Upgrade Your Viewing Experience: Best Smart TVs 2024
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated March 2024
Looking for a new Smart TV to boost your viewing experience? Step into the future of TV with us! We've handpicked the best smart TVs of 2024 which are guaranteed to satisfy your mind. From epic movies to fantastic games, these screens will take you on a wild ride through the best entertainment out there.
Best Overall: LG OLED evo C3
✓ a9 AI Processor Gen6
✓ Supports NVIDIA GeForce Now and Utomik
✓ Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Apple AirPlay
✓ Filmmaker Mode
Best for Budget: Hisense U8K
✓ 8K resolution
✓ Super-bright mini-LED and quantum-dots technology
✓ 4K/120Hz input for gaming
✓ Supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10
Best for Features: TCL QM8
✓ Sleek, minimalist, thin bezels design
✓ Mini-LED backlight technology
✓ 120Hz refresh rate
✓ Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology compatibility
Best for Innovative Technology: Samsung OLED S95C
✓ 11mm-deep profile
✓ 144Hz high refresh rate
✓ Upgraded built-in speakers
✓ 9ms input lag
Best for HDR Performance: Samsung OLED S90C
✓ Quantum-dot OLED technology
✓ 4K/120Hz and VRR supports
✓ Brighter colour projection than regular OLED TV
✓ HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ formats compatibility
#1 Best Overall: LG OLED evo C3
LG OLED evo C3 4K Smart TV
Introduction
If you're looking for a TV that will make your jaw drop, the LG C3 OLED TV might be a strong candidate in this list. This top-of-the-line screen boasts incredible picture quality and colour accuracy, making it perfect for movie nights or binge-watching your favourite series.
Design
The LG C3 OLED TV is a masterclass in minimalist design. It's so light, weighing in at just 41 pounds with the stand and it looks amazing from every angle. The carbon-fibre build gives it a futuristic vibe that'll make your room more elegant. Plus, the remote allows users to intuitively navigate menus with a wave of the hand or a quick scroll using the built-in wheel, enhancing the overall user experience.
LG OLED evo C3 4K Smart TV
Features & Performance
Under the hood, the LG C3 is powered by the robust a9 processor, ensuring smooth and responsive performance across all functions. It excels in connectivity, offering four HDMI 2.1 ports capable of delivering 4K content at 120 frames per second, alongside three USB ports, an optical digital audio output for high-quality sound transmission, RF input, an RS-232 port for service, and an Ethernet port for stable internet connections.
The OLED technology used by this Smart TV ensures perfect black levels and incredible contrast, with the ability to control each pixel individually. The C3 stands out in gaming as well with features like variable refresh rate, enhanced audio return channel, and automatic low latency mode, making it compatible with the latest consoles and high-end graphics cards. It also supports a broad spectrum of HDR content, including HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, and uniquely supports DTS audio, serving significant Blu-ray collections to enthusiasts.
Potential Dealbreakers
While the LG C3 OLED TV sets a high bar in terms of design and performance, If you're on a tight budget, it might not be the best choice for you since its price point may be a dealbreaker. And if you're worried about burn-in (which can happen if you leave static images on the screen for too long), you might want to think twice before taking the plunge.
LG OLED evo C3 4K Smart TV
Best OLED Display
✓ a9 AI Processor Gen6
✓ Supports NVIDIA GeForce Now and Utomik
✓ Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Apple AirPlay
✓ Filmmaker Mode
#2 Best for Budget: Hisense U8K
Hisense U8K
Introduction
Hisense U8K comes a second on modern Smart TVs, offering an unparalleled viewing experience with its cutting-edge features and stunning picture quality. This smart TV boasts an impressive 8K resolution that delivers crystal-clear images with incredible detail and depth. Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster or playing your favourite games, the Hisense U8K will take your entertainment to the next level.
Design
The Hisense U8K may not be the most appealing TV on the market in terms of visuals, but its simple design allows it to blend seamlessly into any living space. Its thin bezels and sleek profile give it a modern look that won't detract from your overall decor. The stand is sturdy and functional, with a wide base that provides ample support for the screen. Overall, while it doesn't have the same "wow" factor as some of its competitors, the Hisense U8K's understated design is still pleasing to the eye and won't weaken your viewing experience.
Hisense U8K
Features & Performance
Despite its simple design, the U8K hits with its super-bright*mini-LED technology and quantum dots, delivering excellent image quality, vibrant colours, and superb contrast. Its full-array local dimming significantly improves picture quality, making dark scenes look great with minimal blooming.
The smart interface is powered by Google TV and gives you access to tons of streaming services and apps. Plus, it's got all the latest tech like a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, 4K/120Hz input for gaming, and a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV broadcasts. The TV supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range formats and includes Dolby Vision IQ to adjust the picture based on ambient light. And with four HDMI inputs, USB ports, Ethernet, and more, you'll never run out of ways to connect your devices.
Potential Dealbreakers
One potential dealbreaker for some users could be the preference for the Roku platform over Google TV, as Hisense reserves the best image quality strictly for Google TV models. This means if you want Roku, you'll need an external device. Other concerns coming from some communities include worse search results compared to Roku, a noticeable input lag, and long load times when switching between apps. Additionally, the U8K has narrower viewing angles and a slower response time compared to its predecessor, the U8H.
Hisense U8K
Best for Budget
✓ 8K resolution
✓ Super-bright mini-LED and quantum-dots technology
✓ 4K/120Hz input for gaming
✓ Supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10
#3 Best for Features: TCL QM8
TCL QM8
Introduction
Next, we have the TCL QM8 Series, which has become a popular choice for those looking for an affordable smart TV. Considering its price, the QM8 is quite full of features that will satisfy your entertainment needs without sacrificing picture quality or performance. With its sleek design and impressive capabilities, this TV is sure to turn heads in any living room.
Design
While the TCL QM8 Series boasts excellent specs, its design is quite typical for today's market – sleek, minimalist, and with thin bezels and a slim profile. There's nothing particularly standing out in terms of aesthetic appeal. The focus is clearly on performance over design flair, catering to users who prioritize picture quality and gaming features.
TCL QM8
Features & Performance
Now, moving on to the features, the QM8 Series shines with its mini-LED backlight technology, providing outstanding reflection handling and incredible SDR peak brightness. This makes it an excellent choice for viewing in bright environments, ensuring vibrant content even on the sunniest days.
With a 120Hz refresh rate, the motion performance is significantly smoother than that of 60Hz TVs, which enhances both fast-paced movies and gaming experiences. It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 as well, offering stellar brightness in both SDR and HDR modes for a bright and vibrant display across all games and movies. Additionally, its compatibility with every variable refresh rate (VRR) technology ensures nearly tear-free gaming, complemented by fast and responsive inputs in **Game Mode**, with low input lag at 13.9 milliseconds.
Potential Dealbreakers
While the TCL QM8 Series has some impressive features, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Its narrow viewing angles and issues with upscaling lower-resolution content could detract from the viewing experience. The dirty screen effect can also be bothersome during sports viewing. And while Game Mode has excellent contrast, it lacks accuracy without calibration and forces a choice between chroma 4:4:4 and Game Mode, which may be dealbreakers for some users.
TCL QM8
Best for Features
✓ Sleek, minimalist, thin bezels design
✓ Mini-LED backlight technology
✓ 120Hz refresh rate
✓ Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology compatibility
#4 Best for Innovative Technology: Samsung OLED S95C
Samsung OLED S95C
Introduction
Subsequently, we have the Samsung OLED S95C 4K Smart TV. This model boasts incredible picture quality with its OLED display and 4K resolution, delivering stunning visuals that will leave you in awe. The smart interface is powered by Tizen, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience that's easy to navigate.
Design
Prepare to be mesmerized by the Samsung S95C since it stands out in the realm of smart TVs with its ultra-slim profile that measures just 11mm deep. This sleek design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of any living space but also signifies the seriously advanced tech within. Complementing its futuristic design is Samsung's innovative solar-powered remote which offers practicality and eco-friendly characteristics.
Samsung OLED S95C
Features & Performance
The Samsung S95C boasts a Quantum-dot organic LED (QD-OLED) display, which delivers perfect black levels, gorgeous colours, and exceptional brightness. This technological marvel ensures that whether you're watching in the dark or in brightly lit conditions, the image quality remains impeccable.
With a low response time and a high refresh rate of 144Hz, the TV excels in displaying fast-moving sports and action-packed events without any blur. The built-in speakers have been upgraded to be bigger and more powerful, providing an immersive audio experience that matches the stunning visuals. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, USB ports, and more, the TV is compatible with the latest gaming consoles and devices. And for gamers, the TV's input lag is impressively low at around 9ms in game mode, making it a gamer's delight.
Potential Dealbreakers
However, the Samsung S95C is not without its flaws. A significant dealbreaker for some users could be the TV's user interface, which allocates too much screen space to promotional content and buries many useful functions deep within the sub-menus. This cluttered and inefficient layout can detract from the user experience, making navigation and access to favourite features more inconvenient than necessary.
Samsung OLED S95C
Best for Innovative Technology
✓ 11mm-deep profile
✓ 144Hz high refresh rate
✓ Upgraded built-in speakers
✓ 9ms input lag
#5 Best for HDR Performance: Samsung OLED S90C
Samsung OLED S90C
Introduction
Last but not least, we have the Samsung OLED S90C 4K Smart TV which has become another top-of-the-line model from Samsung, offering a viewing experience that's both elegant and sophisticated. With its stylish look and innovative technology, this TV delivers exceptional picture quality and performance that might help satisfy some demanding viewers.
Design
The Samsung S90C shares many similarities with the S95C, including its ultra-slim profile that's particularly noticeable at the outer edges. The connectivity options, including four HDMIs, two USBs, an Ethernet port, RF input, and optical digital audio output, are conveniently located on the back. However, the design is slightly interrupted by the TV's feet, which appear cheap and plasticky detracting from the overall premium feel of the product.
Samsung OLED S90C
Features & Performance
Following the S95C, the Samsung S90C also stands out with its impressive input lag of around 9ms in game mode, which makes it an ideal choice for gamers. It supports 4K/120Hz and VRR across all HDMI ports, offering a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
The quantum-dot OLED technology ensures richer, more accurate colours and brighter images compared to traditional OLEDs. The TV is noticeably brighter than regular OLED TVs and does a great job at separating real picture details from noise, especially when displaying sources with lower resolution, thanks to its excellent upscaling engine. The Samsung S90C is compatible with HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ formats, which provide high dynamic range (HDR) and enhanced colour reproduction for an immersive viewing experience but lacks Dolby Vision support. Despite this, the S90C remains watchable from almost any viewing position and features dedicated gaming enhancements such as AMD FreeSync and an onscreen Game Bar menu system.
Potential Dealbreakers
While impressively bright, the Samsung S90C falls about 20% short of the S95C models. Its dynamic picture preset can be too intense straight out of the box and other presets may produce slightly faded colours, which is unexpected for a QD-OLED screen. Furthermore, Xbox Series X users may be disappointed by the lack of Dolby Vision support for gaming.
Samsung OLED S90C
Best for HDR Performance:
✓ Quantum-dot OLED technology
✓ 4K/120Hz and VRR supports
✓ Brighter colour projection than regular OLED TV
✓ HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ formats compatibility
Compare the Best Smart TVs in Singapore
Final Thoughts
With so many models to choose from the market, it can be tough to decide which Smart TV is the best fit for your needs. However, the explanation, review, as well as drawbacks we mentioned above might help guide you to select the most suitable for your condition and preferences.
If you're all about that OLED, you'll want to check out the LG C3 since it's our best OLED TV with excellent features. But if you're looking for a QLED display that'll quite take your breath away, you might want to consider buying Samsung OLED S95C. And if you're on a limited budget, we believe Hisense U8K would be best for you.