How to choose a TV: size, 4K, panel types and smart features

A TV is something you will look at every day for years, so it is worth a little planning. The three decisions that matter most are size, panel type and the smart TV platform. Everything else is detail.

Pick the size for your room

Measure the distance from your sofa to where the TV will go. For a 4K TV, a common rule is a screen diagonal of roughly half to two-thirds of that distance:

• About 1.5 to 2 metres away: 43 inches
• About 2 to 2.5 metres: 50 to 55 inches
• About 2.5 to 3 metres: 55 to 65 inches
• More than 3 metres: 65 inches and above

Tip:Most people who regret their TV size wish they had gone bigger, not smaller.

4K is standard now

At 43 inches and above, choose 4K (Ultra HD). Full HD only makes sense for small screens in bedrooms or kitchens. Most streaming apps offer 4K content, but you need a fast, steady internet connection to watch it.

LED, QLED, Mini LED and OLED

LED is the standard, affordable panel. QLED adds a layer that improves colour and brightness, which helps in bright rooms. Mini LED uses many smaller backlights for better contrast. OLED lights each pixel on its own, giving perfect blacks and the best picture in a dark room, at a higher price.

Choose a smart platform you like

The built-in software decides how easy the TV is to use every day. Google TV, Fire TV, Tizen (Samsung) and webOS (LG) all support the major apps in India, including Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and YouTube. Check that any regional or sports apps you rely on are available.

Sound, ports and installation

Thin TVs have small speakers, so budget for a soundbar if audio matters to you. Count the HDMI ports you need for a set-top box, console or soundbar; HDMI with eARC makes connecting a soundbar simpler. Finally, check whether wall mounting and installation are included in the price.