Best 43-inch smart TVs in 2024: complete buying guide
Top 43-inch smart TV models for 2024
When it comes to finding the perfect 43-inch smart TV in 2024, several standout models offer exceptional performance and value. Here’s a detailed look at the top contenders on the UK market.
LG OLED42C4: best overall TV
The LG OLED42C4 sets the standard for premium 43-inch TVs with its outstanding OLED display technology. This model delivers perfect black levels and exceptional contrast, making it ideal for both movie watching and gaming. With support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 Pro, plus four HDMI 2.1 ports, it’s genuinely future-proof.
Key features include:
- Perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratio
- 4K/120Hz gaming support
- Dolby Vision and HDR10 Pro compatibility
- Low input lag of 9.2ms
Sony XR-42A90K: premium choice
The Sony XR-42A90K represents the pinnacle of premium TV technology, particularly excelling in picture processing and sound quality. As noted by What Hi-Fi, this model stands out for its superior motion handling and excellent upscaling of lower-resolution content.
- Superior motion processing
- Excellent built-in sound system
- Ideal for PlayStation 5 gaming
- Premium build quality
Samsung QN43QN90D: bright room champion
Samsung’s latest Neo QLED offering brings exceptional brightness and vibrant colors to the 43-inch category. According to RTINGS.com, this model particularly excels in well-lit environments thanks to its mini-LED technology and impressive peak brightness levels.
- Peak brightness of over 2,000 nits
- Excellent local dimming performance
- Gaming features including 144Hz refresh rate
- Anti-reflection technology
Hisense 43A6KTUK: best budget option
For those seeking value without compromising too much on quality, the Hisense 43A6KTUK represents an excellent choice. As reviewed by T3, this model offers impressive features at a budget-friendly price point.
- Dolby Vision and HDR support
- VIDAA smart platform with major streaming apps
- Good color accuracy
- Affordable price point around £229
Each of these models represents the best in their respective categories, offering different benefits depending on your specific needs and budget. The LG and Sony models excel in overall picture quality and gaming performance, while the Samsung stands out for bright room viewing, and the Hisense offers exceptional value for money.
Best gaming and sports TVs under 43 inches
When it comes to gaming and sports viewing, specific features like refresh rate, input lag, and motion handling become crucial. Here’s a detailed look at the best 43-inch TVs optimized for gaming and sports viewing in 2024.
Top gaming TVs
The LG OLED42C4 stands out as the premier gaming TV in the 43-inch category. With its HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz gaming and variable refresh rate (VRR), it delivers exceptional gaming performance. The TV’s incredibly low input lag of 9.2ms ensures responsive gameplay, while the OLED panel provides perfect blacks and stunning contrast for immersive gaming sessions.
Another strong contender is the Samsung QN43QN90D, which offers:
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz gaming
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support
- Game Bar 3.0 interface for quick gaming settings adjustments
- Mini LED technology for excellent brightness and contrast
Best TVs for sports viewing
For sports enthusiasts, the Samsung QN43QN90D leads the pack with its impressive motion handling and brightness capabilities. Its advanced motion processing ensures smooth action during fast-paced sports, while the high peak brightness of over 2,000 nits makes it perfect for daytime viewing of sports events.
The Sony XR-42A90K also excels at sports content with:
- Superior motion processing technology
- Excellent upscaling of broadcast content
- Wide viewing angles for group watching
- Enhanced sound quality for commentary clarity
Gaming and sports features to consider
When choosing a TV for gaming or sports, key features to look for include:
- Input lag under 20ms for responsive gaming
- VRR support for smooth gameplay
- Motion handling capabilities for clear sports action
- High peak brightness for daytime viewing
- Sound quality for immersive experience
For optimal gaming performance, the LG OLED42C4 remains the top choice, while sports enthusiasts will find the Samsung QN43QN90D’s brightness and motion handling particularly appealing. Both TVs offer versatility for different viewing scenarios, though the OLED option provides better overall picture quality in darker rooms.
43-inch smart TV features and technologies
The latest 43-inch smart TVs incorporate cutting-edge display technologies and features that enhance viewing experience significantly. Let’s explore the key technological advancements that define the best models in 2024.
Display technologies
Modern 43-inch TVs utilize various display technologies, each offering unique benefits. OLED displays, found in premium models like the LG C4, deliver perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratios by individually controlling each pixel. Meanwhile, QLED technology, featured in Samsung’s QN90D series, uses quantum dots to produce vibrant colors and exceptional brightness.
Picture processing and HDR support
Advanced picture processing capabilities are becoming standard in 43-inch smart TVs. Key features include:
- AI-powered upscaling for lower resolution content
- HDR format support (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG)
- Local dimming for enhanced contrast
- Motion handling technologies for smooth action
Smart platforms and connectivity
Modern smart TV platforms offer comprehensive entertainment solutions. Leading platforms include:
- LG’s webOS: Known for its user-friendly interface and wide app support
- Samsung’s Tizen: Offers seamless integration with smart home devices
- Google TV: Provides personalized content recommendations and voice control
Connectivity options have also evolved, with most models featuring HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz gaming, eARC for advanced audio routing, and built-in Wi-Fi 6 for faster streaming.
Gaming features
Gaming capabilities have become a crucial aspect of modern TVs. Key gaming features include:
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Game Bar interfaces for quick settings adjustment
- Input lag reduction technologies
Audio technologies
While built-in speakers have limitations due to size constraints, manufacturers have implemented various technologies to improve audio quality:
- Virtual surround sound processing
- AI-powered sound optimization
- Dolby Atmos support
- Automatic volume leveling
These technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the 43-inch TV segment, offering viewers increasingly sophisticated and immersive entertainment experiences.
Best budget 43-inch smart TVs
For those seeking quality without breaking the bank, several excellent budget-friendly 43-inch smart TVs offer impressive features and performance in 2024. Let’s explore the top budget options available in the UK market.
Hisense 43A6KTUK: Best overall budget choice
The Hisense 43A6KTUK stands out as an exceptional value proposition, offering a comprehensive feature set at an affordable price point. This model includes:
- Direct LED backlighting for consistent picture quality
- Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG formats
- VIDAA smart platform with major streaming apps
- Balanced and realistic color reproduction
- Good shadow detail and contrast performance
While it may not match the brightness levels of premium models, the Hisense 43A6KTUK delivers impressive performance for its price range, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on features according to expert reviews.
Samsung 43CU8000: Mid-range value option
The Samsung 43CU8000 bridges the gap between budget and premium models, offering:
- Vibrant and sharp picture quality
- Tizen OS with comprehensive smart features
- Gaming-friendly features with low input lag
- HDR10+ support for enhanced contrast
This model represents an excellent middle-ground option for those who want Samsung’s reliable build quality and smart features without the premium price tag as noted by T3.
Roku Select Series 4K: Smart features on a budget
The Roku Select Series 4K proves that affordable TVs can still deliver a great smart TV experience:
- User-friendly Roku OS interface
- Comprehensive streaming app support
- Decent 4K picture quality
- Simple setup and operation
While it may not compete with high-end models in terms of picture quality, its straightforward interface and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for those prioritizing streaming capabilities on a budget based on RTINGS testing.
Energy efficiency considerations
When choosing a budget TV, consider the long-term running costs. Most modern budget models come with decent energy efficiency ratings, helping to keep electricity bills manageable. Look for models with an Energy Efficiency Rating of A+ or better for optimal running costs.
Smart TV comparison and buying guide
When comparing and choosing a 43-inch smart TV in 2024, several key factors need careful consideration to ensure you get the best value for your needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Display technology considerations
The type of display technology significantly impacts picture quality and viewing experience. Modern 43-inch TVs typically feature one of these panel types:
- OLED panels: Offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast, ideal for dark room viewing
- QLED panels: Provide excellent brightness and vibrant colors, perfect for bright rooms
- LED panels: More affordable while still delivering good picture quality for casual viewing
Smart features and connectivity
Modern smart TVs come with various operating systems and connectivity options. The most popular platforms include:
- LG webOS: Known for its user-friendly interface and smooth operation
- Samsung Tizen: Offers extensive app support and seamless integration with other Samsung devices
- Google TV: Provides excellent content recommendations and voice control features
Gaming capabilities
For gamers, specific features are crucial for optimal performance. According to RTINGS.com, key gaming features to look for include:
- HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K/120Hz gaming
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Input lag below 20ms
Price considerations
43-inch smart TVs come in various price ranges to suit different budgets. Based on What Hi-Fi, you can expect to pay:
- Budget range: £300-£500 for basic LED models
- Mid-range: £500-£800 for QLED and advanced LED models
- Premium range: £800+ for OLED and high-end QLED models
Additional features to consider
When making your final decision, consider these additional factors highlighted by T3:
- HDR format support (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG)
- Sound quality and audio output options
- Energy efficiency ratings
- Warranty coverage and after-sales support
- Wall-mounting compatibility
Remember to measure your viewing space and consider the optimal viewing distance for a 43-inch TV, which is typically between 5.5 to 8.5 feet from the screen for the best experience.