The 15 Best TVs of 2018

A TV that, with a light heart, could be recognized as the leader of the category. However, while noticeably superior to competitors in terms of natural color reproduction and overall realism of the image, it is still not as popular as the more affordable “Koreans” that are massively represented on the domestic market and are more affordable. However, those who have eyes will see.

Sony KDL-43WF805 (an alternative to KDL-49WF805) deserves the most flattering epithets. The model is well-made, made in a stylish minimalist design, thanks to the Android TV platform, and is not deprived of a full set of «smart» functions.

Excellent picture quality is the merit of proprietary technologies. X-Reality™ PRO improves clarity, Live Colour™ color, blur effect in dynamic scenes neutralizes Motionflow™ XR 400Hz. Of course, the 2018 model from Sony supports HDR. And movies and games in a wide dynamic range — this is a whole new level of perception.

Perhaps the best offer of 2018 among compact 32” smart TVs with a screen resolution of 1080p Full HD. In the kitchen, bedroom, nursery or any other small room, the UE32N5300AU will fit right in. The case is slightly thickened, but this, firstly, is not critical, and secondly, it is a consequence of the use of more uniform Direct LED backlighting, with which the typical problem of Samsung displays — glare — appears to a lesser extent or is completely absent.

The picture is clear. The merit is not only a good matrix, but also a special Ultra Clean View function that can minimize input signal distortion. The PurColour technology is working on the realism of the color, the Micro Dimming Pro algorithm is working on improving the contrast. Even HDR is supported. Even if only for the standard HDR10 format, and the 8-bit panel width and not the most outstanding peak brightness indicators will not reveal premium content in all the smallest details, but it’s better than nothing.

The update of the line of LED TVs in 2018 was marked not only by the giants. The budget segment has also replenished with a worthy model from the well-known Chinese manufacturer BBK. Actually, it was not possible to predictably identify any significant innovations, but the price tag is beautiful, the picture is in order, the design is nice with thin frames.

Display — 40 ʺ, resolution 1920×1080 (FHD), viewing angles — 176 ° / 176 °. There is no support for Smart TV, which 40LEM-1049 / FTS2C is only for the benefit, since inexpensive «smart» counterparts, pardon the pun, are usually very «stupid».

Reception of digital broadcasting is available in all standards: satellite — DVB-S2, terrestrial — DVB-T2, cable — DVB-C. When connecting an external USB-drive, it is possible to record TV programs in real time (TimeShift) or according to a schedule (PVR).

What is not advertising TV, so the newest and most-most QLED and OLED models. But as soon as a simple buyer looks at the price tag, it immediately becomes sad. It’s good that leading manufacturers, in particular Samsung, offer new versions of not only expensive top-end TVs, but also quite affordable for the mass consumer.

Here is the Samsung UE49NU7100U. The design is good: thin body and frames, neat stand. The screen is straight, Ultra HD resolution (3840×2160 pixels), diagonal 49ʺ. Depending on the need and the size of the budget, there are options for 40, 43, 55, 65 inches. The refresh rate is, as you would expect, 50/60 Hz.

Tizen OS is responsible for Smart functions. Processor — 4 cores. The smart control system is implemented, when you connect a compatible smartphone through the SmartThings app, you can use the functions of the remote control and Mirror Screen.

Owners of high-quality and affordable LG TVs are well aware of what is “inexpensive and cheerful”. And in 2018, this club will surely expand significantly, including due to new owners of a very interesting model 49UK6450 (or 65ʺ, 55ʺ, 43ʺ). Just do not think that an adequate price implies a certain simplicity.

Display resolution — UHD (3840×2160), refresh rate — standard 50/60 Hz. The IPS matrix traditionally has wide viewing angles. Onboard 4-core image processor. The Active HDR 4K feature will please connoisseurs of high-quality content shot in a wide dynamic range, and the standard format can be “pulled up” to the “like HDR” level.

The webOS Smart TV platform reinforces the positive impression. Here you have a music player, a browser, a branded application store, and even a bonus in the form of LG Channels Plus. Magic Remote included.

No, the Chinese (Hong Kong) company TP Vision is not going to give up, now independently producing TVs under the well-known logo of a former partner. And after all, many users are surprised to note that even budget Philips TVs are able to boast of a very high-quality, realistic picture. Apparently, at one time the Dutch generously shared technology.

There is also a traditional set of claims: buggy, often hanging Smart, problems with the proprietary server, periodically falling off the network. So, the 2018 model 50PUT6023 is devoid of these shortcomings for a very banal reason: it does not have a “smart” platform, as well as the possibility of an Internet connection. It’s just a good 4K TV for the right price.

Screen size — 50ʺ, matrix — VA with a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, backlight type — Direct LED. Since the standard tuner is tuned only to receive the DVB-T/T2 terrestrial digital signal, the presence of 3 HDMI connectors is important, to which you can already connect cable, satellite receivers, TV boxes. There are also 2 USB ports for playing content from external media.

What exactly cannot be blamed on LG is the lack of a desire for leadership in everything. Well, the TV developers of this company could not remain indifferent to the success of the main competitor with its QLED technology. To repeat somehow is not solid and, most likely, illegal, but to implement the idea in your own way and, if possible, surpass it is quite in the spirit of the brand.

Billed as the LG SUPER UHD, the TV features an innovative 2nd generation Nano Cell display that accurately reproduces the fullest range of colors. Moreover, changing the viewing angle does not cause any distortion. Moreover, the LG 55SK8500 uses a full-matrix dimming system with the ability to control each backlight element individually. Hence the excellent contrast.

Movie fans will definitely like LG Cinema HDR technology, which is “friendly” with content in HDR10 Pro, HLG Pro, Advanced HDR from Technicolor, Dolby Vision. Sound system to match: Dolby Atmos cinematic sound supported, 2.2 speaker configuration.

Gorgeous 4K TV from a famous brand. The Japanese manufacturer does not abuse terminology such as Super or Premium UHD, but can there be any doubt that its 9 series represents exactly the same premium class? Interestingly, the KD-55XF9005 has a Samsung VA LCD matrix on board. Very pragmatic, in the spirit of globalism.

This does not mean that the image will be like that of the «Koreans». In terms of naturalness, realism of color reproduction, Sony is ahead of the rest. In this case, the powerful 4K HDR X1™ Extreme image processor and a unique set of proprietary technologies contribute to this: TRILUMINOS™ Display for perfect color, X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO for exceptional contrast, X-Motion Clarity™ for smooth display of dynamics.

Intelligent functions are implemented on the basis of the Android TV platform. She is usually unhurried, the number of applications in the Play Market is somewhat limited by default. However, who in the subject knows how to pump this thing. And in general, Sony is characterized by a bias towards image quality, and “smart” chips are secondary.

Bright in all respects representative of the 8 series of Samsung. This TV does not contain special Q filters and nanoparticles are not “implanted” into the matrix, but this did not stop the UE55NU8070U with the usual side (Edge) LED backlight from earning the honorary title of Premium UHD 4K.

It’s all about the high-end display, quality hardware, and cutting-edge technology that deliver images to the highest standards. Screen size 55ʺ, frequency — 120 Hz. For the realism of the picture and the improvement of color reproduction, in the absence of quantum dots, the Dynamic Crystal Color system is responsible. For premium content, there is HDR Elite (HDR10+, HLG).

Smart features from Samsung are traditionally on top: browser, smart control, SmartThings app with support for remote control and smart home modes, Samsung Cloud cloud service, Steam Link for PC games on the big screen and much more.

The Japanese brand also decided not to stand still and released an updated OLED panel. The overall concept is retained in the style of last year’s A1 series, but the TV with a new stand is not so clearly «sharpened» for desktop placement. Another thing is that when mounted on a wall, the rear woofer may be less effective.

As for the image — everything is great! The matrix is ​​obviously from LG Display (10-bit, 120Hz), but its excellent default performance, coupled with Sony’s signal processing capabilities, is space! Even for OLED, the Japanese brand has managed to apply its TRILUMINOS DISPLAY technology. The powerful and well-proven X1 Extreme processor is on board. HDR support extends to premium content in HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision.

The Acoustic Surface system is interesting in that the sound comes from almost the entire surface of the screen. Dolby Atmos is not supported, but other lab and digital DTS (non-X) formats are.

It’s nice to know that OLED panels, which by default cannot be cheap, can still be bought for relatively reasonable money. Even if this TV is not included in the cohort of premium LG SIGNATURE models, it has a really honest 10-bit matrix, black is true black, the contrast is super, the colors are juicy and natural!

The OLED C8 line (55″, 65″, 75″) received a new «smart» α9 processor, due to which the image became even more detailed and saturated than last year’s series. 4K Cinema HDR means working with 4 formats (previously 3) of a wide dynamic range.

For the built-in 2.2 speaker system, support for Dolby Atmos is announced. This, of course, is not a soundbar, like the W8 flagship. That’s just for the difference in price, it is quite possible to buy an adequate AV receiver with acoustics, and there will also be money left.