How to choose a TV

Find out what to look for besides diagonal and resolution.

1. Check available space

The size of the TV depends on the available space in the installation location. Therefore, first of all, it is worth assessing whether the new device will fit there. Measure the dimensions of a cabinet niche or wall space and write it down. Later, this will help you understand whether the chosen TV is suitable or whether you will have to slightly moderate your appetites.

2. Decide on a bracket or cabinet

Based on measurements, this TV requires a VESA 400 × 400 bracket. Shot: Kanto Sulutions / YouTube

The standard option for installing the TV is on a complete stand (base or legs), but there is also the possibility of wall mounting using a VESA mount. If you buy a TV to replace an old one, be sure to make sure that it can be installed in the same place.

VESA is a standard for universal mounting systems from 100 × 100 to 800 × 800 mm in various combinations, the numbers in which indicate the distance between mounting holes.

In the case of a stand, check what the minimum width of the cabinet is for installation, otherwise the equipment may simply not fit. When mounting to a wall without modification, the old bracket should support the same VESA standard as the new TV.

3. Choose the diagonal

Formula for calculating a comfortable diagonal according to Samsung recommendations. Illustration: Samsung / Artem Kozoriz / Lifehacker

The larger the screen, the more immersive the experience. But simply buying the largest TV possible with all the money is not entirely correct. After all, the choice of diagonal is influenced by the distance to the screen and the quality of the content, and these parameters are closely related to each other: the closer to the display, the more realistic the picture and the more noticeable are all the flaws.

The optimal distance is considered to be 1.2–2.5 diagonals: this is what the manufacturers recommend.

For example, for 40 inches it will be about 1.2–2.5 meters, for 65 inches it will be 2–4 meters. Provided that the room is wide enough and you plan to watch high-quality digital content, you can focus on this formula.

If there is not a lot of space, and the signal is not always in high resolution, you will have to look for a compromise.

• If you want a larger diagonal, make sure you have a high-quality signal or sit away from the TV.
• If the room is small, reduce the diagonal or increase the signal quality.
• If the content is of questionable quality, move away from the screen or take a smaller diagonal.

Choosing the size of TV for a particular room will depend on available space, budget and personal preference. You can start from the following popular values: for the kitchen – 32 inches, for the bedroom – from 40 inches, for the living room – from 55 inches.

What to buy

• Xiaomi TV A2 TV with a screen diagonal of 32 inches, 15,830 rubles →
• Samsung UE55CU7100U TV with a screen diagonal of 55 inches, 44,999 rubles →
• Xiaomi TV Q2 TV with a screen diagonal of 65 inches, 64,990 rubles →
• TV Samsung UE75AU7500U with a screen diagonal of 75 inches, 89,280 rubles →

4. Decide on resolution

The display resolution directly affects the level of image detail, of course, subject to a high-quality signal. In 2024, there are still four standards available on the market, but HD is almost unheard of and 8K is still considered exotic. In fact, you have to choose between Full HD and 4K.

The rule “the more the better” does not work here again, since a TV with a high-resolution screen can only open fully if there is an appropriate signal. The whole choice comes down to understanding the content in what resolution you plan to watch more often.

• HD (1280 × 720)– morally outdated, but at the same time it is an ideal option for TVs with a diagonal of up to 32 inches and viewing terrestrial TV channels . It is found only in the most budget models and is suitable only for a summer house or kitchen.
• Full HD (1,920 × 1,080)– almost supplanted by the more progressive 4K, but at the moment it is still in demand and remains, probably, the most widespread. The vast majority of content is available in 1080p.
• UHD, or 4K (3,840 × 2,160)is a format that has finally become the main one. Ideal for watching YouTube videos, movies, TV series and games. For TV channels it will be worse than Full HD.
• 8K (7,680 × 4,320)is the most progressive standard, twice the resolution of 4K and four times that of Full HD. Not widely used due to the very high price and small amount of relevant content, with the exception of demo videos on YouTube.

What to buy

• TV Tuvio TQ50UFBCV1 with 4K support, 29,490 rubles →
• Samsung QE65QN900BUXCE TV with 8K support, 331,650 rubles →
• TV Haier 32 Smart TV S1 with Full HD support, 17,990 rubles →
• TV BBK 24LEX‑7290/TS2C with HD support, 11,147 rubles →

5. Select matrix technology

Comparison of images on a similar Alienware monitor model with different types of matrices. On the left is OLED, on the right is LED‑IPS. Frame: Rob’s Corner / YouTube

In pursuit of realistic color reproduction, high brightness and contrast, manufacturers are constantly experimenting with displays. Now all TVs have three main types of matrices: LED, QLED, OLED. Each of them has both advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose based on your preferences.

LED

Technology based on liquid crystals. Essentially, the same LCD (LCD), but backlit not with fluorescent lamps, but with LEDs. This made it possible to significantly save space and produce thin devices, so manufacturers included the type of LED backlight in the name. It has taken hold, although the matrices are no different from the older ones.

Panels with LED‑IPS are currently the most common. In them, liquid crystal molecules are always parallel to the display plane and scatter light to the sides. This ensures very good viewing angles and color rendition, but contrast suffers, and black in low light looks more like dark gray.

This technology is used in entry-level models. It can be recommended for viewing diverse content with the whole family in natural light and for playing video games.

Figure it out🖥

• VA or IPS: how do these screen matrices differ and which one to choose?

QLED

QLED matrices are essentially an improved version of the previous technology and have nothing in common with OLED. But at the suggestion of the same manufacturers, they were separated into a separate category. This term is used by Samsung, LG uses Nano Cell matrices, and Sony uses Triluminos.

The difference between this technology is the use of blue LEDs for illumination. They form the red and green colors missing for the RGB palette due to an additional layer with quantum dots. All this gives a brighter and more saturated picture.

QLED matrices are more expensive, so they should be considered for a medium budget.

Although most manufacturers already install them in all models except the initial ones.

OLED

Fundamentally different, more modern technology, which is based on organic light-emitting diodes. They do not need additional lighting, since they themselves emit light when current is applied, being able to turn off completely. Thanks to this, OLED TVs boast excellent color gamut and contrast, as well as perfect blacks and a thickness of just a few millimeters.

The disadvantages of such matrices include inferior brightness to LED analogues and a very high price.

In addition, OLED screens are susceptible to “burn-in” – the appearance of residual marks on static images, such as the interface in games or TV channel blocks.

OLED matrices can be recommended in cases where the purchase budget is not very limited, and the main content will be films and TV series. For gaming it is better to take QLED.

What to buy

• Xiaomi TV A2 43 with LED matrix, 28,700 rubles →
• Samsung QE77S95CAUXRU TV with OLED matrix, 371,250 rubles →
• Samsung QE60Q60AAU TV with QLED matrix, 89,099 rubles →

6. Consider the type of backlight

The location and number of LEDs in various types of backlighting. Frame: Smart Home Sounds / YouTube

All TVs, except OLED, use LED matrix backlighting. Currently, manufacturers use three technologies: Edge LED, Direct LED and mini‑LED.

The first involves the placement of LEDs around the perimeter of the screen, while the matrix itself is illuminated through a diffusion panel. This option is cheaper and allows for a thinner case.

In Direct LED, the LEDs are installed directly behind the matrix and are evenly distributed over its entire plane. Although this design is thicker, it provides a more uniform backlight without glare and allows you to dim certain areas of the screen to achieve deeper and more natural blacks.

The most promising mini-LED, as in the previous version, uses miniature LEDs located behind the matrix. Due to their tiny size, many more of them can be placed, which provides much greater brightness and more precise control over the dimming of local areas.

7. Decide on the sweep frequency

This parameter shows the screen refresh rate per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). So, 60 hertz means that in a second the image will change 60 times. The higher the frequency, the smoother fast-moving scenes, such as sports broadcasts or video games, will look.

60Hz screens are sufficient for viewing most content, including TV shows, movies and series. 120 Hz can only be useful if you plan to connect a console to a TV and play video games .

What to buy

• TV Tuvio TQ50UFBCV1 with a frequency of 60 Hz, 29,560 rubles →
• TV Hisense 65E7KQ with a frequency of 120 Hz, 64,990 rubles →
• Samsung QE50QN90BAU TV with a frequency of 144 Hz, 109,990 rubles →
• Samsung QE65Q800T TV with a frequency of 200 Hz, 262,990 rubles →

8. Select your operating system

Without any OS, only the most budget models are now sold. In principle, this is even good: you can save money, and if you want, you can implement smart functions at any time by purchasing an additional media console.

Most TVs on the market have one or another Smart platform. All of them offer a minimum set of software, which includes a media player, YouTube, online cinema clients and an application store. The differences are mainly visual, but not only.

• WebOSis LG’s own development. Nice shell with a minimalistic, intuitive interface and good optimization. The disadvantages include the closed nature and meager selection of applications in the store.
• Tizenis a variant of the smart platform from Samsung. It can do about the same thing as WebOS, and by and large differs purely visually. An exclusive feature is support for the Samsung Smart‑Things smart home system for the Internet of Things.
• Android TVis a special version of the OS from Google, which is used in TVs from Sony, TCL, Philips and other manufacturers. In terms of interface and operating speed, it is inferior to WebOS and Tizen, but boasts a lot of applications from Google Play , including games.
• YaOSis software from Yandex with built-in Alice and integration with the company’s proprietary services. It has a simple interface with content recommendations, as well as pre-installed applications from popular online platforms.
• VIDAAis a skin on Hisense TVs that is visually similar to WebOS and comes with Vida Voice search. Basic applications like YouTube, OKKO, ivi are already pre-installed, the rest can be downloaded from the store, but there are few of them there.
• “Salut TV”is an OS from Sber based on Android, with a proprietary “Salut” assistant, which is in many ways similar to YaOS and has integration with SberPlay cloud gaming. Inside there are already news widgets, broadcast channels, some applications and the ability to install the missing ones via APK from a flash drive.
• HarmonyOSis a Huawei development that powers all of the company’s equipment, including TVs. It features an interface with large icons, widgets, its own AppGallery store and an installation function via an APK file. It has integration with SberPlay cloud gaming, assistant and other Sber services.

What to buy

• Xiaomi TV Q2 55 with Android TV, 49,490 rubles →
• TV Tuvio TQ55UFBTV1 with YaOS, 33,534 rubles →
• TV SBER SDX‑55U4127 with Salut TV, 30,990 rubles →
• Samsung UE55CU7100U TV with Tizen OS, 44,990 rubles →

9. Understand connectors and wireless standards

Now the number of ports on TVs has been reduced to a minimum. Video and audio are carried over HDMI connectors, so all you really need to do is make sure there is enough for all your devices. However, there are several nuances that are worth paying attention to.

• HDMIis the most important connector. There should be at least two of them, and preferably three or more – to connect a media console, game console , sound bar and all other devices. For 4K 60 Hz output, version 2.0 ports are required, and for 4K 120 Hz – version 2.1. Often there is only one such connector, the rest are older.
• USB– it’s better to have at least a couple: for flash drives and a mouse, gamepad or keyboard. Also check whether USB 3.0 is supported and what the maximum disk capacity is.
• Ethernet– a cable connection is preferable because it will provide higher speed and reliability compared to Wi-Fi.
• Digital Optical Out– optical output for speaker systems. You will need it if you are going to use speakers with this connection option.
• Wi‑Fi—a wireless network connection is convenient for those who don’t want to bother with cables. However, if the airwaves are overloaded, there may be stability problems.

What to buy

• Tuvio TD32HFGEV1 TV with two USB connectors, three HDMI, RCA, Toslink optical output, LAN, 10,390 rubles →
• Tuvio TQ65UFBCV1 TV with two USB connectors, three HDMI, Toslink optical output, Wi-Fi and headphone jack, 62,990 rubles →
• TV “Yandex TV Station Pro” with three HDMI connectors, two USB, Toslink optical output, LAN, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 67,190 rubles →
• Sony KD‑55X85TJ TV with four HDMI connectors, two USB, optical Toslink output, headphone output, slot for CI/PCMCIA, Wi‑Fi, LAN, 92,990 rubles →

10. Check the sound

All TVs with built-in speakers have approximately the same sound quality and volume. You shouldn’t get hung up on the number of speakers and their power, because you can significantly improve the sound by connecting even the simplest speakers or soundbar.

The test is essentially limited to listening at above-average volumes.

There should be no rattling of the housing or wheezing of the speakers.

11. Evaluate the remote control

It is also important to check the convenience of the included remote control. Especially if the TV with Smart TV and the remote control will be used not only to turn on the screen, but also to navigate through the menu.

More expensive models have a built-in gyroscope, which allows you to control the cursor by tilting the remote control, moving through the menu like a mouse. Sometimes there is even a QWERTY keyboard on the back side.

Some remote controls support voice search, which is very convenient: just say the name of a movie or function into the microphone, and the system will immediately display them.

12. Find out your tuner type

Premium-segment TVs are equipped with all types of receivers, but some models may not have them. If you plan to watch TV shows, be sure to check the type of built-in tuner.

• DVB‑T/DVB‑T2– provides reception of digital terrestrial channels on a regular antenna.
• DVB‑C/DVB‑C2– needed for digital cable television.
• DVB‑S/DVB‑S2– needed when connecting to a satellite dish.

What to buy

• TV Tuvio TD24HNGEV1 with DVB‑C2 and DVB‑T2, 7,488 rubles →
• Xiaomi MI TV A2 50 TV with DVB‑C, DVB‑S2 and DVB‑T2, 30,990 rubles →
• TV “Yandex with “Alice” with DVB‑C, DVB‑T, DVB‑S2 and DVB‑T2, 24,089 rubles →

13. Explore advanced features

Manufacturers are developing technologies and introducing new functions, but not always useful (some are just another trick of marketers).

Some useful features include the following:

• HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision – extended dynamic range standards (from basic to more advanced). In films and games with appropriate support, they make the picture as contrasty and rich as possible, adjusting the brightness of certain areas of the image.
• “Floating”, or frame interpolation function (can be called MEMC, TruMotion, Motionflow), which makes the picture smoother by programmatically adding intermediate frames. It will be useful for watching sports broadcasts or dynamic scenes in films.
• Bluetooth– useful for using wireless headphones , as well as mobile devices for broadcasting media content.
• Picture in Pictureis a picture-in-picture feature that allows you to display one video on top of another.

What to buy

• TV Starwind SW‑LED40SG300 with Bluetooth, 16,704 rubles →
• Hisense 50A6BG TV with Bluetooth and HDR, 30,429 rubles →
• Samsung QE50Q60BAU TV with flashing, Bluetooth and HDR10+ support, 54,449 rubles →

How to choose a TV: a reminder

• Check if there is enough space to install the desired size TV.
• Make sure that the TV can be installed on an old cabinet or bracket, or buy a new one.
• Decide on the diagonal: divide the viewing distance in inches by 1.2–1.5. Remember: the larger the TV, the better the signal source should be.
• Choose your resolution. 4K would be a win-win option, although in specific cases you can raise the bar to 8K or, conversely, lower it to Full HD, or even HD.
• Choose a matrix technology: if the budget allows – OLED, the golden mean – QLED, an economical option – LED.
• Consider the type of backlight. From best to worst: mini‑LED, Direct LED, Edge LED.
• Decide on the scan frequency, keeping the content in mind: 60 Hz is enough for movies and TV series, 120 Hz is enough for games on a modern console, sports broadcasts.
• Choose an OS based on the interface, the availability of the necessary applications and voice control.
• Study the connectors and wireless communications and make sure that you have all the ports you need and in the right quantity.
• Check the sound to make sure the speakers are not wheezing at high volumes. The power of all TVs is approximately the same, and if it is not enough, you can connect a sound bar.
• Enjoy the convenience of the included remote control. Look at the ergonomics, the presence of a microphone, the function of the air mouse, and the keyboard.
• Find out the type of tuner: if you plan to watch over-the-air channels, you need the DVB‑T/DVB‑T2 standard, for cable — DVB‑C/DVB‑C2, and for satellite — DVB‑S/DVB‑S2.
• Explore additional features so you don’t overpay for unnecessary ones. Useful ones include HDR, flashing, Bluetooth and picture-in-picture.

This material was first published in January 2017. In February 2024, we updated the text.