Buying a new TV can feel overwhelming, especially with all the buzzwords and marketing jargon designed to influence your decision. The confusion can intensify if you’re shopping in-store, where salespeople may try to sway you towards specific brands. As someone who spent five years selling TVs, I know this first-hand. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice when shopping for a new TV. In this article, we’ll focus specifically on three 65-inch Mini LED TVs: one from Samsung, one from Hisense, and one from TCL—all similarly priced around £1,000.
The Contenders: Samsung, Hisense, and TCL
Let’s start by looking at the three models we’re comparing:
- Samsung: Known for its Neo QLED branding, which essentially refers to Mini LED technology with a quantum dot layer for enhanced color and brightness.
- Hisense: Marketed under the ULED branding, this TV also utilizes Mini LED technology with a quantum dot layer.
- TCL: The straightforward Mini LED model, which also includes a quantum dot layer, like the other two.
While each brand may use different marketing terms, all three TVs are, in essence, Mini LEDs with a quantum dot layer. So, don’t let these buzzwords confuse you—what matters most is how these TVs perform in real-world scenarios.
Display Quality: The Key to a Great TV
When evaluating these TVs, the display quality is the most critical factor. The best way to compare is by watching content with dark scenes. Here’s why: the dynamic range of a TV determines how well it can display black and white simultaneously.
Samsung: This TV excels in bright scenes but shows some limitations in darker areas. When there is a bright object next to a dark area, you’ll notice the light “bleeding” into the dark sections. As a result, the black areas of the screen appear more gray than pitch black. This happens because the Samsung TV has fewer local dimming zones compared to the other two models.
Hisense: The Hisense model improves upon this with over 300 local dimming zones. This means the TV can turn off more sections of the screen when no light is needed, achieving deeper blacks than the Samsung.
TCL: The TCL TV stands out in this category with over 500 local dimming zones, giving it superior control over the bright and dark areas of the picture. This means less light leakage and more profound, inky black tones. As a result, the TCL TV has an official HDR 1300 rating, offering an exceptional high dynamic range performance.
Understanding HDR Ratings and Dolby Vision IQ
All three TVs are rated for HDR10+, but the TCL has another edge: it supports Dolby Vision IQ, a newer HDR format that adjusts the dynamic range based on the room’s lighting conditions. Unlike the standard Dolby Vision on the Samsung and Hisense, Dolby Vision IQ adapts in real-time, enhancing your viewing experience in any lighting situation. So, if you’re comparing TVs, look for Dolby Vision IQ—it offers a noticeable improvement over standard HDR formats.
Side-by-Side Performance Comparison
To see the differences in action, I synced up all three TVs side-by-side, playing 4K HDR content at 60 frames per second. As anticipated, the TCL with its superior backlighting zones delivers the most vibrant and detailed picture.
- Samsung: Delivers excellent detail and natural colors, with smooth motion handling. However, its black levels are not as deep as the TCL.
- Hisense: Closer to the TCL in terms of dynamic range and brightness, but suffers from some light bleeding around the edges, especially in darker scenes. Also, it has a bit more jitter during fast motion scenes compared to the others.
- TCL: Offers the best overall picture quality, with vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and deep black levels, thanks to its 500+ dimming zones.
Gaming Performance: A Key Factor for Gamers
If you’re a gamer, you’ll know that frames win games. A higher refresh rate translates to smoother gameplay. Here’s how the three models stack up:
- Samsung: Supports a respectable 120Hz refresh rate, ideal for Xbox and PlayStation gaming.
- Hisense and TCL: Both support a 144Hz refresh rate, making them perfect for console and PC gaming. Additionally, both TVs come with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)—features that minimize lag and adjust the frame rate to match the source, ensuring smoother gameplay.
Sound and Connectivity: Key Features to Consider
- EARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel): All three models support EARC, the best way to transmit full Dolby Atmos sound to a compatible sound system or soundbar. If you plan to use older audio equipment, ensure there is an optical output port, which is available on the TCL.
- Ethernet Port: If your WiFi is unreliable, look for an Ethernet port to hardwire your internet connection.
- Cable Management: The TCL scores best here, offering an actual cable management band on the back of the TV and more space to run cables through the stand than the Samsung or Hisense. A clean setup can enhance the overall aesthetics of your room.
Design and Build Quality
- Samsung: Features a premium metallic frame and base, giving it a sleek, modern appearance.
- Hisense: Offers a classic black frame and a sturdy but less premium-feeling stand.
- TCL: Has a simple yet sturdy design, with an anti-glare screen surface for improved viewing in bright rooms.
Built-In Speaker Quality
If you’re not using external speakers or a soundbar, built-in speaker quality is essential. After testing, the TCL comes out on top in this area. To check sound quality, consider bringing a USB drive with a video clip to test in-store.
Final Verdict: Which Mini LED TV Should You Choose?
Based on all the features and performance comparisons, the TCL TV emerges as the best value-for-money option. It offers superior picture quality, excellent support for gaming, and the most user-friendly software. It might not have the sleek metallic design of the Samsung, but in terms of overall performance, it’s the winner.
If you had £1,000 to spend on a new TV, which one would you choose? Share your thoughts in the comments! And if you’ve just subscribed, welcome to the community—I look forward to seeing you in the next article. Stay tuned!
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