High End Smart TVs Worth Every Penny
For most people, the LG G4 OLED is the top pick because it combines perfect blacks, superb brightness, and a sleek design. Its main advantage is the evo panel that delivers exceptional color and contrast. The main limitation is its higher price and the need for careful handling due to its thin profile.
A premium smart TV is a major investment, promising stunning visuals and immersive audio. The market is crowded with OLED, QLED, and Mini LED options, each with unique strengths. We analyzed the top contenders to help you choose the right one for your home theater.
Our comparison focuses on real world performance based on specifications and user feedback. We looked at picture quality, smart platform, gaming features, and design. Whether you are a movie buff, a gamer, or a sports fan, there is a premium TV that fits your needs.
What we recommend
LG G4 OLED evo 4K TV
The LG G4 is the flagship OLED from LG, featuring the new evo panel that boosts brightness significantly. It delivers perfect blacks, vivid colors, and excellent HDR performance. The design is ultra-thin and gallery style, ideal for wall mounting. It also has four HDMI 2.1 ports for next gen gaming.
Pros
- Superb brightness for OLED
- Perfect black levels
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports
Cons
- Expensive
- No Dolby Vision at 120Hz
Samsung QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV
The Samsung QN90D uses Mini LED backlighting to achieve exceptional brightness and contrast. It handles reflections well, making it perfect for sunny living rooms. The Tizen OS is smooth and offers all major streaming apps. It also supports Samsung’s Quantum HDR+ and has great gaming features.
Pros
- Excellent brightness
- Great anti-glare
- Quantum HDR+ support
Cons
- No Dolby Vision
- Black levels not as deep as OLED
Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV
The Sony A95L is the first QD-OLED from Sony, combining quantum dot color and OLED contrast. It produces the widest color gamut in a TV, with bright, pure colors. The Cognitive Processor XR enhances detail and depth. It also features Acoustic Surface Audio+ for immersive sound.
Pros
- Best in class color
- Superb HDR performance
- Acoustic surface audio
Cons
- Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
- Premium price
TCL QM8 Mini LED 4K TV
The TCL QM8 is a Mini LED TV that offers impressive brightness and contrast at a lower price than its rivals. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and has a 120Hz panel. The Google TV interface is user friendly. It is a great choice for those seeking premium features without the premium price tag.
Pros
- High brightness for the price
- Dolby Vision support
- Google TV interface
Cons
- Viewing angle could be better
- Upscaling not as strong as Sony
Hisense U8K Mini LED 4K TV
The Hisense U8K is a Mini LED TV with excellent HDR performance, thanks to high peak brightness and local dimming. It supports Dolby Vision IQ and IMAX Enhanced. The built in Google TV offers a wide range of apps. It also has a low input lag for gaming.
Pros
- Exceptional HDR brightness
- Dolby Vision IQ
- Great gaming features
Cons
- Black levels not as deep as OLED
- Smart interface can be slow occasionally
Sony Bravia XR X90L 4K TV
The Sony X90L is a full array LED TV that offers excellent picture quality with Sony’s cognitive processing. It delivers accurate colors and good contrast. It supports Dolby Vision and has two HDMI 2.1 ports. While not as premium as OLED, it provides a solid Sony experience at a lower cost.
Pros
- Sony’s processing excellence
- Accurate colors
- Dolby Vision support
Cons
- No Mini LED or OLED
- Average black levels
Samsung S95D OLED 4K TV
The Samsung S95D is an OLED TV with a unique matte anti glare screen that reduces reflections without sacrificing brightness. It uses QD OLED technology for vibrant colors. The One Connect box keeps cables tidy. It also supports Samsung’s Gaming Hub and has four HDMI 2.1 ports.
Pros
- Best anti glare OLED
- Vibrant QD OLED colors
- One Connect box for cable management
Cons
- No Dolby Vision
- Matte finish can slightly soften image in dark rooms
Side by side
| # | Model | Screen Size | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LG G4 OLED evo 4K TV | 55, 65, 77, 83, 97 inches | Cinema enthusiasts | 9.6 | Check price |
| 2 | Samsung QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV | 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 inches | Bright rooms | 9.3 | Check price |
| 3 | Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED 4K TV | 55, 65, 77 inches | Color accuracy | 9.5 | Check price |
| 4 | TCL QM8 Mini LED 4K TV | 65, 75, 85, 98 inches | Value and performance | 8.9 | Check price |
| 5 | Hisense U8K Mini LED 4K TV | 55, 65, 75 inches | HDR movies | 8.8 | Check price |
| 6 | Sony Bravia XR X90L 4K TV | 55, 65, 75, 85 inches | Sony fans on a budget | 8.6 | Check price |
| 7 | Samsung S95D OLED 4K TV | 55, 65, 77 inches | Reflection free viewing | 9.2 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Picture Technology: OLED vs QLED vs Mini LED OLED panels offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast because each pixel emits its own light. QLED uses quantum dots with an LED backlight, producing very bright images. Mini LED is an improved LED backlight with more zones for better contrast. QD OLED combines the best of both: OLED’s contrast with quantum dot brightness.
Understanding HDR Formats High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances contrast and color. Common formats include HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata for scene by scene optimization. HDR10+ is similar but used by Samsung and others. Some TVs support all formats, while others may not support Dolby Vision (Samsung) or HDR10+ (Sony).
Smart Platform and Connectivity Each TV uses a different operating system: LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Sony Google TV, TCL/Hisense Google TV. webOS and Tizen are smooth and app rich. Google TV offers personalized recommendations. Check that your favorite streaming apps are available. Also consider voice assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby.
Gaming Features to Look For For gamers, HDMI 2.1 is essential for 4K at 120Hz. Look for variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM). All these TVs have at least two HDMI 2.1 ports. Some have four. Input lag should be under 10ms for competitive play. Also check for NVIDIA G Sync and AMD FreeSync compatibility.
Questions worth asking
What is the difference between OLED and QLED?
OLED offers perfect blacks and wide viewing angles because each pixel emits its own light. QLED uses a backlight with quantum dots, achieving higher overall brightness but with less perfect black levels. For dark rooms, OLED is better; for bright rooms, QLED may be preferable.
Is it worth paying extra for 8K?
Currently, 8K content is scarce. Most streaming services and broadcasts are 4K at best. Unless you have an 8K source and a very large screen, the extra cost is not justified. Focus on 4K with advanced HDR and processing.
Can I use a soundbar with these TVs?
Yes, all these TVs have HDMI eARC ports for connecting a soundbar. Some models, like the LG G4 and Sony A95L, have excellent built in speakers, but a soundbar still enhances the experience. Ensure your soundbar supports eARC for high quality audio pass through.
Which TV is best for gaming?
The LG G4 and Samsung S95D are excellent for gaming due to four HDMI 2.1 ports and low input lag. The Sony A95L also offers great gaming but with only two HDMI 2.1 ports. For a lower price, the TCL QM8 and Hisense U8K are also solid gaming options with VRR support.
Do these TVs support Dolby Vision?
LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense support Dolby Vision. Samsung does not support Dolby Vision on any of its TVs, using HDR10+ instead. If Dolby Vision is important to you, avoid Samsung models.
What is the ideal viewing distance for a 4K TV?
For 4K resolution, the ideal distance is about 1 to 1.5 times the screen size. For a 65 inch TV, sit 6.5 to 9.75 feet away. Closer is fine for immersive viewing, but too close may show pixelation.
Are these TVs wall mountable?
Yes, all these TVs are VESA compatible and can be wall mounted. The LG G4 is designed for a flush wall mount, and the Samsung S95D comes with a slim mount. Always use a certified VESA mount that supports the weight and size of your TV.
How long do OLED TVs last?
Modern OLED TVs have a lifespan of around 100,000 hours or more, which is over a decade of typical use. Burn in is less of a concern with newer models, but still avoid displaying static images for long periods. All OLEDs have a pixel refresher feature to prevent image retention.
Which TV has the best smart platform?
LG webOS and Samsung Tizen are both fast and intuitive. Google TV is also user friendly with better integration for Android users. The choice comes down to personal preference. Some users prefer the simplicity of webOS, while others like Google TV’s recommendations.
Can I control these TVs with voice assistants?
Yes, all these TVs have built in voice assistants. LG uses ThinQ and supports Alexa. Samsung has Bixby and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Sony, TCL, and Hisense use Google Assistant on Google TV. You can also use external smart speakers for hands free control.
The verdict
If you want the best overall picture quality and are willing to invest, the LG G4 OLED is our top recommendation. For bright rooms or gaming with high refresh rate, the Samsung S95D offers a stunning anti glare OLED experience. If you are budget conscious but still want excellent performance, the TCL QM8 is the smart choice. Each of these TVs delivers premium features, but your specific room lighting and content preferences should guide your final decision.
