What Smart TV Features REALLY Matter? (Easy Beginner’s Overview)

With so many different smart TV models on the market, it’s difficult to know which features are the most important.

In this article, we’ll help you figure this stuff out. We’ll go over each feature, so you can decide what matters most to you.

Let’s dive in.

Display Quality

When it comes to smart TVs, display quality is one of the most important factors to consider. A good display can make all the difference in your viewing experience.

In this section, we’ll discuss the key factors that determine display quality.

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels on the screen.

The higher the resolution, the sharper the image. Most smart TVs these days come with a 4K resolution, which means they have 3840 x 2160 pixels.

Some high-end models even offer an 8K resolution, which is four times the resolution of 4K.

In my opinion, 8K is NOT necessary – unless you’re a hardcore movie fan. If you used to pay extra for BluRay over standard DVS movies, you might be the type who would appreciate 8K.

Here’s our guide to how many pixels each TV size has.

HDR Support

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a technology that allows for a wider range of colors and brightness levels. TVs with HDR support can display more vivid and lifelike images.

There are several different HDR formats, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. When shopping for a smart TV, look for one that supports at least one of these formats.

Newer smart TVs will have you covered here!

Refresh Rate

Refresh rate is the number of times per second that the screen refreshes. A higher refresh rate provides smoother motion for everything from movies and shows to live sports and gaming.

Most smart TVs have a refresh rate of 60Hz, but some high-end models offer 120Hz or even 240Hz.

A TV with a high resolution, HDR support, and a high refresh rate will provide the best viewing experience for hectic movie scenes and gaming.

However, keep in mind that these features often come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide which features are most important to them.

Smart Features

Smart TVs are now more popular than ever, and they offer a range of features that go beyond just watching television.

In this section, we will explore some of the most important smart features of modern TVs, including the operating system, voice assistant integration, and app store.

Operating System

The operating system of a smart TV is the software that runs on it and determines its user interface, features, and capabilities.

Some popular operating systems for smart TVs include:

• Android TV,
• Tizen,
• and webOS.

Each operating system has its own unique features and design, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs.

Voice Assistant Integration

Voice assistant integration is a key feature of many smart TVs, allowing users to control their TV using voice commands.

Some popular voice assistants include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. With voice assistant integration, users can change the channel, adjust the volume, and even search for content using just their voice.

App Store

The app store is where users can download and install apps on their smart TV.

Popular apps include:

• Netflix,
• Hulu,
• HBO
• Disney Plus
• and Amazon Prime Video.

Some smart TVs have their own app stores, while others use popular app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. When choosing a smart TV, it’s important to make sure that the app store has the apps you want to use.

Overall, smart features are an important consideration when choosing a smart TV. By choosing a TV with a user-friendly operating system, voice assistant integration, and a robust app store, users can enjoy a more seamless and convenient viewing experience.

Connectivity

When it comes to smart TVs, connectivity is an essential feature that allows users to access various online content and services.

There are several connectivity options available on modern smart TVs, including:

• Wi-Fi,
• Bluetooth,
• HDMI,
• and USB ports.

All new smart TVs will have all of these, but some models will only have one HDMI or USB port. Our Samsung TV, for example, has a wide range of ports – including two HDMI ports:

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connectivity is a must-have feature in modern smart TVs.

It’s standard in ALL smart TVs today.

It allows users to connect their TV to the internet wirelessly, providing access to online streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Wi-Fi connectivity also enables users to browse the web, check their emails, and access social media platforms on their TV.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth connectivity is another essential feature that allows users to connect their smart TV to other Bluetooth-enabled devices like speakers, headphones, and smartphones.

This feature enables users to enjoy high-quality audio without the need for additional cables and wires.

Bluetooth is also standard on ALL Smart TVs today.

HDMI Ports

HDMI ports are critical for connecting external devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and soundbars to the TV. Most modern smart TVs come with multiple HDMI ports, allowing users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

HDMI ports also support high-definition video and audio, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.

Beware that some Smart TVs will have one port for HDMI while others will have multiple.

USB Ports

USB ports are also essential connectivity options for smart TVs. They allow users to connect external storage devices like USB drives and hard drives to the TV, enabling them to access their media files directly. USB ports also support various video and audio formats, making it easy for users to play their favorite media content on their TV.

Design

This section will discuss some of the key design features to look for when choosing a smart TV.

Note also that weight is affected by design choices. Here are weight numbers per TV size.

Screen Size and Shape

One of the first design features to consider is the screen size and shape.

When it comes to screen size, bigger is not always better.

It’s important to choose a screen size that fits well in your space and provides a comfortable viewing experience. A TV that is too big can be overwhelming, while a TV that is too small can be difficult to see from a distance.

Here’s a 65” TV on my wall. In my opinion, you need at least 10 feet distance to a 65” TV for a pleasant experience

The shape of the screen is also important. Most smart TVs have a rectangular shape, but some models have a curved screen. Curved screens can provide a more immersive viewing experience, but they can also be more expensive.

Bezel and Stand

The bezel is the frame around the TV screen. A TV with a thin bezel can provide a more immersive viewing experience, as it allows the screen to take up more of the TV’s front surface. A TV with a thicker bezel can be more durable and provide better protection for the screen.

The stand is also an important design feature to consider.

A TV with a sturdy stand can provide better stability and reduce the risk of the TV tipping over. Some stands also have cable management features, which can help keep your entertainment setup looking neat and organized.

Overall, when it comes to the design of a smart TV, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the specific needs of your entertainment setup. By choosing a TV with the right screen size and shape, bezel, and stand, you can ensure that you get the most out of your viewing experience.

Sound Quality

Most TVs come with built-in speakers, but they are often not sufficient to provide a good audio experience. In general, the larger the TV, the more powerful the speakers need to be to produce good sound.

Personally, I’ve skipped on the sound bar. We just use the built-in speakers on our Samsung 65” TV as they are big and offer a better sound. I find soundbars to add very little extra value – when taking the added design clutter into consideration.

Here are my reasons for not using a soundbar with smart TVs.

However, even if you have a smaller TV, it is still recommended to invest in a soundbar or a home theater system to get the best sound possible.

When looking for a smart TV with good sound quality, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the number of speakers is important. TVs with more speakers tend to produce better sound quality. Additionally, the placement of the speakers is also important. Some TVs have speakers that are positioned at the bottom or back of the TV, which can result in muffled or distorted sound. It is better to look for a TV with speakers that are positioned at the front, as they can produce clearer and more balanced sound.

Another factor to consider is the audio format.

Most modern TVs support Dolby Digital, which is a surround sound format that provides a more immersive audio experience. Some high-end TVs also support Dolby Atmos, which is an even more advanced surround sound format that can produce a three-dimensional audio experience.

In conclusion, sound quality is an important factor to consider when buying a smart TV. It is recommended to invest in a soundbar or a home theater system to get the best sound possible.

When looking for a TV with good sound quality, consider the number and placement of speakers, as well as the audio format supported by the TV.