How to choose a Smart TV beyond inches: the best TVs on the market and their secrets

At first glance, televisions seem to fall into two groups: huge or compact. However, behind this contrast in size lies a world of innovations invisible to the untrained eye . In this article, four experts in display technology reveal the key criteria for choosing the right model.

For many consumers, cost determines their choice: they set a price and buy the television that fits. However, limiting themselves to price neglects innovation, picture quality, durability, and features. This reductionist strategy fails to distinguish advanced equipment from standard equipment.

Beyond the size, resolution or platform used by each Smart TV , experts provide an in-depth analysis that goes beyond the technical specifications .

Specialists from Samsung, Noblex, TCL, and LG evaluate performance under different conditions and user experiences, allowing for informed choices and revealing details that a simple comparison of specifications fails to reveal.

“In everyday use, there are technologies that make a difference. One of the most notable is AI Upscaling, capable of improving the definition of content not originally produced in 4K or 8K,” explains Gerardo Presman, director of consumer electronics at Samsung Argentina.

This technique adapts images to make them look sharper and closer to the quality offered by current screens, enhancing the viewing experience without having to change the original content.

“Another notable advance is the technology that optimizes fast-moving scenes. Thanks to these technologies, transitions become smoother and sharp cuts are eliminated, which is essential in sports broadcasts or gaming sessions, where speed and visual precision are key,” adds Presman.

Many operating systems stop receiving updates after four years, causing installed apps to lose compatibility and functionality. “Rather than thinking about obsolescence, it's better to choose products that keep up with this advancement. Samsung offers seven years of free updates on its new TVs, ensuring compatibility with the latest innovations,” explains Presman.

The Frame Series D is the next generation of Samsung's lifestyle display, combining design, art, and technology. It boasts an ultra-slim aesthetic enhanced by the Slim Fit wall mount. Trade-in and Buy & Try programs are available, allowing you to return your device after 60 days if you're not satisfied. Priced at 2,149,999 pesos .

Choosing a Smart TV starts with defining dimensions and clarity. Currently, the starting point is 50 inches with 4K resolution as the minimum standard. From there, each advancement in image, processing, or sound technology increases the value of the equipment and optimizes the viewing experience.

A key factor, one not mentioned in any manual, is the position of the screen relative to the viewer. Variables such as distance, height, and angle directly influence image perception, contrast, and visual comfort, beyond the numbers themselves.

“Field of view (FOV) is a relationship between distance and screen size. If the TV is 50 inches, positioning it at 2.07 meters generates a 30° FOV, ideal for gaming/casual TV viewing. If you're looking for a more immersive, cinema-style experience, a 40° FOV is recommended, and the device should be positioned at a distance of 1.58 meters,” says Christian Stuhldreher, business manager at Newsan.

The Noblex 75" QLED Black Series Pro is 4K UHD and QLED+, which improves brightness (330 cd/m²), contrast (1400:1) and fluidity thanks to its 144 Hz refresh rate. With Google TV, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3 HDMI, 2 USB and 40W surround sound. It is 1,899,000 pesos .

The lifespan of a Smart TV depends on the quality of its components, the type of panel (LED, OLED, QLED), daily use, and maintenance. Factors such as overheating, voltage spikes, excessive brightness, or dust accumulation can accelerate wear. Under optimal conditions, it can last between 7 and 10 years .

"While conventional LED panels last between 30,000 and 50,000 hours of operation, the incorporation of technologies like QD-Mini LED allows us to extend that margin and guarantee greater operational stability over time," notes Gustavo Vázquez Gastaldi, sales and marketing director of TCL Argentina.

Furthermore, advances in energy efficiency and intelligent brightness control ensure optimal performance for years, even under intensive use. "More than a concern, the lifespan of a panel today is the result of a design conceived to offer consistency, high performance, and a sustained quality viewing experience over the long term," Gastaldi emphasizes.

In the current environment, technologies that harmonize visual definition, low energy consumption, and wear resistance stand out, consolidating themselves as benchmarks in the evolution of televisions.

“LED TVs remain a reliable and affordable option, ideal for those seeking a solid experience for everyday use. Their most recent evolution, QLED, incorporates quantum dots that allow for greater color purity and improved brightness, offering a considerable improvement in scenes with bright light or vibrant colors,” Gastaldi analyzes.

The TCL 65" C6K QD-Mini LED TV combines QLED and Mini LED to deliver a precise and vibrant image. Its 65" VA panel with 4K UHD resolution and refresh rate of up to 144 Hz guarantees fluidity and sharpness. With 40W ONKYO 2.1 sound, Dolby Atmos compatibility, Google TV operating system. It is 1,399,999 pesos .

Today's equipment integrates multiple connection standards for image, sound, and networks, such as HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and wireless transmission protocols. The appropriate choice depends on the type of content, the associated devices, and the infrastructure available in the home or business environment.

"A modern TV should include HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC to take advantage of next-generation consoles and advanced sound systems. In terms of connectivity, the presence of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 guarantees speed and stability in data transmission," warns Nicolás Cabrera, product specialist at LG Argentina.

And he adds: "Higher versions like full HDMI 2.1 or Wi-Fi 6E only make a difference in demanding scenarios, such as competitive gaming or high-fidelity audio."

Sound directly influences audiovisual perception . Equipment with basic systems often offer limited reproduction, with high tones and little depth. In dynamic content, such as action films, this lack of sound can dilute the narrative impact and make dialogue difficult to understand.

“The acoustic quality of a television doesn't depend solely on power; the cabinet design, speaker orientation, internal processing, and compatibility with surround formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X also play a role. In ultra-thin models, limited space often compromises fidelity,” Cabrera says.

The LG AI ThinQ 65” offers a 65" LED display with 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160), α5 AI 4K Gen6 processor, 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 and HLG support.

It features the webOS 23 operating system, ThinQ AI, 20W virtual 5.1 AI sound, and advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and three HDMI ports. It includes a Magic Remote and features optimized for gaming and streaming. It sells for 1,658,229 pesos .