Best 43-inch TVs UK: Top Models for Every Budget (2024)

Premium 43-inch TVs: OLED and QLED models

When it comes to premium 43-inch TVs in the UK market, OLED and QLED technologies lead the pack, offering exceptional picture quality and advanced features. Let’s explore the top models in this category.

LG OLED42C4: The premium OLED choice

The LG OLED42C4 stands at the forefront of premium 43-inch TVs, featuring cutting-edge OLED technology that delivers perfect blacks and striking contrast. This model excels with its 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for both cinematic viewing and gaming. The inclusion of four HDMI 2.1 ports supports advanced gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), according to What Hi-Fi.

Perfect black levels and infinite contrast
Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 Pro
Advanced gaming features with HDMI 2.1
WebOS smart platform with comprehensive streaming options

Sony Bravia XR-42A90K: Premium picture processing

The Sony Bravia XR-42A90K represents another excellent OLED option, distinguished by Sony’s superior picture processing capabilities. As detailed by T3, this model delivers exceptional motion handling and upscaling, making it particularly appealing for movie enthusiasts and PlayStation 5 gamers.

Superior motion processing and upscaling
Excellent contrast and clarity
Seamless PlayStation 5 integration
Advanced audio features with Dolby Atmos support

Samsung QN90D: Leading QLED technology

For those preferring QLED technology, the Samsung QN90D offers outstanding brightness levels and vibrant colors. This model particularly shines in well-lit rooms, where its peak brightness capabilities can overcome ambient light issues. According to Tom’s Guide, the QN90D delivers excellent HDR performance and gaming features, including support for 4K at 144Hz.

Exceptional peak brightness
Quantum HDR technology
Gaming features including VRR support
Anti-reflective screen coating

While these premium models command higher prices, typically ranging from £1,000 to £1,500, they represent the pinnacle of picture quality and features available in the 43-inch TV segment. The choice between OLED and QLED ultimately depends on your viewing environment and specific needs, with OLED excelling in dark room performance and QLED offering advantages in bright room viewing.

Best budget 43-inch TVs under £500

For those seeking quality without breaking the bank, several excellent 43-inch TVs under £500 offer impressive features and performance. Let’s explore the top budget-friendly options available in the UK market.

Samsung UE43DU7100

Leading the budget segment, the Samsung UE43DU7100 delivers exceptional value with its Crystal UHD display and HDR support. This model stands out for its vibrant colors and impressive contrast levels, making it an excellent choice for everyday viewing. While it may not match the performance of premium OLED models, it offers remarkable picture quality for its price point.

Key features include:

4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160p)
HDR10 support for enhanced contrast
Three HDMI ports for connectivity
Built-in voice assistant compatibility

Hisense 43A6KTUK

The Hisense 43A6KTUK represents outstanding value, offering features typically found in more expensive models. This TV has garnered attention for its impressive picture quality and smart features at a remarkably competitive price point according to industry experts.

Standout features include:

Dolby Vision and HDR10 support
VIDAA smart TV interface
Four HDMI 2.0b ports
20W audio output with Bass Reflex speaker

Samsung 43CU8000

The Samsung 43CU8000 strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability. This model offers robust smart features and good picture quality as noted by leading tech reviewers. It’s particularly well-suited for bright rooms thanks to its Crystal Display technology.

Notable features include:

Crystal 4K processor for enhanced upscaling
HDR10+ support
Gaming Hub for cloud gaming
Adaptive Sound Lite technology

While these budget TVs may lack some premium features found in higher-end models, they offer excellent value for money and perform admirably for everyday viewing, gaming, and streaming. For most users, these options provide more than enough quality and features to create an enjoyable viewing experience without the premium price tag.

Smart TV features and gaming performance

Modern 43-inch TVs come packed with smart features and gaming capabilities that enhance the viewing and gaming experience. Let’s explore the key aspects of smart functionality and gaming performance across the top models.

Smart TV platforms and connectivity

The leading 43-inch TVs offer diverse smart platforms, each with unique advantages. The LG OLED42C4 features the intuitive webOS platform, providing seamless access to popular streaming services and smart home integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support. Samsung models utilize the Tizen operating system, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app selection according to expert reviews.

Gaming capabilities

For gamers, the LG OLED42C4 stands out with its impressive gaming features, including:

4K/120Hz support on all HDMI 2.1 ports
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) compatibility
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
Game Optimizer menu for fine-tuning gaming settings

The Sony Bravia XR-42A90K also excels in gaming performance, offering dedicated features for PlayStation 5 compatibility as highlighted by gaming experts. Budget options like the Samsung 43CU8000 provide decent gaming performance with features such as Game Mode, though they lack the advanced capabilities of premium models.

Smart home integration

Most current 43-inch TVs support various smart home ecosystems:

Voice control through multiple assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby)
SmartThings integration on Samsung models
Apple AirPlay 2 support on select models
Home automation compatibility

Streaming and content access

Modern smart TVs provide comprehensive access to streaming services and content. The Hisense 43A6KTUK, despite its budget positioning, offers excellent smart features through its VIDAA interface according to recent tests, including support for major streaming platforms and customizable home screens. Premium models typically include additional features like built-in casting capabilities and advanced content recommendation systems.

Whether you’re a casual viewer or dedicated gamer, today’s 43-inch TVs offer robust smart features and gaming capabilities across various price points, with premium models providing the most comprehensive feature sets and performance options.

4K resolution and picture quality comparison

When comparing 43-inch TVs in the UK market, picture quality and resolution capabilities vary significantly across different models and technologies. Let’s examine how the top models perform in terms of resolution and overall picture quality.

OLED vs LED display technology

The LG OLED42C4 leads the pack with its OLED technology, offering perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios thanks to its self-lit pixels. According to expert reviews from What Hi-Fi, OLED displays provide superior picture quality with striking contrast and vibrant colors that LED TVs struggle to match.

HDR performance and color accuracy

Different HDR formats significantly impact picture quality:

Dolby Vision: Found in premium models like the LG OLED42C4 and Sony Bravia XR-42A90K, offering dynamic metadata for scene-by-scene optimization
HDR10+: Supported by Samsung models like the CU8000, providing good HDR performance at a more affordable price point
HDR10: The standard format available across most 43-inch TVs, delivering enhanced contrast and color

Motion handling and processing

Motion handling capabilities vary significantly between models. The Sony Bravia XR-42A90K, as reviewed by T3, excels in motion processing thanks to its advanced processors, making it ideal for sports and action movies. Meanwhile, budget options like the Hisense 43A6KTUK show some limitations with fast-moving content.

Upscaling performance

4K upscaling quality is crucial for enjoying non-4K content:

Premium models feature advanced AI-powered upscaling engines
Mid-range options like the Samsung CU8000 offer good upscaling for most content
Budget TVs may struggle with lower-quality source material

Brightness and viewing angles

According to Tom’s Guide, brightness levels and viewing angles vary significantly:

OLED models offer excellent viewing angles but moderate peak brightness
LED models typically provide higher peak brightness but narrower viewing angles
Budget LED TVs often struggle with both brightness and viewing angles

The price premium for superior picture quality is often justified by the significantly better viewing experience, particularly for those who value accurate colors and deep blacks. However, mid-range options can still provide satisfactory picture quality for most everyday viewing scenarios.

Buying guide: how to choose the right 43-inch TV

When searching for the perfect 43-inch TV in the UK market, several key factors need careful consideration to ensure you make the right choice for your needs and budget. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Display technology and picture quality

The type of display technology significantly impacts picture quality and viewing experience. Modern 43-inch TVs typically come in three main varieties:

OLED: Offers perfect blacks and infinite contrast, ideal for dark room viewing and movie enthusiasts
QLED: Provides excellent brightness and vibrant colours, perfect for bright rooms
LED: More affordable option with good picture quality for everyday viewing

According to What Hi-Fi, OLED models like the LG OLED42C4 deliver the best overall picture quality, though they come at a premium price point.

Smart features and connectivity

Modern 43-inch TVs should offer comprehensive smart features and connectivity options:

Multiple HDMI ports (minimum 3-4 ports)
HDMI 2.1 support for gaming features
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Smart platform with popular streaming apps
Voice control compatibility

Gaming considerations

For gamers, specific features are crucial for optimal performance. Tom’s Guide recommends looking for:

120Hz refresh rate support
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
Low input lag (under 20ms)

Budget and value considerations

43-inch TVs span a wide price range in the UK market. According to T3, you can expect to pay:

Premium OLED/QLED models: £800-£1,500
Mid-range LED TVs: £400-£700
Budget options: £250-£400

Room placement and viewing distance

Consider your room setup when choosing a 43-inch TV:

Optimal viewing distance: 1.5-2.5 metres
Room lighting conditions (OLED for dark rooms, QLED for bright spaces)
Viewing angle requirements
Wall mounting vs stand placement options

Energy efficiency

With rising energy costs in the UK, consider the TV’s energy rating and consumption:

Look for models with higher energy efficiency ratings
OLED TVs typically consume less power than LED models
Check for eco-friendly features and power-saving modes

Brand reliability and warranty

Consider the manufacturer’s reputation and after-sales support:

Standard warranty length (typically 1-2 years in the UK)
Availability of local service centres
Customer support quality
Brand reputation for reliability