LCD TV Showdown: Best 55 to 65-Inch Models Of 2023
When it comes to choosing a new television, the options can be overwhelming. With rapidly advancing technology and a multitude of brands and models on the market, making the right choice can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into five top-tier TVs from renowned manufacturers—Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense. We’ll explore their design, picture quality, sound performance, smart features, and potential drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision for your next home entertainment centerpiece.
1. Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED
Design and Build Quality
The Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED is a visual masterpiece that redefines your TV viewing experience from the moment you unbox it. Its innovative design allows you to choose between placing the screen at the front or back of a sleek, full-width metal plate stand, giving you the freedom to match your aesthetic preferences, whether you lean towards minimalism or embrace an industrial look. Crafted with precision, this TV exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication, leaving no doubt that you’re in possession of a high-end entertainment centerpiece. Available in both 55 and 65-inch variants, it accommodates various room sizes and viewing distances, ensuring an immersive experience for all.
Picture Quality
The crowning achievement of the Sony A95K is its unparalleled image quality. Powered by Sony’s Cognitive XR processor in tandem with Quantum Dot OLED screen technology, it delivers visuals that are nothing short of breathtaking. The colors are vibrant, and the brightness is truly dazzling. What sets it apart is the Quantum Dot OLED’s ability to blend OLED’s signature deep blacks with enhanced brightness and richer, purer colors. Whether you’re engrossed in a cinematic masterpiece, conquering virtual worlds in gaming, or following your favorite sports, the A95K’s picture quality sets an elevated standard that few can rival.
Sound Quality
Immerse yourself in a world of captivating audio with the A95K. Leveraging Acoustic Surface technology, this TV ingeniously transforms its screen into high-quality speakers. The result is an impressive auditory experience that complements the stunning visuals. For those seeking the pinnacle of audio perfection, pairing the A95K with a full Dolby Atmos soundbar system is recommended, taking your audio immersion to cinematic heights.
Smart Features
The A95K’s intelligence extends beyond visuals and audio. It boasts an extensive Google TV software system, providing a seamless and user-friendly smart TV experience. Navigate effortlessly, discover new content, and control your TV with ease. Voice recognition support elevates convenience, and an optional detachable camera accessory opens up exciting possibilities for interactive experiences, including video chatting on a grand scale and innovative gesture controls.
Cons
While the Sony A95K excels in numerous areas, it’s not without a few limitations. With only two HDMI 2.1 ports, it may pose constraints for avid gamers and home theater enthusiasts who require multiple connections. The absence of HDR10+ support might disappoint those seeking an even broader range of HDR content options. Although the TV’s peak brightness is impressive, it may fall short for users in pursuit of the brightest HDR experience available. Gamers, in particular, might find the input lag, while decent, not meeting the lowest thresholds.
In Conclusion
In summary, the Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED transcends expectations in every aspect. It’s a true feast for your senses, offering unrivaled picture and sound quality that elevates it to the upper echelons of premium TVs. Whether you’re an audiophile, cinephile, or gaming enthusiast, the A95K delivers an immersive experience that will leave you captivated.
2. Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV continues the legacy of its predecessor, the lauded Samsung QN95A, with a design that embraces the “Infinity” theme. It features an almost bezel-less screen with a slim rear, creating a monolithic effect that exudes premium aesthetics. With screen sizes available in 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches, the QN95B caters to various room sizes and viewer preferences. Its minimalist approach enhances wall-hanging potential, and for those who prefer furniture placement, it comes with a sturdy metallic plate stand. Note that assembling the stand can be a bit intricate, requiring careful handling.
Picture Quality
Samsung’s QN95B Neo QLED TV takes a giant leap forward in picture quality. It excels in contrast, backlight control, upscaling, color accuracy, and HDR-friendly brightness. The result is a picture quality that can be mind-bogglingly good, particularly in scenarios where contrast and color vibrancy matter. Improved processing and backlight controls reduce issues like blooming, enhance brightness, and improve shadow detailing. The introduction of the Shape Adaptive Light Control system allows precise control of light intensity in each dimming zone, reducing backlight blooming to nearly non-existent levels. This feature is especially noticeable and appreciated in gaming, providing a consistent and immersive visual experience. The TV’s color performance is exceptional, offering vibrant and balanced tones with subtle shading and light nuance. Sharpness and detailing remain top-notch but now feel more organic and natural, reducing common issues like exaggerated grain and noise. The QN95B sets itself apart with its exceptional brightness capabilities, measuring an impressive 2882 nits of peak brightness in the Dynamic mode. Even in the more watchable Standard mode, it reaches 2200 nits, making it stand out in the HDR content presentation. Furthermore, thanks to its improved mini-LED and local dimming engine, the TV produces some of the deepest, purest black levels for an LCD TV.
Sound Quality
While the TV’s sound quality doesn’t match the excellence of its visuals, its Object Tracking Sound technology ensures a satisfying audio experience that complements the stunning pictures. The sound stage expands slightly, and sound effects are accurately placed within it. There’s even a small amount of verticality to the presentation. However, for those seeking a more immersive audio experience, partnering the TV with Samsung’s latest soundbars is recommended.
Smart Features
Samsung’s revamped Tizen smart system, while generally robust, has introduced some complexities and design choices that might not be to everyone’s liking. The new interface includes a full-screen home page that can feel overwhelming, especially with the prioritization of content “shelves” focusing on less popular content. Customization options are limited, and some navigation routes between menus are not intuitive. On a positive note, the TV continues to offer extensive app support, and its voice recognition systems are strong, providing spoken word shortcuts to smart apps, content links, and setup controls.
Cons
Despite its many strengths, the Samsung QN95B has a few drawbacks. It lacks support for Dolby Vision, which could disappoint users invested in the Dolby ecosystem. Occasionally, aggressive dimming can affect the viewing experience, especially in scenes with rapid light changes. While the TV provides an exceptional gaming experience with low input lag, it can reveal backlight blooming when viewed from the sides. The Standard preset may introduce minor sparklies in some very small details, and dark scenes can occasionally appear brighter than intended, exposing noise in the mastering that should have remained hidden. Additionally, the TV’s initial warm-up time may result in mild smearing, even in 120Hz, for a while after powering on. Lastly, the QN95B is positioned in the premium price range, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
In Conclusion
The Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV delivers exceptional performance and design, solidifying its position among the top-tier TVs available. With outstanding picture quality, remarkable brightness, and impressive gaming capabilities, it offers a visually stunning experience. While the revamped smart interface may have its quirks, the TV’s extensive app support and robust voice recognition make up for it. Despite some limitations, the QN95B is a compelling choice for those who prioritize picture quality and are willing to invest in a premium TV.
3. LG C2 OLED
Design and Build Quality
The LG C2 OLED boasts a razor-thin design with super-thin bezels, maximizing the screen real estate for an immersive viewing experience. Its OLED technology ensures excellent contrast levels, intense brightness, and vivid colors. Available in screen sizes ranging from 42 to 83 inches, the C2 caters to various room sizes and budgets.
Picture Quality
The LG C2 OLED sets a high bar for OLED TVs. In 2022, it received an upgrade with the new Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor, designed to offer better object enhancement and dynamic tone mapping. This results in a picture quality that’s a clear step above non-OLED alternatives. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or enjoying HDR content, the C2’s OLED panel showcases stunning visuals.
Sound Quality
While the TV’s audio performance is commendable for a flatscreen, the claims of virtual surround sound might not be as convincing as a dedicated sound system. Nevertheless, it offers a range of sound modes to cater to different content types.
Smart Features
The LG C2 OLED features an upgraded webOS 22 smart TV platform. It provides access to a wide range of streaming services, all presented in an easy-to-navigate home screen. Personalization options allow each household member to customize their experience.
Competition
The LG C2 review mentions that OLED TV competition is tougher than ever in 2022, with brands like Samsung and Sony also offering OLED TVs. This emphasizes the competitive landscape in the OLED TV market.
Comparison
The review compares the C2 to the previous LG C1 OLED TV and notes that there isn’t a huge leap in performance. This insight can be relevant when discussing the LG C2’s improvements over its predecessor.
Size Options
The LG C2 is highlighted for offering a broader range of sizes, including a new 42-inch option. In contrast, the Samsung QN95B comes in sizes ranging from 55 to 85 inches, providing a range of options for consumers.
Cons
Despite its strengths, the LG C2 OLED has a few drawbacks. It lacks cable management options, which can affect the tidiness of your entertainment setup. Additionally, the absence of HDR10+ support might disappoint users seeking the latest HDR formats. The virtual surround sound, while decent, may not replace a dedicated home theater audio system.
In conclusion, the LG C2 OLED is an exceptional TV suitable for various uses, from watching movies in a dark room to enjoying TV shows or sports in well-lit environments. Its self-emissive OLED technology ensures stunning picture quality, but consumers should consider the competitive landscape and specific preferences before making a decision.
4. TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV
Design and Build Quality
The TCL QM8 impresses with its slim, bezel-free design and a center-mounted stand that’s not only stylish but also height adjustable, allowing you to customize your viewing experience. Available in screen sizes ranging from 65 to a staggering 98 inches, this TV offers a variety of options to cater to different room sizes and viewing preferences. Its modern design and sleek matte black finish make it a stylish addition to any living space.
Picture Quality
The TCL QM8 is a standout TV, particularly for gaming enthusiasts. It raises the bar with its support for up to 4K at 144Hz, ensuring incredibly smooth gameplay. What sets it apart is its compatibility with various variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies, which virtually eliminates screen tearing, providing a tear-free and immersive gaming experience. The TV’s exceptional brightness is a highlight, delivering vibrant and vivid visuals in both SDR and HDR content. However, it’s important to note that some users might notice occasional backlight blooming, which could impact the quality of dark scenes. Despite its brilliance, the TCL QM8 faces tough competition from other TVs in its price range, offering similar features.
Sound Quality
For a flat-screen TV, the TCL QM8 offers commendable audio performance. It boasts multiple sound modes tailored for different types of content, enhancing your overall viewing experience. While the TV claims to deliver virtual surround sound, it might not match the immersion provided by dedicated sound systems. For most users, the built-in audio system should suffice, but audiophiles may consider external speakers for a more robust audio experience.
Smart Features
The TCL QM8 is powered by the Google TV smart platform, which is among the most powerful and user-friendly systems available. With Google Assistant integration, you can navigate and control the TV with voice commands, adding convenience to your daily entertainment routine. The smart platform also supports streaming from mobile devices using Google Cast and AirPlay 2, expanding your content options. Additionally, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit enhances the TV’s versatility in a connected home ecosystem.
Cons
Despite its numerous strengths, the TCL QM8 has a few drawbacks to consider. Users might encounter backlight blooming, which can impact the quality of dark scenes in certain content. Furthermore, the absence of an ATSC 3.0 tuner means that viewers relying on over-the-air broadcasts for 4K content may find this feature lacking. Additionally, if you’re specifically looking for a 55-inch screen size option, the TCL QM8’s size range might not cater to your needs.
In conclusion, the TCL QM8 delivers an exceptional gaming experience and overall TV performance. However, prospective buyers should weigh the competition and consider their specific requirements before making a purchasing decision.
5. Hisense U7H QLED TV
Design and Build Quality
The Hisense U7H boasts a sleek and stylish design, making it an attractive addition to any living room. With size options ranging from 55 to a massive 85 inches, it caters to diverse room sizes and viewer preferences.
Picture Quality
When it comes to picture quality, the Hisense U7H shines in its price range. While its HDR highlights may not deliver the same level of visual impact as some premium options, it excels as a complete package. This TV is particularly well-suited for watching movies in both SDR and HDR, especially in dark rooms, thanks to its excellent contrast ratio and the effectiveness of its local dimming feature. Furthermore, it performs admirably even in brightly lit rooms, effortlessly overcoming glare with its high SDR peak brightness and proficient reflection handling.
Sound Quality
The audio performance of the Hisense U7H is noteworthy for a flat-screen TV. It offers clear and intelligible sound across various types of content. However, claims of virtual surround sound may not be as convincing as those provided by dedicated audio systems.
Smart Features
The Hisense U7H comes equipped with the user-friendly Google TV 11 interface, representing an upgrade from the Android TV interface found in previous models. This feature-rich platform includes a remarkable selection of gaming capabilities, such as HDMI 2.1 bandwidth support on two of its HDMI ports and FreeSync variable refresh rate compatibility.
Cons
Despite its many strengths, the Hisense U7H does have a few limitations to consider. It provides only two HDMI 2.1 ports, with one supporting eARC. Additionally, the TV’s image quality degrades when viewed from an angle, which might not be ideal for setups with wide seating arrangements.
In conclusion, the Hisense U7H QLED TV offers exceptional value for its performance. It stands as a reliable choice for users in search of a well-rounded TV experience without the need to break the bank.
At a Glance
| TV Model | Design | Picture Quality | Sound Quality | Smart Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED | Innovative design with metal plate stand | Unparalleled image quality with Quantum Dot OLED | Immersive audio with Acoustic Surface technology | Extensive Google TV software system | Limited HDMI ports, no HDR10+ support, input lag |
| Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV | Infinity design with slim bezels | Exceptional contrast, brightness, and color accuracy | Object Tracking Sound technology | Revamped Tizen smart system with app support | No Dolby Vision support, occasional dimming, premium price |
| LG C2 OLED | Razor-thin design with OLED technology | Stunning visuals with Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor | Commendable audio for a flatscreen | Upgraded webOS 22 smart TV platform | Lacks cable management, no HDR10+ support |
| TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV | Slim, bezel-free design with height-adjustable stand | Impressive gaming performance with 4K at 144Hz | Decent audio with multiple sound modes | Google TV smart platform with voice control | Backlight blooming, no ATSC 3.0 tuner, limited size options |
| Hisense U7H QLED TV | Sleek and stylish design with size options | Good picture quality with effective local dimming | Clear and intelligible sound | Google TV 11 interface with gaming capabilities | Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, image quality at an angle |
Conclusion
In the quest for the perfect LCD TV in the 55 to 65-inch range, these top-tier models from Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense stand out as the cream of the crop in 2023. Each TV offers unique features and advantages, catering to various preferences and requirements. Before making your decision, consider factors such as your room size, viewing habits, gaming needs, and budget. Ultimately, the right TV for you will depend on your specific priorities, whether it’s stunning picture quality, immersive sound, or seamless smart features.
From the Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED’s unrivaled picture and sound quality to the Samsung QN95B Neo QLED TV’s exceptional brightness and gaming capabilities, there’s something for everyone. The LG C2 OLED impresses with its sleek design and OLED technology, while the TCL QM8 Mini-LED TV delivers an exceptional gaming experience. The Hisense U7H QLED TV offers outstanding value for performance, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Whichever TV you choose, you’re sure to elevate your home entertainment experience. Dive deep into our reviews, compare the specs, and find the perfect LCD TV to transform your living room into a cinematic paradise or a gaming haven.
Mini Projector Showdown: A Comprehensive Comparison of Top Models
Portable mini projectors have revolutionized the way we consume media and make presentations. These
The Best Bluetooth Speakers for Home Use
In a world where music is at our fingertips, a great Bluetooth speaker can transform any living spac
Google Pixel 8 Series Release: Innovations and Features Revealed
Google announced the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro at its annual Made by Google hardware event today,