Sony 50 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series: LED Smart Google TV KD50X77L- 2023 Model
Finding the perfect TV can be tricky. Everyone has different priorities, but price is a great starting point. High-end TVs boast stunning picture quality, but come with a hefty price tag. If budget is a concern, some features might need to be sacrificed. Thankfully, most 4K TVs deliver a great viewing experience for most content.
Think about what you watch and where you’ll watch it. If you’re a 4K HDR enthusiast, a top-of-the-line TV might be worth it. But if you mainly watch cable news in a low-light room, a more affordable option might suffice.
The best TV for you will depend on your budget, needs, and preferences. Consider factors like screen size, picture quality, smart TV features, and gaming performance when making your decision.
01. Best Overall: Sony 55 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
The Sony 55 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series is a mid-range TV with a focus on picture quality and smart features. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you:
Pros
- Excellent picture quality: The X80K uses Sony’s 4K HDR processor X1™ and features like 4K X-Reality PRO for upscaling and improving clarity of content filmed in lower resolutions. It also supports HDR formats like HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision for a wider range of colors and contrast.
- Smart TV with Google TV: The TV runs on Google TV, which provides a user-friendly interface with access to a wide variety of streaming services, apps, and voice search.
- Dolby Atmos compatibility: Experience immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
- Limited refresh rate: The X80K has a 50Hz refresh rate, which may not be ideal for gamers who prefer smoother, faster-paced visuals. High refresh rate TVs are typically 120Hz or higher.
- Average sound quality: The X80K has decent speakers, but may not be enough for audiophiles who crave a richer soundscape.
- No built-in camera: If you want to video chat or use gesture controls, you’ll need to purchase a separate camera (BRAVIA CAM 2)
Overall, the Sony 55 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series is a good option for casual viewers who prioritize picture quality, smart features, and brand reputation. If you’re a gamer or require top-tier audio performance, you might want to consider other options.
Here are some additional things to consider before buying:
- Price: The Sony 55 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series is priced around $648. You can find similar features in other brands at this price range.
- Screen size: 55 inches is a good size for most living rooms, but you may want to consider a larger screen if you have a big space.
- Connectivity: The X80K has multiple HDMI ports for connecting devices like game consoles and streaming devices.
02. Best Runner Up: SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
The Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 is a mid-range TV with a focus on good picture quality and smart features for the price. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- Good picture quality: Crystal Processor 4K delivers realistic colors and clarity, with support for HDR content.
- Ultra Slim Design: This TV is sleek and stylish, making it a good fit for modern spaces.
- Smart TV features: Tizen OS offers a wide variety of apps and streaming services, with Alexa built-in for voice control.
- Object Tracking Sound Lite: Creates a more immersive audio experience by moving sound along with the action on screen.
- Q-Symphony: When connected to a Samsung soundbar, allows the TV and soundbar speakers to work together for better sound.
- Motion Xcelerator: Improves motion handling for smoother action scenes in fast-paced content like sports or video games.
- Solar Remote: Eco-friendly remote that can be charged by solar power or USB.
Cons:
- Lacks high refresh rate: This TV has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be ideal for gamers who want the smoothest experience.
- No advanced backlighting: The picture quality might not be as good as higher-end TVs with features like local dimming.
- Not top-of-the-line audio: While Object Tracking Sound Lite improves audio, it may not deliver the best sound quality for audiophiles.
Overall, the Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 is a good option for those looking for a stylish TV with a good picture, smart features, and eco-friendly aspects like the solar remote. However, gamers or those who prioritize the absolute best picture quality may want to consider other options.
Here are some additional things to consider before you buy:
- Price: Be sure to compare prices from different retailers to get the best deal.
- What you’ll be using it for: If you’re a casual viewer who mainly watches movies and TV shows, this TV may be a good fit. But if you’re a gamer or videophile, you may want a TV with a higher refresh rate or more advanced picture quality features.
- Size: 55 inches is a good size for most living rooms, but you may want to consider a larger or smaller TV depending on the size of your room and how far you’ll be sitting from the screen.
03. Best Mid-range: TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
The TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV (40S350R) is a budget-friendly option for anyone looking for a basic smart TV for streaming and watching shows. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Affordable: This TV is priced competitively, making it a good option for those on a tight budget.
- Good picture quality: With a 1080p Full HD resolution and Direct LED backlight, you’ll get decent picture quality for watching movies and TV shows.
- Smart TV with Roku TV: Roku TV is a popular smart platform that offers a wide variety of streaming channels, making it easy to find what you want to watch. It’s also known for being user-friendly.
- Voice assistant compatibility: This TV works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing for voice control.
Cons:
- Basic features: Don’t expect top-of-the-line features like HDR or high refresh rates. This is a no-frills TV.
- Not ideal for gamers: The 60Hz refresh rate might not be ideal for fast-paced games where motion blur can be an issue.
- Standby light: Some users find the standby light to be too bright and distracting in a dark room.
Overall, the TCL 40S350R is a decent option for casual viewers looking for a basic smart TV at a good price. If you’re a gamer or need the best possible picture quality, you might want to look elsewhere.
Here are some additional things to consider before buying:
- Screen size: 40 inches is a good size for smaller rooms or bedrooms.
- Connectivity: The TV has 3 HDMI inputs, which is enough for most users.
- Sound quality: Budget TVs typically have average sound quality. You might consider adding a soundbar for a better audio experience.
04. Best Seller TV: INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
The Insignia 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a large screen with access to streaming services. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
Pros:
- Large 50-inch display: Great for watching movies and TV shows in a bigger space.
- 4K resolution: Enjoy sharp and detailed visuals with four times the resolution of Full HD.
- HDR10 compatibility: Provides a wider range of colors and contrast for a more realistic picture.
- Fire TV platform: Access to a wide variety of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
- Alexa voice control: Use your voice to control the TV, launch apps, search for content, and more.
- Affordable: Generally less expensive compared to other brands with similar features.
Cons:
- Standard LED panel: Picture quality might not be as good as TVs with OLED or QLED panels.
- 60Hz refresh rate: May not be ideal for gamers who prefer smoother motion handling.
- Direct lit backlight: Blacks may not appear as deep as TVs with local dimming features.
Overall, the Insignia 50-inch Class F30 Series is a good option for casual viewers who prioritize affordability and access to streaming services. If you’re a gamer or a videophile who demands the best picture quality, you might want to consider other options.
Here are some additional things to consider before buying:
- Do you have a high-speed internet connection? Streaming 4K content requires a strong and stable internet connection.
- What streaming services do you use most often? Make sure the TV supports your favorite streaming platforms.
- How important is picture quality to you? If you’re a stickler for the best visuals, you might want to spend more on a TV with a higher-quality panel.
05. Editor’s Pick: Sony 32 Inch 720p HD LED HDR TV
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
The Sony 32 Inch 720p HD LED HDR TV W830K is a 2022 model TV with a focus on smart features and decent picture quality for a budget-friendly price. Here’s a breakdown of the key points to consider:
Pros:
- Smart TV features: This TV runs on Google TV, which offers a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube built-in. You can also use Google Assistant to control the TV with your voice.
- HDR: While the resolution is only 720p, the TV supports HDR10 and HLG, which can provide a wider range of colors and contrast for a more immersive viewing experience, especially with HDR content.
- Sony X-Reality Pro: This upscaling technology helps to improve the clarity and detail of lower-resolution content.
Cons:
- Lower resolution: With only a 720p resolution, this TV isn’t ideal for watching content in close proximity or for those who prioritize sharp images. If you plan on watching a lot of high-definition content, a 1080p or 4K TV might be a better option.
- Limited refresh rate: The TV has a 60Hz refresh rate, which might not be ideal for fast-paced content like sports or video games where motion blur can be an issue.
Overall:
The Sony 32 Inch 720p HD LED HDR TV W830K is a good option for a small room or bedroom where you won’t be sitting too close to the screen. The smart features and decent picture quality for a budget price make it a good value for casual viewers. However, if you’re a videophile or gamer who prioritizes sharp images and smooth motion, you might want to consider a higher resolution TV with a higher refresh rate.
06. Best for Budget: INSIGNIA 32-inch Class
INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
Insignia F20 Series: Top Pick for Budget-Friendly Fire TV
The Insignia F20 Series is our pick for the best overall 32-inch smart TV with Fire TV, offering a great balance of features and affordability. Here’s why it stands out:
High Definition Picture: Enjoy your favorite content in crisp 720p resolution.
Alexa Voice Control: Effortlessly control your entertainment with voice commands. Search apps, switch inputs, and even control cable using the Alexa Voice Remote.
Seamless Fire TV Integration: Access a vast library of over 1 million movies and TV shows, plus tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.
Apple AirPlay Support: Stream videos, photos, and music directly from your Apple devices with a simple tap.
Simplified Audio Setup: HDMI ARC simplifies connections by sending audio directly to compatible soundbars or receivers, eliminating the need for an extra audio cable.
Conclusion:
Picking a good TV can be tricky, but with some research, you can find the perfect one for your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:
Screen Size: Bigger isn’t always better! Consider how far you’ll be sitting from the TV. A good rule of thumb is that for 1080p resolution, you want a viewing distance of 1-1.5 times the screen size. For 4K, you can sit even closer (around 0.75-1 times the screen size) to enjoy the extra detail.
Resolution: 4K (Ultra HD) is the current standard for most TVs, offering a sharp picture with high clarity. 8K TVs exist, but content is scarce and they’re significantly more expensive. For smaller screens (under 50 inches), a 1080p Full HD resolution might be sufficient.
Display Technology: There are three main types:
- LED: Most common and affordable, good picture quality, but blacks aren’t the deepest.
- OLED: Offers the best picture quality with perfect blacks and wide viewing angles, but can be more expensive and susceptible to burn-in.
- QLED (Samsung): A type of LED that uses quantum dots for improved colors, similar to OLED contrast but brighter.
Smart Features: Most TVs these days are “smart,” meaning they connect to the internet and let you stream shows and movies. Consider which streaming services you use and choose a TV with a compatible platform (Android TV, Roku, etc.) that’s easy to navigate.
Connectivity: Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for all your devices (gaming consoles, streaming sticks, etc.) Look for HDMI 2.1 ports if you plan on gaming with a next-generation console.
Other factors: Don’t forget about audio quality! Many TVs have weak built-in speakers, so you might want to consider a soundbar or speaker system for an immersive home theater experience. Think about your budget, brand reputation, warranty options, and any special features you might need (like voice control).
