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

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

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

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

LG TVs usually use a home-grown smart system webOS. The model in question is no exception to the rule. It has 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 brand store. And if you buy a separate MR-23 remote control, the viewer will get 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. In the standard package, the TV usually comes with a standard remote control - the mentioned solution is available only optionally.

Within the TCL model range, the 55V6B TV is considered one of the basic ones. But it has interesting functions that are typical of more expensive analogues. For example, these include the Ambient mode. Instead of a black screen, you can display family photos, paintings by famous artists, the current time or weather reports.

The TV's features include the Google TV smart platform with easy settings and access to millions of multimedia apps. It also comes with a voice-activated remote control that can interact with Google Assistant. There's also Chromecast support for easy streaming of content from Android devices to the 55-inch screen.

The TV has a 60-Hz matrix with a 4K resolution. The main advantage of the picture is high contrast, which is provided by the Direct LED backlight and its control technology - Micro Dimming (imitates local dimming, typical of more expensive models). Accordingly, the TV can be recommended primarily to connoisseurs of watching movies in a room with the lights off.

Moderate peak brightness is not enough to reveal the full potential of HDR content. Color accuracy is average, but the Dynamic Color Enhancement function adds software impact to the image.

The acoustics of the model are represented by two speakers of 10 W each. The audio system is compatible with the Dolby AC4 decoder, and this standard is currently the main one for most online streaming platforms. The bonuses of the TV include the presence of HDMI 2.1 ports with automatic switching to game mode (ALLM function), and the disadvantages include the Wi-Fi 4 wireless module. Its bandwidth may not be enough for “seamless” broadcasting of 4K video.

TCL 55V6B is an interesting competitor to TVs from Korean and European brands and an excellent choice for those who want an inexpensive model with Google TV.

The 2024 debutant in the Xiaomi line is a relatively inexpensive TV with a thin metal frame around a 55-inch screen. The hardware component includes a 4-core A55 processor with a Mali G52 graphics engine, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory - just right for downloading various applications. And the choice of the latter in Xiaomi Mi TV A Pro 55 is really large, because it has Google TV OS.

The operating system features a fast and intuitive interface, flexible personalization, and Chromecast support for easy synchronization with Android devices. Plus, there is a Bluetooth remote control with a microphone for voice control and quick access buttons to YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services.

The TV is based on a matrix with a frequency of 60 Hz and a detail of 3840x2160 pixels. Support for the most advanced HDR content standards is declared - Dolby Vision and HDR10, although you should not expect a full-fledged wow effect when playing it due to the moderate peak brightness. But the obvious advantages of the image include a wide color gamut (90% coverage of the DCI-P3 space is declared, which is really good for the budget segment) and realistic color rendering straight out of the box.

The sound quality of the model is also at a good level. It has a 2-channel system of 24 W, instead of the typical 20 W. At low and medium volumes, the sound here is really clear and without distortion. And technologies such as DTS Virtual: X and Dolby Audio are responsible for the volume and bright acoustic effects. Of course, the built-in speakers will not replace the soundbar, but in their price category they really leave a very positive impression.

Xiaomi Mi TV A Pro 55 is a TV with decent picture and sound, as well as a nice price tag.

The 4K TV from Philips is an entry-level model in the brand line. Unlike most analogues, it does not have Ambilight backlighting, but it offers a laconic universal design with minimal bezel thickness and a standard stand with two legs.

The Philips 55PUS7009's features include an emphasis on eco-friendliness. For example, the TV is supplied in packaging made of recycled cardboard. The remote control also follows the eco-trend. It is made of recycled plastic, which does not prevent it from being quite functional - it supports voice control (interaction with Amazon Alexa assistant) and has quick access buttons to YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and more.

The TV has a 55-inch screen with Ultra HD resolution and a proprietary Pixel Precise Ultra HD processor. It is stated that this tandem provides smooth video, rich colors and a clear image. The picture in most viewing scenarios is really well balanced (for its price category).

The model's good gaming functionality deserves a special mention. There is one HDMI 2.1 port and support for profile technologies, including ALLM and VRR. The first is responsible for automatically activating the gaming mode (when turning on the console or launching games on a PC), and the second synchronizes the refresh rate for more comfortable gameplay.

An important feature of the TV is the proprietary TITAN operating system. It has a user-friendly interface and content search, provides all the popular streaming services (most are already installed), but still loses to similar "shells" in terms of the variety of applications and games available for download.

It is also worth considering that Wi-Fi 4 is offered for wireless Internet connection, and its speed is not always enough for 4K content. In any case, the Philips 55PUS7009 is a balanced model from a proven brand.

The Samsung brand model belongs to the AirSlim design TVs, which are distinguished by a really thin body - only 26 mm without taking into account the stand. The Ambient background mode is also implemented here. When the TV is not used for its main purpose, it can display photos, images of works of art or even pictures from NFT applications.

The technical features of the Samsung QE-55Q77C include a screen with a quantum dot light filter - QLED and Direct Dual LED backlighting. Together, they provide excellent (for its class) contrast and image brightness, which means the viewer will enjoy comfort in any viewing scenario - both in the dark and in a well-lit room. It also offers a wide color gamut (100% DCI-P3 coverage is declared) with average color accuracy and viewing angles.

The TV can be considered in combination with a gaming console or a gaming PC. It offers a high refresh rate of 120 Hz, which contributes to a smooth video sequence. Plus, it supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro synchronization technology. It also has HDMI 2.1 ports with automatic switching to a game mode with low input lag (ALLM).

The smart functionality of the model is revealed by the proprietary Tizen platform with the Smart Hub interface, a rich selection of applications for installation, as well as the ability to create a smart home control center. The kit includes a convenient remote control with a microphone (for voice interaction) and a battery (it charges both from USB C and from the sun).

Some sellers still have a higher price tag for the Samsung QE-55Q77C than for the main competing TVs of other brands. But for the thin form factor, smooth video sequence and good picture quality, the extra charge seems quite justified.