Although you might at first associate Android with mobile phones and tablets, Google’s operating system provides the foundation for top-not TVs as well. The best Android TVs on the market make it easy to watch your favorite streaming apps or mobile content cast directly from your phone. It’s not surprising that some of the best TVs in the market are Android TVs, even if they do sacrifice speed and responsiveness for innovation.
All Android TVs have smart features, built-in Chromecast, thousands of apps, Google Assistant, support for 4K resolution and HDR, and are available in stunning LED, OLED, and QLED displays. These TVs will also have many connectivity ports for you to connect your laptop or game consoles for a brilliant large-screen experience.
In this buying guide, we look at what Android TVs are, their pros and cons, how long they last, and other aspects. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best Android 4K TV for your home.
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True Score
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Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
| 92 | ||
| 2 |  |
| 92 | $1,699.99 $2,800 SAVE $1 | |
| 3 |  |
| 91 | $2,998.00 | |
| 4 |  | 90 | |||
| 5 |  | 89 | $789.00 $1,800 SAVE $1 | ||
| 6 |  | 86 | $1,198.00 $1,300 SAVE $102 | ||
| 7 |  | 85 | $2,395.00 |
Top Android TVs
- Read Full Review → : Sony A90J OLEDSony
Sony A90J OLED
Best for OLED
Sony’s A90J OLED TV is a strong, mid-range 4K HDR TV for mixed usage. Both games and movies benefit from the 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and wider color gamut. Watch out for any burn-in, however.
True Score
92936Experts
91416Customers
Absolutely Fresh
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Black levels are virtually perfect
- Very accurate at wide viewing angles
- Handles motion superbly
- Solid audio performance
- Incredible contrast, color, and vast color gamut
Reasons to Avoid
- Burn-in is still a possibility
- Bright for OLED, but still dim compared to LCD/LED TVs
- Lacks VRR until a firmware update
Specifications
Backlight Type Motion Activated Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type WOLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 55", 65", 83" Smart Platform Google TV Sync Technology No VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 97.64 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.01 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.01 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 72.77 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 277 HDR Brightness (nits) No Data Input Lag (ms) 17.5 Response Time (ms) 3.1 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 51 Color Shift (Degrees) 27 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 64 Reflections (%) 1.4 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 75.51 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 4.02 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 3.92 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.042 All Specs
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Availability
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Our Verdict
The Sony A90J OLED TV is a great mid-range 4K HDR TV for all your entertainment needs. Enjoy crisp 4K resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for gaming, plus a wider color gamut and near-perfect black levels for movies.
Its peak brightness could be better, but it’s still a great choice.
- Read Full Review → : Sony A95K OLED TVSony
Sony A95K OLED TV
Best for Gaming
The Sony A95K OLED TV boasts a fast response time, a high peak brightness, HDMI 2.1 support, and good reflection diffusion, making it a superb choice for AV enthusiasts and console gamers alike. But its lack of FreeSync will keep away more serious gamers.
True Score
929413Experts
92278Customers
Cosmic Wonder
SAVE $1$2,799.99$1,699.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptionally high OLED peak brightness of 983 nits
- Four HDMI ports; two HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Close to perfect deep black levels without blooming
- Excellent screen for glare diffusion from bright lights
- Almost instantaneous 0.2 ms screen response time
- Infinite contrast ratio; turns off pixels displaying black
- Excellent performing built-in upscaling chip for lower-res media
- Durable metallic remote with backlighting and built-in mic
- Extremely smooth and easy-to-use Google TV navigation OS
- Exceptionally wide vertical and horizontal display viewing angles
Reasons to Avoid
- Low peak brightness of 412 nits in SDR
- White balance isn’t well-adjusted out of the box
- Black Frame Insertion feature doesn’t work with VRR
- No support for a 1440P 120 Hz signal
- Dolby Vision doesn’t work at 4K 120 Hz
- Stutters at 24 FPS due to fast response
- The built-in stereo speakers could have been better
- Does not have a USB 3.0 port
- Lacks a dedicated 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Lacks NVIDIA G Sync and AMD Free Sync
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 55", 65" Smart Platform Google TV Sync Technology No VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 99.2375 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 86.34 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 86.34 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 91.28 Color Gamut % (sRGB) 99.9 Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 110.8 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 89.35 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) 91 Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 328.5493333 HDR Brightness (nits) 978.3333333 Input Lag (ms) 14.4 Response Time (ms) 4.1 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 70 Color Shift (Degrees) 70 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 70 Reflections (%) 1.1 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 84.76 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 3.89 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 3.06 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.229 All Specs
All Retailers
$1,699.99$2,800Save $1Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No- $2,398.00
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$2,479.00$3,000Save $521Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Sony A95K OLED TV is a fantastic option for AV enthusiasts looking for a good QD-OLED model to display in their living rooms or movie dens, as it features an excellent peak brightness tested at around 983 nits.
It also boasts four HDMI ports and two of them have the recent HDMI 2.1 standard for console users. And it sports excellent deep black levels with an infinite tested contrast ratio, thanks to its Quantum Dot OLED tech, which helps HDR content look amazing.
Moreover, it comes with an excellent matte display which works well against reflections.
It also features a near-instantaneous response time which was measured at 0.2 ms. But it does not have NVIDIA G Sync or AMD Free Sync for hardcore gamers, despite having VRR.
Category Snapshot
TVs
- Total Brands/Products Tested
19 Brands, 156 Products
- Top 2 Brands
LG, Hisense
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$400-$2000
- Average True Score
70.76%
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top TV Experts
- Recommended Retailer
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
- Test Methodology
- Read Full Review → : Sony A80JSony
Sony A80J
Best for Sound Quality
Top experts agreed that the Sony Bravia XR A80J is well suited for movie buffs and concurred that the delayed support for VRR and high likelihood for burn-in might dissuade gamers and PC users from buying the TV.
True Score
91904Experts
902kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh$2,998.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Very high contrast ratio
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports
- Nearly instantaneous response time
- Great viewing angles
- Wide color gamut
Reasons to Avoid
- Might be subject to burn-in
- Variable Refresh Rate not supported yet
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 55", 65", 77" Smart Platform Android TV Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 99 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) No Data Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) No Data HDR Brightness (nits) 740 Input Lag (ms) 16.15 Response Time (ms) No Data Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) No Data Color Shift (Degrees) No Data Brightness Loss (Degrees) No Data Reflections (%) No Data Low-Freq Extension (Hz) No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 70db No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 80db No Data Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db No Data All Specs
All Retailers
- $2,998.00
Availability
Usually ships within 2 to 3 weeksFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Sony Bravia XR A80J is great for movie and TV show fans, with features like Netflix Calibrated Mode and decent HDR content brightness.
But gamers and PC users should look elsewhere – it doesn’t support Variable Refresh Rate, and can be prone to burn-in. For a better option, check out the Sony X75CH – it has glorious 4K pictures.
- Read Full Review → : Sony Bravia A8HSony
Sony Bravia A8H
The Sony Bravia A8H OLED TV is fantastic, thanks to its excellent black levels, best-in-class contrast, wide viewing angles, and fast response time. However, watch out for the lack of HDMI 2.1 and the risk of burn-in.
True Score
90892Experts
871kCustomers
Absolutely FreshSnapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Deep inky blacks
- Best in class contrast ratio
- Fantastic response time
- Excellent viewing angles
- Judder removal ability from all source
- Low input lag
- Good out of the box color accuracy
- Excellent wide color gamut
- Native 10-bit panel
Reasons to Avoid
- No HDMI 2.1
- It doesn’t have VRR, ALLM, or eARC
- Slight risk of permanent screen burn-in
- No HDR 10+ support
- Low peak brightness
- Some distortion at max volume
- Lack of low and sub-bass
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Yes HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 48", 55", 65" Smart Platform Android TV Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) No Data Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 108.94 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) No Data HDR Brightness (nits) 640 Input Lag (ms) 18 Response Time (ms) No Data Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) No Data Color Shift (Degrees) No Data Brightness Loss (Degrees) No Data Reflections (%) No Data Low-Freq Extension (Hz) No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 70db No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 80db No Data Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db No Data All Specs
All Retailers
Availability
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Our Verdict
The Sony Bravia A8H OLED TV is a great choice for dark rooms. It’s perfect for streaming movies and TV shows, with its organic LED panel providing excellent black levels, top-notch contrast ratio, wide viewing angles, and fast response time.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have HDMI 2.1, so gamers may want to look elsewhere. And if you’re worried about image burn-in, this TV may not be for you.
- Read Full Review → : Sony A9S TVSony
Sony A9S TV
The high-end Sony A9S TV is excellent for dark room movies because of its inky blacks, 120 Hz refresh rate, wide viewing angles, and excellent reflection handling. However, the ABL, lack of HDMI 2.1 and VRR, and high input lag aren’t great for gaming.
True Score
89854Experts
821kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $1$1,799.99$789.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- 4 HDMI 2.0 ports
- Perfect blacks
- Excellent reflection handling
- Fast response time
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Infinite contrast ratio
- No blooming
- Good upscaling performance
- Easy to navigate Android TV OS
- Wide viewing angles
Reasons to Avoid
- Visible glare with peak brightness
- ABL frequently dims the screen
- No HDMI 2.1
- No VRR support
- Slightly high input lag
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 48" Smart Platform Android TV Sync Technology No VRR No All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 95.07 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 69.72 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 69.72 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 75.8 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 263 HDR Brightness (nits) No Data Input Lag (ms) 18.5 Response Time (ms) 1.8 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 54 Color Shift (Degrees) 32 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 60 Reflections (%) 1.4 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 80 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 3.7 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 3.83 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.683 All Specs
All Retailers
- $789.00$1,800Save $1
Availability
Not availableFree Shipping
No Availability
Free Shipping
Our Verdict
The Sony A9S TV’s peak brightness (836 nits) doesn’t eliminate glare, and the ABL dims the screen often. No HDMI 2.1 support may deter Xbox and PS5 gamers, but it has four HDMI 2.0 ports.
The TV produces inky black levels (0.238% standard deviation) for dark room screening, and reflection handling is excellent in well-lit spaces.
Although the 1.8ms response time and 120 Hz refresh rate are fantastic for fast motion, the lack of VRR causes some screen tearing. Colors pop with the inf:1 contrast ratio, and bright objects don’t bloom.
The TV upscales DVDs well, and the voice control-enabled remote operates the seamless Android TV OS. While the viewing angles are wide, the tested input lag (10.3ms) is unsatisfactory for competitive gaming.
- Read Full Review → : Sony A90K OLED TVSony
Sony A90K OLED TV
The Sony A90K OLED TV boasts HDMI 2.1, deep blacks, excellent reflection diffusion, and a fast response time, making it excellent for those looking for small-sized TVs to use as a monitor. However, its lack of FreeSync can be a dealbreaker to gamers.
True Score
86857Experts
87401Customers
Absolutely FreshSAVE $102$1,299.99$1,198.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great peak brightness of 682 nits for HDR
- Four HDMI ports, two are HDMI 2.1
- Excellent deep black levels, thanks to OLED panel
- Exceptionally good reflection handling with a matte panel
- Almost instantaneous 0.3 ms screen response time
- Infinite contrast for dark scenes and black tones
- Extremely performant built-in upscaling chip for lower-res content
- Excellent metallic remote control with a built-in mic
- User-friendly and smooth Google TV OS for navigation
- Extremely wide horizontal and vertical display viewing angles
Reasons to Avoid
- Only available in smaller 48 and 42-inch sizes
- Has stuttering due to the fast response time
- Remote control handset does not feature motion controls
- Does not get very bright in SDR content
- Remote control doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable battery
- The built-in stereo speakers could have been better
- Can not display a 1440P 120 Hz signal
- Lacks NVIDIA G Sync or AMD Free Sync
- VRR does not work with Dolby Vision HDR
- Does not have support for HDR 10+ format
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 42", 48" Smart Platform Google TV Sync Technology No VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 99.375 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.54 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.54 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 78.83 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 71.2 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 238.8616 HDR Brightness (nits) 600 Input Lag (ms) 16.86666667 Response Time (ms) 3 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 58 Color Shift (Degrees) 31 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 61 Reflections (%) 1.8 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 126.99 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 4.02 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 4.58 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.14 All Specs
All Retailers
- $1,198.00$1,300Save $102
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $1,199.99$1,300Save $100
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Sony A90K OLED TV is a great option for those looking for a high-end TV to use as a bedroom TV or a desktop monitor, as it features a fairly high peak brightness which was tested at 682 nits.
It also has four HDMI ports, two of which support HDMI 2.1. And thanks to its OLED panel with an infinite tested contrast ratio, it can display perfectly deep blacks.
It also sports a semi-gloss matte panel for glare. It has a fast measured response time of 0.3 ms. If you are looking for an outdoor TV, check our SunBriteTV Veranda TV 3 4K Android review.
The Sony A90K OLED TV also boasts a superb upscaling chip for low-res content. But it doesn’t support AMD FreeSync or GSync.
- Read Full Review → : Sony X900HSony
Sony X900H
The Sony X900H model has a 120Hz refresh rate, 4K HDR resolution, and a wider color gamut. The viewing angle is very limited, so group seating arrangements may be impossible. It supports HDR10, but not HDR10+.
True Score
85858Experts
894kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh$2,395.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Speedy response time
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Great contrast ratio
- Wide color gamut
- Peak brightness combats bright rooms
Reasons to Avoid
- Very narrow viewing angles
- No HDR10+
- VRR unlocked after firmware update
Specifications
Backlight Type Full-Array Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Yes HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type VA Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 55", 65", 75", 85" Smart Platform Android TV Sync Technology G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 89.95 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 63.98 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 63.98 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 71.22 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) 2325.5 Brightness (nits) 538.45 HDR Brightness (nits) 750 Input Lag (ms) 14.0575 Response Time (ms) 11.2 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 23 Color Shift (Degrees) 25 Brightness Loss (Degrees) No Data Reflections (%) 5.4 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 95.14 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 2.62 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 2.69 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.047 All Specs
All Retailers
- $2,395.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Sony X900H has some great features for gamers, like a 120Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution, plus a wider color gamut and better viewing quality.
Unfortunately, its narrow viewing angle means it’s not ideal for large groups. It also doesn’t have HDR10+ or VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) yet, but a firmware update should fix that.
Beginner’s Guide to Android TVs
What is an Android TV?
An Android TV is a television with smart technology that runs the Android operating system (OS). Several television brands make Android TVs, such as Sony, Vizio, and Hisense TVs. The operating system was developed by Google and gives users a smooth experience on TVs, similar to a smartphone. Like the Roku or Amazon streaming sticks, an Android TV has a clean, easy-to-use interface that lets you consume digital content from major streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and many others.
Android TV vs Other TVs
Like other TVs, an Android TV displays your favorite TV shows, movies, and games, but the difference is with regards to the operating system. The interface is similar to what’s on your Android smartphone, so it’s easy to navigate between different apps and access online entertainment.
Unlike other TVs, Android-equipped models (and Google TV) have built-in Chromecast support, which allows you to cast videos or images from your phone to the TV with just the tap of a button. Of course, you can use Chromecast on a non-Android TV, but to do so, you have to purchase a small Chromecast device that plugs into the unit’s USB port.
| Feature | Android TVs | Non-Android TVs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android OS | Various (Tizen, WebOS, Roku TV, etc.) |
| App Ecosystem | Access to Google Play Store | Varies by OS; often more limited |
| Price Range | $200 – $2000+ | $100 – $1500+ |
| Voice Control | Google Assistant integrated | Varies; some have built-in, others require external devices |
| Customization | High customization possibilities | Varies; generally less customizable |
| Updates & Support | Regular updates from Google | Varies; dependent on manufacturer |
| Compatibility | Good compatibility with Google services and apps | Varies by OS and manufacturer |
If you have an Android phone, you can use it as a TV remote too. Android TVs come with Google Assistant, so you can use the voice controls to input requests, like playing music and videos, among many other things. Non-Android TVs will not have this functionality.
Another feature that you won’t find on non-Android TVs is access to Google Play. Android models provide access to over 5000 apps from the Google Play Store, so there are plenty of options to choose from across all categories (like gaming, streaming, and productivity).
How an Android TV Works
At the most basic level, an Android TV works the same as the best 80-inch TV — it transforms electrical signals into pictures and sounds and shows them on a screen. The operating system lets you use internet-based content, so you won’t need to connect streaming devices, like the Amazon Fire Stick or Roku Streaming Stick. But just like your laptop and smartphone, smart TVs need Wi-Fi networks to operate.
Fortunately, there is virtually no learning curve for Android TVs. From the moment you first power on your television, you’ll see the Discovery bar at the top, which displays suggested content and apps. You can also search using voice commands. To use the Chromecast feature, you simply press the Cast button on your phone to watch it on the television.
Why should you buy an Android TV?
If you want to switch from your old dumb or non-smart TV to a smart TV, an Android TV is an excellent choice. This is especially true if you also use an Android smartphone with your LG TV, although it’s unnecessary. Let’s look at why it is worth buying and why you will want to avoid it.
Are Android TVs Worth Buying?
- Android Applications: As mentioned earlier, the Google Play Store is loaded with applications of all kinds, and on an Android TV, you’ll have access to over 5000 apps. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to streaming, gaming, and other entertainment and productivity apps.
- The Google Assistant: The Google Assistant is incredibly convenient and responsive to voice commands. It’ll be considerably easier to input requests through the Assistant rather than doing it manually.
- Built-in Chromecast for Quick Casting: With Chromecast, you can swiftly and conveniently cast applications from your Android device to the Android TV.
Why an Android TV May Not Be for You
- You Have a Streaming Stick: If you already have a streaming stick that adds smart functionality even to the best dumb TV, then it doesn’t make sense to buy an Android TV.
- It Can Feel Slow At Times: The Android TV OS does a lot of work behind the scenes, so at times, the TV can feel slow. Even when turned on, it could take a little more time than other TVs.
How Long Will an Android TV Last?
How long an Android TV will last depends on how much it is used, how well it is maintained, its quality, and most importantly, its display technology.
You’ll get between 50,000 to 60,000 hours of viewing from an LCD TV, which means it will last for nearly two decades.
In contrast, LED TVs boast a lifespan of 40,000 to 100,000 hours when used at maximum or near-maximum brightness. Even with heavy use, these TVs will work well for 5 to 7 years and over a decade with moderate or low usage, although you may experience a pronounced decline in image quality.
An OLED TV performs better than an LED TV, but since the material used to create these panels is organic, they have a limited lifespan. You’ll see a decrease in image quality after using these TVs at max settings for 8 to 10 years.
QLED TVs use quantum light-emitting diodes to greatly enhance the colors and the brightness of visuals on the screen. Since it is not based on organic materials, QLED TVs don’t degrade over time and provide excellent picture quality even after years of heavy use. At max settings, you can expect QLEDs to last between 7 to 10 years or longer without any reduction in picture quality.
Another advantage to QLED technology is that they are also burn-in-free, so they’ll offer you an excellent viewing experience over the long run. If a static image is displayed on the screen for long periods with other screen types, it will even leave a permanent outline on the screen, known as burn-in.
How to Choose the Best Android TV
Now that you’ve decided to buy an Android TV, it’s time to consider several factors to narrow down your selection. The resolution, display technology, and price range are some of these factors. Let’s look at these and more below.
Android TV Key Factors
1. How Much Resolution?
Resolution is the number of pixels that create the images on a TV display. In general, the higher the pixel count, the better the sharpness and quality of the visuals.
With standard HD, you get 921,600 pixels, which increases to 2 million with Full HD. If you have a 4K TV, you’ll have 8 million pixels, providing a massive upgrade in image quality from Full HD. TVs with 8K resolution are becoming more common, but you won’t find them in sizes smaller than 65 inches. Of course, there’s very little 8K content to stream, and you won’t find any on a single streaming platform.
2. What Display Technology Do You Want?
You’ll find four display technologies on the TV market — LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED.
LCD stands for liquid crystal display, and these displays rely on fluorescent tubes to produce light. Compared to LED, OLED, and QLED displays, its picture quality is quite low, so it’s no wonder that it’s the least expensive option.
LED technology (light-emitting diodes) also uses a liquid crystal display but relies on light-emitting diodes to create light. This gives LED TVs superior picture quality and sharper images compared to standard LCDs.
Next, an OLED TV (organic light-emitting diode) uses a sheet of organic LEDs with subpixels that create their own light. This produces deeper blacks, incredible image contrast, and the best picture quality that maintains its sharpness even when viewed from an angle.
QLED (Quantum-dot LED) TVs are traditional LCD panels that are lit by LEDs. A quantum dot layer fills the space between the LCD panel and the backlight. QLED displays are brighter than OLEDs and are the perfect choice for sunny spaces with a lot of ambient light. But they don’t have as good picture quality as an OLED TV.
3. What’s the Refresh Rate?
The refresh rate refers to how many times a picture is refreshed on the screen per second. Measured in Hertz, the standard refresh rate on most televisions is 60 Hz or 60 times per second.
A 60 Hz refresh rate is great for watching basic television programs but not for high-action shows or sports programs with a lot of movement. Models with higher refresh rates, like 120 Hz and 240 Hz, are what you’ll need to get smooth visuals when watching action films or sports matches, or playing video games.
4. Does It Support HDR?
HDR is short for “high-dynamic range” and enables a television to produce a wide range of more accurate colors than non-HDR TVs. Without HDR, you simply won’t get great color accuracy. However, while HDR is supported across LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED screens, it’s only available on 4K displays.
5. How Many HDMI Ports?
The number of ports you need depends on how you use your TV and how many devices you plan to connect to it. Since you can’t add HDMI ports later, it’s best to pick a TV that has enough ports for your needs. If you’re big on gaming, you’ll need HDMI ports to connect your consoles (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and the sound system, but look for models with USB-C and USB ports, too.
6. What’s Your Budget?
Although you’ll find Android TVs available at a reasonable price, the cost of these TVs varies across a wide price range. On sale, you can find one for as low as $128, but on the upper end, they can go as high as $5000. Pricier Android TVs will have a larger screen size, advanced smart TV features, better connectivity options (HDMI 2.1), and incredible display technology with 4K and HDR support.
