Quick Links
- Intuitive Operating System
- Voice Control Integration
Key Takeaways
- Invest in OLED or QLED TVs for superior picture quality, but consider QLED for affordability and burn-in risks exclusive to OLED.
- Opt for HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HDR10+ for better brightness and color versatility in TV viewing.
- Consider opting for a TV with an anti-glare screen, multiple HDMI ports, energy efficiency, voice control, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Remember when a TV was just a screen that played shows and movies? Those were simpler times! With so many TV brands out there these days, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of options.
Before shopping for your next big (or small) screen TV, hold off swiping your card until you check that it has the following features.
1 OLED or QLED Display
An OLED or QLED TV is an absolute must when you’re buying a new screen. OLED is king if you’re looking for the deepest blacks, the most vibrant colors that truly pop off the screen, and ultra-sharp details that fully immerse you in your movies and shows. Each pixel in an OLED display lights up individually, allowing for truly pure blacks and insane contrast levels. However, that amazing picture quality comes at a steep price—some OLED models cost thousands. And there is the risk of image burn-in developing after about five years of use.
However, if you want incredible quality without emptying your bank account, Samsung’s QLED TVs are fantastic. While they can’t quite match an OLED pixel for pixel, QLED displays are stunningly bright and colorful thanks to their backlight and quantum dot technology. They make colors pop. Plus, you get wide viewing angles so the whole room can enjoy the show together. Best of all, there’s no risk of burn-in issues you could potentially get with OLED.
If you are watching your budget most closely, high-end LEDs or LCDs still deliver very nice picture quality for regular viewing. They don’t emit a black light, so they can’t achieve the same inky black levels as OLED displays, but they remain a more affordable option overall.
2 High Dynamic Range (HDR)
When it comes to High Dynamic Range (HDR), there’s a spectrum of standards to consider. HDR10 is the basic standard—it supports 10-bit color and gets bright at around 1,000 nits. However, HDR10 only has one set of brightness instructions for the whole show or movie, so the brightness stays the same throughout.
Dolby Vision is one step up. With Dolby Vision, the brightness adapts scene by scene so that dark scenes can be darker, and bright scenes can really pop. It uses “dynamic metadata control,” which means the TV knows how bright each part of the movie should look. Dolby Vision displays get over 1,000 nits bright and support 12-bit color, although most TVs today top out at 10-bit.
HDR10+ sits in the middle of the two. Like Dolby Vision, it allows brightness levels to change as the content plays. But it’s open source and royalty-free and is growing in popularity as support increases.
So, what does it all mean for you as an average viewer? Well, you’ll want to get at least a TV that does HDR10 since that’s the base standard. But if you can find one that also does Dolby Vision or HDR10+, your TV will be ready for whatever the best movies and shows can throw at it.
3 Anti-Glare
If you’ve ever caught yourself squinting to see what’s happening on your TV or moving around constantly, trying to find the perfect viewing angle, then an anti-glare screen is probably something you need.
An anti-glare screen reduces the amount of light reflected off its surface. Instead of light bouncing back at you, more is transmitted through the screen so you can see the picture clearly. The result is a much more comfortable viewing experience no matter where you sit or what lighting conditions are in the room. However, the downside is anti-glare coatings can sometimes make images look a little fuzzier or grainier, especially with lighter colors. That’s because the coating scatters light to minimize reflections, which can slightly reduce sharpness.
Almost all higher-end TVs nowadays come with some kind of anti-glare coating from the factory. But it’s worth double-checking if you’re buying a cheaper model or an older used TV. Don’t just assume it has anti-glare if it’s not mentioned explicitly.
4 Multiple HDMI Ports
While most new TVs have at least a couple of HDMI ports, I recommend a TV with three or more ports. That way, you won’t have to keep unplugging and replugging game consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray players when you want to change what you’re watching.
Also, pay attention to which version of HDMI the ports are. HDMI 2.1 is becoming more common now and supports higher-quality 4K/HDR video at super smooth frame rates up to 120 frames per second. It also has nice features for next-gen gaming on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode. I’d aim to get at least two HDMI 2.1 ports so you can have your console and one other thing connected, like a streaming stick, with that top-of-the-line bandwidth.
5 Intuitive Operating System
These days, pretty much any TV you buy will have “smart” capabilities, meaning it can access streaming apps, connect to your Wi-Fi, and more. However, not all smart TV platforms are created equal. Some feel sluggish and laggy, with outdated interfaces that weren’t designed with intuitive user experience in mind.
So, my advice is to research the smart platforms that the brand you are considering buying uses. Look for ones with a snappy interface, lots of app support, and positive reviews about how intuitive they are to navigate. Roku, Android TV, TizenOS, and LG’s webOS are good options.
Also, take the time to test out the remote and how well it interacts with the OS before committing to a new TV. The last thing you want is buyer’s remorse because you discover how annoying it is to use after it’s up on the wall.
6 Energy Efficiency
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) agreed in 2023 to make TVs sold in the US and Canada even more energy-efficient. The goal is to keep improving newer TV models so that they use less power.
So, if you’re in the market for a new TV, look for the Energy Star logo. That certification means it meets standards for energy efficiency. Also, check out the TV’s energy consumption stats, usually listed somewhere on it or in the details online. Models with lower power usage will save you money on your electricity bill versus older TVs that aren’t as efficient.
Screen size does impact how much power a TV uses, with bigger ones generally using more. A massive 75-inch TV will use more power than a modest 50-inch. So, if screen size isn’t your top priority, opt for the slightly smaller option to save energy. LED and OLED screens are also greener than older LCD and plasma displays.
Also, pay attention to any “eco” or power-saving modes the TV has. Look for features that dim the brightness automatically when it senses no movement or content for a bit. You can even plug your TV into a power strip to easily cut power when not in use, which can make a difference over time.
7 Voice Control Integration
Gone are the days of frantically searching for the remote control whenever you want to pause what you’re watching or flip through shows. You can simply say, “Hey, TV, pause” or “Turn down the volume,” which will fulfill your request. It’s also great when your hands are full, like when cooking dinner in the kitchen but wanting to keep an eye on the big game. Just call out to your TV rather than stopping what you’re doing.
Many big TV brands have models that let you control their screens with your voice. For example:
- Samsung TVs work with Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
- LG TVs have their own AI called ThinQ, which also connects to Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Sony TVs play nice with Google Assistant and Alexa.
- Alexa and Google can also operate Hisense and Philip TVs.
Just make sure the specific TV model you want has voice control. Not every single model from each brand supports it. Always check the details online or in the manual before buying.
8 Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth on your TV is a game-changer if you like staying up late watching shows without bugging anyone trying to sleep. Many newer TVs have Bluetooth these days, but it’s still smart to double-check before buying.
Bluetooth is handy for way more than just private listening. It lets your TV hook up to all sorts of stuff wirelessly, like speakers, soundbars, and phones, to amp up your at-home entertainment. Plus, there will be no more mess of cables running from your TV to other devices. Just remember Bluetooth isn’t perfect—it doesn’t have the longest range, and not every device will vibe with each other. So when TV shopping, remember those Bluetooth quirks to find one that gets along with what you want to connect.