Helping you navigate the complex world of televisions is at the heart of what we do at Tom’s Guide TV. As Managing Editor for TVs and AV, I spend my days immersed in the latest display technologies, putting countless models through rigorous testing to determine which TVs truly stand out. From industry events and behind-closed-door demos to extensive at-home evaluations, I personally experience the newest innovations and assess their impact on your everyday viewing experience.
When I evaluate a TV, I focus on the features that matter most to you. These are the same core elements that define a great television: exceptional picture quality, immersive sound, a straightforward setup process, and seamless access to your favorite streaming services and smart features.
My picture quality assessments are comprehensive, covering every critical aspect. I meticulously analyze contrast, brightness, black levels, color saturation, color accuracy, motion processing, and upscaling capabilities. It’s the harmonious blend of these factors that ultimately determines if a TV earns our recommendation as one of the best available today.
If you’re searching for a prime example of top-tier television performance, look no further than the Hisense U8N. While it faces formidable competition from brands like Samsung and LG, particularly the LG C4 OLED, the U8N strikes an exceptional balance of price and performance. I personally used the U8N as my main TV for three months – a significant duration in the fast-paced world of TV testing – and consistently found myself impressed each time I turned it on.
The Quick List: Tom’s Guide TV Top Picks
1. Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV
Picture ★★★★★ Features ★★★★☆ Value ★★★★★
The Hisense U8N lives up to its impressive specifications, delivering truly stunning picture quality. It boasts HDR scenes with incredible brightness and unparalleled color reproduction, making it a top contender according to Tom’s Guide TV experts.
2. Samsung S95D OLED
Picture ★★★★★ Features ★★★★☆ Value ★★★★☆
The Samsung S95D represents Samsung’s pinnacle of QD-OLED technology. Tom’s Guide TV editors highlight its combination of exceptional highlight brightness, vibrant color volume, and a unique anti-glare matte screen finish.
Explore the Full Samsung S95D Review
3. LG G4 OLED
Picture ★★★★★ Features ★★★★☆ Value ★★★☆☆
The LG G4 OLED breaks new ground with its proprietary OLED panel technology. Tom’s Guide TV testing reveals that this TV achieves remarkable brightness while maintaining the perfect black levels OLED is known for, setting a new standard for OLED TVs.
Read the Comprehensive LG G4 OLED Review
4. TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV
Picture ★★★★☆ Features ★★★★☆ Value ★★★★★
The TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV captures the essence of the highly praised TCL 6-Series, a Tom’s Guide favorite for years. This new model offers similar impressive performance and, with recent price reductions, delivers outstanding value for under $1,000.
Learn More in the TCL QM8 Review
5. Samsung QN90D QLED TV
Picture ★★★★★ Features ★★★☆☆ Value ★★★☆☆
Samsung’s QN90D QLED TV excels in delivering high brightness and exceptional contrast, core strengths of QLED technology. Tom’s Guide TV experts recommend it as an ideal choice for rooms with abundant ambient light.
See the In-depth Samsung QN90D Review
6. LG B4 OLED
Picture ★★★★☆ Features ★★★★☆ Value ★★★★★
The LG B4 OLED offers A/V enthusiasts and gamers excellent picture accuracy and a comprehensive suite of gaming features at a more accessible price point. Tom’s Guide TV testing notes its primary limitation is lower brightness compared to higher-end OLEDs, but it remains a value-rich set with impressive performance.
Explore the LG B4 OLED Review in Detail
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7. TCL QM7 QLED
Picture ★★★★☆ Features ★★★☆☆ Value ★★★★★
The TCL QM7 QLED stands out as the best TV in the sub-$500 category, according to Tom’s Guide TV evaluations. It achieved impressive peak brightness and color accuracy in our tests, surpassing its competitors and establishing itself as the top ultra-budget TV.
Read the Full TCL QM7 QLED Review
8. LG C4 OLED
Picture ★★★★☆ Features ★★★★☆ Value ★★★★☆
Until the arrival of the LG C5 OLED with its enhanced gaming features, the LG C4 OLED remains Tom’s Guide TV’s top recommendation for gaming. It boasts four HDMI 2.1 ports, a 144Hz refresh rate, perfect OLED black levels, and 1,000 nits of brightness, making it a gamer’s dream.
Delve into the LG C4 OLED Gaming TV Review
9. Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV
Picture ★★★★★ Features ★★★★☆ Value ★★☆☆☆
The Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV is Tom’s Guide TV’s pick for the best 8K TV of 2024. It delivers breathtaking AI-enhanced picture quality and an improved Tizen smart platform. While expensive, it’s the only 8K TV we currently recommend.
Explore the Samsung QN900D 8K TV Review
About the Author: Tom’s Guide TV Expert
Written by Nick Pino
My name is Nick Pino, and as Tom’s Guide’s Managing Editor of TV & AV, I oversee our comprehensive guides to the best TVs, best OLED TVs, and best 4K TVs. For over a decade, I have been deeply involved in the TV and AV industry, contributing to major tech publications. Prior to joining Tom’s Guide, I served as the Senior Editor, TV and AV at TechRadar. My credentials include THX Installation and Calibration training and judging TV innovations at CES, the world’s largest tech show. Before my journalism career, I gained firsthand experience assisting customers in the TV department at Best Buy, understanding the needs and questions of everyday TV buyers.
Tom’s Guide TV: The Best TVs You Can Buy Today
Why Trust Tom’s Guide TV? At Tom’s Guide, our writers and editors dedicate countless hours to rigorously analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to bring you the most reliable recommendations. Learn more about our detailed testing, analysis, and rating methodologies.
Tom’s Guide TV Best TV: Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
1. Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV – Tom’s Guide TV Best Overall Pick
A cutting-edge Mini-LED TV available for under $800, offering exceptional value as highlighted by Tom’s Guide TV.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
- Screen Type: Mini-LED with quantum dots
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (up to 144Hz)
- HDMI ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 57.2 x 35.9 x 14.8 inches
- Weight: 56.2 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Bonkers Brightness: Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms exceptional peak brightness.
- Google TV Integration: Seamless smart TV experience praised by Tom’s Guide TV.
- Built-in ATSC 3.0 Tuner: Future-proof over-the-air capabilities, a Tom’s Guide TV feature highlight.
- Under $1,000 Price Point: Unbeatable value for performance, according to Tom’s Guide TV experts.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- Limited HDMI 2.1 Ports: Only two ports may be restrictive for some setups, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
- Upscaling and Color Banding: Minor imperfections in upscaling and color transitions, observed by Tom’s Guide TV testers.
- Color Accuracy Needs Calibration: Out-of-the-box color may require adjustment for optimal accuracy, as per Tom’s Guide TV findings.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ You prioritize Mini-LED TV performance: Tom’s Guide TV emphasizes its exceptional brightness and color reproduction for the price.
✅ You are integrated within the Google ecosystem: Google TV is smart and intuitive, especially for Google users, a Tom’s Guide TV smart feature highlight.
✅ You value good TV sound: The U8N’s audio performance is strong, with a powerful 2.1.2 speaker system suitable for most rooms, according to Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluations.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ Color accuracy is paramount without calibration: Tom’s Guide TV advises that calibration is needed for the most accurate color.
❌ Top-tier AI upscaling is essential: Hisense upscaling is good, but not on par with Sony, LG, or Samsung, according to Tom’s Guide TV processing comparisons.
❌ You need a future-proof gaming TV with ample HDMI 2.1 ports: Two HDMI 2.1 ports may become limiting in the future, a point for gamers to consider according to Tom’s Guide TV gaming analysis.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The Hisense U8N ULED is Tom’s Guide TV’s top recommendation for most buyers. It’s exceptionally colorful and incredibly bright, offering near-$2,000 TV performance for under $1,000. ★★★★
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best 4K TVs
2. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best OLED TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best Gaming TVs
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the Hisense U8N
The Hisense U8 series, consistently a Tom’s Guide TV favorite, continues its reign with the U8N. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the U8K, the U8N elevates brightness to new heights. Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms its ability to output over 3,000 nits in HDR, ensuring excellent visibility even in brightly lit rooms. Color vibrancy is also exceptional, rivaling TVs costing significantly more.
Tom’s Guide TV experts emphasize that the U8N delivers performance comparable to $2,000 TVs at a sub-$1,000 price point, making it an incredible value.
The slight drawbacks, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV, are in post-image processing and HDMI 2.1 port quantity. While motion processing and upscaling are generally good, they don’t quite reach the level of Sony, Samsung, or LG. Additionally, the U8N offers only two HDMI 2.1 ports.
Despite these minor limitations, Tom’s Guide TV concludes that most viewers will be thoroughly impressed by the Hisense U8N’s overall performance.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): For testing, Tom’s Guide TV utilized the 65-inch model. At 56.2 pounds, it’s typical for non-OLED TVs in terms of weight and thickness. Standard VESA mounting (600 x 400, M6) is supported. The included stand legs allow for tabletop placement.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): Tom’s Guide TV’s hands-on experience confirms the Hisense U8N’s impressive picture quality. The built-in light sensor optimizes brightness for any environment, and color vibrancy is outstanding. In Tom’s Guide TV’s lab tests, the U8N rivaled the much pricier LG C4 OLED in key metrics like SDR brightness and color saturation.
Tom’s Guide TV testing identified slight weaknesses in upscaling and motion processing, where actors’ faces may appear softer and motion blur can be noticeable. Serious gamers might also detect minimal input latency, though still within imperceptible ranges for most.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): Tom’s Guide TV praises Google TV as a user-friendly and effective smart platform. It excels at content discovery and provides access to all major streaming services without favoring any particular platform. Minor slowdowns when switching apps are a potential drawback.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Hisense U8N Mini-LED TV
Hisense 65″ U8N Mini-LED TV Deal (Tom’s Guide TV Deal Alert): was $1,499 now $897 @ Amazon Still on sale with significant savings, as highlighted by Tom’s Guide TV deals.
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Strong performance for the price, Tom’s Guide TV Value Pick. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | A great-looking TV but not OLED-levels of thin, according to Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★☆ |
| Picture | Shows and movies give off a serious ‘wow’ factor, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★★ |
| Smart TV | The best smart TV operating system on the market, Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★★ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best QD-OLED TV: Samsung S95D OLED
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
2. Samsung S95D QD-OLED – Tom’s Guide TV Best QD-OLED Pick
An exceptional OLED TV that excels even in rooms with ambient light, a Tom’s Guide TV top recommendation.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 55, 65, 77 inches
- Screen Type: QD-OLED
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 56.8 x 32.7 x 0.4 inches
- Weight: 41.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Amazing Color and Brightness: Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms exceptional color and brightness levels.
- Full Slate of Gaming Features: Comprehensive gaming features lauded by Tom’s Guide TV gaming experts.
- Amplified Audio: Clear and easily audible audio performance, a Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation highlight.
- Incredible Brightness: The S95D’s peak brightness of 1,777 nits provides stunning HDR, as tested by Tom’s Guide TV.
- Great for Gamers: Supports 4K gaming at 120Hz and 144Hz across all HDMI 2.1 ports, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming feature highlight.
- Anti-Glare Coating: Matte finish effectively minimizes glare, ideal for bright rooms, as observed by Tom’s Guide TV.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- No Dolby Vision Support: Lacks Dolby Vision, a notable omission for HDR enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV format compatibility review.
- Samsung Account Required for Apps: Downloading apps necessitates a Samsung account, a minor inconvenience noted by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform assessment.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ Incredible Brightness is a Must: Tom’s Guide TV highlights the S95D’s outstanding 1,777 nits peak brightness for HDR content.
✅ Gaming is a Primary Use: The S95D is excellent for gaming with 4K 120Hz/144Hz support and HDMI 2.1 on all ports, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
✅ Glare is a Concern in Your Viewing Environment: The anti-glare coating is a game-changer for bright rooms, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV testing.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ Dolby Vision is Non-Negotiable: Samsung’s lack of Dolby Vision might be a deal-breaker for some, according to Tom’s Guide TV HDR format analysis.
❌ You Prefer an Intuitive, Streamlined Smart Platform: Tizen OS has a learning curve and requires a Samsung account for apps, a point of consideration from Tom’s Guide TV.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The Samsung S95D OLED is Tom’s Guide TV’s overall top QD-OLED recommendation. It surpasses its predecessors with top-tier performance for streaming, gaming, and 4K/HDR movies, boasting a vibrant and bright QD-OLED display. ★★★★☆
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: Best Google TVs
2. Tom’s Guide TV: Best 55-inch TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: Best TV Brands
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the Samsung S95D OLED
Tom’s Guide TV recognizes the Samsung S95D as a significant advancement in Samsung’s QD-OLED lineup. While utilizing similar technology as previous models, the S95D incorporates notable improvements.
The matte finish, designed to minimize glare, is a key feature highlighted by Tom’s Guide TV, effectively reducing reflections without compromising color accuracy. This makes the S95D suitable for rooms that typically pose challenges for OLED TVs due to sunlight.
Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms the S95D as one of the brightest OLED TVs tested, delivering lifelike picture quality, especially with 4K/HDR content, thanks to its exceptional brightness and OLED black levels.
While Dolby Vision remains absent, Tom’s Guide TV notes the S95D’s comprehensive feature set, including extensive gaming capabilities with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K gaming up to 144Hz, VRR, and Samsung Game Bar.
Overall, Tom’s Guide TV concludes that the Samsung S95D is not only among the best OLED TVs but also one of the best TVs overall, excelling in various viewing scenarios from casual streaming to competitive gaming and movie watching.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The S95D utilizes Samsung’s One Connect Box, a slim, external box for connections, offering flexibility in setup. Tom’s Guide TV highlights the One Connect Box as a valuable design element for home theater enthusiasts. The TV itself features a sleek, narrow OLED panel, an anti-glare matte screen, and Samsung’s Solar Cell remote.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): Tom’s Guide TV’s lab measurements recorded peak HDR brightness exceeding 1,700 nits. Color volume is exceptional, covering nearly 90% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut and approximately 100% of the UHDA-P3 HDR color gamut, thanks to quantum dots. Tom’s Guide TV praises its accurate color reproduction, especially in Filmmaker mode.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): Samsung’s Tizen OS has improved in speed, but Tom’s Guide TV notes navigation can still be somewhat cumbersome. The remote lacks a dedicated input button. However, the platform supports all major streaming apps and SmartThings hub functionality.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Samsung S95D OLED
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Worth the price, but still a premium investment, according to Tom’s Guide TV Price Analysis. | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Sleek design with a practical anti-glare finish, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★★ |
| Picture | Brightest and most colorful OLEDs with excellent out-of-the-box picture, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★★ |
| Smart TV | Tizen OS offers app support but can be less intuitive to navigate, Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★☆☆ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best OLED TV: LG G4 OLED
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
3. LG G4 OLED – Tom’s Guide TV Best OLED Pick
LG’s near-perfect OLED TV takes the #3 spot in Tom’s Guide TV’s overall rankings, still a top contender in the OLED category.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 55, 65, 77, 83 inches
- Screen Type: OLED with MLA
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (up to 144Hz)
- HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 56.8 x 32.7 x 0.4 inches
- Weight: 49.6 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Outstanding Picture Quality: Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms exceptional picture quality across various content.
- User-Friendly WebOS: WebOS platform is simple and intuitive to use, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts.
- Strong Gaming Features: Comprehensive gaming features set, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
- Four HDMI 2.1 Ports: Ample HDMI 2.1 connectivity for modern devices, a Tom’s Guide TV connectivity highlight.
- Outstanding Brightness: Reaches 1,488 nits peak brightness, entering LED territory, according to Tom’s Guide TV measurements.
- Great for Gamers and Sports Fans: 120Hz native refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 ports make it ideal for both, a Tom’s Guide TV recommendation.
- α11 AI Processor 4K: LG’s top processor enhances upscaling and picture quality, a Tom’s Guide TV processing technology highlight.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- No HDR10+ Support: Lacks HDR10+, a minor drawback for HDR format enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV format compatibility review.
- Average Built-in Audio: Built-in audio is adequate but not exceptional, a Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation finding.
- No ATSC 3.0 Tuner: Missing ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV, a feature omission noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ Exceptional Brightness is Desired in an OLED: The G4’s 1,488 nits peak brightness is impressive for an OLED, according to Tom’s Guide TV brightness testing.
✅ Gaming and Sports are Key Viewing Habits: 120Hz and HDMI 2.1 make it excellent for both, a Tom’s Guide TV recommendation for gamers and sports fans.
✅ AI-Powered Upscaling is Important: LG’s α11 AI Processor enhances lower-resolution content, a Tom’s Guide TV processing technology highlight.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ ATSC 3.0 Tuner is a Must-Have: The lack of an ATSC 3.0 tuner is a drawback for over-the-air broadcast enthusiasts, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
❌ Superior Sound Quality from Built-in Speakers is Expected: Sound quality is average; a soundbar is recommended for better audio, according to Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The LG G4 OLED is a game-changer for OLED TVs, according to Tom’s Guide TV. Its META 2.0 panel achieves exceptional brightness and impressive out-of-the-box color accuracy, making it a top OLED choice. ★★★★★
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best 4K TVs
2. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best OLED TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: Best LG TVs
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the LG G4 OLED
Tom’s Guide TV recognizes LG as a leader in OLED technology, and the G4 OLED exemplifies this leadership. LG’s continued innovation in OLED panel technology culminates in the G4, featuring the new META 2.0 panel. Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms enhanced brightness and accurate out-of-the-box color.
The G4’s design is also praised by Tom’s Guide TV, and LG’s five-year warranty on OLED panels provides added confidence. Tom’s Guide TV concludes that the LG G4 is the clear choice for the best OLED TV in 2024.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The LG G4 OLED offers a gallery-inspired design, incredibly thin and wall-mountable, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV design experts.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): Tom’s Guide TV testing reveals exceptional out-of-the-box picture quality. Peak brightness reached 1,488 nits with perfect black levels. Color accuracy in Filmmaker mode is outstanding, and input latency is among the lowest tested by Tom’s Guide TV. Movies and shows appear sharp and vibrant.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): WebOS is reliable and functional, though not the flashiest platform, according to Tom’s Guide TV. It’s stable and consistently performs well. The Magic Remote can be polarizing, but alternative control options like Apple Airplay 2 and Google Assistant are available.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: LG G4 OLED
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | LG’s top 4K OLED is also its most expensive, a point noted by Tom’s Guide TV Price Analysis. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Design | Gallery-quality design continues with the G4, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★★ |
| Picture | Simply stunning picture quality, near perfection according to Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★★ |
| Smart TV | WebOS is effective, but the Magic Remote is divisive, Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★☆ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best Value TV: TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
4. TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV – Tom’s Guide TV Best Value Pick
Tom’s Guide TV’s bargain recommendation, an excellent and affordable QLED TV with Google TV.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
- Screen Type: Mini-LED with quantum dots
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 56.9 x 32.6 x 1.7 inches
- Weight: 50.1 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Extraordinary Brightness: Exceptional brightness for the price, confirmed by Tom’s Guide TV testing.
- Numerous Gaming Features: Well-equipped for gaming, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming feature highlight.
- Google TV Smart Platform: Integrated Google TV provides a smooth smart experience, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the performance, a Tom’s Guide TV value proposition.
- Good Image Quality: Delivers better color, brightness, and lag times than previous models, according to Tom’s Guide TV picture quality assessment.
- Google TV Advantage: Snappy and smooth Google TV platform, a Tom’s Guide TV smart platform highlight.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- Mediocre Sound: Built-in sound quality is adequate but not exceptional, a Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation finding.
- Picture Quality Dips Off-Axis: Picture quality degrades when viewed from off-axis angles, noted by Tom’s Guide TV viewing angle testing.
- No ATSC 3.0 Tuner: Lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner, a feature omission for over-the-air broadcast enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV.
- Off-Axis Viewing Limitations: Color saturation loss when viewed off-axis, a Tom’s Guide TV viewing angle observation.
- Average Sound Quality: 8W speakers offer passable stereo sound, but a soundbar is recommended, according to Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation.
- Limited HDMI 2.1 Ports: Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, potentially limiting for some setups, a Tom’s Guide TV connectivity consideration.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ You Want a Good-Looking Cheap TV: The TCL QM8 offers the best smart TV experience under $1,000, according to Tom’s Guide TV value assessment.
✅ Good Image Quality is a Priority: Offers improved color, brightness, and lag times, as confirmed by Tom’s Guide TV testing.
✅ You Prefer Google TV: Google TV is smooth and user-friendly, a Tom’s Guide TV smart platform recommendation.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ Off-Axis Viewing is Frequent: Picture quality is best when viewed head-on, a limitation for wide seating arrangements, according to Tom’s Guide TV viewing angle testing.
❌ High-Fidelity Audio is Essential from Built-in Speakers: Sound quality is average; a soundbar is recommended for better audio, according to Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation.
❌ More Than Two HDMI 2.1 Ports are Required: Limited HDMI 2.1 ports may be restrictive for some setups, a Tom’s Guide TV connectivity consideration for gamers and device-heavy users.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV is a solid upgrade and a Tom’s Guide TV Best Value pick. It delivers incredible performance for a reasonable price, making it a top choice for budget-conscious buyers. ★★★★
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best TVs Under $500
2. Tom’s Guide TV: Best TCL TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: Best Smart TVs for Streaming
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV
Tom’s Guide TV considers the choice between the Hisense U8N and TCL QM8 to be very close, both offering exceptional value. While the U8N is slightly better overall, the QM8 also earns a strong recommendation from Tom’s Guide TV. Like the U8N, the QM8 uses Mini-LEDs and quantum dots to enhance picture quality.
Tom’s Guide TV highlights the QM8’s up to 2,300 local dimming zones and TCL’s High Brightness Ultra Direct LED backlight, delivering impressive contrast for an LED-LCD TV. The AIPQ Engine Gen 3 enhances upscaling of HD/SDR content, and numerous gaming features add to its appeal.
Minor drawbacks, according to Tom’s Guide TV, include the 8W speakers and the absence of an ATSC 3.0 tuner, though the latter may not be a concern for all users.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The QM8 features a minimal bezel design, maximizing screen real estate. Physical controls and a microphone switch are included. Tom’s Guide TV notes that only two of the four HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 compliant.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): The QM8, like the U8N, excels in brightness, combating ambient light effectively. Tom’s Guide TV testing measured 1,348 nits in SDR and over 2,000 nits in HDR. Contrast approaches OLED levels, and colors are vivid. However, out-of-the-box color accuracy could be improved, requiring some calibration, according to Tom’s Guide TV color accuracy testing.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): TCL utilizes Google TV on the QM8, a platform praised by Tom’s Guide TV for its clean interface and smooth performance. Voice search and a built-in microphone enhance user experience.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Excellent value for the money, Tom’s Guide TV Value Pick. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Basic plastic construction, but functional and adequate, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★☆ |
| Picture | Improved performance and strong 4K HDR picture quality, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★★ |
| Smart TV | Top-tier smart TV system, Google TV, praised by Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★★ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best QLED TV: Samsung QN90D Neo QLED TV
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
5. Samsung QN90D Neo QLED TV – Tom’s Guide TV Best QLED Pick
Tom’s Guide TV recommends Samsung’s QN90D as a reliable and excellent QLED TV choice.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
- Screen Type: Mini-LED with quantum dots
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 56.9 x 32.6 x 1.1 inches
- Weight: 53.4 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Impressive Brightness: Exceptional brightness, surpassing OLED in bright rooms, confirmed by Tom’s Guide TV testing.
- Good Gaming Performance and Features: Strong gaming capabilities, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
- Improved Tizen Operating System: Enhanced Tizen smart platform, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts.
- Superior Brightness to OLED: Handles ambient light better than OLED due to high peak brightness, according to Tom’s Guide TV brightness comparisons.
- Eye-Popping Colors and Clarity: Brightness enhances color reproduction and clarity, a Tom’s Guide TV picture quality highlight.
- Excellent for Gamers: Low input lag and gaming features make it ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- No ATSC 3.0 Tuner: Lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner, a feature omission noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
- Lacks Dolby Vision Support: No Dolby Vision, a drawback for HDR enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV format compatibility review.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ Brightness is More Important Than OLED Contrast: QLED brightness excels in ambient light, a Tom’s Guide TV recommendation for bright rooms.
✅ Vibrant Colors and Sharpness are Desired: The QN90D delivers eye-catching visuals, according to Tom’s Guide TV picture quality assessment.
✅ Gaming is a Key Use Case: Low input lag and gaming features make it ideal for gamers, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ Dolby Vision is Essential: The absence of Dolby Vision might be a deal-breaker for some HDR enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV HDR format analysis.
❌ Over-the-Air Content is Important: No ATSC 3.0 tuner is a limitation for OTA viewers, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The Samsung QN90D Neo QLED TV embodies a premium TV, according to Tom’s Guide TV. It boasts best-in-class HDR brightness and impressive contrast, making it a fantastic though slightly pricier option. ★★★★
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: Best QLED TVs
2. Tom’s Guide TV: Best 65-inch TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: Best HDMI 2.1 TVs
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the Samsung QN90D Neo QLED TV
Tom’s Guide TV describes the Samsung QN90D as a versatile “swiss army knife” of TVs, excelling in upscaling, brightness, and available in a wide range of sizes. Like the Hisense U8N, it uses Mini-LED for enhanced contrast and brightness.
Tom’s Guide TV highlights its slightly faster input latency and four full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports as advantages for gamers.
However, Tom’s Guide TV notes that the QN90D is more expensive and the Tizen smart platform is less desirable compared to top picks, making it a less compelling value proposition.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The QN90D features a standard, thin-bezel design. The pillar stand is convenient for narrow entertainment centers but less stable than two-leg stands, according to Tom’s Guide TV design experts. Four HDMI 2.1 ports are included, enhancing its gaming capabilities.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms strong brightness performance, measuring over 2,000 nits in HDR. While the Hisense U8N is brighter, the QN90D excels in out-of-the-box color accuracy and picture processing, according to Tom’s Guide TV comparisons.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): Tizen has improved but is still not Tom’s Guide TV’s favorite smart platform. It’s functional with streaming apps and SmartThings hub, but requires a Samsung account for app downloads. Google TV is preferred by Tom’s Guide TV.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Samsung QN90D Neo QLED TV
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Pricier than competitors, but still reasonable value, according to Tom’s Guide TV Price Analysis. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Design | Minimalist bezels and slim profile, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★☆ |
| Picture | Best-in-class brightness and impressive performance, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★★ |
| Smart TV | Adequate but not top-tier smart platform, Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★☆ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best Budget OLED: LG B4 OLED
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
6. LG B4 OLED – Tom’s Guide TV Best Budget OLED Pick
Tom’s Guide TV’s recommendation for an affordable OLED TV option.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 inches
- Screen Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 57 x 32.8 x 1.8 inches
- Weight: 37.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Perfect Black Levels: OLED’s signature perfect blacks, a key feature highlighted by Tom’s Guide TV.
- Four HDMI 2.1 Ports: Ample HDMI 2.1 connectivity, a Tom’s Guide TV connectivity highlight.
- Brilliant Colors: Vivid and accurate colors, a Tom’s Guide TV picture quality observation.
- Affordable OLED: Entry-level OLED at a more accessible price, a Tom’s Guide TV value proposition.
- Gaming Support on a Budget: Excellent gaming features at a lower price, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation for budget-conscious gamers.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- Middling Audio: Sound quality is adequate but not exceptional, a Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation finding.
- Missing ATSC 3.0 Tuner: Lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner, a feature omission noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
- Reflective Screen: Screen can be reflective, potentially an issue in bright rooms, according to Tom’s Guide TV viewing environment considerations.
- Lower Brightness: Not as bright as higher-end OLEDs, especially in HDR, a Tom’s Guide TV brightness comparison.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ You Want OLED on a Budget: The LG B4 offers OLED technology at a more affordable price, a Tom’s Guide TV value recommendation.
✅ Gaming Features are Important on a Budget: Provides extensive gaming features at a lower cost, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation for budget-conscious gamers.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ Sunny Room is the Primary Viewing Environment: Reflective screen and lower brightness make it less ideal for bright rooms, according to Tom’s Guide TV viewing environment considerations.
❌ High HDR Brightness is Essential in an OLED: The B4 is dimmer than higher-end OLEDs in HDR, a Tom’s Guide TV brightness comparison.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The LG B4 is Tom’s Guide TV’s most affordable OLED recommendation. It offers OLED benefits at a lower price, with slight performance trade-offs in brightness. Still, it delivers excellent picture accuracy and gaming features. ★★★★☆
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best 4K TVs
2. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best OLED TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best Gaming TVs
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the LG B4 OLED
Tom’s Guide TV highlights the LG B4 as the entry point to OLED technology in LG’s 2024 lineup, offering OLED benefits at a more accessible price.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The B4 features a similar slim OLED design to other 2024 LG OLEDs, with a wider stand to accommodate soundbars. Tom’s Guide TV notes the wide-set stand feet, requiring a wider surface for placement.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): Tom’s Guide TV testing confirms excellent black levels and wide viewing angles typical of OLED. The B4 delivers accurate picture quality and good motion handling. Color accuracy in Filmmaker mode is exceptional. However, peak HDR brightness is lower at 659 nits, making it better suited for dimmer rooms, according to Tom’s Guide TV brightness measurements.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): The B4 includes the latest webOS, but Tom’s Guide TV observed occasional slowdowns in menu navigation. App support is robust, making webOS a viable streaming hub.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: LG B4 OLED
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Most affordable LG OLED in 2024 and one of the most affordable OLEDs overall, Tom’s Guide TV Value Pick. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Thin panel with wide-set feet, stylish but requires a wide surface, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★☆ |
| Picture | Dimmer than high-end OLEDs, but still excellent contrast and accurate colors, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★☆ |
| Smart TV | webOS is slightly slow but with robust app support, Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★☆ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best Budget TV: TCL QM7 QLED
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
7. TCL QM7 QLED – Tom’s Guide TV Best Budget TV Pick
Tom’s Guide TV’s top recommendation in the under-$500 TV category.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
- Screen Type: LED with quantum dots
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- HDMI ports: 2 HDMI 2.1, 2 HDMI 2.0, 2 USB
- Size: 56.9×32.9×2.8 inches
- Weight: 45.9 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- High SDR and HDR Brightness: Impressive brightness levels for the price, confirmed by Tom’s Guide TV testing.
- Good Color Handling: Solid color performance, especially in HDR, a Tom’s Guide TV picture quality observation.
- Google TV Operating System: Integrated Google TV provides a user-friendly smart experience, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts.
- Good Remote Control: User-friendly remote included, a Tom’s Guide TV accessory highlight.
- Affordable Upgrade: Significant upgrade for the price, rivals TVs costing much more, a Tom’s Guide TV value proposition.
- Easy-to-Use Smart Features: Google TV provides seamless access to streaming options, a Tom’s Guide TV smart platform highlight.
- Big Screen on a Budget: Large screen sizes available without breaking the bank, a Tom’s Guide TV value proposition for big-screen buyers.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- Input Lag Could Be Lower: Input lag is higher than ideal for competitive gaming, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming performance consideration.
- Only Two HDMI 2.1 Ports: Limited HDMI 2.1 ports, potentially restrictive for some setups, a Tom’s Guide TV connectivity consideration.
- No ATSC 3.0 Tuner: Lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner, a feature omission noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
- Mediocre Upscaling and Viewing Angles: Upscaling of sub-HD content and viewing angles are average, noted by Tom’s Guide TV picture processing and viewing angle tests.
- Off-Angle Viewing Issues: Color desaturation and contrast reduction when viewed off-axis, a Tom’s Guide TV viewing angle observation.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ You Want to Upgrade Your 4K TV Affordably: The TCL QM7 rivals TVs costing $1,000 more, according to Tom’s Guide TV value assessment.
✅ Easy-to-Use Smart Features are Desired: Google TV provides seamless streaming access, a Tom’s Guide TV smart platform recommendation.
✅ You Want a Big Screen Without Overspending: Large screen sizes are available at budget-friendly prices, a Tom’s Guide TV value recommendation for big-screen buyers.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ Gaming is a Primary Focus, Especially Competitive Gaming: Input lag is higher than ideal for competitive gamers, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming performance consideration.
❌ Over-the-Air Broadcasts are Important: No ATSC 3.0 tuner is a limitation for OTA viewers, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
❌ Wide Viewing Angles are Necessary: Picture quality degrades when viewed off-axis, a limitation for wide seating arrangements, according to Tom’s Guide TV viewing angle testing.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The TCL QM7 competes with mid-range TVs and is Tom’s Guide TV’s Best Budget TV pick. It delivers strong performance for under $500, offering excellent value in the ultra-budget category. ★★★★☆
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best 4K TVs
2. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best OLED TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best Gaming TVs
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the TCL QM7 QLED
Tom’s Guide TV considers the TCL QM7 an “absolute steal” at its price point, rivaling mid-range models from major brands. Tom’s Guide TV testing data supports this assessment.
Tom’s Guide TV testing measured impressive peak brightness and color space coverage. It’s one of the brightest and most colorful TVs in its class.
Minor issues, according to Tom’s Guide TV, include limited HDMI 2.1 ports and average off-angle viewing, but these compromises are minor considering the price.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The QM7 features a unibody design typical of mid-range TVs. It’s mountable and includes a pedestal stand with cord management. Tom’s Guide TV notes the inclusion of two HDMI 2.1 ports.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): The QM7 outperforms competitors in brightness and color volume, as confirmed by Tom’s Guide TV testing. However, off-axis viewing results in color and contrast degradation. Upscaling of sub-1080p content is average, but 1080p and 4K content look impressive. Input lag is higher than ideal for hardcore gamers, but Dolby Vision and 144Hz refresh rate are gaming advantages.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): Google TV provides a user-friendly and app-rich smart platform, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: TCL QM7 QLED
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Fantastic bargain compared to rivals, Tom’s Guide TV Value Pick. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Looks more expensive than it is, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★☆ |
| Picture | Vibrant colors and contrast when viewed head-on, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★☆ |
| Smart TV | Excellent Google TV software, praised by Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★★ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best TV for Gaming: LG C4 OLED
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(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
8. LG C4 OLED – Tom’s Guide TV Best Gaming TV Pick
Tom’s Guide TV’s top gaming TV pick for 2024, expected to remain a top choice into 2025.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, 83 inches
- Screen Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (up to 144Hz)
- HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 56.7 x 32.5 x 1.8 inches
- Weight: 36.6 pounds
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Superb Picture Quality: Exceptional picture quality, typical of OLED, praised by Tom’s Guide TV picture quality experts.
- Svelte webOS Smart Platform: Improved webOS smart platform, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts.
- Strong Gaming Feature Set: Comprehensive gaming features, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
- Four HDMI 2.1 Ports: Ample HDMI 2.1 connectivity, a Tom’s Guide TV connectivity highlight.
- Cutting-Edge OLED Technology: Features the latest LG OLED technology, a Tom’s Guide TV tech highlight.
- Next-Gen Gaming Ready: Ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X with VRR, ALLM, and HDMI 2.1, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
- Visually Stunning: OLED black levels and saturated colors deliver exceptional visual fidelity, a Tom’s Guide TV picture quality highlight.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- Pricey for the Performance: Performance is excellent but comes at a premium price, according to Tom’s Guide TV price analysis.
- Average Sound Quality: Sound quality is adequate but not exceptional, a Tom’s Guide TV audio evaluation finding.
- No ATSC 3.0 Tuner or HDR10+ Support: Lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner and HDR10+, feature omissions noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ You Want Cutting-Edge OLED Technology: The C4 features the latest LG OLED advancements, a Tom’s Guide TV tech recommendation.
✅ Next-Gen Gaming is a Priority: Ideal for gamers with 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, and HDMI 2.1, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
✅ Visual Quality is Paramount: OLED offers superior black levels and color, a Tom’s Guide TV picture quality recommendation.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ You’re Considering the Older C3 OLED for Savings: The C3 offers significant savings with only minor performance differences, a Tom’s Guide TV value consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
❌ ATSC 3.0 Tuner is Required: Lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner, a limitation for OTA viewers, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The LG C4 OLED is Tom’s Guide TV’s top gaming TV pick. While not surpassing the G4 or Sony A95L OLED, it offers cutting-edge 2024 technology and excellent gaming performance in an appealing package. ★★★★
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the LG C4 OLED
Tom’s Guide TV positions the LG C4 OLED as the latest in LG’s popular C-Series, building upon the C3 and C2 models. Key improvements include enhanced webOS and 144Hz refresh rate support for PC gaming.
However, Tom’s Guide TV notes its higher price, making it less of a value proposition compared to slightly older models. While delivering excellent OLED black levels, color, and viewing angles, its brightness doesn’t match the G4 or Sony A95L.
Tom’s Guide TV concludes that in a less competitive year, the C4 would be the best TV, but its current price makes it harder to justify compared to competitors.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The C4 maintains the pedestal stand design, praised by Tom’s Guide TV for its chic look and cord management. Wall mounting is supported, but requires care due to the thin OLED panel. Four HDMI 2.1 ports and the Magic Remote are included.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): The C4 achieves over 1,000 nits in HDR, a brightness improvement over previous C-Series models, as measured by Tom’s Guide TV. HDR format support includes HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, but not HDR10+. The α9 AI Processor 4K Gen7 enhances upscaling. 144Hz support for PC gaming and 4K/120Hz for consoles are gaming highlights.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): webOS 24 includes accessibility features and a streamlined UI with optional ad disabling, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts. App selection is comprehensive, with Apple AirPlay and Chromecast built-in.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: LG C4 OLED
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Decent value, but not as affordable as the B4 OLED, Tom’s Guide TV Price Analysis. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Design | Beautiful and sleek design, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★★ |
| Picture | Wonderful picture quality, average sound, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality and Audio Assessment. | ★★★★☆ |
| Smart TV | webOS 24 is the newest version, a key feature, Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★☆ |
Tom’s Guide TV Best 8K TV: Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV
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(Image credit: Future)
9. Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV – Tom’s Guide TV Best 8K Pick
Tom’s Guide TV’s top recommendation for 8K TVs, the awe-inspiring Samsung QN900D.
Tom’s Guide TV Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Available Screen Sizes: 65, 75, 85 inches
- Screen Type: Mini-LED with quantum dots
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1
- Size: 3.9 x 42 x 12 inches
- Weight: N/A
Reasons to Buy (Tom’s Guide TV Approved):
- Excellent Upscaling: Exceptional upscaling of 4K and lower content to 8K, praised by Tom’s Guide TV picture processing experts.
- Outstanding Brightness: Incredibly bright display, confirmed by Tom’s Guide TV testing.
- Improved Tizen OS: Enhanced Tizen smart platform, praised by Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts.
- Excellent Gaming Features: Comprehensive gaming features, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
- Exceptional Realism and HDR Punch: High peak brightness delivers stunning HDR, a Tom’s Guide TV picture quality highlight.
- Great Gaming Experience: Four HDMI 2.1 ports and gaming features make it ideal for next-gen consoles, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
- Future-Ready 8K (and Upscaled 4K): Prepares you for future 8K content and excels at upscaling 4K, a Tom’s Guide TV future-proofing consideration.
Reasons to Avoid (Considerations from Tom’s Guide TV):
- No Dolby Vision: Lacks Dolby Vision, a drawback for HDR enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV format compatibility review.
- AI Enhancements Not for Everyone: AI upscaling and picture enhancements may not appeal to purists, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV picture processing analysis.
- High Price: Very expensive, a premium price point, according to Tom’s Guide TV price analysis.
- Limited 8K Content: Native 8K content is still scarce, a current limitation for 8K TVs, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV content analysis.
- Affordability Concerns: Significantly more expensive than 4K TVs of similar or larger sizes, a Tom’s Guide TV value consideration.
Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Recommendation):
✅ You Demand Exceptional Realism and HDR: High brightness and AI upscaling deliver stunning visuals, according to Tom’s Guide TV picture quality assessment.
✅ Gaming is a High Priority: Four HDMI 2.1 ports and gaming features make it excellent for next-gen consoles, a Tom’s Guide TV gaming recommendation.
✅ You Want to be at the Forefront of 8K Technology: Prepares you for future 8K content, a Tom’s Guide TV future-proofing recommendation.
Don’t Buy It If (Tom’s Guide TV Caveats):
❌ You’re Waiting for Widespread 8K Content: Native 8K content is still limited, a current drawback for 8K TVs, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV content analysis.
❌ Dolby Vision is a Must-Have Feature: The absence of Dolby Vision might be a deal-breaker for some HDR enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV HDR format analysis.
❌ Budget is a Primary Concern: The QN900D is very expensive, a premium purchase, according to Tom’s Guide TV price analysis.
Tom’s Guide TV Bottom Line:
📺 The Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV is a showstopper and Tom’s Guide TV’s Best 8K TV pick. It’s top-of-the-line with phenomenal upscaling and gaming performance, recommended for those with the budget for premium 8K. ★★★★★
More Like This on Tom’s Guide TV:
1. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best 8K TVs
2. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best OLED TVs
3. Tom’s Guide TV: The Best Gaming TVs
Tom’s Guide TV: What You Need to Know About the Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV
Tom’s Guide TV views 8K TVs as the future, and the Samsung QN900D is positioned as a leading example of this technology. Its AI-powered upscaling and color accuracy are key features highlighted by Tom’s Guide TV.
Tom’s Guide TV testing measured excellent color accuracy and high peak brightness, exceeding 2,300 nits.
However, Tom’s Guide TV notes the controversial nature of AI upscaling, which may deviate from the director’s intent. Cinema purists may find the AI enhancements too aggressive.
Despite the high price, Tom’s Guide TV recommends the QN900D to discerning cinephiles who appreciate its picture quality and have the budget to afford it.
Design (Tom’s Guide TV Design Assessment): The QN900D features Samsung’s Infinity Display with minimal bezels and a futuristic pedestal design, praised by Tom’s Guide TV design experts. The integrated 6.2.4-channel audio system enhances immersion. All essential ports, including HDMI 2.1, connect via the OneConnect Box.
Performance (Tom’s Guide TV Performance Testing): Tom’s Guide TV highlights the QN900D’s exceptional performance, particularly its high peak brightness and color accuracy. AI upscaling is powerful but may be controversial for purists, as noted by Tom’s Guide TV picture processing analysis.
Smart TV (Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review): Tizen OS has improved significantly in usability, with enhanced recommendations and easier picture mode switching, according to Tom’s Guide TV smart platform experts. App installation still requires a Samsung account.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Samsung QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV
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Tom’s Guide TV Rating Scorecard
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Very expensive 8K TV, Tom’s Guide TV Price Analysis. | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Design | Unparalleled industrial design, Tom’s Guide TV Design Review. | ★★★★★ |
| Picture | Jaw-dropping AI upscaling but may not appeal to all, Tom’s Guide TV Picture Quality Assessment. | ★★★★☆ |
| Smart TV | Improved Tizen OS is excellent, Tom’s Guide TV Smart Platform Review. | ★★★★★ |
Tom’s Guide TV Benchmarks: TV Comparison
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| TV (Tom’s Guide TV Tested) | Peak Brightness (tested) | Delta-E (tested) | BT2020 Color Volume (tested) | Input Lag (tested) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hisense U8N | 3,397 nits | 3.2 | 81.92% | 13.1ms |
| LG G4 OLED | 1,489 nits | 1.4 | 72.91% | 9.2ms |
| TCL QM8 | 2,344 nits | 3.2 | 76.5% | 16ms |
| Samsung QN90D | 2,023 nits | 2.6 | 77.4% | 9.6ms |
| TCL Q6 QLED | 498 nits | 2.1 | 68.92% | 8.9ms |
| Sony A95L OLED | 1,260 nits | 2.8 | 89.56% | 16.1ms |
| Samsung S90C | 1,072 nits | 1.3 | 78.23% | 9.2ms |
| LG C4 OLED | 1,049 nits | 1.8 | 72.16% | 9.2ms |
| Samsung QN900D | 2338.15 nits | 1.8413 | 70.83% | 10.4ms |
Tom’s Guide TV Testing Methodology Explained
Tom’s Guide TV employs rigorous testing using advanced equipment and software to provide objective TV reviews. We use an X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer, a SpectraCal VideoForge Pro pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software.
Understanding Tom’s Guide TV Benchmark Data
- Peak Brightness: Measures screen luminance, indicating brightness capability. Higher nits generally mean better HDR performance, up to around 2,000 nits, as per Tom’s Guide TV brightness expertise.
- Delta E: Measures color accuracy, the difference between perfect color and TV output. Lower Delta E values indicate better color accuracy, a key metric for Tom’s Guide TV picture quality assessment.
- BT2020 Value: Represents color gamut coverage, with higher percentages indicating wider color ranges. BT2020 is the current gold standard, according to Tom’s Guide TV color gamut analysis.
- Input Lag: Measures signal processing delay, critical for gaming responsiveness. Lower input lag is better for gamers, with under 20ms being generally imperceptible, according to Tom’s Guide TV gaming performance expertise.
Tom’s Guide TV: Also Tested TVs
Beyond our top picks, Tom’s Guide TV rigorously tests many TVs that, while good, didn’t make the main list. We test dozens of TVs annually, providing comprehensive coverage.
Here are honorable mentions – TVs tested by Tom’s Guide TV that are worth considering.
Samsung Q60D QLED TV (★★☆☆☆) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
The Samsung Q60D is a decent entry-level QLED, but underperforms against competitors like Hisense and TCL, according to Tom’s Guide TV comparisons. Tom’s Guide TV testing measured lower HDR brightness compared to Hisense U7N and TCL QM7. The Tizen smart platform is also sluggish.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Samsung Q60D QLED TV Review.
Panasonic W95A Mini-LED TV (★★★★☆) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
The Panasonic W95A is a strong Mini-LED TV with impressive HDR brightness and color accuracy, according to Tom’s Guide TV testing. The Fire TV smart platform is less appealing, but performance and gaming support are excellent, placing it among top Mini-LED TVs, according to Tom’s Guide TV Mini-LED TV category analysis.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Panasonic W95A Mini-LED TV Review.
Sony Bravia 8 OLED TV (★★★★☆) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
The Sony Bravia 8 OLED is a strong OLED contender but misses our top list due to limited HDMI 2.1 ports and average response time, according to Tom’s Guide TV assessment. Samsung S90C or LG C4 OLED are better mid-range OLED options, according to Tom’s Guide TV OLED category analysis.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Sony Bravia 8 OLED TV Review
Hisense U9N Mini-LED TV (★★★★☆) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
The Hisense U9N is a step up from the U8N with exceptional brightness and color volume, as per Tom’s Guide TV testing. However, it’s more expensive and available in limited sizes, reducing its overall appeal compared to the U8N, according to Tom’s Guide TV value analysis.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Hisense U9N Mini-LED TV Review.
Hisense U7N (★★★☆☆½) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
The Hisense U7N is Hisense’s mid-range Mini-LED TV for 2024. While not as bright as the U8N, it’s a good budget option for gamers and home theater enthusiasts, according to Tom’s Guide TV value assessment.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Hisense U7N Review.
Samsung QN900C 8K QLED TV (★★★★☆) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
The Samsung QN900C is the 2023 runner-up for best 8K TV, according to Tom’s Guide TV 8K TV category analysis. Minor black crushing is a drawback, but overall performance is excellent.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K TV Review
Samsung The Frame TV (2024) (★★★★☆) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
Samsung’s The Frame TV excels in design, blending into home décor and displaying art in Art Mode, according to Tom’s Guide TV design assessment. Art Mode now uses less power. However, art requires separate purchase, and performance doesn’t match competitors in its price range, according to Tom’s Guide TV value analysis.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Samsung The Frame TV (2024) Review.
Sansui OLED TV (★★★☆☆) – Tom’s Guide TV Honorable Mention
The Sansui OLED is a very affordable OLED TV, currently only in 55-inch size. Brightness is lower than mid-range and high-end OLEDs, but it’s cheaper than most 55-inch OLEDs, according to Tom’s Guide TV value analysis. It includes HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz refresh rate.
Read the Full Tom’s Guide TV Review: Sansui OLED TV Review.
Tom’s Guide TV: What to Consider When Buying a TV
Tom’s Guide TV recommends starting your TV buying journey by considering size, room lighting, and desired picture quality.
Start with Size (Tom’s Guide TV Size Guide): Wall size and furniture determine TV size. Common TV sizes are 40, 48, 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches. Uncommon sizes may compromise features or performance, according to Tom’s Guide TV size expertise.
Performance and Price (Tom’s Guide TV Value Guide): Good 65-inch TVs start around $500-$600, great ones $1,000-$1,500, and top-tier can exceed $2,500, according to Tom’s Guide TV price analysis. Generally, you get what you pay for. Basic 4K TVs for streaming should be under $800, while larger, higher-performance TVs will cost more.
Feature Set and Smart TV Platform (Tom’s Guide TV Feature Guide): All TVs are smart TVs, but platforms vary. Roku TVs are simple, while Samsung TVs require accounts for apps. Gamers should consider input lag and HDMI 2.1 ports, while cinephiles may want IMAX Enhanced, according to Tom’s Guide TV feature recommendations.
Tom’s Guide TV: TV Terminology Explained
Tom’s Guide TV provides a quick guide to essential TV terminology.
Screen Sizes: Measure your wall or furniture to determine appropriate size, as per Tom’s Guide TV size guide. Tom’s Guide TV Size Guide: What size TV should you buy?
Brightness: Brighter rooms need brighter TVs to combat glare. OLEDs are better in dark rooms, while bright LED-LCDs work better in brighter rooms, according to Tom’s Guide TV brightness expertise. Tom’s Guide TV Brightness Guide: OLED vs Mini-LED TV
Panel Type: OLED and QD-OLED are self-emissive with better contrast and color, but potential pixel degradation. LED-LCD TVs are bright but can have Dirty Screen Effect (DSE). QD-OLED TVs offer advantages over traditional OLED, according to Tom’s Guide TV panel technology analysis. Tom’s Guide TV QD-OLED Guide: QD-OLED TVs: What are they?
Resolution: 4K resolution is essential for most TVs over 40 inches. Higher resolution means clearer pictures, according to Tom’s Guide TV resolution guide.
Refresh Rate: 60Hz or 120Hz native refresh rates. 120Hz is better for smoother motion in sports and games, according to Tom’s Guide TV refresh rate guide.
Ports: More HDMI ports are better, with at least one HDMI 2.1 port recommended. Tom’s Guide TV HDMI 2.1 Guide: Best HDMI 2.1 TVs. Tom’s Guide TV Ports Explained: TV ports explained
Smart Software: Roku TV, Google TV, WebOS, and Tizen are common smart platforms with varying strengths and weaknesses, according to Tom’s Guide TV smart platform reviews.
Price: Better TVs generally cost more, but smaller 4K TVs under $500 are available, freeing budget for soundbars or streaming devices, according to Tom’s Guide TV value analysis.
Tom’s Guide TV: Best Time to Buy a TV
Tom’s Guide TV advises that the best time to buy a TV is when your old one needs replacing, ideally aligning with major shopping holidays like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day.
Price history analysis shows TVs typically drop in price over time, with Black Friday/Cyber Monday offering significant discounts. February Super Bowl TV deals also clear out last year’s stock before new models arrive in spring, according to Tom’s Guide TV price trend analysis.
However, waiting too long means buying older models, potentially losing a year of use for minor savings.
Tom’s Guide TV: How We Test the Best TVs
Matthew Murray
Matthew Murray is Head of Testing for Future, overseeing product testing at Tom’s Guide TV and other Future publications.
Tom’s Guide TV Testing Process: Introduction
Tom’s Guide TV uses a two-part testing process: scientific lab tests and real-world use. Data and hands-on experience are equally important for comprehensive TV reviews, according to Tom’s Guide TV testing methodology.
Tom’s Guide TV Testing Process: In the Lab
Tom’s Guide TV lab testing utilizes specialized equipment and software, including a SpectraCal VideoForge Pro, X-Rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer, and Calman software. A Leo Bodnar 4K Input Lag Tester measures input latency, as per Tom’s Guide TV testing protocols.
We measure contrast, brightness, color accuracy (Delta E), and input lag, providing objective data for TV comparisons, according to Tom’s Guide TV benchmark testing. Tom’s Guide TV Testing Breakdown: How Tom’s Guide tests and reviews TVs.
Tom’s Guide TV Testing Process: In Our Living Room
Tom’s Guide TV living room testing involves real-world use with Netflix, Blu-rays, YouTube, and games. We evaluate smart platforms, settings, and picture quality in everyday viewing scenarios. This complements lab data, providing a holistic TV review, according to Tom’s Guide TV testing methodology.
Tom’s Guide TV Testing Process: Wrap Up
Tom’s Guide TV spends extensive time with each TV, combining objective lab data with subjective real-world impressions to deliver thorough and helpful reviews. Our goal is to guide you to the best TV for your needs, considering various user preferences and budgets, according to Tom’s Guide TV review philosophy.
Tom’s Guide TV: Read More
Tom’s Guide TV: Best 4K TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best Smart TVs for Streaming | Tom’s Guide TV: Best TVs for Gaming
Tom’s Guide TV: The Best TVs Under $1000 | Tom’s Guide TV: The Best TVs Under $500
Tom’s Guide TV: Best TV Brands | Tom’s Guide TV: Best Samsung TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best TCL TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best LG TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best Roku TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best Google TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best OLED TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best QLED TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 8K TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best HDMI 2.1 TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best TVs with ATSC 3.0 | Tom’s Guide TV: Best TVs with Chromecast
Tom’s Guide TV: The Smallest Smart TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 43-inch TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 50-inch TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 55-inch TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 65-inch TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 70-inch TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 75-inch TVs | Tom’s Guide TV: Best 85-inch TVs
