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While larger TVs are becoming more popular and more available, 55" TVs remain one of the biggest sellers today. The new models shown at CES in January 2018 are starting to become available, but they are for the most part not worth the extra investment. Many 2017 models are on sale to make room for the 2018s so now is the time to buy.
We've tested 41 TVs available in a 55 inch size and below are our recommendations for the best ones to buy in the spring of 2018.
What it is
General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.
What it is
Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.
What it is
TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.
What it is
Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.
What it is
Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.
What it is
HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.
What it is
HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.
What it is
PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
:
WRGB
Resolution
:
4k
The best 55" TV we have tested in 2017 is the LG OLED55B7A 4k HDR TV. It has an impressive picture quality and offers excellent value for the price. It is nearly identical to the LG C7, and given the choice between the two, you should get whichever is cheaper.
The advantage to OLED TVs over LED TVs is their ability to turn individual pixels off. This allows the TV to create an infinite contrast ratio and perfect black uniformity. It also has a near-instantaneous response time and great low input lag, which is especially good for gamers or sports fans. However, it is not without flaws, as temporary image retention and burn-in risk are common to all OLED TVs.
Similar offerings from LG like the E7 and Sony's A1E, as well as the LG's 2018 C8, offer little for the extra cash. We expect Samsung's 55" Q8FN to offer slightly worse performance for a higher price tag. Overall, while it isn't perfect, the LG B7 is likely to please the majority of TV buyers.
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
:
VA
Resolution
:
4k
If image retention and burn-in make you hesitant to invest in an OLED TV, the Samsung Q8FN is an excellent LED alternative. It is one of the brightest TVs we have every measured and offers great picture quality. Dark room performance isn't as great as with an OLED TV, but it is still very good. The Q8FN also has one of the widest color gamuts ever measured.
If you're looking to wall mount your TV, the step-down Q7FN is very similar, but has the benefit of the OneConnect box, so there is only one thin fiber-optic cable going to the TV. While neither of them come cheap, they are the best LED TVs on the market.
What it is
General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.
What it is
Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.
What it is
TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.
What it is
Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.
What it is
Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.
What it is
HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.
What it is
HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.
What it is
PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
:
VA
Resolution
:
4k
The best mid-range TV we have reviewed is the Sony XBR55X900E 4k LCD TV. It offers great picture quality with an excellent native contrast ratio and is fairly bright. It has good HDR real scene brightness, better than some TVs that are more than twice the price.
It can still compete with many high-end TVs, including many OLEDs. It has low input lag, which is great for gamers, and offers a great picture quality comparable to higher-end models such as the Sony X930E. It doesn't have the same infinite blacks or great viewing angle typical of OLEDs, so it isn't as versatile.
The X900E has recently been replaced with the X900F. While the 2018 model is a bit brighter, overall there is not enough of an improvement to warrant the almost 50% price difference.
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
:
IPS
Resolution
:
4k
If you are looking for a mid-range TV for a large room, the LG 55SJ8500 would be a great choice. While it is not as bright as the X900E, its IPS panel allows people viewing from the sides or off angle to better appreciate the TV. This is especially important if you have a large room with seats to the side of the TV.
What it is
General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.
What it is
Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.
What it is
TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.
What it is
Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.
What it is
Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.
What it is
HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.
What it is
HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.
What it is
PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
:
VA
Resolution
:
4k
The best budget 55" TV is the TCL R617. It is the successor to the hugely popular TCL P607/605 from 2017. It has some welcome additions, including the ability to interpolate lower frame rate content up to 60Hz, and an optional black frame insertion feature, great for helping smooth up motion.
It is an extremely versatile TV, it has an excellent native contrast ratio and is able to get bright enough to overcome most glare. It retains the excellent low input lag from the P607, and is great for even the most competitive gamers.
What it is:
Type of display technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.
:
VA
Resolution
:
4k
If you want something even cheaper, the TCL 55S405 is a great alternative. It isn't as bright as the R617 and doesn't have a local dimming feature, but the overall picture quality is good for most people. It doesn't support more advanced features like black frame insertion, but it has the same great smart features and excellent low input lag perfect for gamers.
Samsung QN55Q7F. Good TV, but poor value for money compared to the X930E. See our review
Vizio P55-C1. Compared to other P Series sizes, this one uses an IPS panel. This makes it a worse choice compared to our picks. See our review
Vizio E55-E1. Unlike most of the other sizes, it features a less versatile IPS type LCD panel. See our review
LG 55SJ8500. Good LED TV with wide viewing angles, but its overall value for money is quite poor. See our review
Sony XBR55A1E. Exceptional OLED TV, but hard to justify over the significantly less expensive LG B7. See our review
LG OLED55E7P. Good TV, but poor value for money compared to the LG B7. See our review
LG OLED55C7P. Great OLED TV, but almost identical to the cheaper B7. See our review
LG OLED55C8PUA. Great OLED TV, but almost identical to the cheaper B7. See our review
Sony XBR55X900F. Great 4k TV but the Sony X900E offers similar performance for much cheaper. See our review
Samsung UN55NU8000. Good versatile 4k TV but the Sony X900E is a better pick for the price. See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best 55" TVs currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer the make your own decision, here is the list of all of our TV reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most TVs are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault TVs on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
Questions & Answers
84 ANSWERED QUESTIONS
369
Costco's 55" Samsung 1080 TV is the UN55JU620D. Could you tell me which of your reviewed Samsung models is closest to the Costco model, and what the differences are?
It's the same as the J6200, which is a great budget 55 inch TV.
259
What is the best 55" TV in terms of pricing and 120hz? I'm looking to spend no more than $600 and it appears that the RCA 55" looks the best in both categories.
We haven't tested that RCA model, but $600 is a very limited budget for a 55". You should either reduce the size or increase your budget if you want good picture quality.
166
What is the best 55" LED set for off-angle viewing?
IPS panels (found usually in LG, Philips, Panasonic TVs and sometimes other brands) produce the best colors at an angle. For example, the Samsung UN55JS7000 would be a great choice. Keep in mind that no LED TV with great viewing angle have a great contrast too. If you want both, you will need to opt for an OLED, like the LG EG9100.
Update: Changed the recommendations to current models.
76
If we consider 3D technology, what TV (2014 models) would be the best? And should we still consider active 3D as a nice technology when it hurts the eyes (and head) after using glasses for more than an hour?
Passive 3D is the way to go if you only care about 3D. Less crosstalk and no flickering, so more comfortable to the eye. The LG 55EG9100 has passive 3D, so it is the best in this category.
Update: Changed the recommendations to current models.
66
Which TV, 55 or 60 inch, is best for watching sports?
The Samsung KS8000 is a good pick at either size. It has good overall picture quality and a uniform screen which is important for sports. Update:
Updated to current selection.
58
Which one to buy: the LG 55LF6090 or Samsung UN55J620D?
Go for the Samsung UN55J6200. The LF6090 is the Costco version of the LF6100, but we don't know whether the 55" version will have the same panel type as the one we reviewed. It's likely that it will have weaker contrast than the J620D, but a wider viewing angle.
The Samsung J620D's likely stronger contrast means it should have better overall picture quality, and will make a better choice.
45
I'm planning on buying a 50 or 55 inch TV. I understand it loses color with horizontal angles above 23 degrees, but how well does it (or any other TV) perform with vertical angles?
About the same as the horizontal viewing angle. We don't measure it, though, because usually people just tilt down the TV (for example, if it is mounted on top of a fireplace).
37
We are looking for 55" 4k TV, either Samsung or Sony, tilting toward Samsung UN55JU7100, but not sure if the Sony XBR55X850C is a better choice, with better remote, voice recognition, etc.
The Samsung JU7100 is the better overall package. The picture quality is very good, and it has a better smart platform, as well as a very handy point-and-click remote. Stick with the Samsung JU7100.
35
Do dealerships employ any "tricks" to improve the viewing angle of HDTVs on display versus what you get at home? I recently purchased a 55" LED HDTV that had a fantastic viewing angle in the store, but washed out at 45 degrees at home.
Kinda, yes. The picture is overly bright, contrasted and saturated. It is especially the saturation that does the trick, because most LED TVs lose a lot of saturation at an angle. Therefore, the demo mode on most TVs set, the saturation very high so that it appears normal at an angle.
34
I found the Vizio E55-C2 and the M552i-b2 for a little less than $600 and was wondering what would be a better buy. Both seem to have great reviews, but I figured I would get some advice before pulling the trigger.
I'm looking to spend around $600-$650 for a TV, doesn't need to be smart so I'm open to suggestions!
The E55-C2 is better for most people. They both have similar uniformity, but the M552i-b2 has an IPS panel, which means the contrast is worse, but it is better at retaining its picture quality at wider angles. For straight-on viewing, the E55-C2's better contrast makes it a much better choice.
31
What is the contrast ratio of the Hitachi 55" Class 1080p LED HDTV - LE55H508?
We haven't tested that one, unfortunately.
28
Wow! So much great info on your site! I am a little overwhelmed, though. We are upgrading from a 15-year-old 32" tube TV and are not really sure what to go with. We use our TV for Netflix, DVD/Blu-ray, Wii/Xbox, and sports. No cable or anything like that. Our watching distance could be anywhere from 8-12 ft. Our budget is $800 or less. We've looked at Vizio as well as Samsung, but we are open to other options. What would be your recommendation for our situation?
For under $800, you'd be best off with the Samsung UN55JU6500. It has great contrast and little motion blur, which will make it good for general and sports viewing, and its input lag is low enough that it will be fine for playing games on.
22
Looking at the LG 55UB8500, Samsung UN55HU6840 and the Vizio M-series 55" 4k, and all are close in price. I am sitting about 12' away from the TV and watch a lot of baseball and football. I will also have a PS4 hooked up. Any of these sets slightly better in your opinion? Love your site, btw.
We didn't review the HU6840, but of the three, we expect the M-series is the best in every category except upscaling. You should get the M.
20
I want want to maximize viewing angle in a room with a lot of windows, would the Samsung UN55h6350 be better, or the LG 55LY340C?
The LG 55LY340C. It is a commercial TV and it has an IPS panel. The colors are more accurate than the Samsung at an angle.
19
4K TVs are being pushed out by almost every manufacturer, from Samsung to Vizio and even JVC. Each has its own 4K upscaler built into the TV, and each claims to be different. Some even say they are better than others. However, I've noticed that some of the Blu-ray players now claim to be 4K upscaling Blu-ray players. I'm planning on buying a 4K TV, and I'm already going to have to replace my Blu-ray player, since it's not a 3D Blu-ray player. To get to the point of this, would it be worth the extra hundred, if not two, for that feature? Will it help with the picture when playing a Blu-ray or DVD, or would I even notice a difference?
Something needs to do the upscaling to be displayed on a 4k TV. It is either the TV itself or the Blu-ray player. If the player does it, the TV won't, and vice-versa. So the question becomes which one is the best upscaler. While there is a difference between upscalers, it is never really big. You can't create new info that isn't there, so there is a limit to the improved picture. And if you get a Blu-ray player of the same brand as your TV, it probably has the exact same algorithm. Save some money and get a normal Blu-ray player instead.
19
Site is great. I am planning on purchasing either a Samsung UN55HU9000, or UN55HU8700. The price difference is substantial, and I'm not sure I will be able to tell the difference. But, price aside, are there any features in the HU9000 that I should consider over the HU8700?
It is the same TV, but with a slightly different bezel. The HU9000 also comes with a camera and the one connect box (both can be bought separately on the HU8700). Therefore, stick to the cheaper HU8700.
19
I am looking for a 50"-55" television for our bedroom. 12' average distance away, and are considering either a 55UF6450, UN50JS7000FXZA or M55-C2. We don't do gaming and will primarily be watching regular television and sports. Please suggest which of these televisions would be best for us or would you recommend another within the same price range. Thanks!
We didn't reviewed the UF6450 but we expect it to be similar to the UF6800. The 50" (not 55") JS7000 would be better than the other two with deeper blacks and better picture for regular television. At that viewing distance though, it has to be said that 4k details won't be much apparent so you could enjoy an even bigger 1080p TV. The J6300 is the best we have seen this year.
I am looking for the absolutely best gaming experience, but also watch a ton of movies. What would be the best 55" TV?
The Samsung UN55KS8000 is the best all-around TV we've seen this year, so go for that. It has good contrast, good motion handling, and pretty low input lag, so it's a good fit for movies and gaming alike.
16
Will you be reviewing any Panasonic TVs for 2015?
We have nothing planned yet for Panasonic. Panasonic is more popular in Europe than the United States. If we get enough request for them, we will consider reviewing the models available in the US.
16
Hi. Was looking for a new TV and I'm having a hard time choosing between two. The Sony x900c and the LG EC9300. Don't know if I want to future-proof myself with 4k and a sexy frame or get the OLED.
The only real advantages the X900C has are the overall higher brightness and its 4k resolution. Beyond that, the EC9300 is superior for just about everything (contrast, viewing angle, motion blur, gray uniformity).
If 4k is most important, get the X900C. For better overall picture, pick the EC9300.
13
You should review the TCL TVs that are getting popular. The ones with Roku are gaining traction at Warehouse stores.
This is a great idea and expect us to review a few of the TCLs this year, hopefully this spring.
12
Great site with much more detailed information. I'm planning on purchasing a 3D TV. The distance from the screen will be 8 feet 5 inches. I'm stuck between the Samsung UN55h7150 and Samsung UN65h7150. With the discount now, the 55 inch is only $999 and 65 is $1,800. Will there be a massive difference in 3D viewing experience with extra 10 inches? Please advise.
For your distance, stick to the 55", because it is big enough for that distance (if such a thing does exist). Yes, there is a difference in terms of 3D viewing experience, but it is not worth paying almost double for it.
12
I'm a bit confused about Samsung's refresh rates. Can you please help? The 55HU6950 4K Ultra HD TV has a Clear Motion Rate of 240, and the UN55JU6500 HDTV Ultra HD TV has a Motion Rate 120. One is listed as Clear Motion and the other as Motion Rate. Is there a difference? Is either a true 240 hz TV? Is one noticeably faster? Are they both good for action films and gaming?
There's no point looking at those numbers. They're made up, and ultimately meaningless. Both of those TVs are actually 60 hz panels. Refresh rate doesn't affect the TV's speed or its blur, though.
We didn't review the HU6950, but we expect it's pretty much the same as the JU6500. You should pick the cheaper of the two.
12
You certainly seem to have plenty of knowledge concerning what's new in the world of HDTVs.
Have you ever heard of the OVIVO ARES UHD 55" 4K 120Hz LED TV?
This is their website: ovivo.tv
Seems to be a pretty nice-looking 4K TV, priced very low. I saw it on the shopping shows HSN for $999 & on EVINE for $799. What do you think of it? Is it worth getting, in your opinion? If you have any information on this new TV please let me know. Thank you kindly in advance - and keep up the great work! :-)
We haven't reviewed this TV, so we don't have much to say about it unfortunately.
11
I am looking to upgrade to a larger TV. I currently have a 46 in Samsung Led smart TV. Love it. We have an open floor plan, so the viewing distance can be anywhere from 6 ft to 25ft. Sitting down can be a distance of anywhere from 6 ft to 9 ft. What would you recommend, a 55, 60, or 65 inch TV? I can accommodate the bigger TV, so that's not the issue.
It depends. For a distance of six feet, all of those sizes are a bit too big. A 55" TV would be best for a distance of seven to under eight feet. At eight feet, a 60" TV is the best size. Farther than that and you'd be best served by a 65" TV.
Overall, given your setup, the best option is likely the 55", but you should decide based on which seating distance you plan on using the most.
10
I have the option of buying the Samsung 55h6400 from Europe (ue55h6400). Should I use it? Is there any difference, let's say, in picture quality between UE and UN models? For that matter, is there any difference other than the countries in which they are assembled?
UE is for Europe, UN North America. The only differences are country regulations (languages, tuner, etc). No difference in picture quality. Go for it.
9
I have a 40 inch Sony Bravia that I bought years ago and I love it.
For some reason, I was swayed into buying the Samsung 55 inch H6350 Smart TV for the family room and put my Sony in the bedroom to replace a big old Sony Trinitron (the old love of my life) from way back. My question is (since I've always been a big fan of the realistic and beautiful picture from Sony), which is better? Samsung H6350 or a Sony with comparable features and price?
Picture quality wise, when calibrated properly, they should be very similar. Usually though, the extra features on Sony TVs are not as good (3D, smart, bezel, etc).
9
What do you think of Sharp TVs 55 inch and larger?
Unfortunately, we have not reviewed any Sharp TVs, so we can't offer any thoughts on them. We hope to begin reviewing them within the coming months.
Update: We have begun testing a few Sharp TVs. Overall, they are good, but nothing exceptional.
9
I am looking to purchase a high quality 55 TV, preferably Samsung, budget $2,000. Will sincerely appreciate your
advise.
Get the Samsung UN55KS8000. It is a really great TV and it fits your budget.
9
I was just wondering if you guys were planning on reviewing any TCL or Hisense TVs? I I'm currently looking to buy a new 4k TV, and while I was in Walmart I noticed they had a 55in TCL(55us5800) 480$ and a 55in Hisense H7 for 450$ (pretty sure the 2015 model). I just want to know if these are a good bargain or if I should spend a lot more for a better TV?
Our next review is going to be for the TCL 48FS3750. We also bought the TCL 55US5800 and this one is going to be reviewed in the coming months. We also plan to do some Hisense TVs in the not so far future. We are also curious as to how those cheaper TVs will fare compare to other brands on the market so stay tuned!
8
I just called Netflix to renew my service, to start watching 4k content. Right? They asked me for my TV model (UN55JU7100) and they said they don't have 4k content that is available for that TV, and they don't know when it might be possible for my TV to stream their 4k content. So disappointed in Netflix and Samsung...
Question #1: Is my TV not good enough? Is it above Netflix standards, or below Netflix standards? They sent me this: help.netflix.com/en/node/13444.
Question #2 Do you know other 4k providers like Netflix that you can recommend?
There's no need to worry. We are able to access 4k Netflix content on our JU7100, so it is definitely possible. The list of TVs you were sent is just out of date, and that's probably the only information the Netflix support staff has available to them.
Here is what you will need to access 4k Netflix:
1 - The higher-tier Netflix subscription.
2 - Your JU7100
3 - A 25 mb/s internet connection or higher.
If you have all of those requirements, you will be able to watch 4k Netflix. Upon signing in, you can even navigate down to a list called 'UltraHD 4k,' which is a handy way of finding all the stuff currently available in 4k.
If you still want more content, you should check out our list of 4k media sources.
8
We are considering either the Sony KDL55W800C or the Samsung UN55J6300. Which would you recommend?
The Samsung J6300 has better uniformity, less blur, and can get brighter, so we recommend going for that.
7
Just bought the Samsung J6200, but so far the picture just doesn't look as clear and crisp as I had hoped. Sometimes the mouth and words are not fully synced up, and it just seems that the picture has some motion blur. Is this usually the case with Samsung TV's? Are they up to date on the newest refresh rate?
Have you tried our settings? Also, you may have a preference for image interpolation to smooth out motion. Try to set 'Auto Motion Plus' to On or if it is already try it Off. For the audio synch issue, play with the 'Audio delay' setting located under 'Sound' - 'Additional Settings' and see if that can be fixed this way. You may have a similar setting on your receiver if ever you are using one.
7
Do you have a beef with RCA or are you being paid by the other manufacturers?
We've been in the process of expanding our coverage over the past few years, but we've unfortunately still had to limit ourselves to only the most popular brands. We're looking to add even more TVs and brands to our coverage this year, though it's still unlikely that we'll get around to RCA.
6
I was thinking about getting the H7150 for my bedroom, but my bedroom is not very big. I'm a huge movie buff, mainly a fan of sci-fi and action movies. So what size do you recommend, 46" or 55"? Thanks.
Ideally, you want to be watching a 55" TV at a distance of about 7.5 feet. If your TV will be closer, get the 46". Otherwise, if you have the space, go for the 55". People rarely regret opting for the bigger size.
6
We purchased the Samsung 55" 620D from Costco. I connected every cable correctly and nothing came up on the screen except what looked like ink blots. There was no sound, and the TV would not respond to the remote.
Is this a damaged set? We never had the setup video that the on-line support promised. I called Samsung and got a person whose English I could not understand. He stated that someone from another department would call me in 24-48 hours. Is this the kind of support that Samsung offers?
If everything has been connected correctly and you're not getting any picture, then yes, your TV is defective. We have not had to deal with Samsung's phone support, so we can't comment on how good it is.
If you just bought it, you should be able to return the TV directly to the store. If Samsung's support isn't helpful, you may want to give that a go.
6
Regarding the Vizio E55-C2, I recently read that Vizio is mixing two different LCD panels - VA and IPS - and to avoid buying this if it has an IPS panel. The way to determine if it has an IPS panel is if the fourth digit of the serial # is a J or 7. Is this anything I need to be concerned with? Also, would it be worth paying $100 more for a Samsung UN55J6200 over the Vizio E55-C2? Thanks
IPS TVs have weaker contrast and wider viewing angles. They're good for people who need to be able to watch from off to the side, but aren't the ideal choice for overall picture quality. If you sit directly in front of your TV, you're better off getting the other kind of TV (VA), which has a narrower viewing angle, but stronger contrast.
The main differences between the J6200 and the E-series are that the J6200 has better black uniformity and less motion blur. If you really want those features, get the J6200. Otherwise, there's not much reason to upgrade from the E-series.
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Good morning, First and foremost, let me say thank you for the work you've done on your site. I've been pooring over page and page trying to decide what I would like to purchase.
I'm looking for a TV for my bedroom and I thought I had settled on the 55" JU7100. I'm now wondering if I should drop down to the 48" JS8500. I have a $1,500 budget and the TV is going to used for just about everything (streaming, gaming, PC gaming). Also, I'll be anywhere from a 8/9 foot distance at any given time.
What are your thoughts on which direction I should go? I also thought of just getting a 1080p set, but I think I'd rather get the 4k, as I won't be buying another TV for a while.
Thank you for taking the time to help me out.
We recommend sticking with the larger TV. At that distance, you won't get the full benefit of 4k with even the 55" JU7100. It will be even more difficult to see the extra detail with a 48" 4k TV. They both have great overall picture and are good fits for your uses, so you'll be fine with the JU7100.
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I found a UN55JS9000FXZA on sale for $1,649. What does the FXZA stand for? Is it the same as a Samsung UN55JS9000?
Yes, they are the same. The FXZA is just a regional identifier Samsung uses.
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In store, a Vizio M 4k and a Sharp 4K aquos (lc55ub30u) are the same price, and they looked pretty similar. Which would you suggest?
Get the Vizio M. The Sharp has judder when playing 24 fps movies, and its input lag is much higher, which isn't ideal for gaming.
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I am looking for good tv to replace my 1999 Mitsubishi rear projection tv. I am in need of a 55" (possibly 60") screen. I do not have cable or satellite service. I use a converter box to watch my local channels. I use a Roku box for Netflix and Pandora. And, I watch DVD's. No games. I also have a great 5.1 surround sound system that I would like to connect the tv to. Suggestions? Thanks.
Samsung TVs are good at upscaling lower resolutions so the J6300 would be a good choice. It will also let you use 5.1 sound through its HDMI ARC or optical out to your receiver.
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I am looking for a 55-60" television mainly to watch sports and movies. Which of the three would you recommend: Samsung, Vizo or Sony? On a budget of 800 or less.
They are all reliably brands really. Samsung and Sony make cheap to high end models while Vizio usually offer great value for the money on mid-range models. Take a look at our "Best TVs under $1,000 of 2015" article. The 55" J6300 is our top 1080p TV pick and the 55" Vizio M is the best 4k option you can get for the money.
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Do you think the Samsung JS8500 is worth the expense increase compared to the 7100 or even 6500?
For the average person, no. The JU7100 is the sweet spot for great picture and performance (and the JU6500 is also decent). It's only if you really want features like HDR and the ability to display a wider range of colors that you should get the JS8500.
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Would you the LG 55EG9100 or the Samsung un60ju7100 if you preferred a larger size. Is the LG that much better? I found a website that has both going for similar prices.
This is tough. We normally do recommend larger TVs, but the EG9100 really does have significantly better picture quality.
If you'll be sitting between 4 and 7.5 feet from the TV and want to watch 4k video, get the JU7100. If you don't plan on sitting that close, or if you don't plan on watching 4k, get the EG9100, since the other elements of the picture will be improved.
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Any top rated 55" or 60" smart TV with twin tuner in the U.S. so you can watch 2 shows at once? Thanks.
Unfortunately, this feature seems to be only available on some European TV models. The demand wouldn't be enough for the U.S. market somehow. It would be easier to find a cable box with the feature instead.
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Hi. Appreciate your time. I've been waffling on a choice between the Samsung UN55JU6500 and the Vizio M55C2. Both currently about the same price. Use would be mostly watching movies and a little bit of gaming. I'd appreciate any feedback between these models.
There is slightly more blur on the Vizio M but it would still be better for movies because of its better contrast and the fact that it is judder-free for movies. The added blur wouldn't be too bad for the occasional gaming and on the other side, you would benefit from the lower input lag we have ever measured on a TV yet.
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I am thinking about buying the Samsung 2015 J6300. Probably the 50" model as Amazon has it right now for $697 through Adorama. The 55" is $200 more, not sure if its worth the extra money as my viewing distance is 7'.
I will be using the TV for primarily sports, and some movies. I have FIOS TV and also will be streaming movies via my hard-wired computer and iPad via Apple TV.
I am getting conflicting information about the panel, refresh rate, etc from your site and several others. Is there a difference between Samsung panels and AUO and Innolux. Also, your site states the refresh rate is 120hz, but others are claiming that the panel is only 60hz.
Will this TV suits my needs or should I be considering other ones? I will need 3 HDMIs and one optical input for my Klipsch Reference R-4B 2-Way Soundbar.
Depending on how much you want to spend, you would definitely enjoy the additional 5" of the 55" at your viewing distance. We expect minor differences from the different panels used in Samsung TVs. It is actually in our plan to test the difference between the 50" version of this TV and the 55". Again, we don't expect much difference but we will see. The refresh rate of this TV is really 120Hz since it can interpolate a 60Hz signal (we have tested this while reviewing the TV). The J6300 is a great choice and sit at the very top of the 2015 1080p TVs.
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You rock. I love movies and sports. For a 55" model, choosing between the Samsung J6300 or the Sony W800C, which is better for me? Also if these aren't high-end, then what 1080p set would be the best TV for me?
The Samsung J6300 is the best 1080p LED TV we've seen this year, and has very good picture quality all-around, so that's what we recommend between those two. It doesn't quite qualify as a high-end TV, though. If you want the very best 1080p TV of the year, get the LG EG9100 OLED TV. It's one of the very best TVs we've seen this year, and will be really great for both movies and sports.
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I'm still using an old Sony Wega 37" (or so) CRT television and this will be my first upgrade to the newer tv technology. I still have a ton of standard definition content--DVDs as well as downloaded material--along with Blu-Ray and other 1080p video and my concern is that a large LED/LCD/OLED or even Plasma TV will produce or exaggerate graininess and flaws in the source material. Computing the viewing distance (as well as the size I'd like to have) I believe a TV that is 50"-55" is about right. Can you make any recommendations based on these criteria and in the $1000 or less price range? I'm happy with the picture of the CRT, and of course motion blur is non-existent, but this set is only 1080i and small and I can see that I'm missing out on getting the full effect of my Blu-Rays and HD material. 3D is not necessary. Thanks.
For the price, the best value right now is the 55" Sony x810c. It will display a great picture in standard and high definition resolutions and won't exaggerate graininess (it has good processing options to reduce it if needed). On top of that, motion is excellent with not much blur. You can buy the 55" x810c with confidence.
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Do any of the 2015 TV's you tested meet the new HDR settings just announced at the 2016 CES? I was looking at the Samsung JS8500 but you recently stated it doesn't? I am looking to purchase a 55". What would you recommend? Should that be a deal breaker? One of the main reasons I would buy a higher end TV is for future proof reasons.
We still don't know how manufacturers are going to take their measurements so for TVs to be compliant with the new HDR specifications. The only truly impressive HDR TV we have seen so far in 2015 is the Samsung JS9500 and it isn't available at 55". Compared to that one, other HDR capable TVs just look Ok. If the main criteria is HDR, then wait for the new 2016 TVs to be released. HDR is expected to be better then.
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Hi there, I love this site, the reviews are very informative and allow me to determine the right TV based on specific criteria. One question, I saw in some comments that you are planning to review the Sony X850D. Any idea when that review will be available? When you do, will it be the 55" or 65"? Thanks!
Which tv is better for upscaling DVDs, Samsung ks8000 or the Sony 850d in the 55 inch size?
For upscaling 720p content such as DVDs both TVs have very similar performance. On the KS8000 enable 'Digital Clean View'. On the X850D enable 'Random noise reduction' and 'Digital noise reduction'.
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I love this site but I'm finding myself getting analysis paralysis. At first i was just going to get a budget 1080p TV for my garage, mainly for sports and an occasional video game, but the prices are dropping so significantly its hard to pull the trigger. What I haven't found so far on this site, and maybe you could add it, is a "definitely buy" price. In other words, if you see the 55" Samsung JS8500 for $1,200 - go get it. In the meantime, thanks for all you do and eventually I'll replace my 55" Sony Bravia LED LCD! Its still so darn nice and I'm holding out for these OLED LGs to come down a bit more.
Thanks for the suggestion, we will consider adding this if there is enough interest.
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I want to buy a 55 or 60 LED TV from either Costco OR Sam's Club. These stores sell Vizio and Samsung products. Which TV would be my best choice, priced under $1000. Thanks.
What do you plan to use the TV for? A good all-round TV for less than $1000 is the Samsung KU6300 (sold as the KU630D at warehouse stores), or the Vizio M Series 2016.
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Thanks for providing excellent information in an organized manner, going from your review for Sony 55" inch TV, you seem to suggest X850C over X850D especially for movies, in my case living room is well lighted thus will this still make X850C a better option or more or less even out? Secondly, since majority of my content is going to be HD or lower would it make sense to go for W800C? Thanks for your help.
Yes it would more or less even out. You would be best to go with the X850D, since it will more future proof than the W800C and you'll get a much better TV in general.
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I just bought the Samsung 55inch J6300. I'm really am enjoying my new TV. The quad core processor makes web browsing enjoyable.
The J6300 comes with a universal remote control .
Will the 55" J6300 operate with the Samsung Smart Remote Control ? If so , would voice control or motion control be available? What if I added a camera ?
Unfortunately, you can't add the Samsung Smart Remote to your J6300. You can add a camera for Skype, but you won't be able to use gesture or voice control.
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On Costco website I see Samsung UN55JU650DFXZA and UN55JU670DFXZA. Are these models same as UN55JU6500 and UN55JU6700, respectively? If no, how are they different?
Yes, they are.
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Which model is better, the Samsung UN55JU6500 or Samsung UN55J6300? I plan on upgrading my current TV.
The J6300. It can't play 4k content, but it doesn't have judder when playing movies, which is important for people who watch DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming films. Apart from that, both TVs are mostly similar. They both have good contrast, good black uniformity, and little motion blur.
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What is the best 55" TV for picture quality when upscaling 720 and 1080p? I am concerned because some reviewers say that a lot of regular the programming does not look as good as good on a 1080p TV.
Most Samsung and Sony TVs are about equally good at upscaling 720p and 1080p, so those two brands are safe bets.
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In your answer to a question about Costco's Samsung LED LCD UN55J620DAFXZA, You said:
"It's the same as the J6200, which we haven't yet reviewed. We expect it will be similar to the Samsung J6300. It only has two HDMI ports to the J6300's 4, and the design isn't as pretty. Apart from that, we expect they'll be similar, though we'll only be able to confirm that once we review the J6200 in a couple of weeks."
Have you reviewed it yet? I would like to buy it at their discounted price, which expires on 8-2-2015. I do have a a "L" shaped setup of sofas.
Looking for a 55" smart TV with Bluetooth so I can pair my hearing aids. Cannot find specs online.
Several of Samsung's TVs support Bluetooth, as do Sony's. For 1080p, we recommend the Samsung J6300. For a 4k TV, take a look at our list of recommendations here.
Note that many TVs aren't compatible with all Bluetooth devices. Once you pick a set, you should contact the manufacturer just to be sure that your hearing aids will work with the TV you chose.
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What is your opinion on the UN55J6300 vs. the UN55J6200 for movies and gaming? Seems like the J6200 is better at gaming but in the table above you show the J6300 as being the best choice for gaming (motion blur/lag). Thinking about the Sam's model of the J6200. Thanks
Because it has less blur, the J6200 is indeed a bit better, so it would be a good buy.
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I'm thinking of the UN55JS8500. What is the curved screen version? Is the 3D just an options?
The Samsung JS9000 is the curved version. Both TVs are about equally good, and the 3D is optional.
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Our Vizio tv picture went out completely so thinking of buying another 55in HD tv rather then having this one fixed... which is best Vizio or Samsung this year? Many people say Vizio is not as good as it used to be. Is this true? Our old one was 4 1/2 years old and had gorgeous picture. We want to stay under $600 to $800.
Vizio TVs have great picture quality to price ratio, so for your budget, go for Vizio. Samsung TVs are better, but also more expensive and the picture quality isn't necessarily miles ahead Vizio.
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Do you plan to review the LG 55UF6800 any time soon? If not, can you tell me if you reviewed something that has similar specs?
In September. It is going to be an interesting review, due to its 'fake' 4k resolution.
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Very impressive website! I've never seen such detailed and in-depth reviews! Thank you very much. I need to replace the TV in my family room and I will be getting a 55" set. After reading your reviews, I was convinced I was getting the J6300, but then my son suggested I get a 4K set for future benefits. That turned me to the JU7100, but it costs exactly twice what I can get the J6300 for (if I buy it by 9/9/15). Viewing distance will be 8.5 to 9 feet away. Your reviews also have me considering the Vizio M55-C2, but I'm somewhat leery of Vizio because I'm buying a TV now because the mainboard on my Vizio SV370XVT failed in about 5 yrs. The TV will be used for watching TV and sports, and viewing DVDs. No gaming. Considering my situation, is the JU7100 worth the 2x price tag (especially considering my viewing distance)?
This is a tough decision. At your distance and size, yes, you will see a benefit in a 4k TV, but it won't be big and only when watching native 4k content. If you plan on keeping the TV for a long time (there will be more and more 4k content available), then it is worth it, but if you plan on changing your TV within a few years, save some money and get the J6300.
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Looking to buy a 55" TV, very confused about the 4k. keep reading not a lot available for it yet, but will you still get a better picture with it. 12' average distance away. Have read about the vizio m55-c2 or should I just stick with an LED model. Have a 46" Samsung now, about 7 years old, starting to have some problems with it. Also hoping to get good side-angle view. Just watch a lot of dish HD stations, some sports, rent movies, have Netflix, and like to watch concerts on DVD.
You won't notice much extra detail from 4k at that distance, and the M-series doesn't have a great viewing angle. You should get the LG 55LF6300 instead. It has a wide viewing angle, is good at displaying low-resolution content, and doesn't have much blur, so sports will look good.
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Is it worth buying 4k if i get TV over the air with an antenna?
No, not if that's all you watch. 4k TVs are really only worth it if you plan on watching 4k video. If you'll only be watching 1080p and lower, get a 1080p TV.
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I am glad I found this site. I am trying to buy a new 4k UHD LED TV without the 3D. Both Costco and Best Buy seem to be giving some bum info. Costco has on sale a UN55JS700DFXZA and Best Buy has a XBR55X800B, one for $1,279.99 and BB for $1,099.99. Are these the 2015s, and which is better to buy? Thanks a million for all you do.
The X800B is from 2014, and the JS7000 is from this year. We didn't review the X800B, so we can't be sure how good it is. It does have an IPS panel, though, which means weak blacks, but a wide viewing angle.
The JS7000 also has an IPS panel, and it has judder when playing 24 fps video, but it has very little blur, low input lag, good upscaling, and can get good and bright.
If you need something that looks good from off to the side, we do recommend the JS7000. If you want something that looks great from straight on, a different TV would be better.
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How many hours will TV's perform with good picture quality?
A lot of factors comes in and manufacturers claims different things but generally speaking, TVs should last a good 5 years while keeping good picture quality. Only plasma and OLED picture quality will degrade over time.
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Are curved TVs better than flat TVs?
There are very minimal differences between the two, but no, not really. We discuss how flat TVs compare to curved in this article.
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I am looking at three different 55" TVs, given the current pricing in the market. The Sony KDL55W800C, the LG 55LF6100, and the 4k Vizio M55. Do you have any suggestions, given that they are all within $100 of one another?
Get the Vizio. It has the best overall picture quality and performance of the three (in particular, it has deep, very uniform blacks), and it's the only one that gives you the option to watch 4k, which is nice.
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Hello, I currently have a Samsung LN46A650 LCD. While there is nothing wrong with the TV, I am looking for a larger option, as we sit about 8-10' from the screen. Currently looking at 55" options, mainly the Sony XBR850C and the Samsung JS8500. We mainly watch movies and sports, zero gaming.
Just looking for guidance toward the right TV. Also curious if the Quantum Dot (Triluminous, etc) will be noticed on 1080P or just native 4K?
Also was looking at the specs on my old TV, and it said the brightness was 500cd/m². Is it accurate that my 8 year old TV has better brightness than the new models?
Thanks for your help!
The JS8500 handles motion better and has better gray uniformity, both great features for sports. For movies, the two TVs are about equals. The Quantum Dot technology enhance the color gamut. It will show under any resolutions but you have to enable the feature. As with brightness, manufacturers has a tendency to boost their numbers so unless the two TVs brightness are measured under the same environment, the numbers can't be compared. The JS8500 is plenty bright so it is not an issue. Get that one.
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First off, thank you for putting the 4K site together - it's extremely helpful! I was also wondering: could I please seek your expertise to help me select a TV? I'm sort of stuck right now, so any thoughts are greatly appreciated. My situation/thoughts are as follows:
- Drivers, TV Size, Budget: My current TV died, so while I can wait to buy another TV, I can't wait too long. I'm looking squarely for a new 55" TV and I prefer to stick around $1,500 though I can spend a little more if absolutely worth it. I buy and keep, so I'm looking to buy something that will be somewhat future-proof, and I'm willing to invest a little more if I get that assurance.
- Surrounding Conditions: The TV will be approximately 6.5 feet away, and will be in a decently bright room if all the shades are open and it's a sunny day.
- Primary Usage: Movies, gaming (Xbox One), and TV watching (kids shows). We also hook up our laptop, phone, or tablet to the TV quite a bit.
- Preferred Brands: I'm not a huge fan of Sony, so pretty much leaning towards Samsung LED TVs or LG OLED TVs. With my budget, I don't think I need to resort to cheaper brands.
- Not Curved: I lean more towards flat panels both for aesthetics and for price considerations, but I am open to curved panels if the overall reasons are right.
- Concern About Burn-In: I know everyone says OLED is so much more beautiful, but I'm also concerned about the burn-in / image retention issues with OLED. Again given I buy and keep and that we hook up other electronics, durability of the unit is important.
- Sound: Decent sound is great to have but not a must. I am willing to get a soundbar if necessary.
- Units Currently Considered and Price: The Samsung JS8500 currently runs for $1,530 so it's definitely in my budget. The LG EC9300 is $1,800 and the LG EG9100 is $2,000. My understanding is the the OLED TVs have nicer image quality than the Samsung, but I'm not sure how much more. I'm also not sure how much more the 4K and fast response rate (240 Hz) of the Samsung TV outweighs the image quality consideration.
---------------------------
Ultimately, my questions from here would be:
- Should I be considering any other units?
- If not, which of the units above would you pick and why? If yes, which unit would you pick out of all them and why?
In closing, thank you so much in advance for your time and your help! Looking forward to hearing your insights!
Permanent burn-in isn't likely to be an issue, but if you're really concerned about any and all image retention, then skip out on OLED - it's quite likely to happen, especially with gaming.
So, overall, the JS8500 is the TV that will suit your needs best. It's not on OLED's level for other elements of picture quality, but it still has very good picture and performance for everything you want to do. The curved JS9000 is slightly better, but it's not a big enough difference that it is a must-have.
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Is it important to purchase from an authorized dealer? The prices are significantly different. Thank you.
We recommend it, just because we often see unauthorized dealers trying to trick buyers with phony listings.
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I am so confused trying to choose between the Sony XBR55X810C and the Vizio M55-C2. For me, good upscaling and picture quality is important, as I like to entertain and have movie nights in my living room. Please help?
Get the X810C. The upscaling is great across the board, and the picture quality is very good. The M has some issues with lower-resolution material, so it's not as good of a pick.
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I recently purchased a 55" Samsung J6300 based on your recommendations and I am very pleased with it.
One question. When I am watching a movie via Netflix the video is not full screen. The picture is full horizontally, but vertically the picture is short on the top and bottom.
I used all of your recommended settings. Is there a setting I can change to achieve full screen? Thanks.
It depends on the source material. If the movie was filmed in a wider aspect ratio, the picture on the TV will be displayed like this (and arguably look the best). If you want to fill the screen completely, you can stretch and/or crop it using the settings under 'Menu' - 'Picture' - 'Picture Size'. You can read more about aspect ratio and how it changes here.
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I have decided to upgrade my 46 inch Samsung led smart tv to a Samsung 55 inch led smart tv. No need for curved, 4k, 3d etc. No need for gaming, limited dvd use. Is the j6300 a good choice for the tv tech challenged and does the j6300 have a previous model number as I am planning for upcoming black friday?
Yes, the J6300 should be great for your need. Last year's version, the H6350, should also be just as good.
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Which Samsung 55 inch has the best sound system? Or 60 inch.
The JS8500 and JS9500 but not by much compared to the other Samsung models. A good sound bar would still sound better.
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I am looking to upgrade our TV. We have an old 32" Samsung, and I'm looking in the 50-55" range. I love your site because the TV will be used for streaming movies/tv, then DVDs, then sports, then console gaming in that order. I'm stuck between the Samsung UN55JS7000 and the Sony XBR55X810C. The peripherals listed on your site show strengths and weaknesses of both. Sony edges in movies and sports, while Samsung, ironically, finishes higher in gaming. I'm also worried about the sound quality in the Sony. Another consideration is MLB.TV. I know I can get it on Sony, I haven't seen a place that lists that particular Samsung model (though everything EXCEPT that seems to be listed). Let me know what you recommend. The viewing distance will be 6-7 feet on couch and 15 feet at dinner table. Thank you for your awesome site!
Get the x810c. The 55" JS7000 has an IPS screen that produce a picture with grayish blacks and poor contrast. The 55" x810c will look better for all contents. Don't worry too much about the sound either. Although it got a lower score in 'Total Harmonic Distortion', it isn't something that is really noticeable compared to the Samsung.
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Thanks for the quick response to the 55" LG EG9100 vs. the 60" JU7100 question. I currently own an HD 61" JVC DLP and enjoy the picture (blacks are very bad, but sports are good). I'm assuming the JU7100 will have significantly better picture, so I'm leaning towards the JU7100 due to my love for the larger size.
I must admit that the 55" LG EG9100 is very tempting, but at a viewing distance of 10.5 feet, I'm concerned that I'd find it too small.
If I'm sitting approximately 10.5 ft away and purchase the 60" JU7100, how high should the bottom of the TV be placed on the wall? Thank You.
Ideally, your eyeline should line up with the center of the TV, so you should go for whatever level allows you to achieve that.
4
Thanks for your great site. I feel a bit confused with your ratings. You consistently state that the J6300 is the best 1080 option, yet it has a lower score than the j6200 and the same score as the Vizio E. Perhaps in your scoring it could be more clear for picture quality, maybe it's own category so I can understand better? What are the most important characteristics in determining picture quality? I have read on other sites that these options (6300, 6200, e series) are lower end tvs, in other words manufacturers aren't putting the best features on these sets. If picture quality is the most important factor, do these TV's compete with higher end sets or are they a step below? While not all of the visibility of 4k may be apparent in smaller sets/distance from TV, won't some of the other features in a 4k set still make it better than a 1080 set? Thanks for all your work, guidance, and information, really appreciate it.
Those TVs are pretty close in picture quality but the J6300 get our recommendation because it doesn't have problem upscaling 720p resolution (unlike the J6200 and Vizio E). Since 720p is commonly used in several HD cable channels, we have to push back our recommendations for the J6200 and Vizio E for those who watch cable TV even if those TVs score higher in other categories. Generally speaking, it is true that 4k TVs are more high end, use better components and support more features. Compared to the J6300, some 4k TVs will look better even at a distance where 4k is useless. For example, the JS8500 will look better because of the wider color gamut and better screen uniformity. So if you have the money, the JS8500 is still a better buy than the J6300 (for the same screen size) even if you don't care about resolution. In our reviews, 4k TVs will also get more points for added features but we calibrate all TVs the same with most/all features turned off so direct comparison can be made. To learn more about how we rate TVs, take a look at our scoring chart here.
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