Best Android TVs - A Comprehensive Comparison
Comparison of Best Android TVs: Best Overall, Best Budget, Best Value, Best OLED, Best Large Screen, and Best Immersive Experience

Published: 1st Oct 2020
Most people use external set-top boxes or streaming devices to convert their TVs into smart TVs. However, most TVs these days come with inbuilt operating systems, so you don’t have to invest in external streaming devices. Getting smart TVs or Android TVs also allows you to control all of the TV functionality and smart features with a single remote.
While all Android TVs have an inbuilt user interface and Chromecast capability, they also differ in several key factors. As TVs, they naturally differ in their video quality, resolution, size, audio quality, and other core TV-related features. But they also differ in their specific smart features, voice assistant capabilities, etc.
It’s also worth noting that Android TVs and Smart TVs aren’t synonymous. Android TVs are smart TVs with an inbuilt Android ecosystem. You can also find smart TVs with other operating systems, including Roku, FireOS, etc. Since there is a wide range of potential operating systems, the number of smart TVs with Android OS is fairly limited. The most popular Android TV brands are Sony, Hisense, and Philips.
This article provides a detailed review of the best Android TVs across several categories — best overall, best budget, best premium, best OLED, best large TV, and best immersive experience. I believe these categories are pretty self-explanatory, but please use your discretion to find the right Android TV for your specific needs. We’ve also listed some runner ups for each category, and we highly recommend that you go through them as well to find the perfect TV for your specific needs.
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Comparison Table of Best Android TVs
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Best Overall |
Best Value |
Best Budget |
Best OLED |
Best Large TV (75”+) |
Best Immersive Experience |
Name |
||||||
Quick Summary |
4K Dolby Vision HDR content with hands-free voice control. |
4K Dolby Vision HDR content at an affordable price point. |
Extremely cheap Android TV in less than $150. |
Advanced OLED 4K Dolby Vision Android TV with hands-free voice control. |
98” Android TV with 8K resolution and 33 million pixels. |
Immersive 4K OLED TV with intelligent LED lights and smart light shows. |
Price |
||||||
SMARTHOME News Rating |
5/5 |
4.5/5 |
4.5/5 |
4.8/5 |
4.5/5 |
4.2/5 |
Amazon Rating |
4.5/5 |
4.5/5 |
4.1/5 |
4.3/5 |
4.3/5 |
— |
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|
Specs |
|
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Sizes |
49”/ 55”/ 65”/ 75”/ 85” |
43”/ 49”/ 55”/ 65”/ 75”/ 85” |
32”/ 40”/ 50”/ 55”/ 65” |
55”/ 65” |
85”/ 98” |
55”/ 65” |
Ethernet Ports |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
✔ |
HDMI Ports |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
USB Ports |
2/3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
Inbuilt Chromecast |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Hands-Free Google Assistant |
✔ |
x |
x |
✔ |
✔ |
x |
Apple AirPlay |
✔ |
✔ |
x |
✔ |
✔ |
x |
Apple HomeKit |
✔ |
✔ |
x |
✔ |
✔ |
x |
Google Home |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Amazon Alexa |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Resolution |
3840 x 2160 |
3840 x 2160 |
720p/ 1080p/ 4K |
3840 x 2160 |
7680 x 4320 |
3840 x 2160 |
Display Type |
LED |
LCD |
LCD |
OLED |
LED |
OLED |
HDR |
HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
HDR 10 |
HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
Processor |
Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate |
X1™ 4K HDR Processor |
Cortex A53 Quad-Core |
Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate |
Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate |
Quad Core P5 Perfect Picture Engine |
Contrast |
Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster, X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO |
Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster |
5000:1 |
Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster, Pixel Contrast Booster |
8K X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO, Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster |
— |
Motion Enhancer |
X-Motion Clarity, Auto Mode |
Motionflow™ XR 240 (native 60 Hz) |
Native 60Hz Refresh Rate |
Motionflow™ XR |
X-Motion Clarity, Auto Mode |
5000 PPI Hz |
Color Enhancement |
Live Color™ Technology, Precision Color Mapping, Super bit mapping™ HDR, TRILUMINOS™ Display |
Live Color™ Technology, TRILUMINOS™ Display |
500 nits brightness |
Live Color™ Technology, Precision Color Mapping, Super bit mapping™ HDR, TRILUMINOS™ Display |
Super Bit Mapping™ HDR, TRILUMINOS™ Display |
— |
Clarity Enhancement |
4K X-Reality™ PRO, Dual Database Processing, Object-based Super Resolution |
4K X-Reality™ PRO |
— |
4K X-Reality™ PRO, Dual database processing, Object-based Super Resolution |
8K X-Reality™ PRO, Dual Database Processing, Object-based Super Resolution |
— |
Dolby Audio |
Dolby™ Audio, Dolby™ Atmos |
Dolby™ Audio, Dolby™ Atmos |
Dolby™ Audio |
Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® Pulse, Dolby® AC-4 |
Dolby™ Audio, Dolby™ Digital, Dolby™ Digital Plus, Dolby™ AC-4 |
Dolby™ Atmos |
OnBoard Storage |
16GB |
16GB |
16GB |
16GB |
16GB |
16GB |
Best Overall Android TVs
WINNER: Sony X950H Series
Sony X950H Series is currently one of the best Android TVs in every category, including video quality, audio quality, and smart features. It comes equipped with the latest X1 Ultimate Processor and the latest version of Android TV, providing the fastest and most effortless user interface. Sony X950 is certainly not the most premium TV out there, but it is the most premium TV within a moderately affordable range.
The price varies massively between its various sizes, ranging from 49” to 85”. The 49” version, priced at around $1,000, is quite affordable. But the 85” will put you back over $4,000, which is still commensurate with most Android TVs of this caliber. You can also rest assured that you won’t have to upgrade this TV anytime soon since it’s loaded with Dolby Vision HDR standard and Dolby Atmos audio, both of which effectively future-proof it for several years.
SonyX950H has the latest version of Android TV. In the past few years, Android TV has had some image issues, as people have been frustrated by its lack of inbuilt apps. However, the latest Android TV puts those concerns to rest — it’s loaded with almost all major streaming apps. Besides Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, it also includes HBO Max and Disney Plus. The only notable exception is Apple TV+.
Few smart TVs stand in the same league in terms of performance. It’s equipped with the latest X1 Ultimate Processor and features brilliant performance features, such as a light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness according to the ambient light to minimize glare. The picture quality is unrivaled because of Dolby Vision and HDR10 standards, combined with the 4K resolution, and it also includes some great pre-configured video settings.
All things considered, Sony X950H is one of the best overall Android TVs, capable of effortlessly streaming gorgeous films and fast-paced movements and sports. Sure, you can probably find cheaper TVs that provide an almost-similar performance and quality, but this TV will remain a fixture in the big leagues for years to come.
Specs Overview
- Sizes: 49”/ 55”/ 65”/ 75”/ 85”
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Ethernet Ports: 1
- HDMI Ports: 4
- USB Ports: 2/ 3
- Inbuilt Chromecast: ✔
- Hands-Free Google Assistant: ✔
- Apple AirPlay: ✔
- Apple HomeKit: ✔
- Google Home: ✔
- Amazon Alexa: ✔
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Display Type: LED
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Processor: Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate
- Contrast: Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster, X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO
- Motion Enhancer: X-Motion Clarity, Auto Mode
- Color Enhancement: Live Color™ Technology, Precision Color Mapping, Super bit mapping™ HDR, TRILUMINOS™ Display
- Clarity Enhancement: 4K X-Reality™ PRO, Dual Database Processing, Object-based Super Resolution
- Dolby Audio: Dolby™ Audio, Dolby™ Atmos
- OnBoard Storage: 16GB
Key Features
- TRILUMINOS display widens the color spectrum to reproduce more colors, with greater clarity, than most TVs.
- X-Wide Angle ensures you have the same visual clarity, regardless of your TV viewing angle.
- X-Motion Clarity™ technology ensures all motions are quickly processed, so you don’t miss anything, even during fast-paced actions and sports programs.
- Full Array LED and X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO ensure realistic contrast with heightened brightness and deeper shadows.
- 4K X-Reality™ PRO and Object-based Super Resolution effectively upscale 1080p videos into 4K quality, reproduced with real-world textures. As such, you can enjoy even standard videos in 4K.
- Super Bit Mapping HDR ensures natural transition of colors and shades without banding.
- Acoustic Multi-Audio™ consists of two sound-positioning tweeters that ensure the sound output follows the TVs action, providing an immersive sound experience.
- Object-based HDR Remaster scans each object on the TV individually to produce natural colors and gradations.
- Voice Zoom automatically adjusts the voice to ensure you don’t miss dialogues spoken in lower decibels. It also filters spoken voice through background clutter.
- S-Force Front Surround stimulates the experience of a multi-speaker sound system to deliver sounds from around the room.
- Inbuilt Google Assistant allows you to control the TV through voice commands.
- Inbuilt Chromecast facilitates smooth and seamless compatibility with Android and iOS phones.
Pros
- Future-proofed audio and visual capabilities.
- Brilliant user-interface and usability.
- Provides an IMAX experience.
- Upscales videos to almost 4K quality.
- Great value of money, considering the features.
Cons
- Dual-position stand is only available for the 55” and 75” versions.
- Wobbly stand.
Buy if you…
- You’re a cinephile who wants a complete theatre experience.
- Want to experience even non-4K movies in almost 4K quality.
- Are a sports fanatic who doesn’t want to miss a thing.
Don’t buy if you…
- Intend to place the TV on a table, and have pets or kids — it will easily get knocked over.
Ratings
- SMARTHOME News Rating: 5/5
- Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
- BestBuy Rating: 4.8/5
- Sony Rating: 4.6/5
Cost
Runner Up 1: Sony A8H Series
The Sony A8H Series is a brilliant OLED TV with almost all the same features as the previously reviewed X950H series, i.e., both of them are compatible with most smart platforms, have wide viewing angles, Netflix calibrated mode, Dolby Vision & Atmos, powerful processors, 120Hz x-motion clarity for sports programs, etc.
However, the A8H Series is an OLED TV while the aforementioned X950H Series is an advanced full-array LED TV. But, conversely, the A8H Series lacks inbuilt Google Assistant, so it doesn’t offer hands-free voice control, unlike the X950H Series. That’s the only major difference between the two series — one is an OLED TV while the other has an inbuilt voice assistant.
It’s also worth noting that some reports suggest a risk of permanent burn-in with the OLED screen. Considering that the A8H Series is also more expensive than the X950H Series, it seemed like a pretty clear call to mark it down. However, use your discretion to determine if you give greater preference to OLED visuals or hands-free inbuilt voice control.
Runner Up 2: Hisense Class L5 Series
Hisense Class L5 Series is one of the largest Android TVs on the market, with a screen size of 100”. This is certainly a powerful beast of a TV, but it’s a little lacking in advanced features, and it’s pretty inaccessible, both in terms of size and cost. This TV is only available in one size, 100”, and that’s it — take it or leave it.
This is a 4K Ultra Laser TV with HDR10 and HLG decoding, and a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160p with a 60Hz refresh rate. As such, even though this TV has some great features, coupled with enormous size, it doesn’t have Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos compatibility. Furthermore, the previous Android TVs in this list had a 120Hz refresh rate, making them far more capable of professing high-speed actions.
You should certainly consider this TV if you want a 100” TV with brilliant 4K HDR video quality. After all, Hisense is one of the few Android TVs venturing into 100”+ territories, so it will make a brilliant addition to your home theatre. But, unless you really want a TV of this size, you’d be better off with the previously mentioned TVs. You can also consider some of the large TVs we mention later in this article.
Best Value Android TVs
WINNER: Sony X800H Series
Sony X800H Series is a great choice for those who want some of the latest Android TV features and advanced performance but without shelling out thousands of dollars. The Sony X800H series includes TVs with sizes ranging from 43” to 85”, all available within the $1,000 mark, making it one of the cheapest Android TVs to provide such advanced capabilities as an inbuilt 4K resolution, object-based HDR remaster, Dolby Vision, and in-built voice controls.
This Sony Android TV provides stellar color balance, with great peaks, strong viewing angles, and HDR color accuracy. However, it has a mediocre color contrast, with blacks that look dark-grey in dark rooms. While the response time is strong, it doesn’t incorporate any variable refresh rate technology, which may be disappointing to gamers who want a TV for gaming purposes. The 4K visual output is pretty stellar, with strong Dolby Vision compatibility, but there’s no upscale feature, i.e., the 480p, 720p, and 1080p videos won’t automatically upscale to 4K, but that’s to be expected from an Android TV costing less than $1,000.
All things considered, the Sony X800H TVs can be used as PC monitors or for video games because they have strong visuals with low input lag and good response time, though variable refresh rate technology would have certainly taken it over the top. However, it’s only mediocre for HDR movies and TV show viewing because the contrast rate is mediocre, the blacks look grey, and it lacks local dimming features that darken the blacks in low lighting.
Specs Overview
- Sizes: 43”/ 49”/ 55”/ 65”/ 75”/ 85”
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Ethernet Ports: 1
- HDMI Ports: 4
- HDCP: HDCP 2.3
- USB Ports: 2
- Inbuilt Chromecast: ✔
- Hands-Free Google Assistant: x
- Apple AirPlay: ✔
- Apple HomeKit: ✔
- Google Home: ✔
- Amazon Alexa: ✔
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Display Type: LCD
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Processor: X1™ 4K HDR Processor
- Contrast: Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster
- Motion Enhancer: Motionflow™ XR 240 (native 60 Hz)
- Color Enhancement: Live Color™ Technology, TRILUMINOS™ Display
- Clarity Enhancement: 4K X-Reality™ PRO
- Dolby Audio: Dolby™ Audio, Dolby™ Atmos
- OnBoard Storage: 16GB
Key Features
- TRILUMINOS with X1 processors reproduce a wide gamut of natural colors.
- 4K HDR processor X1 allows it to process 3840 x 2160p videos.
- Motionflow technology minimizes blurring and afterimage effects during fast-motion scenes.
- Object-based HDR adjusts the onscreen colors based on individual objects rather than just shadows and highlights.
- Clear Phase samples the speaker frequency to cancel peaks and dips in the speaker’s volume, ensuring smooth and even reproduction.
- Google Assistant facilitates easy voice search, but it needs to be accessed through the remote control.
- Inbuilt Chromecast enables you to cast content from your smartphone seamlessly.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
- Great viewing angle.
- Good overall image quality.
- Fast processor with low input lag.
Cons
- Bad contrasts and black reproduction.
- Doesn’t include hands-free voice search capability.
Buy if you…
- Want a PC monitor for gaming purposes at a reasonable rate.
- Want a future-proofed TV with Dolby Vision compatibility.
Don’t buy if you…
- Want a home theatre experience.
- Enjoy watching high-quality videos at different hours of the day and night.
Ratings
- SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.5/5
- Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
- BestBuy Rating: 4.6/6
- Sony Rating: 4.4/5
Cost
Runner Up 1: Hisense Class H8 Quantum Series
Hisense Class H8 Quantum Series is one of the most affordable 4K Android TVs with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision HDR capabilities. This smart TV has similar features as the most advanced Android TVs by Sony and LG, but it comes without a steep price point. Sure, it doesn’t have some of the next-gen features like 8K compatibility, but it has all the current latest features at a relatively low price.
You can get the Hisense Class H8 in four sizes — 50”, 55”, 65”, and 75”, and their cost ranges from $400 to $1,400. As such, it allows you to explore some of the latest visual quality features at an incredibly affordable rate, without having to break the bank. Many of the other Android TVs cost twice or thrice as much, charging you for features that won’t be useful for several years until they’re adopted widely by content producers.
While standard video quality in the TV is pretty average, it really kicks into high gear when you watch 4K or Dolby Vision content. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the capacity to upscale standard videos into 4K quality, but that would be expecting too much from such an affordable machine. It has a refresh rate of 60Hz, but that’s coupled with MotionRate 240, a feature that instantly boosts its ability to process fast-paced motions, making it suitable for games and sports.
All things considered, Hisense Class H8 is a brilliant Android TV that gives you access to some of the most advanced smart TV features, but at an affordable price. Honestly, we’re at a total loss comparing Sony X800H to Hisense Class H8 — while Sony X800H provides sharper video, the Hisense Class H8 may offer smoother gameplay. Finally, you should explore both of these options for yourself, and see which one you prefer.
Runner Up 2: Hisense Class H55
Hisense Class H55 is an affordable 1080p AndroidTV, available in two sizes — 32” and 40”. This TV is suitable for people who care about brilliant visual acuity and sound, but not so much about size or resolution. As a 32” or 40” TV, the 1080p resolution is enough to produce strong visuals, and the Motion Rate 120 feature ensures a smooth transition of visuals, even while watching sports. This Hisense Android TV naturally doesn’t have the same level of features as the previously mentioned Android TVs, but it’s a great option for those who are comfortable with bare-bones features at a competitive rate.
Best Budget Android TVs
WINNER: SKYWORTH E20 Series
SKYWORTH E20 Series is one of the most affordable android TVs, but it still packs some pretty great features. It’s available in five sizes — 32”, 40”, 50”, 55”, and 65”. The 32” version is only compatible with 720 resolution; the 40” version is compatible with 1080p resolution, and the 50”+ android TVs are compatible with 4K resolution. However, regardless of which TV you choose, they are incredibly cheap and affordable for their size.
These TVs include an LED panel with A53 quad-core processors, a thin design, and remote control with inbuilt Google Assistant voice commands. While these are fairly rudimentary features for a smart TV, they cover all the essential bases. You can watch all your content, or play games, with great clarity, and you can control the remote through voice commands. That’s about all you can ask from an Android TV worth less than $150.
Specs Overview
- Sizes: 32”/ 40”/ 50”/ 55”/ 65”
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz
- Ethernet Ports: 1
- HDMI Ports: 3
- USB Ports: 2
- Inbuilt Chromecast: ✔
- Hands-Free Google Assistant: x
- Apple AirPlay: x
- Apple HomeKit: x
- Google Home: ✔
- Amazon Alexa: ✔
- Resolution: 1280 x 720/ 1920 x 1080/ 3840 x 2160
- Display Type: LCD
- Processor: Cortex A53 Quad-Core
- HDR: HDR 10
- Contrast: 5000:1
- Brightness: 500 nits
- Dolby Audio: Dolby™ Audio
- OnBoard Storage: 16GB
Key Features
- Voice-enabled bluetooth remote with inbuilt Google Assistant enables voice commands.
- Infinity screen without bezels.
- Inbuilt Chromecast abilities to cast content from your phone to the TV seamlessly.
Pros
- Incredibly cheap.
- Available in various sizes and resolutions.
- Includes all essential smart TV features.
- Voice control remote available.
Cons
- Processor isn’t powerful enough for the 4K TVs.
Ratings
- SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.5/5
- Amazon Rating: 4.1/5
- Walmart Rating: 3.8/5
Buy if you…
- Want an Android TV at the cheapest price possible.
Don’t buy if you…
- Want hands-free voice controls.
- Want access to 4K videos or advanced quality.
Cost
Runner Up 1: TCL Class 3-Series
TCL Class 3-Series is yet another incredibly affordable Android TV available in less than $150. You can get it in two sizes (32” and 40”), supporting a maximum of 720p resolution. As is true for all Android TVs, it comes with inbuilt Google Assistant and Chromecast capabilities, so you can cast content from your phones and use voice commands through the remote control. However, you can’t do much else beyond that. Like the aforementioned SKYWORTH E20, this smart TV is also a bare-bones entry, suitable for those looking for the cheapest option available.
Runner Up 2: Sony X690E
Sony X690E isn’t the cheapest android TV, since it costs around thrice as much as the previous two entries in this category. However, it is the cheapest 4H Ultra HD and HDR android TV, available in sizes ranging from 50” to 70”. Besides 4K HDR video quality, this smart TV also has some advanced features, like 4K X-Reality™ PRO, ClearAudio+, Motionflow™ XR, — features that enhance the processing speed, visual quality, and audio quality. If you want the cheapest android TV, period, you should stick to one of the previous two TVs, but you can consider the Sony X690E if you want cheap yet powerful.
Best OLED Android TVs
WINNER: Sony A9F MASTER Series
Sony A9F MASTER Series is one of the latest OLED Android TVs from Sony, complete with some of the latest processing features and capabilities. This smart TV promises deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and overall more natural colors than most other smart TVs on the market.
Besides having brilliant features and visual quality, it also has a super-sleek bezel that ensures you’re immersed in the viewing experience, without distractions. Traditionally, OLED TVs have had a reputation for experiencing permanent burnout around the edges, but the A9F remedies that situation.
The A9F is widely recognized as one of the best IMAX-enhanced OLED Android TVs on the market, having won several awards at the CES 2019. It won awards for Excellence in 4K, High-Performance Home Audio-Video Experience, and General Excellence. It has also been called the Best Living Room TV, Best HDR TV, and the Best Home Theatre TV.
Specs Overview
- Sizes: 55”/ 65”
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Ethernet Ports: 1
- HDMI Ports: 4
- USB Ports: 3
- Inbuilt Chromecast: ✔
- Hands-Free Google Assistant: ✔
- Apple AirPlay: ✔
- Apple HomeKit: ✔
- Google Home: ✔
- Amazon Alexa: ✔
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Display Type: OLED
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Processor: Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate
- Contrast: Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster, Pixel Contrast Booster
- Motion Enhancer: Motionflow™ XR
- Color Enhancement: Live Color™ Technology, Precision Color Mapping, Super bit mapping™ HDR, TRILUMINOS™ Display
- Clarity Enhancement: 4K X-Reality™ PRO, Dual database processing, Object-based Super Resolution
- Dolby Audio: Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® Pulse, Dolby® AC-4
- OnBoard Storage: 16GB
Key Features
- OLED Display with over 8 million self-illuminating pixels, producing deeper blacks with natural colors.
- Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate individually identifies on-screen objects to enhance and calibrate their brightness.
- Pixel Contrast Booster™ enhances the color contrasts even further.
- Acoustic Surface Audio+™ includes three actuators with two subwoofers that deliver multi-directional soundscapes from each direction, imitating a theatrical experience.
- TRILUMINOS™ Display produces a wider gamut of colors.
- 4K X-Reality™ PRO upscales standard videos closer to 4K quality, so you can experience all content in almost 4K.
- Dolby Vision for the latest and most powerful HDR quality.
- Motionflow™ XR inserts extra frame between the original frames to provide a blur-free and smooth cinematic experience.
- Object-based Super Resolution identifies individual objects on-screen to add depth and ensure optimal visual accuracy.
- Object-based HDR remaster carefully calibrates the colors in each individual object to make them pop.
- Super Bit Mapping™ maintains optimal light and dark gradations to prevent banding, providing a smooth and natural visual.
- S-Force Front Surround emulates three-dimensional sound fields to provide an immersive and theatrical sound experience.
- Clear Phase calibrates the peaks and dips in a speaker’s voice to ensure smooth and even audio output.
- Netflix Calibrated Mode ensures you receive Netflix content in optimal visual quality, as determined by the creators of the content.
- Inbuilt Google Assistant enables you to control the TV through voice commands without a remote.
- Inbuilt Chromecast allows you to cast content from your phones to the TV.
Pros
- Best OLED quality.
- Wide range of advanced video and audio processing features.
- Hands-free voice controls available.
- Award-winning product.
Cons
- Expensive.
- OLED panels may be reflective under bright light.
Ratings
- SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.8/5
- Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
- BestBuy Rating: 4.7/5
- Sony Rating: 4.3/5
Buy if you…
- Want the best OLED TV money can buy.
- Want the latest audio-video features with a theatrical experience.
- Want a hands-free experience.
- Enjoy watching movies in dark rooms.
- Want to watch even standard-quality videos in 4K quality.
- Use the TV for fast-paced video games.
Don’t buy if you…
- Are on a budget.
- Will use the TV in brightly-lit settings.
Cost
Runner Up 1: SKYWORTH XA8000 Series
SKYWORTH XA8000 Series includes ultra-slim Android TVs incorporating the revolutionary PQ technology. Besides the OLED display, this smart TV has a 4K resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 display, making it suitable for high-quality and fast-paced content, such as sports and video games. It has an incredibly high 178° viewing angle, allowing you to watch the TV from any angle.
All things considered, SKYWORTH XA8000 is similar to the aforementioned A9F in most ways, except it doesn’t have many of the most advanced features, such as Dolby Vision or hands-free Google Assistant integration. If you want to access voice commands, you’ll have to do so through the remote control. However, those trade-offs may be worthwhile for you, considering this TV is also significantly cheaper than A95.
Runner Up 2: Hisense R8 Series
Hisense R8 Series is the ideal smart TV for those who want the OLED experience, but without paying the OLED price, considering most OLED TVs are over $1,500. This Hisense TV has a ULED display similar in quality to OLED, but costs significantly cheaper. Both OLED and ULED are similarly clear — the only difference is that ULED uses backlight, which may leave a little residue of light bleeding, unlike the OLED. However, the light bleeding will be negligible, making it almost as good as OLED.
Besides ULED instead of OLED display, the Hisense R8 includes most of the same advanced features as other OLED TVs, including Dolby Vision compatibility, Smooth Motion to prevent blurring, exceptionally bright and luminous visuals with natural colors, and the ability to control the TV remotely through Google Assistant voice commands. As such, you should consider the Hisense R8 if you want to experience OLED, but at a significantly lower price point.
Best Large Screen Android TVs (75”+)
WINNER: Sony Z9G MASTER Series
Sony Z9G MASTER Series is a stunning and massive smart TV with 8K resolution, available in two sizes — 85” and 98”. Everything about this TV is massive and larger-than-life, from the size and resolution to the brightness, and, yes, also the price point. Its screen carries over 33 million pixels, with almost 4000 brightness nits, and over 700 local dimming zones, making it one of the most opulent statements in large-screen Android TVs.
Naturally, this TV’s performance matches its visual output, complete with an extremely powerful X1™ Ultimate processor and 8K X-Reality™ PRO capabilities. Even though this TV is supposedly capable of upscaling standard videos to 8K quality, it actually manages to upscale closer to 4K quality. However, that is perfectly natural and understandable, considering most content producers currently produce content in 1080p, so it would be a stretch to upscale them to 8K.
However, the upscale limitation also drives at yet another important point of consideration — necessity. As of now, you’ll be hard-pressed to find content creators releasing content in 8K quality, especially since 4K content has only recently started becoming mainstream. It may be several years before content creators start venturing more definitely into 8K territory. As such, this TV’s visual qualities are almost theoretical, and the quality you receive will be proportional to a really good 4K TV, such as the Sony A9F.
All things considered, Z9G is an impressive android TV that shows you what the future of smart TVs may hold. While it doesn’t have great utility right now, it’s effectively future-proof for several years to come. If you pride yourself on being ahead of the curve, this is the right TV for you.
Specs Overview
- Sizes: 85”/ 98”
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Ethernet Ports: 1
- HDMI Ports: 4
- USB Ports: 3
- Inbuilt Chromecast: ✔
- Hands-Free Google Assistant: ✔
- Apple AirPlay: ✔
- Apple HomeKit: ✔
- Google Home: ✔
- Amazon Alexa: ✔
- Resolution: 7680 x 4320
- Display Type: LED
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Processor: Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate
- Contrast: 8K X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO, Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, Object-based HDR Remaster
- Motion Enhancer: X-Motion Clarity, Auto Mode
- Color Enhancement: Super Bit Mapping™ HDR, TRILUMINOS™ Display
- Clarity Enhancement: 8K X-Reality™ PRO, Dual Database Processing, Object-based Super Resolution
- Dolby Audio: Dolby™ Audio, Dolby™ Digital, Dolby™ Digital Plus, Dolby™ AC-4
- OnBoard Storage: 16GB
Key Features
- 8K resolution for 4x the resolution and quality of 4K TVs.
- 8K X-Reality™ PRO upscales all content closer to 8K quality to reveal their hidden depths and details.
- Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate identifies on-screen objects individually to highlight their features and make them pop.
- Backlight Master Drive combines ultra-dense LED structure with backlight technology to make the blacks appear even deeper, while brightening other colors even more.
- Acoustic Multi-Audio™ includes multiple front-facing speakers for the ultimate audio experience.
- 8K X-tended Dynamic Range™ PRO unlocks even greater depths and details in the brightest and darkest of scenes.
- X-Wide Angle technology ensures you experience the same visual accuracy and clarity from all angles.
- X-Motion Clarity technology ensures all action sequences and visuals are perfectly clear without any blurring effects.
- Netflix Calibrated Mode ensures you experience all Netflix content exactly the way the creators want them to be experienced.
- Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos™ provide the latest and most advanced viewing and audio experiences.
- TRILUMINOS™ Display ensures better visuals with brighter colors and contrasts.
- Clear Phase smoothens and calibrates the frequencies to ensure there are no sudden peaks and dips in speech patterns.
- S-Force Front Surround ensures you experience three-dimensional soundscapes for an immersive experience.
- Object-based Super Resolution identifies all objects for exceptional clarity.
- Super Bit Mapping HDR provides an even transition or gradience from lights to shadows, ensuring there are no banding effects.
- Inbuilt Google Assistant that facilitates hands-free voice commands and controls.
- Inbuilt Chromecast enables you to cast content from your smartphone.
Pros
- Perfect as a home theatre system.
- Extremely large.
- Stunning 8K visuals.
- Capacity to upscale videos.
- All-round viewing angle.
- Hands-free voice controls.
- Future-proof.
Cons
- Extremely costly.
- Lack of utility in the current content landscape.
- Rare instances of backlight bleeding.
Ratings
- SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.5/5
- Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
- BestBuy Rating: 4.3/5
- Sony Rating: 4.4/5
Buy if you…
- Want the latest features and capabilities.
- Don’t care about the cost… at all.
- Want a future-proof home theatre set.
- Want to upscale all your content to 8K.
- Want a theatrical experience.
Don’t buy if you…
- Are on a budget of any kind.
Cost
Runner Up 1: Hisense Class L10 Series
Hisense Class L10 Series is undoubtedly the largest android TV on the market, with a screen size of 120”. This is a 4K smart laser TV that provides some of the most brilliant visuals and contrasts. The UHD laser display includes a dual-color laser that incorporates a wide color gamut to display the brightest and most vibrant visuals. It delivers 3000 lumens of brightness with HDR content and a UHD upscaler that converts standard videos into 4K resolution, enhancing their qualities and details.
However, the Class L10 is also incredibly expensive, and you should only opt for it if you really want the biggest TV possible and don’t care about the price tag. We’ve placed this in the second position because it’s not future-proofed in the same way as the Sony Z9G, even though it’s similarly priced. For example, it features the standard 4K resolution with 8 million pixels, whereas the Sony features an 8K resolution with over 33 million pixels. As of now, the content quality difference between the two will be minimal, but over time, as content creators increase their content qualities, the L10 won’t withstand the future quite as well as the Sony.
Runner Up 2: TCL X915
TCL X915 is a QLED 8K TV with over 33 million pixels, making it just as future-proofed as the Sony Z9G. This TV provides a true 8K experience, complete with an upscaling feature that converts other standard content closer to 8K quality. This TV also includes Quantum Dot nanocrystals technology, a feature that utilizes Quantum Dots to increase content vibrancy by over 95%. It also includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and it provides an IMAX-enhanced experience.
Considering all these amazing future-proofed features, you may wonder why we’ve placed it as a second runner up, following the L10. Well, this TV is available in a single size — 75”. As such, even though it has the most amazing visual features and qualities, it’s still on the lower end of large-screen TVs. However, the choice is yours — all the large TVs in this list are equally amazing in different ways; find the one that most accurately meets your needs.
Best Immersive Experience
WINNER: Philips OLED 9 Series
In recent years, Philips has carved a particular niche for itself with the Ambilight series, featuring OLED TVs that produce an impressive smart light show to go with your content. Philips OLED 9 series is the best smart TV for an immersive experience, providing a wide range of impressive audio-visual capabilities to accompany the lights show.
The TV panel includes intelligent LED lights that frame the edges of the TV and cast colors on the walls. The lights show adjusts itself according to the content, mimicking similar color palettes or setting the mood for music. Yes, it can tune itself to the cadence of your music, producing a light show to accompany whatever you’re playing, making it the ideal tool for parties.
Besides the intelligent lights show, this TV also comes with a soundbar that sits at the base of the TV. Far from being an unnecessary appendage, the soundbar provides 6 channels of sound, pumping out 60W of sound from the six channels, making it incredibly powerful. You can also replace it or supplement it with an external speaker system of your choosing.
All things considered, Philips OLED 9 series is an impressive smart TV for people who prefer an immersive experience, complete with an all-encompassing soundscape and intelligent lights that dance on the walls in accordance with your content. However, like all OLED TVs, it’s available at a premium price, mostly suitable for people who seriously intend to use the immersive experience for purposes like hosting video game nights, theatrical experiences, dance parties, etc.
Specs Overview
- Sizes: 55”/ 65”
- WiFi Standard: Wi-Fi 802.11ac
- Ethernet Ports: ✔
- HDMI Ports: 4
- USB Ports: 2
- Inbuilt Chromecast: ✔
- Hands-Free Google Assistant: x
- Apple AirPlay: x
- Apple HomeKit: x
- Google Home: ✔
- Amazon Alexa: ✔
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Display Type: OLED
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Processor: Quad Core P5 Perfect Picture Engine
- Contrast: —
- Motion Enhancer: 5000 PPI Hz
- Color Enhancement: —
- Clarity Enhancement: —
- Dolby Audio: Dolby Atmos
- OnBoard Storage: 16GB
Key Features
- 4-Sided Ambilight produces intelligent lights that cast colors on the walls for an immersive experience.
- Integrated Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer includes six sound channels and tweeters for an immersive soundscape.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos enhance the audio-visual experience.
- HDR10+ visuals adjust the brightness levels for each frame to ensure optimal brightness and clarity.
- Philips P5 Pro Perfect Picture Engine powers the complete system, generating deep blacks, bright whites, and natural colors.
- Inbuilt Google Assistant enables you to use voice commands through the remote control.
- Inbuilt Chromecast allows you to cast content from your smartphone.
Pros
- Ideal for an immersive audio-visual experience.
- Stunning 4K video quality.
- Upscales videos from standard to 4K quality.
- Comes with a separate Bowers & Wilkins soundbar.
- Perfect for a theatrical experience.
- Complements the content’s mood with a light show.
Cons
- Colors flare out sometimes.
- Audio is light on bass.
Ratings
- SMARTHOME News Rating: 4.2/5
- AO Rating: B
Buy if you…
- Want a theatrical experience.
- Often invite guests for dance, viewing, or gaming parties.
- Want to upscale videos to 4K quality.
Don’t buy if you…
- Don’t have any need for a light show with your TV.
Cost
Runner Up 1: Philips OLED 8 Series
Philips OLED 8 Series is a similar immersive smart TV as the OLED 9 Series — they’re both a part of the Philips Ambilight Series. However, the 8 Series has 3-sided Ambilight, but with more features, including wall color adaptive, lounge mode, AmbiWakeup, and AmbiSleep — the latter features help you go to sleep or wake up, as the names suggest. Besides these light-related differences, the only significant difference is the lack of a dedicated six-channel soundbar. OLED 8 Series doesn’t come with its own sub-woofer, so you’ll have to get one separately. Other than that, they have most of the same features, including OLED 4K and Dolby Vision video quality, Philips P5 processor, and Dolby Atmos audio. As such, choosing between the two immersive TVs comes down to whether you want more Ambilight features or a 6.1 channel subwoofer.
Runner Up 2: Sony Z8H Series
Sony Z8H Series is an upcoming 8K Full-Array LED and HDR Android TV with a wide range of immersive features. However, unlike the Philips TVs, Sony seems content to project an immersive experience purely through its visual quality and soundscapes. This Android TV features 8K resolution with over 33 million pixels, making it one of the world’s sharpest and most advanced TVs. Furthermore, Frame Tweeter is a new technology that allows speakers to be integrated into the TV frame, so that sound waves emanate from the exact point of action within the screen, producing greater sonic and visual harmony than before. All things considered, Z8H is an incredibly impressive and immersive TV, but it doesn’t include the kind of unique features available in the Ambilight series.
Conclusion
If you’ve gone through this article, you may be confused about exactly which Android TV to purchase. Trust me, I know, the more you learn, the more confusing your choices become. If you find the entire list of products confusing, I recommend you stick to the category that most closely resembles your interests, whether it’s the budget category or the large TV category.
You should also consider my picks for the BEST from each category as a guideline. The Runner Up products are often just as good as the product I’ve listed as the best, or they may be unique in different factors. I recommend you also explore the products mentioned in the Runner Up sections to determine exactly which TV best suits your needs.
Selecting the right Android TV may be a painful endeavor, but it’s totally worth it. I hope this article has given you all the information you need to make the best decision!
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