Upgrade Your Viewing Experience: Everything You Need to Know About 4K TVs
May 25, 2023
6 min read
Standard-definition TVs and even some high-definition TVs may not provide the level of detail and clarity you need to enjoy your favorite shows and movies fully. This can be frustrating, especially when you've invested in a home theater system or have a high-end sound system.
Choosing a 4K TV is a great way to take your viewing experience to the next level. With four times the resolution of a standard high-definition TV, a 4K TV offers stunning detail, sharpness, and clarity that makes you feel like you are part of the action.
In addition, 4K technology allows for a more immerive experience, making you feel right in the middle of the action. Additionally, many 4K TVs come with advanced features like HDR and a wide color gamut, which enhance the picture quality even further, making it more realistic and lifelike.
Best 4K TVs of 2023
1. LG OLED C1 Series
The LG OLED C1 Series continues to impress in 2023 with its outstanding picture quality, sleek design, and comprehensive feature set. The self-emissive OLED panel delivers perfect blacks and an infinite contrast ratio, resulting in exceptional detail and color accuracy.
Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10 Pro support enhance high dynamic range content, while the α9 Gen 4 AI processor optimizes picture and sound. With HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and eARC support, the C1 is perfect for next-gen gaming.
In addition, LG's WebOS platform offers a user-friendly experience and a wide range of apps to fulfill your entertainment needs.
2. Sony A90J Series
Sony's A90J Series offers a stunning OLED display with exceptional brightness, making it a strong contender in the 2023 4K TV market. The Cognitive Processor XR provides real-time image analysis, ensuring lifelike color and detail. Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology creates immersive sound by vibrating the screen itself.
High dynamic range content looks better with HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision support. The Google TV platform is intuitive and offers a vast selection of apps. The A90J also features HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, and eARC, making it an excellent choice for gamers and movie enthusiasts.
3. Samsung QN90A Series
The Samsung QN90A Series is a top-performing 4K Mini LED TV in 2023, offering remarkable picture quality thanks to its Quantum Matrix Technology and Neo Quantum Processor 4K. The Mini LED backlighting provides exceptional brightness and contrast, while Quantum HDR 32x ensures vibrant colors and impressive HDR performance.
The Tizen OS offers a vast app selection and an intuitive user interface. Gamers will appreciate the TV's HDMI 2.1 support, VRR, ALLM, and low input lag. With Object Tracking Sound+ technology, the QN90A delivers immersive, room-filling audio, making it a great choice for movies and games.
4. TCL 6-Series
The TCL 6-Series remains a strong choice for budget-conscious consumers in 2023, offering remarkable performance for its price. The Mini LED backlighting and QLED technology ensure deep blacks, impressive brightness, and vivid colors.
The Roku TV platform provides an easy-to-use interface and an extensive app library. The 6-Series supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, enhancing high dynamic range content. It is well-suited for gaming with HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and eARC support.
The built-in voice control features and the ability to work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa make the TCL 6-Series a standout option for those seeking a high-quality, affordable 4K TV.
5. Vizio P-Series Quantum X
The Vizio P-Series Quantum X is a feature-packed 4K TV in 2023, delivering impressive performance with its Quantum Color technology and Full Array LED backlighting. The 792 local dimming zones offer deep blacks and excellent contrast, while the ProGaming Engine ensures low input lag and supports VRR, ALLM, and HDMI 2.1 for gaming.
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG compatibility make high dynamic range content look stunning. The SmartCast platform offers a wide range of apps and supports voice control via Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. The P-Series Quantum X provides a premium viewing experience without breaking the bank.
Comparison of the Best 4K TVs
Screen Size and Resolution
4K TVs are available in various screen sizes, from as small as 40 inches to over 85 inches. The ideal screen size depends on the viewing distance and room size. A larger screen provides a more immersive experience, while a smaller one suits a confined space.
Resolution is consistent at 3840x2160 pixels for all 4K TVs, offering four times the clarity of 1080p Full HD. The increased resolution leads to crisper images, finer details, and better color accuracy, making content appear more lifelike.
Display Technology
Two primary display technologies are used in 4K TVs: OLED and LED/LCD. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) offers superior contrast ratios, color accuracy, and faster response times. In addition, each pixel produces light, allowing for true blacks and virtually infinite contrast.
LED/LCD TVs use a backlight behind the screen, leading to lower contrast ratios than OLED. However, they offer higher peak brightness, making them suitable for well-lit rooms. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) is a variation of LED/LCD technology with better color accuracy and vibrancy due to quantum dots.
HDR Support
High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances the color and contrast of 4K TVs, providing more lifelike and detailed images. The most common HDR formats are HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. HDR10 is the standard format supported by all HDR-compatible TVs, while HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are dynamic metadata formats that optimize each scene.
HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) is designed for live broadcasts. The best 4K TVs support multiple HDR formats, allowing users to experience the highest quality visuals regardless of the content source.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is the number of times the screen updates per second, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion and reduced motion blur, especially for fast-paced content like sports and action movies.
Standard 4K TVs offer a 60Hz refresh rate, while premium models can reach 120Hz or higher. Some TVs use motion interpolation or frame insertion techniques to simulate higher refresh rates, but these can cause a "soap opera effect" that may not appeal to all viewers.
Smart Features
Most 4K TVs come with built-in smart features, allowing users to stream content, browse the internet, and access apps through an intuitive interface. Popular platforms include Android TV, Roku TV, Samsung's Tizen, and LG's webOS.
The best 4K TVs offer a user-friendly experience with regular software updates, a wide range of apps, and voice control capabilities via built-in or compatible voice assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple's Siri. Additionally, some TVs support casting or mirroring from mobile devices for added convenience.
Audio Quality
While 4K TVs focus on visual quality, audio performance is also essential. Most TVs feature built-in speakers with Dolby Audio or DTS support, but the quality can vary. High-end models may include soundbars or more advanced audio systems, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, for immersive surround sound.
However, many users invest in external sound systems or soundbars for a more cinematic experience. The best 4K TVs offer eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support, providing high-quality audio transmission between the TV and a compatible sound system.
Price Range
The price range for 4K TVs varies significantly based on factors like screen size, display technology, and additional features. Budget-friendly options are available starting at around $300, offering essential 4K resolution and basic smart features.
Mid-range models, priced between $500 and $1,500, provide improved image quality, better HDR support, and more advanced smart platforms. Finally, high-end models, which can cost $1,500 or more, offer the best performance with OLED or QLED displays, 120Hz refresh rates, comprehensive HDR support, and premium audio systems.
Of course, your budget and personal preferences will dictate which 4K TV best fits you. Still, it's essential to consider factors like display technology, HDR support, and smart features to ensure a satisfying viewing experience.
