In this article, I'll share the 10 best 55-inch TVs. The rating includes models in the price range from 32 to 190 thousand rubles. All of them support 4K UHD images and contain the Smart TV software shell, but differ in the type of matrix, image processing technology and the range of tasks performed. The main selection criteria were picture quality, functionality, built-in acoustics and price. Next, I will briefly describe each model, list its advantages and disadvantages, and advise who should think about buying it.
Sony KD-55AG9
The 2019 Sony KD-55AG9 is a TV and home theater at the same time. A 120Hz WRGB sensor delivers natural images with deep blacks, while Acoustic Surface Audio + channels sound from multiple angles to create a truly immersive screen experience. Powered by the X1 Ultimate image processor, this OLED TV delivers deep blacks and natural colors. Pixel Contrast Booster technology enhances the contrast to brighten the picture. The picture on the screen looks as realistic as possible with incredible detail and vibrant colors. TRILUMINOS Display technology can reproduce a wide gamut of vivid colors, so the screen appears more realistic tones and tints. The manufacturer equipped the TV with a fast Android 9.0 operating system and took care of saving the user's time: using the Apple Air Play and Chromecast functions, you can broadcast video from your smartphone to the TV without connecting a cable, and the smart remote control allows you to search for Internet content using voice commands.
Benefits:
- high-quality color reproduction and natural image;
- wide functionality;
- the thickness of the case is only 4 cm;
- conveniently located connectors of any type, including USB 3.0, 3.5 mm jack and optical S / PDIF;
- built-in DTS audio system for 8 speakers with a total power of 98 watts.
Disadvantages:
- Game mode with 27ms response in 4K resolution;
- high price tag - 190,000 rubles.
Sony is the best TV in the ranking on three main criteria: sound, picture and functionality. Its only drawback is its high cost (40% more expensive than its closest competitor - Samsung QE55Q90RAU). Due to the nature of the Sony matrix, it is ideal for evening or night viewing, in bright light, Pixel Contrast Booster works less efficiently. You should also take into account the features of the matrix and do not leave the statistical white image turned on for a long time.
Samsung QE55Q90RAU
In second place is the Samsung QE55Q90RAU model with a QLED matrix and a high-performance Quantum 4K processor, the tandem of which provides input latency within 14.5 ms in game mode (at a frame rate of 120 Hz with interpolation). Direct Full Array 16X backlighting delivers more detail and contrast in dynamic scenes by intelligently adjusting the brightness of each scene. With AI upscaling technology, QLED TV automatically converts FHD and lower resolutions to 4K. Unique interior Ambient mode - when the TV is turned off, it adjusts to the image on the wall, becoming invisible, or displays an image uploaded by the user on the screen.The control is carried out using the universal One remote. Integration into the smart home system with the Smart Things application is also provided.
Benefits:
- fast OS;
- high-quality image;
- slim body (4 cm);
- frameless design and hidden wires;
- 10 years warranty against screen burnout;
- Dolby Digital sound with a total power of 60 watts.
Disadvantages:
- does not support DTS sound;
- "dirty screen effect" is noticeable;
- no Dolby Vision;
- no USB 3.0;
- cost - 135,000 rubles;
Samsung QE55Q90RAU is a versatile model suitable for watching TV, movies or games. Thanks to Quantum Dot technology, the Samsung QE55Q90RAU is comparable to Sony's KD-55AG9 in terms of image quality, although when watching high-definition content (for example, on Netflix), the lack of Dolby Vision becomes noticeable. The 6-speaker Dolby Digital audio system reproduces sounds well at all frequencies, but still inferior to the Sony surround sound system. At the same time, Samsung has a faster shell, a convenient game mode and, most importantly, a much more humane price tag.
LG OLED55C9P
The Korean LG OLED55C9P TV is distinguished by the perfect display of 4K video, which is achieved both through the properties of the OLED matrix itself, and through the use of image transmission and processing technologies. For example, Quick Media Switching improves picture quality when watching older movies at 24Hz, and HDMI 2.1 can display 4K footage up to 120Hz. The α9 Gen 2 processor creates incredibly detailed images and unique sound. LG 4K Cinema HDR with support for most HDR formats, including Technicolor Advanced HDR and HDR10 Pro. A 1ms response time and minimal input lag provide smoother real-time motion. VRR and ALLM with HDMI 2.1 support ensure the highest graphics performance with minimal stuttering at the fastest speeds. Dolby Vision and Atmos technologies transform your home into a cinema hall with cinematic HDR picture and sound. The Smart TV shell will delight the user with flexible customization: applications are displayed in the form of a horizontal drop-down menu, if necessary, they can be dragged and swapped. You can also view photos or stream videos directly from your smartphone.
Benefits:
- Input Lag - only 13ms, even better than Samsung QE55Q90RAU;
- thanks to VRR technology, you can play without jerking;
- the ability to connect to a home theater system via HDMI ARC;
- transfer of content from smartphone and tablet via AirPlay;
- LG Remote acts as a pointer for easy operation;
- support for Dolby Digital and DTS.
Disadvantages:
- the body is slightly thicker than that of Samsung or Sony - 5 cm;
- not all TV channels are displayed in HD quality;
- average sound quality (4 speakers, 10 W each);
- there is a risk of pixel burnout.
LG OLED55C9P is the best gaming TV in the rating, the possibilities of which are revealed when connected to a new generation of consoles (Sony Playstation, XBOX Project Scarlett). It is also suitable for watching movies, provided it is connected to an external audio system. The high price tag of 139,000 rubles can be justified by an OLED screen - the same type as on the more expensive Sony KD-55AG9.
Panasonic TX-55GZR950
Panasonic TX-55GZR950 boasts an OLED matrix with support for HDR10, HDR10 +, Dolby Vision for a relatively "modest" price tag - 115,000 rubles. Panasonic's HCX Pro processor suppresses noise, upscales content to HDR and calibrates the screen itself, saving user time. It is easy and convenient to control the TV, it comes with an ergonomic remote control. The operating system My Home Screen 4 is inferior in performance to Android, but YouTube works fine and reads 4K HDR. For the rest of the applications, you need a TV BOX. High sound power 50 watts. 4 speakers of which two are 10 W and two are 15 W. Supports Dolby Atmos and Cinema Surround Pro.
Benefits:
- OLED screen with detailed dark scenes;
- compact stand fits any base;
- sound (2x10 + 2x15 W) - better than LG OLED55C9P.
Disadvantages:
- Wi-Fi does not support 5 GHz;
- DTS sound is not played;
- HDMI does not support VRR, and game mode response is 21.8ms - twice as slow as its closest competitor (LG OLED55C9P);
- there is no HDMI 2.1, so it can be difficult to reproduce Blue-Ray content.
This model is an ideal choice for those wishing to purchase an OLED TV for a reasonable price. It is thanks to the high image quality that Panasonic was ranked 4th in the rating.The built-in 50-watt audio system reproduces the soundtrack of films almost without loss, but it is noticeably inferior to the surround sound of the Sony KD-55AG9, so music lovers will have to take care of external acoustics.
LG 55SM8600
One of the best TVs in the middle price segment. The model is equipped with an LED display, a new 2nd generation α7 processor with artificial intelligence and proprietary NanoCell technology that improves color purity in the RGB range. NanoCell technology uses nanoparticles to absorb excess light waves, which improves screen color purity and widens the color range. The IPS matrix in combination with CalMan technology guarantees good color reproduction from any viewing angle. Smart TV runs on a modern shell WebOS version 4.5 - icons with applications are minimized and do not take up much space. In the presence of intelligent voice control - you can say a search query into the microphone on the remote control, and the TV will display the content found on the Internet on the screen or execute the user's command.
Benefits:
- good color rendering and viewing angles;
- 62,000 RUB - half the price of Panasonic TX-55GZR950;
- Imput lag - 13.8 ms;
- frame refresh rate –120 Hz;
- availability of Air Play;
- a large number of free LG Channel - 204 pcs.
Disadvantages:
- budget set of slots - HDMI 2.0 and USB 2.0;
- weak acoustics - 2 x 10 W;
- little free space for installing applications (only 550 MB);
- the matrix and central board often fail;
- vertical highlights when the Local Dimming function is on;
- some of the ports are built into the rear wall.
The price is about 60,000 rubles. The picture quality of the LG 55SM8600 is one of the best among 55 "TVs, but still falls short of the OLED matrix of the Panasonic TX-55GZR950 or more expensive models. This model does not support variable frame rate (VRR), but the latency in game mode is one of the lowest in the rating, so this TV is quite suitable for games on the older generation consoles (XBOX ONE). The sound quality of LG leaves much to be desired, but the problem is solved by connecting external speakers.
Philips 55PUS6704
The budgetary price segment of the rating is opened by the Philips 55PUS6704 model. Despite the relatively modest price tag of 45,000 rubles, the manufacturer has equipped the TV with a high-quality VA matrix with support for 4K resolution and Ambilight background lighting technology. Perimeter-mounted Ambilight LEDs enhance your immersion and can be used as a night light when needed. For image enhancement, Micro Dimming, Dolby Vision and HDR10 + technologies are responsible. Saphi Smart TV operating system is easy to use, with few preinstalled applications. Remote control - with intuitive control.
Benefits:
- high image quality with HDR10 + support;
- full set of connectors for a mid-range TV, including HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0 and optical audio output;
- input lag when connected to PS4 does not exceed 20ms.
Disadvantages:
- frame rate - 60 Hz;
- you cannot install new applications;
- slow OS, channels are switched with high latency;
- glare on dark scenes is visible;
- flimsy remote control;
- budget sound;
- 4K resolution is only available for YouTube.
The comparatively cheap Philips 55PUS6704 is comparable to the Samsung QE55Q90RAU with quantum dots in contrast and color quality. But in functional terms, it cannot compete with high-end models: the OS is weak for Internet content and watching movies through built-in applications in 4K, an additional set-top box is needed, and formal support for Dolby Atmos with two 10W speakers is not fundamental.
Samsung UE55NU7090U
Samsung UE55NU7090U surprises with the price-performance ratio. The VA matrix with UHD Dimming local backlight produces a colorful picture with good shadow detail. Tizen 4.0 OS offers a lot of useful Smart options: video preview without launching the application, a universal guide that selects content based on user preferences, streaming video games in 4K resolution via the Steam-link application.As well as on more expensive Samsung models, integration into the Smart Home with the SmartThings application and even voice control via Yandex-Alice are provided.
Benefits:
- fast operating system Tizen 4.0;
- wide functionality;
- the ability to view 4K content through different applications (TV-plus);
- price - 36,000 rubles.
Disadvantages:
- no support for DivX, Xvid and DTS;
- only 1 USB port;
- headphones are connected only via Bluetooth;
- no tulip 5.1, so cannot be connected to old speaker systems;
- no support for WiFi 5GHz.
The screen matrix and built-in acoustics of this TV are the same as on the previous model Philips 55PUS6704, and the operating system and processor of Samsung is even better, which allows you to use it for viewing Internet content. At the same time, the model has a number of significant drawbacks that do not allow us to put it higher in the rating: Local Dimming does not work stably and often gives flashes, the manufacturer's declared frame rate of 100 Hz is achieved through interpolation, there are not enough ports, many video files cannot be played.
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 T2
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 T2 is a full-fledged multimedia combine for 34,000 rubles. The IPS-matrix supports 4k resolution, the picture on the screen is clear and sharp, although without the claimed HDR. The sound from the TV is standard for the budget segment (2 x 10 W), but with support for Dolby Digital and DTS. The main feature of this model is two operating shells with instant switching: Android TV with support for any applications and customizing the interface to your taste, and Xiaomi Patchwall with automatic selection of content based on interests. The compact Bluetooth remote control with joystick and voice search makes operation comfortable and intuitive.
Benefits:
- a large number of conveniently located slots (3 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0);
- stylish minimalistic design;
- sufficient internal memory (8GB);
- flexible setting Smart TV.
Disadvantages:
- remote control without pointer function;
- Can't install Netflix
- no optical audio output;
- the speed limit of the built-in network card is 100 Mbps.
Xiaomi's price / functionality ratio is one of the best in the rating, but the picture quality does not allow us to put it higher Samsung UE55NU7090U... Despite the formal presence of HDR, the brightness of the TV is far from the required indicator (330 instead of 1000 cd / m2), the detail of dark scenes also leaves much to be desired.
Hyundai H-LED55EU7008
The cheapest rating model. For only 32,000 rubles. Hyundai H-LED55EU7008 offers the buyer a set of minimum capabilities of a modern Smart TV. In the presence of a 55-inch diagonal with support for 4K UHD and variable image settings - you can use automatic presets or adjust the sliders manually. Android TV 9.0 shell guarantees fast application switching and the ability to work in the browser. The built-in media player handles 4K (MKV) files. The classic large remote control with a separate button for launching YouTube and Bluetooth connection will appeal to conservative users, and voice control is provided for advanced users.
Benefits:
- price;
- individual image setting;
- functional panel;
- a sufficient number of conveniently located connectors (4 x HDMI, 2 x USB), there is an optical audio output and a mini Jack for headphones.
Disadvantages:
- WiFi 5GHz is not supported;
- the worst sound in the rating - 2 x 8 W (the same as that of the TCL L55P8US model);
- mediocre anti-reflective coating;
- side highlights are visible on a black background;
- not playable * avi.
The screen of the Hyundai H-LED55EU7008 is the same as that of the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 55 T2 - a VA matrix that does not support HDR, lacks brightness, but produces a full 4K resolution with a high contrast ratio (5139: 1). But the functionality of this TV is noticeably lacking, as well as normal acoustics. The creative placement of the speakers on the front panel does not improve their sound quality in any way.
TCL L55P8US
Another budget Chinese TV with good image quality and a wide range of features. For 35,000 rubles. the user gets a VA matrix with honest 4K. HDR10 declared by the manufacturer is actually not supported, but the local dimming technology gives deep detailed shadows.The Smart TV function is implemented on the Android 9.0 OS, thanks to which you can install any applications from Google Play, including T-Channel, which collects updated content for the user from different online cinemas on one page. It is also possible to record television programs on a USB flash drive and play files from external drives up to 3 TB. Another nice feature of TCL is the presence of two remote controls: a standard one with a large number of buttons and a small one with a speaker for voice control.
Benefits:
- local dimming Micro dimming, similar technologies used on Samsung TVs;
- modern slim design with metal frames;
- voice control;
- fast OS;
- support for all broadcast formats.
Disadvantages:
- not the best image quality;
- weak acoustics (2 x 8 W).
TCL L55P8US costs 3 thousand more than Hyundai H-LED55EU7008, but its matrix brightness is lower - 270 versus 330 cd / m2 and the contrast is lower (4500: 1). Nevertheless, for its price, this is an excellent model, worthy of a place in the ranking. The TV is suitable for watching TV content and playing games on older consoles (including PS4). To immerse yourself in movies or play music, you will have to acquire external acoustics.
