Best 4K TV Buying Guide: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s round-up of the best 4K TVs you can buy in 2019.
Wondering where to start with a 4K TV? We’ve done the hard work for you, running the rule over all the major televisions we’ve tested to sort the wheat from the chaff. Here we’re highlighting only the best of the best, so you know you’re getting top bang for your buck.
After all, there’s no better way to feast your eyes on all the Ultra HD content that’s becoming more common – you can now watch it on Amazon, Netflix, Sky Q and BT Sport Ultra HD. Plus you can buy 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays. Basically, there’s never been a better time to go 4K.
Below you’ll find TVs of various sizes, budgets and technologies, from 55 inch TVs to OLED TVs, small TVs to cheap TVs, and even 8K TVs. Do take a look at our guide on how to choose the right TV for your needs, and check out our round-up of the best TV wall mounts if you’re looking to get your set on the wall. Then scroll down to find your next TV!
1. LG OLED65C9PLA
The best OLED there’s ever been.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: OLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 86 x 145 x 25cm
REASONS TO BUY
Lovely, subtle design
Rich but natural pictures
Fabulous contrast
Strong sound
REASONS TO AVOID
Samsung Q90 is brighter
Missing some dark detail
Can be beaten for motion
Some confusing menus
The Philips 50PUS6703 is a 50 inch TV with 4K and HDR support, as well as Philips’ eye-catching Ambilight picture technology, all for less than £450. What’s more, it goes beyond simple specs by offering picture performance that’s genuinely superb for the money. It can be a little bit fussy to use but there’s no arguing with the value.
2. Philips 50PUS6703
Great 4K picture quality from an affordable 50in Philips TV.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: LCD
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG
| HDMI inputs: 3
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 70 x 113 x 23cm
REASONS TO BUY
Popping, dynamic image
Great handling of detail
Good range of video apps
REASONS TO AVOID
Dull user interface
Uninspired remote
Difficult to set up
The Philips 50PUS6703 is a 50 inch TV with 4K and HDR support, as well as Philips’ eye-catching Ambilight picture technology, all for less than £450. What’s more, it goes beyond simple specs by offering picture performance that’s genuinely superb for the money. It can be a little bit fussy to use but there’s no arguing with the value.
3. Samsung QE65Q90R
Is this 2019 QLED better than OLED? Possibly.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: QLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 92 x 145 x 28cm
REASONS TO BUY
Natural, authentic colours
Deep, detailed blacks
Wide viewing angles
REASONS TO AVOID
Motion processing not perfect
Others sound better
Only the very best will do for Samsung. That’s why, despite its 2018 4K flagship being the best TV it had ever produced, with a performance way beyond that of any other backlit set, Samsung fixated on the few flaws that prevented it from winning a What Hi-Fi? Award. Sure enough, the new Q90R QLED is every bit the belter that the Q9FN was, but with practically all of its flaws fixed.
The Q90 is a backlit TV that goes almost as black as an OLED and has OLED-like viewing angles, while retaining its own advantage of greater brightness. It also boasts brilliantly judged colours and excellent dark detail, not to mention an excellent operating system packed with apps. Better than OLED? It’s mighty close.
4. Sony KD-49XG9005
A ‘small’ TV with more flagship pedigree than most.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: LCD with direct LED backlight
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 70 x 110 x 27.4cm
REASONS TO BUY
Crisp and punchy picture
Brilliant colours
Excellent motion
Solid sound
REASONS TO AVOID
Blacks could be deeper
If you’re looking for a high-end TV at a smaller size than 55in, the Sony KD-49XG9005 should be at the top of your list. It doesn’t get every feature of its bigger XG9505 siblings (hence the slight difference in model number), but it does get most and delivers an excellent picture for its size and price.
Brilliantly balanced, natural colours, lots of detail and super-sharp edges combine to deliver a picture that’s both authentic and enticing, not to mention consistent across all sources. And it requires almost no tweaking to get the TV performing at its best.
The Android TV operating system, while still a bit behind the Samsung and LG alternatives, is steadily improving and boasts all of the apps you’re likely to need. Sony has also added YouView to ensure all of the usual UK catch-up services are on board.
5. Panasonic TX-55GZ950B
An OLED that undercuts the C9 on price and betters it for sound.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: OLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 77 x 123 x 30cm
REASONS TO BUY
Impressive sound for a TV
Balanced, natural picture
Dolby Vision and HDR10+
REASONS TO AVOID
Some rivals are punchier
Bland operating system
Lacks some apps
Let’s get this out of the way: the Panasonic GZ950 OLED is not quite as good as the LG C9 in terms of picture quality. It’s just that little bit less punchy and eye-popping.
That said, it is a fair bit more affordable than the C9, it supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and it sounds significantly better.
In its own right, it also produces a great picture, with brilliantly natural colours and perfectly deep blacks, plus a very accomplished upscaler. In other words, this is a great option when choosing your next TV.
6. Samsung QE49Q70R
Stunning colours, intricate blacks and surprisingly good sound from this 49in QLED.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: QLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 71 x 110 x 25cm
REASONS TO BUY
Textured & detailed blacks
Huge breadth of colour
Vast app selectio
REASONS TO AVOID
No Dolby Vision support
Slightly exaggerated reds
A 49in premium TV is something of a rarity. OLEDs don’t currently go below 55in, and neither does Samsung’s flagship Q90R (or the Q85R and Q80R, for that matter).
With the Q70R series, though, Samsung has opened up the options and is offering a 49in version. In other words, this is the best (or, at least, most advanced) TV that Samsung will sell you if you can’t squeeze in a 55incher. That alone makes it a tasty proposition.
Thankfully, this is more than just a great on-paper proposition. Punchy and vibrant QLED colours, great detail and sharpness, and a great operating system bursting with apps (including Apple TV) make this an excellent option if 49in is as big as you’re willing or able to go.
7. LG OLED55E9PLA
An impressive OLED picture with the sound to match.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: OLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 75.3 x 122.6 x 5cm
REASONS TO BUY
Deep rich blacks
Superb sense of realism
Solid, weighty sound
REASONS TO AVOID
Motion could be more natural
Not the last word in black detail
No HDR10+ support
Our advice when reviewing televisions tends to be buy a flatscreen and then add a soundbar, but this LG proves one of the exceptions to that rule. It produces just the kind of picture we’d hope for and supplements it with excellent sound quality.
This E9 has more speakers than its 2019 sibling, the also five-star C9 (4.2ch compared with 2.2ch), more amplifier power (60W against 40W) and slightly different positioning (forward-firing vs down-firing). The result is a sonic performance unmatched by any soundbar we’ve tested below £500, and with no extra boxes or cables!
8. Sony KD-65XG9505
Another upper-midrange killer from Sony.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: LCD
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 90 x 145 x 33cm
REASONS TO BUY
Detailed, nuanced images
Bright, vibrant and natural
Excellent motion
REASONS TO AVOID
Blacks could be deeper
Some backlight blooming
Poor viewing angles
Just below Sony’s Master Series is this 4K LCD cracker. What this TV offers is a very watchable and forgiving picture with wonderfully balanced colours, superb detail and simply the best motion processing tech around at the moment. It’s smooth and sharp and without either flicker or any of the ‘soap opera effect’.
It’s exceptionally bright and vibrant for the price. It may not have the black levels, viewing angles or extreme contrast abilities of the far more expensive Samsung QLEDs and LGs OLEDs but you simply will not find such a beautifully performing TV without paying much, much more. Full marks.
9. LG OLED55C8PLA
Last year’s best TV is still available – and with huge discounts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: OLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 76 x 123 x 23cm
REASONS TO BUY
Bright, punchy and sharp picture
Fantastically natural images
Amazing upscaling
Great value
REASONS TO AVOID
Motion could be better
Some menus are confusing
So-so sound
Our favourite TV of 2018 is still great and still available. This 55in model started out life at £3000, but can now be yours for well under £1500. The new C9 is better, but the C8 still produces an image that’s wonderfully bright, punchy and detailed, and manages to maintain that black depth and naturalism we’ve come to love from OLED. At this price, it’s an amazing buy.
10. Panasonic TX-50GX800B
Broad format support and a natural performance make this a great budget TV
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: LCD
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 3
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 65 x 112 x 6.2cm
REASONS TO BUY
HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
Smooth, natural performance
Lots of detail
REASONS TO AVOID
Weak viewing angles
Others are punchier
Average sound
This is the first TV we’ve tested that supports both of the two competing dynamic metadata-based HDR formats, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and it comes at a bargain price. Panasonic (and other brands) claim that HDR formats with dynamic metadata are of more use to lower-end sets than flagship models, as they tailor the image to the specific capabilities of the set. It’s a compelling argument, and while this TV can’t match the premium TVs, this is an undeniably great budget TV for the money.
Amazon and Netflix are here, in all their HDR 4K glory, as well as a whole host of the usual catch-up streaming TV apps, but no sign of Now TV or Spotify. There are enough HDMI and USB connections, plus optical and headphone outputs. The picture produced is natural, clean and free from motion judder. Black levels are pretty good, though they’re let down by poor viewing angles, the picture losing brightness off-axis.
Still, despite typically lightweight sound from a flat TV (even with ‘Atmos’ mode on board) we still think the performance here is good enough to make it a great deal at this price. A simple but effective 50 inch 4K TV.
11. Sony KD-85ZG9
A barnstorming 8K entry for Sony.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: LCD
| Resolution: 8K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 123 x 191 x 43cm
REASONS TO BUY
8K is utterly stunning
Punchy, vibrant and natural
Excellent motion
Very good sound
REASONS TO AVOID
No 8K content
Hugely expensive
Blacks could be deeper
There’s not many 8K TVs around just now and that’s partly because 8K content is in exceedingly short supply. Nonetheless, what Sony has produced with the ZG9 points to a bright future.
The extra resolution comes at little-to-no cost in performance compared to the 4K members of the Sony family. The picture is stunning, balanced and the sound quality is right up there too. Of course, £14k is a lot to pay for a whole load of resolution that’s largely unavailable right now but, with the 2020 Olympics coming up in Japan, it’s only a matter of time.
We wouldn’t necessarily advise going down the 8K route much before then but, if you must, then do it with the ZG9; 85in or 98in for you?
12. LG OLED55B8PLA
One of the most affordable 4K OLED TVs out there – it’s a brilliant bargain.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: OLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 75 x 123 x 22cm
REASONS TO BUY
Rich, refined colour palette’
Lights-out’ black levels
Vast HDR format support – including
Dolby Vision
REASONS TO AVOID
Peak brightness can be bettered
What a time for couch potatoes to be alive. This 2018 LG 4K OLED TV can now be yours for just under £1200 – a very attractive price for a television that’s capable of delivering such a stunningly good picture. The 55in C8 in this list boasts a more powerful processing engine and does deliver a better picture, but if you’re running to a tight budget, this B8 model is irresistible.
13. Sony KD-65XF9005
Flagship features and midrange price make for a stunning Sony TV.
SPECIFICATIONS
Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 90 x 145 x 30cm
REASONS TO BUY
Fantastic detail across the board
Stunning but natural colours
Clear sound
REASONS TO AVOID
Minor backlight blooming
Can be beaten for viewing angles
Android OS is frustratingly sluggish
It can be hard to generate excitement around midrange TVs. But there are rare occasions when they throw up something rather special – a television that combines some of the best features of the top-end with a price that’s affordable to more people. That’s what we’ve got on our hands here. Strong colours, smooth motion processing, impressive black levels. It may not be a bells and whistles OLED, but this Sony LCD set is a great all-round option. And look at that price for a 65-inch screen.
14. LG OLED65C8PLA
A big and beautiful TV with a vibrant picture rich in detail.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: OLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 88 x 145 x 23cm
REASONS TO BUY
Sensational 4K picture
Impressive upscaling
Easy to use OS
REASONS TO AVOID
Motion processing can be bettered
Fussy menus
Within the C8’s elegant table-top stand lies a wide, recessed and ridged channel that helps direct the sound from the downward-firing speakers out towards the listener. The speakers and the TVs connections (including four HDMIs) are all contained inside a wide, chunky enclosure that takes up around a quarter of the TV’s back panel. There’s support for HDR 10 and Dolby Vision, too. Ultimately there’s a jaw-dropping level of detail and clarity on show here, with punchy bright whites and colours, good viewing angles, and decent motion processing.
15. Sony KD-65AF9
A stunning OLED television and one of the best-sounding 4K TVs we’ve tested.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: OLED
| Resolution: 4K
| HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
| HDMI inputs: 4
| Dimensions (hwd, with stand): 83 x 145 x 32cm
REASONS TO BUY
Exceptional OLED blacks
Brilliant motion-processing
Great sound
REASONS TO AVOID
Tricky to get the best picture
Remote control can irritate
Sony’s flagship Master Series OLED TV aims to get closer to the content creator’s intention than ever before. And it does a mighty fine job of doing so. If the combination of brilliant motion processing, excellent detail levels and impressive upscaling isn’t enough to convince you to give this TV an audition, the Sony KD-65AF9 has an extra trick up its sleeve: Its next-gen acoustic surface tech delivers some of the most impressive sounds we’ve ever heard from a flatscreen TV. You can even use the TV as the centre speaker in a surround sound system thanks to the standard speaker terminals on its rear.
Source: Whathifi
