Best 10 Smart TV in the Budget for the Middle Class
There’s only one issue with buying a TV: so many of them are so awful that it’s almost difficult to find out which one is right for you. But before you stumble down the well of indecision, let us take you by the side and lead you along the road to the perfection of tv. We’ve run the rule over all the big 4K and 8K televisions that we’ve been checking to get you the best of the best. If there’s a TV on this page, it’s a bona fide belter because you know you’re having the top bang for your buck.
These TVs are the best choice to turn your eyes on all the Ultra HD content that is now available – including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Sky Q are filled with 4K at this point. You will also buy 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays. Basically, it’s never been a great time to take the plunge.
Below you can find TVs of different types, budgets, and technology, from 55 inch TVs to OLED TVs, compact TVs to inexpensive TVs, and even 8K TVs. If gaming is your focus, take a look at our round-up of the best gaming TVs you can purchase, which goes into extra depth on game-specific features to look out for.
Let’s talk about the best 10 smart TV in the budget for the middle class families.
1. Sony KD-48A9
Sony’s first 48-inch OLED is extraordinarily amazing. It’s an official one: 48 is the new 55. Time was when you couldn’t get an OLED TV under 55in, but then LG launched the world’s first commercially available 48-inch OLED package. And now Sony still has one of its own.
Sony adopted a smaller design, rendering the TV as slim as possible due to its tiny bezels and a low-profile pedestal base. It has a very wide enclosure bolted on the back (to hold microphones, hardware processing, and connections), but you’ll only note if you look at the collection side-on.
Specifications
- Screen size: 48in
- Type: OLED
- Backlight: not applicable
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Operating system: Android TV 9
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 62 x 107 x 5.8cm
Why You Should Buy
- Amazing display quality
- Sound quality is also very good
- App selection interface is incredible
Why You Should Not Buy
- Bit high priced
- Lacks in the next generation HDMI features
HDMI features such as 4K@120Hz (HFR), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM are absent, disappointingly and somewhat shockingly, for such a cutting-edge TV (Auto Low Latency Mode). What’s a piece of bad news for gamers trying to hook up the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
But that’s the only fault we can see on this Telev. Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor makes visuals fittingly beautiful, there’s lots of dark detail on the film, and it serves up pretty much every streaming application you might wish for. Motion control is still industry-leading, and there has never been a better TV of this scale in terms of sharpness and detail. If you can stump up the funds, you’re not going to be disappointed.
2. Samsung UE43TU7100
A strikingly good performance-per-pound proposition. It is one of the cheapest 4K TVs that Samsung is actually selling. But fear not, it still boasts Samsung’s key performance and features set at a smaller scale and lower price. In short, this is pretty much the best cheap TV you can find. Most 43-inch TVs deliver about one-tenth of the features of a larger package, but not this one. The Tizen operating system is the same as the one seen on the primer packs, with the same winning UI and stacked software range.
It’s 4K, of course, HDR formats are well adapted (with the exception of Dolby Vision, which Samsung does not support), and it supports Auto Low Latency Mode, which converts TV to the game mode when a gaming signal is sensed. This feature is absent from a number of primer sets, such as the 48in Sony in the top spot on this list.
Specifications
- Screen size: 43in
- Type: LCD
- Backlight: Edge LED
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Operating system: Samsung Tizen
- HDMI inputs: 2
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 56 x 96 x 5.9cm
Why You Should Buy
- The sharpness of the display is appreciatable.
- The body design is balanced
- The interface is quite intuitive
Why You Should Not Buy
- Slightly sluggish operation
- You will get only two HDMI inputs
The contrast ratio is not as impressive as OLED or QLED TV, of course, but that is to be expected. In reality, the blacks are extremely deep for a low-cost TV, and there’s a lot of punch. The TU7100 is also a sharp and comprehensive performer who handles motion with a strong mix of smoothness and authenticity. It’s an excellent picture quality for a TV of this size, and you’d have to spend a little more to make a significant difference.
3. Philips 55OLED805
Philips strikes gold with this talented 4K TV. The 55OLED805 is the Philips OLED as it should be; absolutely outstanding. If you’re willing to forego an odd next-gen feature, it’s the best performance-per-pound OLED you can buy right now.
It produces astonishingly crisp and accurate visuals from all angles, provides much more accomplished audio than most competitors, adds awesome Ambilight (which spreads the on-screen action to the wall surrounding the TV in the form of colored light) to the mix, and has a smaller price tag than its LG, Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung equivalents.
Specifications
- Screen size: 55in (also available in 65in)
- Type: OLED
- Backlight: Not applicable
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Operating system: Android TV 9
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: ARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 71 x 123 x 5.8cm
Why You Should Buy
- The picture quality is quite detailed
- Offers a very strong sound quality
- Ambilight
Why You Should Not Buy
- Highlights are not that much brighter
- Does not offer good performance for gaming
Gamers may be put off because of the inadequacy of next-gen HDMI features such as VRR and 4K@120HZ (HDMI eARC is missing too), but 55OLED805 is an outstanding purchase for everybody else. If you’re in the market for a larger TV, there’s also a 65-inch version available (65OLED805) and it’s just as good.
4. Sony KD-65XH9005
One of the best performance-per-pound TVs you can buy. The 65XH9005 was less “Ready for PS5” at launch than the advertising indicated, but now it has support for 4K@120Hz and is also eligible to make VRR and ALLM (neither supported by the PS5) with a potential firmware upgrade.
But with or without these gaming features of the console, this is an outstanding TV set. There are a lot of connectors for connecting your partner kit, and you won’t want onboard tech: this is a full-time LED-backlit TV with local dimming and follows the HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR specifications, and Dolby Atmos for sound. It’s Netflix Calibrated and IMAX Improved, too.
Specifications
- Screen size: 65in
- Type: LCD
- Backlight: Full array
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Operating system: Android TV 9
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 83.3 x 145 x 7cm
Why You Should Buy
- The HDR features are great
- The colors and picture quality is impressive
- Motion processing is also very amazing
Why You Should Not Buy
- The sound quality is a bit lightweight
- A bit less PS5-ready
And the quality of the picture?. Excellent. Sony’s X-Motion Clarity motion processing technology is consistently excellent, rendering fast-moving videos like games, sports, and action movies as seamless as butter. There are a lot of settings to fiddle with, but keep it on auto, and you’ll always be treated to a fantastic visual experience. It has a strong tone, too. It’s a little lightweight compared to others, but it’s simple, reliable, and well-projected—a perfect solution for gamers and non-gamers alike.
5. Samsung UE55TU8000
This 55-inch 4K TV represents exceptional value for money. Samsung’s 8-series has historically been placed only below the company’s glamorous collection of QLEDs. In the past, it has proved to be a sweet spot where image quality and price converge to the full impact. And that’s how it proves again.
The TU8000 is a wonderfully fine deal. For comparatively very little money, you’re getting a 55-inch TV that performs wonderfully, particularly with HDR content, and one that boasts the finest, most app-loaded operating system available at any price.
Specifications
- Screen size: 55in (also available in 43in, 50in, 65in, 75in and 82in)
- Type: LCD
- Backlight: edge LED
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
- Operating system: Tizen
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 71 x 123 x 6cm
Why You Should Buy
- HDR picture display is quite impressive
- Tonal detail is so very good
- Punchy colors are also available
Why You Should Not Buy
- The display is not that much bright
- Sound quality lags a bit.
Its sound quality is just below average, and Samsung lacks the sheer brightness and next-generation HDMI capabilities of its more premium siblings. However, it’s still undeniably brilliant for the money.
6. Samsung UE50TU8500
A great 4K TV for those on a tight budget. This is the price at which TVs tip from budget to mid-range, and this collection is the latest best in class.
The feature set is very impressive, backed by ALLM, eARC, 4K, and three HDR formats. There is no VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), but at this price, that’s hardly shocking. The Tizen OS is the same as used on Samsung’s flagship TVs, which ensures that the user interface and applications are slick.
Specifications
- Screen size: 50in (also available in 43in, 55in and 65in)
- Type: LCD
- Backlight: edge LED
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
- Operating system: Tizen
- HDMI inputs: 3
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 64 x 112 x 5.7cm
Why You Should Buy
- The display is deep and detailed
- Solid 4K resolution
- App selection has a good interface
Why You Should Not Buy
- Slightly red colour balance
It comes with Samsung’s regular remote, plus it’s One Remote, which is more ergonomic and has a stripped-back set of buttons that cover all the bases. Voice commands are done by Amazon’s Alexa or Samsung’s Bixby personal assistants, with Google Assistant set to arrive shortly via a firmware upgrade.
Picture-wise, much of the equally priced rivalry is shot out of the water, with darker blacks and vivid white highlights. It reveals a reasonable natural degree of smoothing on the motion side of things and manages to dig up a lot of detail. There really is no competition at this price.
7. Samsung QE75Q950TS
Makes the most compelling case for 8K TV yet. We’re all going to come out and say it: you don’t need an 8K TV. 8K content is incredibly low on the field, but for the most part, you’re going to pay for anything you don’t want. In the other hand, if you’re willing to spend the money, the 8K set might be a sound investment – it’ll still play 4K content, after all, and if you don’t want to buy another TV when the 8K is off, spending once could be a wise alternative.
Samsung QE75Q950TS is not only a smart investment for 8K, it also manages to boost 4K content. That’s thanks to Samsung’s Quantum Processor 8K and its 8K AI Upscaling functionality, which succeeds in making non-8K content look better than ever before: looking at the 4K Blu-ray, we can’t imagine a clearer 4K image, with nothing artificially enhanced or exaggerated – it just pops from the screen more than we’ve seen before.
Specifications
- Screen size: 75in (also available in 65in and 85in)
- Type: QLED
- Backlight: not applicable
- Resolution: 8K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
- Operating system: Tizen
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 81 x 143 x 1.5cm
Why You Should Buy
- The detailed 4K display is brilliant
- Bright, punchy, and vibrant
- Near-flawless feature set
Why You Should Not Buy
- Dolby Vision is not available
- Local dimming peculiarities
- Only one HDMI 2.1 socket are available
Blacks are deep and informative, though motion is being done with aplomb. Away from the picture, the TV itself is sleek, super slim, and the bezels are stunningly thin. It looks pretty sweet, too.
8. Panasonic TX-55HZ1000B
This 4K OLED TV is one of the best you can currently buy. The Panasonic TX-55HZ1000B is a great TV. It’s just so balanced in its delivery: strong yet natural, vivid but not amplified, lively yet controlled. It makes the most of 4K HDR, but it also does a better job with a lower resolution, SDR content. Its handling of motion is great, too.
It’s a shame that none of the Dolby Vision presets are right, and we’d like to see some more powerful HDMI features like VRR. The remote supplied does not suit a TV of this quality, either.
Specifications
- Screen size: 55in (also available in 65in)
- Type: OLED
- Backlight: not applicable
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Operating system: My Home Screen 5.0
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 71 x 123 x 5.8cm
Why You Should Buy
- Offers a beautifully balanced display
- Handling of motion is incredible
- Offers a crisp and clear sound quality
Why You Should Not Buy
- Next-gen HDMI features are missing
- An ideal Dolby Vision preset is lacking
- A bit more pricey
These are relatively minor flaws, though. A much larger one is that the HZ1000 is currently more expensive than all its apparent competitors, and the TVs are all excellent, too. Even, this is undeniably one of the best TVs you can buy right now. If you’re on the OLED premium market, you just ought to try it out.
9. LG OLED48CX
A sub-50in OLED for the 4K era, and it’s just as brilliant as we’d hoped. We’ve been waiting a long time for this moment. After years of waiting, LG officially launched the first 48-inch OLED TV in 2020, taking the real flagship OLED TV performance to less than 55 inches for the first time.
And it’s a fabulous performance, really. This isn’t a downgraded flagship TV—a it’s downsized flagship TV. It provides the same output and features as its larger brothers in the CX series (which, let’s note, even surpass the more expensive GX, RX and WX in terms of image quality and processing), but in a lighter, more lounge-friendly box.
Specifications
- Screen size: 48in (also available in 55in, 65in, 77in)
- Type: OLED
- Backlight: not applicable
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Operating system: webOS
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 62 x 107 x 4.7cm
Why You Should Buy
- Offers a flagship-level OLED performance
- Provides you with natural picture quality
- Forward-looking feature set is also available
Why You Should Not Buy
- UK catch-up apps are not available
- A bit costly in terms of price
The performance is wonderful. The best blacks and the near-perfect viewing angles that we use from OLED blend with vivid, lively whites and lively yet realistic colours. LG’s motion processing in 2020 is the best it has ever been, and its OLEDs continue to be outstanding in terms of upscaling 1080p and standard-def content.
Over all, you get certified HDMI 2.1 sockets that support next-gen features such as eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), HFR (High Frame Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and all current VRR formats (Variable Refresh Rate). These last two features will be of special interest to gamers seeking to update to PS5 or Xbox Series X.
A reasonably significant downside for UK customers is that some of the UK’s land-based catch-up applications are now absent from LG’s 2020 smart network (although BBC iPlayer has thankfully now been added). You can certainly incorporate this fairly quickly and inexpensively by adding a streamer like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, but you just shouldn’t have to.
10. LG OLED55CX
This core model from LG’s 2020 OLED TV range is a hugely capable all-rounder. We’ve already discussed the latest 48-inch version of the CX above, but it’s worth noting that the 55-inch and 65-inch versions are still available, and the bigger you go, the more you get.
Specifications
- Screen size: 55in (also available in 48in, 65in, and 77in)
- Type: OLED
- Backlight: not applicable
- Resolution: 4K
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Operating system: webOS
- HDMI inputs: 4
- ARC/eARC: eARC
- Optical output: Yes
- Dimensions: 71 x 123 x 4.7cm
Why You Should Buy
- The picture is quite natural
- Motion and dark detail are available
- More future-proofed than most
Why You Should Not Buy
- Missing UK catch-up apps
The picture performance is just as outstanding on these larger packages and simply more cinematic to match, and of course, the next-gen HDMI feature set and the smart platform are the same. What’s more, the larger sets sound a little larger and fuller, too, due to the larger chassis, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the CX isn’t the best-sounding TV in its class and that you’re well advised to budget for the soundbar as well. This is a superb all-rounder in whichever size you buy it.
Conclusion
So, we have completed the in-depth discussion of the best 10 smart TV in the budget for the middle-class family. You can go through all the specifications, reasons to buy, reasons not to buy, and pricing of each smart TV and opt for the one which suits your requirements the best.
We hope this article is quite helpful to you. Also do mention in comments that which is your favorite smart TV. All the best! Hope you choose a good one.
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