before buying a smart TV
Buying a smart TV in India can be a tough decision particularly when you don’t have the right information with you. Even after you have skimmed through so many resources on the internet, you feel utterly confused about which smart TV would be the best fit for your family.
Well, don’t stress, as this smart tv buying guide gets you covered, familiarizing you with everything that you need to know to make an informed decision, subsequently bringing along the finest smart Television to your home.
Read on to find out more.
What is a smart TV?
In simple words, a smart TV is an Internet-enabled TV that includes both paid and free streaming apps such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix and YouTube. Alternatively, it is also called a connected TV and may provide you with a browser for conventional net surfing aside from implementing games and related applications.
What’s more, when you have a smart TV at home, you need not install a set-top box separately also including Roku or Apple TV etc. But, in case you need a cable TV imperatively, you can get a cable set-top box integrated and connect it to your Television set subsequently.
Coming to its most prominent features, many smart TVs allow the operation of tablet apps along with the Television set to showcase the program manually and regulate the set aside offering a couple of information more.
Types of Smart TVs
Depending on the display technology, a Smart TV can be broadly categorized into three main types, QLED, OLED, and LED.
QLED TV
QLED TVs primarily use light-transmitting diodes and quantum dots to create rich and bright colour lights on the Television set. Compared to LED TVs, these are way better in terms of performance. And the Samsung Smart TV model is a prime example of the QLED TV. They come in medium-price options.
OLED TV
Undoubtedly, OLED TVs are the finest version of smart TV in the market. This type of TV comes with a contrast ratio having bright colours and zed blacks aside offering outstanding picture quality to its users.
Also, the precision in colour formation because it uses natural light-transmitting diodes, results in eye-appealing shades of white, red, blue as well as yellow. And you the best part? OLED TVs don’t need any backlight, so they are considered much slenderer as compared to the LCD or LED models out there.
As a result, more space is saved on the cabinet or wall of your TV, making them seem sleeker when kept against other devices with flat screens such as digital projectors etc. To buy the best OLED TV, LG and Sony are some of the most reliable brands to consider.
LED TV
Nowadays, homeowners are increasingly buying LED TVs over the OLED or QLED models as they are cheaper and are so far the most common variant of smart TV in the market. The slender and sleek screen that it has makes it perfect for binge-watching your favourite shows during the day.
Also, it optimizes a backlight that emanates light from behind the screen, getting you an amazing TV viewing experience. At present, Realme, TCL, Onix, Samsung and LG are some of the top brands selling premium LED TVs to their customers.
Things to look for when buying a smart TV
Buying a smart TV takes a great deal of effort and acumen. So, when shopping for your favourite smart tv, make sure you consider the following things.
Budget
Sound
Connectivity Options
Refresh Rate
Screen Resolution
Screen Size and
Display Type of the TV
Having said that, let’s break down each of these points for you in detail.
Budget
Before buying the smart TV of your choice don’t forget to set your custom budget first and then move on with your shopping spree. The price options for smart TVs vary greatly as per the variant you have chosen. So, keep that thing in mind.
To the minimum, a smart TV can cost you as low as Rs.10,000 and can stoop up to Rs.3,00000 also. Hence, set a budget and compare the price points that trendy smart TVs come with.
At last, zero in on the option that suits your tailored needs in the best way possible.
Sound
While looking for the audio quality of your smart TV, you need to know one thing. That is the greater the wattage, the louder the sound will be. So, if you live in a big house, installing a smart TV that offers adequate sound must be your choice.
Also, make sure that the sound can travel longer distances within your residence to create a harmonious effect all around.
To assess this aspect properly, you can play a few formidable action scenes first. Subsequently, see whether the sound seems bass for those spine-chilling moments, distorted and thin when set at high volumes aside verifying the details inside as well as the extent to which it sounds realistic.
Besides, also scrutinize things such as a peculiar buzzing sound under pressure, directional distortion and TV cabinet rattle etc. So, if first-rate sound quality is what you are up to, then consider investing in a premium sound system integrated with the desired soundbar.
Connectivity Options
Give thought to your connectivity options for sure when buying a smart TV. Consider the number of HDMI inputs it has while doing so. You can use these ports in many different ways such as adding a game console, Chromecast and soundbar etc.
In case you choose to go for a 4K Ultra-HD effect, the ports that you opt for should also be able to support HDMI 2.0 to accommodate the subsequent Ultra-HD sources. Coming to the present-day scenario, a lot of smart TVs are often integrated with a port that enables the 4K copy protection system also called HDCP 2.2 (high bandwidth digital content protection)
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a smart TV is usually evaluated in Hertz (HZ). It depicts the number of times a picture has been refreshed on the screen per second. In general, the standard refresh rate is sixty times per second.
But, when watching scenes with fast-moving objects, a refresh rate of 60 Hz can create a blurry impression on the screen, chiefly on LCD HDTVs. Hence, until recently, manufacturers are striving to enhance their refresh rate to a fairly good extent.
In this context, it is pertinent to mention that models that have emerged in the market anew display a massive High-Frame Rate (HFR) support.
This means they have a greater refresh rate integrated with additional support for content having a frame rate of more than 60 Hz. If gaming is more your thing, then such a refresh rate would suffice. But, make sure you don’t go below the extent of 120 Hz while purchasing a smart TV or else the quality will not be that good.
Screen Resolution
You may wonder what resolution to go for while shopping for the smart TV of your preference. Well, resolution means the number of pixels needed to create the picture on the screen. So, more the pixels, the sharper will be the picture along with more accurate details.
And the way TV manufacturers are shedding light on producing Ultra HD sets evinces that thing. Gone are the days, when HD was the conventional Televisual experience, now 4K HD is the mantra, getting individuals the kind of audio quality they have been looking for.
The former has 4X more pixels as compared to the latest HDTV screens. Also, such smart Televisions display even the smaller objects on the screen with a lot of details and accuracy that too with finer texts.
All in all, the picture quality will be more life-like and richer unlike that of the HDTV encounters. And you know what? With the increasing technological progress, some brands have also come up with 8K Televisions in the market.
Needless to say, LG’s 88-inch Z9 OLED and Samsung’s Q900 8K TV is a prime examples of that. The display each of them has can quadruple the resolution standard at the 4K level, offering an enormous yet eye-appealing picture quality to all their users.
Nevertheless, finding an option that lets you take complete advantage of the higher resolution thing is very intermittent these days.
Screen Size
No matter whether you are buying the most standard TV or a more high-end option, don’t forget to consider the screen size for sure. Also reflect upon aspects such as the area wherein you wish to set your Television or how many family members in your unit watch a particular show at a given point in time.
Subsequently, zero in on your budget as well as the space that caters to your unique needs perfectly. In this context, it is pertinent to mention that the distance you sit at the Television must be three times more than the height of the screen when it comes to HD televisions.
However, in the case of 4K Ultra HD, the same should be 1.5 times more and not beyond that. Should you contemplate sitting close to an exceptionally large screen, go for technology with higher resolution to get the much-needed comfort.
Display Type
Yet another crucial factor to consider, the display type forms the most imperative aspect when buying the smart TV of your preference. Depending on your individual needs, display options of smart TVs can be categorized into QLED, OLED, LEC and LCD.
OLED and LED are much better choices as compared to LCD TVs as the latter has failed to offer the desired picture quality after the arrival of the former. LCDs were an extension of the CRT displays that got a little outdated with time after the QLED, OLED and LED came into being.
So, LED is the new normal as it offers the same LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) effect to its users but with more clarity, thanks to its light-emanating diode. In return, the appearance of your smart TV will seem much slenderer.
And you the best part? LED smart Televisions consume the least energy, hence consumed by most people nowadays.
Furthermore, the QLED is a way better version of the LED technology that uses quantum dots and is integrated with coloured lights, taking your Televisual encounter a notch higher. Quantum dots are a type of semiconductor that forms an imperative part of any QLED television nowadays.
So, as a result, you can expect a great deal of brightness and colour on your Television screen than before. However, these smart TVs are a little on the pricier side, so keep that factor in mind.
OLED is another advanced form of technology that smart TV manufacturers are widely using nowadays. Such televisions often emit out light when the current is passed through, resulting in a brighter and more effervescent televisual experience than before.
So, if budget is not a factor, then OLEDs or QLEDs can be more your thing or else you can purchase an LED TV as of now to save a couple of bucks.
The top smart TV models trending in India
So, now that you know how to buy a smart TV like a pro, below is a checklist comprising the 8 best smart TVs in India as of now along with their price options.
Sony Bravia 55 inches 4K Ultra HD smart LED Google TV
Offering the goodness of both a High Dynamic Range and 4K picture quality, the Sony Bravia 55 inches 4K Ultra HD smart LED Google TV is meant for those who are seeking a premium audio-video experience.
Aside from that, it also features a 4K X-Reality Pro along with a ClearAudio that gets you the televisual encounter you have been looking for. Furthermore, the aluminium finish and slender frame of this TV will complement your overall décor, and will surely be the focal point in your bedroom or living room.
To ensure improved sound production, a Bass Reflex Speaker comes with, allowing you to hear every one of the details that your TV emanates, no matter whether they fall under the crisp highs or extended lows category.
The merits don’t end here as the built-in Wi-Fi feature of this Television lets users access the Wi-Fi connectivity in their home while surfing the internet as long as they want.
Price: Rs. 63,990 onwards
LG 32 Inches HD Ready Smart IPS LED TV
The LG 32 Inches HD Ready Smart IPS LED TV comprises all the modern-day features that allow you to enjoy your favourite shows and movies on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Disney + Hotstar, Netflix and several other WebOS out there.
To ensure a more organic and richer Televisual experience, a cutting-edge image processor comes that adjusts the colour of your smart TV accordingly.
In addition, four accurate and fast-paced processors produce an absolute dynamic colour effect aside from eliminating any sort of noise. And, there is an intuitive Home Dashboard as well using which you will be able to access the connected smart devices from one gigantic screen that too from wherever you feel like.
What’s more, the lower-resolution pictures that it offers to make the images on your Television way brighter and sharper than before.
Price: 17,290 onwards
TCL 43 Inches Metallic Bezel-Less Series 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV
Are you looking for a more advanced smart TV this time? If you say yes, then getting your hands on the TCL 43 Inches Metallic Bezel-Less Series 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV must be your choice.
Coming to its features, it is integrated with 1 USB port and 2 HDMI ports along with a built-in Chromecast and a built-in Wi-Fi. Besides, this 40-inch LED TV displays a sleek design to its users letting them enjoy the finest binge-watching experience ever, all thanks to the superb picture quality, 178-degree bird’s view angle and A+ Grade panel that this variant comes with.
Plus, the comprehensive array of local dimming and mini-LED tech that the TCL 43 Inches Metallic Bezel-Less Series 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV has will render you with second-to-none images aside from running circles as in the case of any other TV out there.
All this and many more that too within your budget.
Price: Rs. 27,990 onwards
Samsung 55 Inches Crystal 4K Series Ultra HD Smart LED TV
If premium picture quality is your priority, then this smart TV introduced by Samsung must be on your list. To ensure optimum display performance, it comes with a vast range of colours, getting you an immersive AV experience down the road.
Aside, the Samsung 55 Inches Crystal 4K Series Ultra HD Smart LED TV has got an impressive PurColour feature too that lets you watch movies as realistically as possible. And you know the best part? This TV is integrated with a full-proof 4K upscaling, allowing you to access any of your favourite content at the 4K extent resolution.
Also, while binge-watching your favourite shows on a TV of this sort, the colour expressions you can expect will be way more lifelike and vivid as compared to any of the other variants in the market.
Thanks to its jaw-dropping colour-mapping technology.
Price: Rs.46,990 onwards
Samsung 43 Inches Wondertainment Series Full HD LED Smart TV
A superb combo of elegance and advanced features, the Samsung 43 Inches Wondertainment Series Full HD LED Smart TV will surely satiate your desire when it comes to getting a one-of-its-kind Televisual experience.
This particular fully-integrated HD resolution TV creates two times more resolution as compared to the conventional HD TV. Regulate the connected devices using the voice assistants of this Television aside from getting the answers to your queries, accessing your favourite content and so many more.
And the good part is you can mirror the display of your computer wirelessly on the Television screen which sets this variant apart from all the other options out there.
Besides, the Samsung 43 Inches Wondertainment Series Full HD LED Smart TV gets you access to Microsoft Office 365 aside letting you tap into your Personal Computer, and in return, you can expect to work on your imperative documents and files with ease.
On top of everything, the Home Cloud feature that it has ensures automated as well as wireless saving of your credentials to the Television which is indeed an added advantage.
Price: Rs. 27,990 onwards
One Plus 43 Inches Y Series Full HD Smart Android LED TV
Integrated with a high-end Android Smart Operating System, the One Plus 43 Inches Y Series Full HD Smart Android LED TV allows access to a range of OnePlus applications, letting you enjoy your favourite shows and web series as you, please.
Aside from that, the sound effect and picture quality of this Television is outstanding, getting the model an edge over its competitors. Also, it features surround sound and Dolby Audio so that you get an immersive AV experience every time you put your smart TV on.
Furthermore, it has an Android System through which you can use voice commands via Google Assistant as you get access to an array of apps on the Play Store whenever needed.
And the way you can unravel custom recommendations in tandem with your needs is the icing on the cake when it comes to bringing along this product to your home.
Price: Rs. 24,999 onwards
Redmi 32 Inches Android 11 Series HD Ready Smart LED TV
Get a hold of the Redmi 32 Inches Android 11 Series HD Ready Smart LED TV ASAP as you leverage its avant-garde features to the full. Just the way its built-in Chromecast attribute streams contents to your TV directly from the cloud, the Android Operating System that it displays serves all your entertainment purpose up to your satisfaction.
Besides, it is integrated with a premium filter as well that precludes any explicit or violent stuff on the Television screen also with absolute parental control. Also, this LED TV has enhanced contrast, thanks to its ultra-bright screens that let you view vivid and more complex colours effortlessly when it comes to revamping and adjusting the shades as per your choice.
With all this, what you get as a result is an outstanding Televisual experience and that’s for sure.
Price: Rs. 13,999 onwards
Mi 32 Inches 5A Series HD Ready Smart Android LED TV
Wow! Just take a look at the Mi 32 Inches 5A Series HD Ready Smart Android LED TV and you will be mesmerized by the spectacular metal bezel-less design that it displays. Apart, it boasts real-life pictures ingrained with vivid colours, thanks to the Full HD Display of this product that renders users with over sixteen million different shades, making them experience an exquisite Televisual encounter every time.
Also, the model is comprised of two HDMI ports, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi and a Miracast as well. Coming to the elephant in the room, segregate the Mi 32 Inches 5A Series HD Ready Smart Android LED TV with Android TV 11 and your access to a series of apps along with your favourite movies and shows will know no bounds.
Price: Rs. 13,999 onwards
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, customers get a lot of queries while buying a smart TV in India. About that, below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that you may find relevant.
How to choose a smart TV for my home?
To select the best smart TV for your Home, here are a few things you need to consider imperatively.
Pick a resolution that suits your price brand
Opt for the picture technology of your choice that can either be OLED or LED
Zero in on the Screen Size you prefer the most
Fix your budget
On top of everything, check out the durability of your product, a factor worth contemplating when shopping for your favourite smart TV. In this context, it is pertinent to mention that a model with a longer warranty period would serve you the much-needed purpose.
What are the benefits of a smart TV?
Here are some of the notable advantages of choosing a smart TV over an ordinary Television.
Automatic content recommendations relevant to your unique tastes and preferences
Access to games without a computer or gaming console
No need of subscribing to a satellite/cable service
No requirement for an antenna connection
Seamless streaming directly from the internet and
Wireless connection
What is the difference between an ordinary LED TV and Smart TV?
A conventional LED TV has a slender appearance and can only stream videos via HDMI, USB or cable connections. On the other end, a smart TV can operate apps like a smartphone, and connect you to the internet directly while streaming videos from Netflix, YouTube etc.
What are the best five smart TVs in India?
In India, the top five smart TV models that are currently trending in the market include:
Samsung 138 cm Crystal 4K Series Ultra HD Smart LED TV
Samsung 108 cm Wondertainment Series Full HD LED Smart TV
Redmi 80 cm Android 11 Series HD Ready Smart LED TV and
Mi 80 cm 5A Series HD Ready Smart Android LED TV
Which smart TV is best for home use?
Presently, the Mi 80 cm 5A Series HD Ready Smart Android LED TV is considered the best smart TV in India.
Which smart TV offers quality and cost-efficiency together?
The Redmi 80 cm Android 11 Series HD Ready Smart LED TV and Mi 80 cm 5A Series HD Ready Smart Android LED TV are two of the best smart TVs that offer you both quality as well as cost-efficiency.
Which streaming TV for HDR is leading the market in India?
High Dynamic Range (HDR) televisions are a bit costlier as compared to conventional LED TVs. In India, the LG 65 inches 4K Ultra HD Smart OLED TV 65CXPTA is so far regarded as the best-streaming TV for HDR. However, if a low-budget option is more your thing, then the Samsung 43 Inches 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV UA43TU7200KBXL can be a feasible choice.
Final Words!
Buying a smart TV in India is now as simple as that! All you need is the right information and guidance to wade through the complex waters of your shopping spree. To make an informed decision, read through the post above, and compare the products, their pertinent features and price points, subsequently picking a variant that caters to your custom needs and requirements to the full.
