When you’re considering buying a new smart TV, you’re faced with a broad spectrum of options covering a wide price range. Is it worth splurging on a high-end smart TV, or can a basic model meet your needs just as well?
What Do You Get for Your Money?
The most apparent distinction between high-end and basic smart TVs is the price. A basic mid-size smart TV typically costs around $200-$500, while a high-end equivalent-sized model can cost anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending on the brand and specific features. The price gap reflects differences in materials, build quality, performance, and advanced features; let’s look at the most relevant.
Picture Quality
There is a significant difference in picture quality between high-end and basic smart TVs. Most entry-level smart TVs use standard LED or LCD screens. While they deliver decent image quality for everyday use, they often lack the deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction of higher-end models, which typically feature OLED or QLED screens.
Basic smart TVs can have limited viewing angles, meaning the picture quality will degrade if you’re watching from far on either side. They also often struggle with HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, resulting in diminished contrast and brightness. In comparison, high-end smart TVs usually support superior HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which makes a noticeable difference when watching HDR-compatible content on streaming platforms, for example.
Sound System
Sound quality is another area where high-end smart TVs distinguish themselves from basic models. While modern TVs are a significant improvement over the ugly CRT boxes that came before, their slimmer design can sometimes compromise sound performance.
Inexpensive smart TVs often have basic stereo speakers that may produce flat or tinny audio. Most high-end models, on the other hand, offer high-powered integrated speakers that deliver fuller, clearer, and more dynamic sound. Premium smart TVs usually come with even more advanced audio technologies, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide an immersive sound experience.
That being said: if you’re an audiophile who insists on an immersive audiovisual experience, it’s worth buying an external soundbar and woofer, as this will improve the sound by several orders of magnitude. In this instance, the TV’s onboard sound becomes less critical.
Smart Features and Software
A smart TV’s internet connectivity offers many benefits, including access to streaming services, apps, and other digital features. However, these features vary between budget and premium TVs. Entry-level smart TVs are often distinguishable by their simpler interfaces, and in some cases, the TV’s operating system can be sluggish—particularly when switching between apps or navigating menus. While you can sometimes speed up your smart TV, there’s only so much possible with low-end models.
Premium models feature more advanced operating systems, which tend to be faster, more intuitive, and offer more customization options. You’re also more likely to get features like integrated voice assistants, support for smart home integration, and automatic software updates. Premium smart TVs also often include features like screen mirroring, advanced gaming modes, and better compatibility with other devices.
Refresh Rates
Screen refresh rates are likely not the first consideration for most people buying a TV. However, if you plan to use your TV for gaming, the refresh rate and input lag are important factors to look at.
Most basic smart TVs have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is fine for watching movies and TV shows. But with some video games on modern consoles now supporting 120FPS gameplay, a standard 60Hz refresh rate won’t deliver the best performance when playing fast-paced titles. Also, basic models often have higher input lag, resulting in slower response times when gaming.
Premium models typically offer higher refresh rates, such as 120Hz or even 240Hz, with lower input lag. Importantly, high-end TV models often include HDMI 2.1 for most or all of the HDMI ports. HDMI 2.1 is essential for gaming if you have a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, since it supports 4K resolution at 120FPS. Not all games run at 120FPS, but it’s a big difference you’ll appreciate.
How Long Before Your TV Is Obsolete?
For those of us who don’t have a Tesla parked in our garage, a TV is often the most expensive electrical item we own. Therefore, besides the features listed above, it’s essential to consider the long-term value when deciding how much to spend on a smart TV.
High-end models are often more future-proof, offering longer-lasting performance and features that will stay relevant for years. In contrast, budget TVs often struggle with software updates over time, and might even stop getting updates long before you’re ready to upgrade them. Therefore, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to opt for a higher-performing TV, to avoid having to replace your set sooner.
That said, it’s impressive how much TVs have advanced in recent years. Even a budget smart TV represents exceptional value when you consider the improved viewing experience, the convenience of TV on-demand, and their slimmer, aesthetically pleasing profiles.
