Black Friday is full of deals, but a TV is worth choosing by more than its price. It helps to understand what screen size suits your room, whether you need 4K, which smart system will be pleasant to use every day and which ports you will need. This guide explains it all simply, without technical jargon.
How to work out the right size
Screen size is measured diagonally in inches (1 inch is about 2.54 cm). The best way to choose is by how far you sit from the screen. A TV that is too big for a small room will tire your eyes, while one that is too small will get lost in a large living room.
The distances below are only a general rule of thumb, not a manufacturer requirement:
| Diagonal | Approximate viewing distance | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 40 inches (about 102 cm) | about 1.5–2.5 m | kitchen, bedroom, small room |
| 50 inches (127 cm) | about 2–3 m | average-sized living room |
| 55 inches (139.7 cm) and larger | about 2.2–3.5 m or more | larger living room, movie nights |
Before buying, measure not only the distance from the sofa but also the space where the TV will stand. For example, the 50-inch Samsung GU50DU8579U is about 112 cm wide without its stand, and its stand is 78.2 cm wide. The LG 50UR78006LK has a stand width of 85.9 cm. So check that your cabinet is wide enough.
Full HD or 4K
Full HD has 1920 × 1080 pixels, while 4K Ultra HD has four times as many. The bigger the screen and the closer you sit, the easier it is to see the difference: the picture looks sharper and fine detail stays clear.
When is Full HD enough?
- when the TV is small (around 40 inches) and sits in a bedroom or kitchen;
- when you mostly watch broadcast channels, news or shows;
- when you want to keep the budget down.
When is 4K worth it?
- when the screen is 50 inches or larger;
- when you watch streaming services and films, or play on a console;
- when you are buying for the next several years, as 4K is becoming the usual standard.
Keep in mind that 4K does not improve the picture on its own: if the content is low resolution, the picture will only be as good as the source allows.
Smart TV systems
A smart system is the TV's operating system. Through it you launch apps (such as streaming services), browse and connect to Wi-Fi. It matters most day to day because you use it every time you switch on. You will notice within the first week whether the menu is quick, clear and easy to navigate.
- Tizen – the system used on Samsung TVs;
- webOS – the system used on LG TVs;
- TiVo – the system named in the title of the Panasonic TB-40S45CEZS.
Other brands' systems may differ, so check which features are listed in the product description. For example, the TCL Q7 55C61KS has built-in Chromecast, works with Google Assistant and offers 59 menu languages. The LG 55LX7B6LA has an AI Magic remote and works with Apple Siri.
Ports, mounting and energy class
HDMI and Wi-Fi
An HDMI port connects a console, set-top box, soundbar or computer. Think about how many devices you will have and check the TV has enough HDMI ports. Wi-Fi lets the smart features work without a cable. Some descriptions only state that Wi-Fi is available, so it is worth checking the number of ports in the manufacturer's specification.
If you watch broadcast TV, check the tuner too: the Hisense 50A7DS is listed with a DVB-T2 tuner, HDMI, HLG support and a 178° viewing angle.
VESA mounting
If you want to hang the TV on a wall, you need a compatible bracket. That is determined by the VESA standard, the layout of the mounting holes on the back of the TV. The product details provided do not include this information, so before buying check the manufacturer's specification for the VESA size and make sure the bracket fits. If the TV will stand on a cabinet, check whether a stand is included (a desktop stand is listed for the Samsung, LG and Hisense 50A7DS models).
Energy class
Energy labels run from A to G, and the newer scale rates SDR and HDR modes separately. As a result, most TVs fall into lower classes, so a G rating does not necessarily mean a poor purchase. It is more useful to compare actual consumption per 1000 hours, for example:
- TCL Q7 55C61KS: 76 kWh (SDR) and 165 kWh (HDR);
- Samsung GU50DU8579U: 70 kWh (SDR) and 110 kWh (HDR);
- LG 55LX7B6LA: 84 kWh (SDR) and 120 kWh (HDR), 0.5 W in standby;
- LG 50UR78006LK: 99 kWh (HDR).
These values depend on screen size and technology, so compare models of a similar size.
What HDR means
HDR (high dynamic range) allows a greater difference between bright and dark parts of the picture. You see it in films and series made in HDR. In the description, look at which HDR formats the TV supports; the Hisense 50A7DS, for instance, lists HLG.
Model examples by need
Modest 40-inch models
For a small room or a second TV, Full HD is enough:
- Hisense 40A49S – 40 inches, Full HD, Smart TV with Wi-Fi, black, plastic housing with a frame;
- Panasonic TB-40S45CEZS – 40 inches, 1920 × 1080, LED, SmartTV with the TiVo system.
50-inch 4K models
A good fit for an average living room and everyday viewing:
- Hisense 50A7DS – 4K, DVB-T2, HDMI, HLG, light sensor, cable management;
- LG UHD 50UR78006LK – 4K, e-manual, desktop stand; a smart remote is not included;
- Samsung GU50DU8579U – 4K, Crystal Processor 4K, Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound, remote control included.
55-inch and higher-class models
- TCL Q7 55C61KS – 55 inches, 4K, Onkyo sound, built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, sleep timer;
- LG 55LX7B6LA – 55 inches, 4K, AI Magic remote, Apple Siri, 0.5 W standby.
You can find a wider selection in the TV category.
Tips before Black Friday
- Measure your space. Note the distance from the sofa, the cabinet width and the wall width if you plan to mount it.
- Shortlist 3–4 models in advance. Then you will not need to rush on the day of the deals.
- Make a list of must-have features. For example 4K, a DVB-T2 tuner, enough HDMI ports, voice control or a VESA bracket.
- Compare specifications, not just price. Similar-sized models can differ in processor, sound or smart system.
- Check the exact model code. Similar names can belong to different series.
- Read the seller's terms. Look at the warranty and return options.
- Don't forget accessories. A bracket, HDMI cable or soundbar may need to be bought separately.
In short, the best TV is not always the most expensive one, but the one that suits your room, viewing habits and devices. If you prepare in advance, you can choose calmly and confidently on Black Friday.
