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TV tech you can live without
If you're shopping for a new TV, you might feel dazzled by the latest technology on some models and wonder if they are worth your money.
Our experts have picked out five TV features brands love shouting about, but might not be worth spending extra on.
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1. QLED TV
QLEDs are TVs that use quantum dots – tiny particles that emit colours when lit up – to display wider colour ranges and enhanced brightness.
While a few brands make them, Samsung makes more than most and seems confident in its belief QLED technology can compete with OLED in delivering top-quality pictures.
However, the difference between an LCD and a QLED TV is just this extra layer of quantum dots and our lab tests have found some LCDs can rival or even surpass QLEDs in terms of picture quality.
If you want to know more about QLED technology, you can read our piece what is QLED TV?
But with LCDs costing around the £700 mark and QLEDs around £900, you might be wise to choose a Best Buy LCD over a QLED.
What features should you look out for and how much you should spend? Read our expert guide to the best TVs.
2. 8K TV
An 8K TV has four times the number of pixels found on a 4K TV, which, in turn, offers four times the number of pixels found on an HD TV.
With a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320, totalling 33,177,600 pixels, an 8K TV can showcase incredibly sharp, crisp images in unparalleled detail compared to a 4K TV.
While this sounds impressive, there isn't actually much 8K content around yet.
There has been only a handful of one-off 8K streams and videos aimed at showcasing the potential of the technology on platforms like YouTube, mainly featuring slow pans around picturesque landscapes.
Moreover, 8K TVs come with a hefty price, making them a significant investment. We suggest opting for a 4K TV and waiting for 8K technology to become more accessible and affordable.
Find out why you shouldn't rush out to buy an 8K TV in our piece what you need to know about 8K TV.
3. 120Hz refresh rate
Gamers love TVs with a 120Hz refresh rate, because they promise smooth motion and a better gaming experience on compatible consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
However, for the average telly watcher, the benefits may not justify the extra cost. The average price for 120Hz TVs is around £1,400, whereas the average price for TVs with lower refresh rates is around £980.
And given most broadcast and streaming content is optimised for 60Hz refresh rates, it's probably not worth paying extra for 120Hz.
If you are a gamer, head to our guide for the best TVs for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
4. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR):
This is another feature gamers would appreciate but an average telly watcher could live without.
VRR technology, often highlighted as a boon for gamers, is meant to maintain smooth frame rates during gameplay, preventing stutters and interruptions.
But while it does work well, non-gamers should prioritise a TV's picture and sound quality over gaming-specific features like VRR.
Read our guide to the best cheap TVs to get our expert view on what represents good value.
5. Bezel-free design
Confused about what a bezel is? Essentially, it's the border between the screen and the frame of the TV. While it holds the screen in place and adds structural integrity, some find it aesthetically unappealing and distracting.
Bezel-free TVs do look good. We like how they give viewers a more immersive experience, where you feel more drawn into the shows you're watching.
But they tend to be expensive, due to the advanced engineering required to hide the bezel while maintaining structural integrity.
A bezel-free TV won't improve the picture or sound quality either, so you're not getting much bang for your buck.
Looking for a larger screen? Head to the best 60 and 65-inch TVs for our top picks.
Popular TVs to consider
These Which?-tested TVs have proved popular on our site and don't have all the tech features mentioned above:
LG 50NANO766QA
Pros: LG's 50-inch 4K TV stands out due to its £399 price – significantly less than the average £500-£1,500 price of a 4K TV. It has both Freeview and satellite compatibility, as well as built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to help you navigate features using voice commands.
Cons: The app store is a little slow to load, initially.
But did we name this TV a Which? Best Buy? Read our LG 50NANO766QA review to find out.
LG 55UQ91006LA
Pros: This is similar to the LG 50NANO766QA with the only difference being its 55-inch screen size. It comes with the popular LG Magic Remote.
Cons: The home screen wastes too much space on adverts.
But how did it stand up in our lab tests? Read our review of the LG 55UQ91006LA to find out if it's the TV for you.
Samsung UE55AU7100KXXU
Pros: This is a 4K TV, which comes with options like high contrast and colour inversion. Given that it also offers subtitle enlargement and sign-language interpreter support, it's a great choice for those with sensory disabilities.
Cons: The remote could take some getting used to, as many buttons do different things depending on how often you press them.
Is it good enough to be a Best Buy though? Read our Samsung UE55AU7100KXXU review if it's a worthwhile investment.
LG OLED48A26LA
Pros: Even the fast-moving action looks smooth on this OLED TV. It also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision IQ, which optimises contrast and colour depth for every scene.
Cons: The menu layout could use some work.
To see the overall verdict for this OLED TV, check our LG OLED48A26LA review.
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* Main image photo: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED8K
