Five of the best 55-inch TVs for a $1,000 budget

The TV introduced by TCL in 2021 is one of the most affordable 55-inch models with a QLED matrix. Quantum dot technology paired with Direct LED backlighting provides excellent contrast (5000:1) and a wide color gamut for high-quality color reproduction. Therefore, watching a movie with dim lighting will definitely leave a pleasant impression.

As befits a modern TV, the TCL 55C725 screen not only reproduces content with Ultra HD 4K resolution, but also software increases the detail of lower definition images. Support for all the most popular HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, is designed to add emotions from viewing. But the relatively low peak brightness (330 cd/m²) will not reveal the potential of the corresponding content to 100%.

Despite the standard refresh rate of 60 Hz, the TV copes well with displaying dynamic scenes: MEMC technology is responsible for smoothing frames. It will be useful both when watching action games and during gameplay. By the way, Game Mode has a low input lag of 15 ms, which should please gamers.

The speaker system in the TCL 55C725 is quite typical: 2 speakers of 10 W each. But the acoustics were developed by a specialized company ONKYO, and the surround sound effect should be provided by the Dolby Atmos decoder.

The multimedia capabilities of the model can be expanded by the Android TV OS with access to tens of thousands of applications, proprietary services and functions of Google. Among the latter, it is worth highlighting Chromecast and Google Assistant for voice interaction. Plus, voice control for searching content is also supported by the included remote control.

The TV's shortcomings include moderate viewing angles (it's better for the viewer to be directly in front of the screen) and less than ideal color accuracy out of the box (this can be solved by manually adjusting the picture parameters). The downside of the TCL 55C725 is not the most modern Wi-Fi 4 module: its speed may not be enough for streaming 4K video. Otherwise, the model is one of the best Android TVs in its price segment.

A traditional advantage of many Philips TVs is Ambilight. She is also present here. Its LEDs are located on the top and sides of the case, and their color changes in accordance with what is currently happening on the screen. Several Ambilight operating modes are available at once, including gaming and lounge, and a separate button on the remote control is provided to switch between them.

Other external features of the Philips 55PUS7956 include a white body and thin frames around the 55-inch screen.

The TV is equipped with a 60-Hz matrix with a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels. The viewer can count on a clear image (even if the source content is not 4K) and very smooth video. Traditionally, Philips TVs have been successfully calibrated at the factory with accurate color reproduction: objects on the screen look natural and believable, because the emphasis is on fairly calm tones.

Another feature of the model is its “omnivorousness” in terms of HDR formats. Without any problems, it recognizes the most popular and popular ones, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Consequently, when playing the corresponding content, the viewer will experience a more juicy and realistic picture.

The Android TV 10 platform turns the Philips 55PUS7956 into a complete entertainment center. The user initially has access to such popular services as YouTube, Netflix, and a convenient browser. And almost everything that is missing can be installed from the app store. Using the Chromecast function, you can broadcast content to TV from mobile devices, and Google Assistant will allow you to interact with the model by voice. True, there is no microphone in the remote control, so you will need a smartphone as an intermediary.

Especially for gamers, a low input lag is declared, and the corresponding mode is turned on automatically when starting a game on a PC or console. Other features include 20-watt speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, an abundance of wired interfaces, including 4 HDMI, 2 USB, mini-jack and LAN port. The latter, by the way, will be the preferred option for connecting to the Internet, because the Wi-Fi 4 module does not guarantee sufficient bandwidth for streaming video in Ultra HD.

Philips 55PUS7956 is not only a modern TV with a good image, but also an interior decoration.

In the Samsung 2021 line, the model belongs to the middle class TVs. Above it are NEO QLED solutions with mini LED backlighting, such as QE-55QN87A. Below are the younger representatives of QLED and LED models, like UE-55AU9070.

Samsung QE-55Q80A is notable for its thin bezels and rectangular central stand. And the interior Ambient Mode+ mode is ready to become an additional decoration. Instead of the screen being turned off, it can show a beautiful landscape or useful information content.

The role of Smart TV is usually assigned to OC Tizen. In 2021, it has become even faster, smoother and more stable. An additional bonus is the AirPlay 2 function, which allows you to broadcast content from Apple devices to the TV screen. For control, a remote control with a microphone is offered for voice control or “dialogue” with assistants (branded Bixby, Alexa or Google Assistant). By the way, the remote control does not need batteries: it has a built-in battery that is powered by the sun or charged via a USB-C connector.

The 55-inch 4K screen Samsung QE-55Q80A is based on a QLED matrix with Direct Full Array backlighting, and its main features are a large brightness reserve and a color gamut close to the reference one. Therefore, an exceptionally pleasant viewing experience is ensured both in a well-lit room and when playing HDR content (HDR10+ standard is supported).

The TV will also delight you with wide viewing angles: even if you deviate from the center of the screen, the image remains bright and rich in colors. The shortcomings of the picture include not the most convincing contrast (compared to top-end analogues) and the need for manual settings to improve color accuracy.

The model has a cool (by the standards of its class) acoustic system. It is represented by high-frequency speakers and a subwoofer with a total power of 60 W. They provide not just loud, but well-balanced sound.

The Samsung QE-55Q80A is almost ideal for gaming. The 120-Hz matrix is responsible for the smoothness of the picture, which is helped by FreeSync Premium Pro technology, designed to get rid of blur and other artifacts. In addition, low input lag is guaranteed in game mode, and an HDMI 2.1 connector is offered to provide 4K 120 fps throughput.

Samsung QE-55Q80A is a good choice for different use cases.

The representative of Sony's XH9 series in the corporate hierarchy is closer to advanced solutions. The model is based on Android TV and has a built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 function for broadcasting content from a mobile phone. Not only voice control and compatibility with popular voice assistants are also announced, but also the ability to integrate the TV into a smart home eco-system, including Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

Sony KD-55XH9077 is equipped with a 55-inch 120 Hz matrix with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels and Full Array LED backlight. Factory calibration has high color accuracy, so the image looks beautiful and natural even without additional preset settings.

The advantages of the picture include high contrast and brightness, which means pleasant emotions are provided to the viewer both in a well-lit and darkened room. With support for the Dolby Vision HDR standard, content will look even more expressive and impressive compared to regular SDR content. The only drawback of the image is the small viewing angles: the model is not best suited for watching videos with a large group.

Gamers should also take a closer look at the TV. The high refresh rate makes the picture smooth even in dynamic shooters and racing games. In game mode, which is activated automatically when the console is connected, low input lag is provided. Plus, the model’s interfaces include HDMI 2.1 ports with 4k @ 120Hz bandwidth and the VRR adaptive synchronization function, which is responsible for detailed images without tearing in games.

Sony KD-55XH9077 is one of the best LED TVs, if you take OLED and QLED solutions out of the equation. And the main competitors in the fight for such an honorable status are the direct successor of 2021 - Sony XR-55X90J and model KD-55XH9505. But both TVs will cost more.

Among OLED solutions, LG's TV is one of the most balanced and attractively priced. For anyone interested in the lowest price tag, the 2021 branded line offers the entry-level OLED55A1 model, but it is limited in gaming potential: it has a 60 Hz refresh rate and lacks many gaming features.

But the LG OLED55B1 is almost ideal for gaming. Smooth video footage is guaranteed by a 120 Hz matrix. Plus, AMD FreeSync, G-Sync and VRR technologies should prevent the appearance of loops and blurs. The existing gaming mode turns on automatically and will please you with minimal input lag. There are also two HDMI 2.1 ports, through which it is possible to transmit a video stream in 4k @ 120Hz format.

The main pride of the TV is the OLED matrix. It is the culprit not only of a premium design with a thin body, but also of a magnificent image. Self-illuminating pixels guarantee infinite contrast, uniform illumination and perfect blacks. Therefore, watching a movie in a dark room in front of this screen is a guarantee of a “wow effect.”

The LG OLED55B1 also features wide viewing angles, which means it is suitable for group viewing. And an excellent color gamut with a sufficient reserve of brightness will allow you to enjoy a rich, realistic picture when viewing HDR content (the premium standard Dolby Vision and open HDR10 and HLG are supported).

The TV comes with the new version of WebOS 6.1. Its menu, instead of a pop-up bottom bar, opens to the full screen, which is why the navigation only benefits. The platform is convenient, fast, stable, complemented by the AirPlay 2 function. The Magic Remote has also been slightly updated, but it also serves as a pointer ( air remote control) and has a microphone for issuing voice commands.

A 40-watt speaker system with a subwoofer sounds quite decent: both in terms of volume level and frequency balance.

The disadvantages of the model include the risk of organic LEDs burning out when displaying a static picture for a long time, and therefore it is better to consider alternative solutions for the role of a monitor. Overall, the LG OLED55B1 is one of the best 4K TVs, both for its money and in the market as a whole.