The best budget 4K TVs with a 55-inch screen

Inexpensive Kivi TVs have proven themselves entirely in a positive way. In the segment of 55-inch TV panels, the 55U750NB model, running on the “pure” Android TV 11 OS, looks like an interesting proposal.

The operating system under the “green droid” sign is installed without any add-ons - it boasts fast responsiveness and an intuitive menu interface. Also available to the user is a built-in Chromecast for wirelessly broadcasting content from paired mobile gadgets and the Google Assistant voice assistant. Commands to the assistant are given through a microphone in the air console, which can be moved through the air to move the cursor across the TV screen.

The 55-inch VA display of the model is framed by thin frames. It displays an image in a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, supports display of HDR content and has a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Using MEMC anti-aliasing technology, the frame rate can be increased in hardware to 100 or 200 Hz by applying a black background between frames. Among other features of the panel, it is important to mention UltraClear technology for increasing picture detail, scaling broadcast content to 4K on the fly, and automatically switching the screen to game mode when connecting a console.

The TV connection ports are represented by four HDMI (including version 2.1 with eARC and ALLM), two USB, optical audio output and a LAN port. JVC Kenwood engineers worked on the sound of the model - they set up a couple of 12-watt speakers with Dolby Digital technology. The Kivi 55U750NB pleases with a wonderful picture and high-quality sound straight out of the box, despite the fact that the cost of the TV does not put much pressure on the wallet.

TVs from Samsung occupy a very significant share of the smart TV panel market. Moreover, they are presented in a variety of price segments. In the brand's budget model range for 2023, the 55-inch Samsung UE-55CU7192 TV is of great interest.

The model belongs to the Crystal UHD line and is equipped with a 4K edge-lit Edge LED panel. The device screen displays the image in a maximum resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, and the Crystal 4K processor can scale the image to Ultra HD format from lower frame resolutions. The display also declares support for HDR10+, however, due to the relatively low peak brightness threshold, the extended dynamic range technology is unlikely to be able to reveal itself in all its glory.

To improve the brightness, color reproduction and contrast of broadcasts, the TV provides proprietary Pur Color and Contrast Enhancer systems. At the same time, the model can boast of high-quality sound from a built-in audio system of two 10 W speakers. When using an external soundbar, Q-Symphony synchronizes the sound of the on-board speakers with the soundbar.

The Samsung UE-55CU7192 operates under the control of the Tizen smart system, on top of which the Smart Hub shell is rolled. Many applications and services for consuming content online have been released for it. The TV can also be used as a hub for controlling devices from the smart home ecosystem - for this it provides special SmartThings tools.

Xiaomi Mi TV A2 55 is one of the most affordable 4K TVs with a 55-inch screen diagonal and advanced smart functionality. Moreover, the model is very adequately equipped.

The TV is assembled in a high-quality metal case and is installed on a stand of two legs connected by a plastic central pad. A display with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which supports displaying HDR content (HLG, HDR10 and Dolby Vision), harmoniously fit into the narrow frames. The model has a pseudo-ten-bit screen (8 bit + FRC), and it also works with MEMC technology to improve the smoothness of the broadcast video. The “ceiling” of the display’s natural refresh rate is 60 Hz.

The TV is equipped with 2 x 12 W stereo speakers with support for Dolby Audio and DTS-HD. A high-quality sound palette allows you to plunge deeper into what is happening on the screen. The model's connection panel consists of a trio of HDMI ports (one of them with eARC), two USB and other auxiliary interfaces. Also in the back of the TV case there are mounting holes for a VESA 300x300 mm wall bracket.

For dessert, the model has a smart platform based on Android TV 10 OS. Popular applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Youtube are installed in it from the factory, and any other services can be quickly downloaded and installed from the Google Play Market. Of course, there is also built-in Chromecast and virtual assistant Google Assistant. Of the 16 GB of on-board memory, the user has about 12 GB of free space to store his own media library and installed applications. As a result, we are presented with an optimally balanced smart TV at a reasonable cost.

If you want to save on buying a TV with a large diagonal screen, you should take a closer look at the Philips 55PUS7657 model. And that's why.

The TV is equipped with a 55-inch 4K panel that displays a wide color spectrum and provides natural color reproduction. Some compromises had to be made only in matters of broadcasting HDR content - although the model supports the specifications of HDR10 and Dolby Vision technology, the peak brightness threshold of its screen is low (about 300 nits). Because of this, HDR practically does not improve the quality of broadcasts.

The picture on the TV display is accompanied by the sound of stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Despite the clear sound and intelligible dialogue, the built-in acoustics clearly lack highs and lows. Fortunately, you can separately connect a soundbar or an external audio system to the TV, for which an optical audio output and one HDMI port with eARC will come in handy. There are a total of 3 HDMI connectors on board the TV panel. - all of them have acquired support for VRR and ALLM, which console gamers will appreciate.

The software shell of the TV is a home-grown smart system SAPHI based on Linux. It works quickly and smoothly, but relatively few compatible programs have been released for this “OS” (if we draw parallels with Android TV, Tizen or webOS). However, in terms of all its qualities, the Philips 55PUS7657 is still a good TV at an affordable price.

In 2023, LG's range of inexpensive 4K TVs was expanded with the remarkable 55UR7800 model. It is ready to offer a realistic picture, high-quality sound for broadcasts and a convenient smart interface based on the proprietary webOS 23 system.

The TV has a 55-inch diagonal IPS panel with Direct LED backlighting. The model's screen can display 4K video and supports the HDR10 extended dynamic range standard. However, the peak brightness of the display is low, so viewing HDR content does not produce the desired impression.

LG 55UR7800 is equipped with three HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR, ALLM, CEC functions, and connector number “2” also supports eARC. Theoretically, the game mode should work through these interfaces when connecting gaming consoles. In practice, this is true, but it still won’t be possible to transmit a 4K signal at 120 fps to a TV, since the screen’s native refresh rate is the standard 60 Hz. Along with this, the model includes the ability to display content from mobile gadgets on the display, for which you need the ThinQ application.

It is customary for LG TVs to use the home-grown smart system webOS. The model in question was no exception to the rule. She received the 23rd version of webOS with a smooth, responsive and functional interface. A large list of applications for the system is available for download in the company store. And if you purchase a separate MR-23 remote control, the viewer will have access to voice assistants and the intelligent AI Acoustic Tuning function, which is used to fine-tune the sound of the TV panel’s acoustic system depending on the volume of surrounding sounds. As standard, the TV usually comes with a standard remote control - the mentioned solution is only available as an option.