TV Size Comparison

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Updated January 25, 2023

If you are new to the world of personal displays, you may look to conduct a TV screen size comparison. The best televisions, after all, are available in numerous screen sizes, each with its own pros, cons, and preferred use case scenarios. So what is the ideal size for you, and how do you determine which TV to buy? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Modern televisions are available in a variety of sizes, from 19 inches to 75 inches and beyond.
  • Larger TVs increase immersion as you watch movies and play video games, but they take up more space than smaller models.
  • Bigger televisions also tend to cost much more than smaller ones, especially when outfitted with OLED display technology.

TV Display Size Comparison

It’s tough to do a size-by-size comparison, as so many models are similar in size, such as when comparing a 57-inch TV to a 60-inch TV. With that said, we’ll break down size comparisons to models between 40 to 55 inches and those above 55 inches.

Speaking of 40″ TVs, a 40-inch TV is big enough for most people’s living room or bedroom, but how big is 40 inch TV exactly? A 40-inch TV measures about 34.5 inches wide and 19.6 inches high, with a depth of 3.2 inches (or 8 cm). It can fit easily into smaller spaces and look great

Large televisions with screens above 55 inches are fantastic for immersion but feature a larger footprint or a matte or glossy screen, for instance.

Insider Tip

No matter which size you choose, clean the TV regularly to ensure proper efficacy.

Here are more differences between televisions of contrasting sizes, but you’ll also want to consider TV size vs room size. Thankfully most TVs come in a series now that will have the same or very close specs in a range of sizes, so you can get the one that will fit your needs best.

Read our Samsung RU7100 review for an example of this, where the series ranges from a 43-inch model to a 75-inch model. Or, if you prefer the Sony brand over Samsung, check out our Sony A9G review, which has 55″, 65″, and 77″ models.

Immersion

Larger televisions bring about a more immersive viewing experience during use, especially when using a rear projection TV vs an LCD TV. Whether you are enjoying your favorite summer blockbuster or trashing bad guys in a first-person shooter video game, larger displays simply allow for a more immersive experience. Of course, there are some diminishing returns here, as a 75-inch TV is not significantly more immersive than, say, a 70-inch model.

Placement

Larger TVs are more difficult to place, thanks to increased size, bulk, and weight. Smaller models are your best friend if you are shopping for a television to outfit a small bedroom, a kitchen, or a dorm room. Anything above 50 or 55 inches could make for a frustrating installation experience if your living space is limited. You should take into account your viewing distance and resolution when comparing television screen sizes. Some consumers swear by 40-inch TVs, or even smaller, for kitchens and related locations. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare TVs vs room size, so you’ll get the right matt or glossy TV to fit your space. Placement is also an important factor when picking out a great conference room TV, as you want everyone to be able to see a clear picture.

But what if your TV screen is already broken? Knowing how to fix a broken TV screen can save you money, and it’s relatively easy to do.

Field of View

Larger televisions typically boast a bigger field of view when compared to smaller counterparts. Field of view refers to how much of the action you can see at one time, so this metric impacts immersion and can even affect your skill level while playing console video games.

Cost

Unfortunately, the bigger the screen, the bigger the drain on your bank account. This is especially true when considering newer display technologies like OLED, which may have different levels of backlighting or brightness. Just like with LED models, ever-changing technology will cause those prices to fall once they are easier to manufacture. However, you should be able to find a TV that fits your needs in a variety of budget ranges. Running costs can also be more depending on the type of TV. Check out our guide on low-wattage TVs if you want an efficient TV. If you are deadset on a larger-than-average television, expect to pay a much higher price when compared to smaller TVs.

STAT: TV width and length measurements do not account for any outer bezel that may be on the TV, so please keep that in mind. (source)

Television Screen Size FAQs

What about computer monitors?

Computer monitors are also available in various sizes, so access a screen size calculator or size calculator to find the best fit for you. You won’t find computer monitors with a theater screen size, but you can get closer than you think.

Should I get a smart TV?

Smart TVs are all the rage and for good reason. They allow for voice commands, no matter the size of your display. Even if you have a smart TV with a 19-inch display, you’ll gain the benefits.

Is OLED worth it?

OLED produces vivid colors, but. these televisions are expensive. in other words, if you purchase a 75-inch HD model or a 75-inch LCD screen, it will likely be cheaper than the 50-inch OLED model.
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