Smart TVs have become an essential part of modern living, offering a seamless blend of entertainment, connectivity, and convenience. With so many options available, choosing the right Smart TV can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up some of the best Smart TVs in the UK, considering their features, reviews, energy efficiency, and performance. All reviews are based on Trustpilot feedback and independent trials.
1. Samsung QN90B Neo QLED 4K Smart TV
The Samsung QN90B is a top-tier Smart TV that combines stunning picture quality with advanced smart features. Its Neo QLED technology delivers exceptional brightness and contrast, making it ideal for both movie nights and gaming.
Reviews on Trustpilot:
Users praise its vibrant colours and intuitive Tizen operating system, which offers seamless navigation and access to popular streaming apps. Some reviewers noted that the TV’s anti-glare feature works exceptionally well in brightly lit rooms. However, a few users mentioned that the remote control could be more ergonomic.
Energy Efficiency:
The QN90B is rated A for energy efficiency, consuming approximately 90W during typical usage. Its Eco Sensor adjusts brightness based on ambient light, further reducing energy consumption.
Trial Insights:
Independent trials highlighted the TV’s excellent motion handling and low input lag, making it a favourite among gamers. The built-in voice assistant (Bixby) also received positive feedback for its accuracy and responsiveness.
2. LG C2 OLED 4K Smart TV
The LG C2 is a standout OLED TV known for its perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and sleek design. Its self-lit pixels ensure stunning picture quality, while the α9 Gen 5 AI Processor enhances upscaling and sound performance.
Reviews on Trustpilot:
Customers rave about the TV’s cinematic experience and the user-friendly webOS platform, which offers a wide range of apps and services. Some users highlighted the TV’s sleek design and thin bezels as a major plus. A few reviewers, however, mentioned that the TV’s brightness could be improved for very bright rooms.
Energy Efficiency:
The LG C2 is rated A for energy efficiency, with an average power consumption of 100W. Its OLED technology is inherently more energy-efficient than traditional LED TVs, as it doesn’t require a backlight.
Trial Insights:
Trials praised the TV’s Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, which deliver an immersive viewing experience. The Magic Remote, with its point-and-click functionality, was also a hit among testers.
3. Sony Bravia XR A80K OLED 4K Smart TV
The Sony Bravia XR A80K is a premium Smart TV that excels in colour accuracy and sound quality. Powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, it offers a truly immersive experience by mimicking human vision and hearing.
Reviews on Trustpilot:
Users appreciate the TV’s natural colours and impressive sound quality, thanks to its Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. The Google TV interface was praised for its simplicity and personalised recommendations. Some reviewers noted that the TV’s stand is less sturdy compared to other models.
Energy Efficiency:
The A80K is rated A for energy efficiency, consuming around 110W during normal use. Its Auto Picture Mode adjusts brightness and contrast to save energy without compromising picture quality.
Trial Insights:
Trials highlighted the TV’s excellent upscaling capabilities, making even lower-resolution content look sharp. The inclusion of IMAX Enhanced certification was also a standout feature for movie enthusiasts.
4. Hisense U8H QLED 4K Smart TV
The Hisense U8H is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. With Quantum Dot technology and Dolby Vision support, it offers impressive picture quality at a fraction of the cost of premium models.
Reviews on Trustpilot:
Customers love the TV’s value for money, with many praising its bright display and rich colours. The Vidaa U operating system was described as easy to use, though some users felt it lacked the app variety of more established platforms. A few reviewers mentioned occasional software glitches.
Energy Efficiency:
The U8H is rated A for energy efficiency, with an average power consumption of 85W. Its Eco Mode helps reduce energy usage by optimising brightness and backlight settings.
Trial Insights:
Trials commended the TV’s high brightness levels, making it suitable for HDR content. The built-in Game Mode, with its low input lag, was also a hit among gamers.
5. Panasonic JZ1500 OLED 4K Smart TV
The Panasonic JZ1500 is a high-end Smart TV that combines excellent picture quality with professional-grade sound. Its HCX Pro AI Processor ensures accurate colours and smooth motion, while the built-in soundbar delivers immersive audio.
Reviews on Trustpilot:
Users praised the TV’s cinematic picture quality and the inclusion of Filmmaker Mode, which preserves the director’s original vision. The My Home Screen 6.0 interface was described as intuitive and responsive. Some reviewers noted that the TV’s design is bulkier compared to other OLED models.
Energy Efficiency:
The JZ1500 is rated A for energy efficiency, consuming approximately 95W during typical usage. Its Energy Saving Mode helps reduce power consumption without affecting performance.
Trial Insights:
Trials highlighted the TV’s accurate colour reproduction and excellent sound quality, making it a great choice for home theatre enthusiasts. The inclusion of Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive support was also a standout feature.
Conclusion
When choosing a Smart TV, it’s important to consider factors such as picture quality, smart features, energy efficiency, and user reviews. The Samsung QN90B and LG C2 are excellent choices for those seeking premium performance, while the Hisense U8H offers great value for budget-conscious buyers. The Sony Bravia XR A80K and Panasonic JZ1500 are ideal for cinephiles who prioritise colour accuracy and sound quality.
Before making a purchase, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and compare features to find the TV that best suits your needs. Happy viewing!