Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Best and Most Suitable Smart TV

When buying a smart TV, don't overlook the step of checking the accessories. Some TV models might come with missing or substandard accessories. For smart TVs, it’s crucial to check the remote control and the TV stand.

Specialized remotes are sold separately for some smart TV models (sometimes bundled with high-end models). These remotes do more than just control volume, channels, and power—they can also give voice commands, launch apps by drawing, and manage applications on the TV.

Another important accessory to check is the TV mouse. Most modern smart TVs feature a USB port, making it compatible with computer mice. You can choose either a wired or wireless mouse for convenience. Most users prefer wireless mice for a smoother experience when using the TV.

Additionally, to increase the lifespan of your TV, it’s a good idea to consult experts on how to properly use the remote control.

When purchasing a smart TV, you're committing to long-term use, so it's crucial not to skimp on quality by choosing low-grade or unbranded TVs. Large electronics retailers like Điện Máy Xanh, Thiên Hòa, and Nguyễn Kim offer a wide variety of smart TVs.

Samsung, a South Korean multinational, is known for its sleek and elegant designs with impressive sharpness. They offer a range of TVs, from budget to mid-range and high-end models. LG, a leading brand from South Korea, also provides excellent options. Sony, a multinational corporation from Japan, produces TVs mainly in Malaysia, offering luxurious ultra-thin bezels that add sophistication to any home.

When considering the "look" of your TV, two important factors to keep in mind are thickness and screen type (curved or flat). You can choose based on personal preference, but there are a few things to consider:

• A curved screen TV is better suited for placement on a table rather than on a wall. Additionally, curved TVs work best in rooms with no direct sunlight or reflective furniture (like metal or glass). For optimal viewing, you should sit directly in front of the curved TV. Flat screen TVs, on the other hand, are ideal for both wall mounting and table placement.
• The thinner the TV, the more aesthetically pleasing it is, especially when mounted on the wall. However, keep in mind that thinner TVs are more prone to tipping if bumped, which may be a concern if you have young children. Thicker TVs are more stable and durable, though they may not have the same sleek look.

Similar to laptops or smartphones, the higher the resolution, the sharper the image displayed on your Smart TV. However, screen size also plays a role in image clarity, as a larger TV with the same resolution will appear less sharp than a smaller one.

In recent years, most TVs on the market feature a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, also known as 4K resolution. Some brands may use the term Ultra HD, which is essentially the same as 4K. If you're buying a smaller TV (under 40 inches), investing in a 4K model may not be worth it, as you won’t notice a significant difference.

However, for Smart TVs 40 inches and larger, 4K is considered the gold standard for resolution and is expected to remain the standard for years to come.

Today's Smart TV screens rely on two main competing technologies: LED LCD screens and more expensive OLED screens.

It’s not easy to say which technology is superior because manufacturers have made efforts to enhance each type with compatible technologies, and both are still evolving and improving.

However, there are distinct differences related to the technology characteristics of each. LED LCD screens generally provide sharper images than OLED screens and produce more natural brightness in background images. On the other hand, OLED screens offer better contrast performance than LED LCD. Due to the higher production costs, OLED TVs are more expensive.

Each manufacturer has its own approach to screen technology. For example, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology makes LED LCD screens produce purer colors compared to OLED screens. To truly experience the difference, it’s best to visit a store and see for yourself.

TV manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, and Panasonic all use custom software for smart TVs developed in-house. Sony mainly uses Google's Android TV OS, while the budget-friendly brand TCL relies on the Roku platform. However, it’s important to note that the software platform should not play a major role in your TV purchase decision.

All smart TV platforms offer similar features, including access to major apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. While there may be slight differences between platforms, such as Android TV and Roku offering superior app selections, the differences are minimal, especially if you're already accustomed to these platforms from other devices like smartphones. So, whether you choose Sony or TCL, the software differences won’t have a significant impact on your experience.

If you’re not a fan of the pre-installed software, you can opt for external streaming devices like ChromeCast or Apple TV. These devices run faster, offer a wider range of apps, and are updated more frequently compared to the built-in TV platforms.

Take some time to explore the software platform and check the number of available connection ports to ensure you have enough for all your devices. One exception to consider is if you’ve heavily invested in Google products—then it makes sense to go for an Android TV to easily sync personal data like YouTube history and Google Photos across devices.

After going through your options, you may have narrowed down your list of smart TVs. However, pay attention to whether some models include HDR support. This technology greatly enhances the color spectrum, allowing for more detailed displays of the darkest and brightest parts of an image. Be sure to check if the TV has HDR compatibility. You might come across different standards such as HDR10 or Dolby Vision, but generally, any TV supporting HDR will offer superior image quality.

Additionally, take note of the screen's refresh rate. This refers to how many times per second the screen refreshes the displayed images, measured in Hz. The higher the refresh rate, the sharper the image, with less blur when watching fast-moving content or sports.

Although smart TVs have been in Vietnam for quite some time, their variety of apps and features can still be overwhelming. At this stage, don't hesitate to consult with experts or sales associates to help you pick the best smart TV. However, stay sharp enough to distinguish between genuine advice and sales tactics meant to benefit the seller!

Just like any other tech device, TVs can have issues, especially with weather changes, humidity, or excessive use. Therefore, warranty policies should be one of your top priorities. Make sure to ask the sales associate for detailed information on the warranty options available.

The standout feature of smart TVs is their integration of a wide range of useful apps, offering users quick access to information and a variety of choices. Therefore, when considering a smart TV, the first thing you should do is explore its app store.

Test the internet connection and try out a few pre-installed apps to evaluate how smoothly the TV performs when browsing the web. This will also help you identify any app-related issues before making a long-term commitment. Currently, Samsung and Sony are among the most popular smart TV brands with massive app libraries favored by users.

Features like DLNA, Wifi Display, and other smart connectivity options are typically found on Smart TVs or Internet-enabled TVs. These models come equipped with more connection ports compared to regular TVs, enabling easier network connections, screen mirroring from computers, and other smart functionalities. When considering a TV, be sure to check whether its ports meet your needs. A typical modern Smart TV usually includes 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Wifi, VGA, and LAN.

Moreover, most Smart TVs now support phone control through apps, allowing you to stream content from your phone directly to the TV.