Honestly, Buying a TV Right Now is Confusing
I spent way too long researching TVs last month when my 2019 Samsung finally died. The market has changed a lot. OLED prices dropped significantly, Mini-LED got weirdly good, and even the cheap stuff looks decent now.
The good news is you really don’t need to spend $3000 to get something that looks great. But it helps to know what actually matters before you buy.
My Top 5 After Testing
1. LG G4 OLED
This is the TV you stare at in Best Buy wondering if it’s actually that good or just the demo reel. Having had one for about two months now, I can confirm it really is that good.
The MLA tech makes it noticeably brighter than older OLEDs. I was skeptical about whether I’d actually notice the difference, but you do. Gaming at 144Hz is ridiculously smooth, and the blacks are still perfect OLEDs.
One thing though - it’s expensive. Like, really expensive. And there’s still the burn-in thing in the back of my mind, even though LG says it’s not a big deal anymore. My buddy has had his C2 for three years with no issues, so maybe I’m being paranoid.
If you have the money and want the best picture quality you can get, this is it.
2. Samsung QN90D
My parents’ living room has massive windows and their old TV was basically unwatchable during the day. I set them up with the QN90D and the difference was night and day.
This thing pumps out insane brightness - we’re talking over 2000 nits. The anti-reflection coating actually works too, which I was skeptical about. Sunny afternoon? You can still see everything clearly.
The blacks aren’t as good as OLED, obviously. And Samsung insists on putting ads in their interface which drives me crazy. But if your room gets a lot of natural light, this is probably a better choice than OLED anyway.
3. Sony Bravia 9
Sony’s motion processing has always been excellent, and the Bravia 9 continues that tradition. Movies look cinematic without that weird soap opera effect you get on some TVs.
I borrowed one from a friend for a week and the color accuracy is genuinely impressive. If you care about watching films the way directors intended, this is the one. Also works great with PS5 if you have one.
It’s pricier than comparable Samsung or Hisense options though, and honestly the design is pretty boring. The stand in particular is just… there. But you’re buying it for the picture quality, not the aesthetics.
4. Hisense U8N
Okay, I’ll admit I was a snob about Hisense for a long time. Cheap TV brand, right? I finally tried one last year and had to eat my words.
The U8N has over 2000 dimming zones, 144Hz gaming support, and honestly looks better than TVs that cost twice as much. I keep recommending this to friends who don’t want to spend a fortune and everyone has been happy with it.
There’s some blooming in really dark scenes if you’re looking for it, and some people care about brand names. But if you just want a great TV without the premium price tag, this is probably what you should buy.
5. TCL Q6
Budget TVs have come so far. The Q6 isn’t going to win any awards, but for what it costs, it’s honestly pretty good.
QLED colors look nice, Google TV works well enough, and you get 120Hz for gaming. It’s not as bright as the premium options and the build quality is just okay, but for a guest room or bedroom TV? More than good enough.
Quick Comparison
| TV | Type | Brightness | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG G4 | OLED | High | Overall best | [Check Price] |
| Samsung QN90D | Mini-LED | Very High | Bright rooms | [Check Price] |
| Sony Bravia 9 | Mini-LED | High | Movies | [Check Price] |
| Hisense U8N | Mini-LED | Very High | Value | [Check Price] |
| TCL Q6 | QLED | Medium | Budget | [Check Price] |
OLED vs QLED vs Mini-LED
Quick breakdown if you’re confused:
- OLED: Each pixel makes its own light, so you get perfect blacks. Looks amazing in dark rooms. More expensive.
- QLED: Samsung’s marketing term for quantum dot LED TVs. Bright and colorful but not as good contrast as OLED.
- Mini-LED: Uses thousands of tiny LEDs for better local dimming. Gets you closer to OLED contrast while staying bright.
What I’d Actually Buy
If money is tight: Hisense U8N. Seriously, it’s ridiculous how good it is for the price.
If you want the best: LG G4 OLED. Nothing else comes close for pure picture quality.
If your room is bright: Samsung QN90D. Handles sunlight better than anything else.
Prices fluctuate constantly so double check before ordering.