Best 48-inch TVs UK: Top models compared for 2024

Top 48-inch TV Models of 2024
OLED vs LED: Display Technology Comparison
Best 4K TVs Under £1000
Gaming Features and Performance
Smart TV Features and Connectivity

Top 48-inch TV models of 2024

The 48-inch TV market has evolved significantly in 2024, with leading manufacturers offering exceptional models that combine cutting-edge technology with impressive performance. Here’s our comprehensive look at the standout models dominating the UK market.

LG OLED48C4PUA: The premium choice

Leading the pack is the LG OLED48C4PUA, which has established itself as the benchmark for 48-inch TVs in 2024. This model showcases LG’s latest OLED technology, powered by the advanced Alpha a9 AI Processor that delivers stunning picture quality with perfect blacks and vibrant colours. The TV’s gaming capabilities are particularly impressive, featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports that support up to 144Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent choice for next-generation gaming.

Samsung S90D: The bright room specialist

Samsung’s S90D represents a compelling alternative for those seeking outstanding performance in well-lit environments. Equipped with the latest NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, this model excels in optimising picture and sound quality through AI-driven enhancements. The Samsung S90D stands out for its OLED HDR+ technology, delivering exceptional contrast and colour accuracy that’s been Pantone validated.

LG OLED48B4PUA: The value proposition

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option without significant compromise on quality, the LG OLED48B4PUA presents an attractive choice. While it may not match the peak brightness of the C4 series, it retains many premium features including excellent black levels and wide viewing angles. According to detailed testing by RTINGS, this model delivers exceptional performance for movie watching in darker environments.

Picture quality comparison

When comparing these models, several key factors stand out:

The LG C4 leads in overall picture quality with superior HDR performance and enhanced brightness
Samsung’s S90D excels in bright room performance with its advanced AI processing
The LG B4 offers nearly identical black levels to the C4, making it ideal for movie enthusiasts

Smart features and usability

Each model comes with sophisticated smart TV platforms. LG’s webOS system, found in both the C4 and B4, is particularly praised for its intuitive interface and comprehensive app support. Samsung’s Tizen OS on the S90D offers similar functionality with some unique features. According to TechRadar’s analysis, all three models provide excellent smart TV experiences with regular updates and broad streaming service support.

While these models represent the cream of the crop in the 48-inch category, each caters to different needs and preferences. The LG C4 stands as the all-rounder champion, the Samsung S90D excels in bright environments, and the LG B4 offers tremendous value for those primarily watching in darker rooms.

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Best 48-inch TVs UK: Top OLED & 4K Models Compared (2024)

OLED vs LED: Display Technology Comparison

When choosing between OLED and LED technologies for your 48-inch TV, understanding the key differences is crucial for making an informed decision. Let’s explore how these display technologies compare in various aspects that matter most to viewers.

OLED Technology Benefits

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays offer several distinct advantages that make them particularly appealing for home entertainment. The LG OLED48C4PUA, for instance, demonstrates the technology’s capability to deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios through individually controlled pixels that can completely switch off when displaying black content. According to What Hi-Fi, this results in unprecedented picture quality and contrast.

Perfect black levels with infinite contrast ratio
Wide viewing angles with consistent picture quality
Superior motion handling for sports and action scenes
Better energy efficiency in dark scenes

LED Technology Advantages

LED TVs, particularly those using Mini LED technology like the Samsung Q80D, offer their own set of benefits. These displays excel in bright room environments and typically cost less than their OLED counterparts. As reported by RTINGS, modern LED TVs can achieve significantly higher peak brightness levels compared to OLEDs.

Higher peak brightness for well-lit rooms
No risk of screen burn-in
Generally more affordable
Longer potential lifespan

Picture Quality Comparison

Both technologies offer excellent picture quality but excel in different areas. OLED displays, like those found in the LG C4 series, provide superior contrast and more natural-looking images, especially in darker scenes. Meanwhile, LED TVs with local dimming, such as the Samsung Q80D, offer impressive HDR performance with notably bright highlights, making them ideal for HDR content viewing in bright environments.

Energy Efficiency and Longevity

Energy efficiency varies between the two technologies. OLED TVs generally consume less power when displaying darker content, as individual pixels can be turned off completely. However, LED TVs might be more energy-efficient when displaying bright content across the entire screen. When it comes to longevity, LED displays typically have a longer theoretical lifespan, though modern OLED panels have made significant improvements in this area.

Ultimately, your choice between OLED and LED technology should depend on your viewing environment and personal preferences. For dark room viewing and superior contrast, OLED models like the LG C4 series offer the best experience. For bright room viewing and higher peak brightness, LED models such as the Samsung Q80D provide excellent alternatives.

Best 4K TVs under £1000

For those seeking high-quality 48-inch TVs without breaking the bank, there are several excellent options available under £1000 in the UK market. Here’s a detailed look at the best value-for-money choices:

LG OLED48B4PUA

The LG OLED48B4PUA stands out as an exceptional value proposition, offering many premium features at a more accessible price point. This model delivers excellent picture quality with perfect blacks and vibrant colors, making it ideal for movie enthusiasts. While it may not reach the peak brightness levels of its more expensive sibling, the C4, it still provides an impressive viewing experience, especially in darker rooms.

Perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratio
Wide color gamut for HDR content
Gaming features including VRR support
Excellent viewing angles

Samsung Q80D

The Samsung Q80D represents excellent value for those who prefer LED technology or need a TV for brighter environments. While technically a 50-inch model, it’s worth considering for its competitive price point and impressive feature set. According to TechRadar, this model offers superior brightness and excellent gaming capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various viewing conditions.

Excellent brightness levels for well-lit rooms
Strong gaming performance
Effective local dimming
Robust smart TV platform

Value considerations

When shopping in this price range, it’s important to consider long-term value rather than just the initial cost. RTINGS.com’s comprehensive testing shows that both the LG B4 and Samsung Q80D offer excellent longevity and feature sets that will remain relevant for years to come.

Energy efficiency ratings for lower running costs
Future-proof gaming features
Regular software updates
Comprehensive warranty coverage

While these models might be priced close to the £1000 mark, they often see significant discounts during major sales events, making them even more attractive options for budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features.

Gaming features and performance

When it comes to gaming performance, today’s 48-inch TVs offer impressive capabilities that rival dedicated gaming monitors. The latest models come equipped with features specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience on both next-gen consoles and PCs.

HDMI 2.1 and refresh rates

The LG OLED48C4PUA leads the pack with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting up to 144Hz refresh rates. This high refresh rate capability ensures ultra-smooth motion and reduced input lag, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. The TV also supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, including both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, which helps eliminate screen tearing during gameplay.

Gaming-specific features

Modern 48-inch TVs come packed with gaming-oriented features. The LG C4 series, for example, includes Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console connection. Additionally, it supports Dolby Vision Gaming, providing enhanced HDR performance in compatible games.

Response time and input lag

OLED technology provides a significant advantage in terms of response time. The LG C4 and Samsung S90D both offer near-instantaneous pixel response times, resulting in minimal motion blur during fast-moving scenes. This is particularly important for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts.

Game optimizer settings

Many modern TVs include dedicated game optimization features. The LG C4’s Game Optimizer menu provides easy access to all gaming-related settings, allowing players to:

Adjust black and white levels for better visibility in dark scenes
Fine-tune input lag reduction settings
Switch between various gaming presets
Monitor frame rates and VRR status in real-time

Console compatibility

The latest 48-inch TVs are fully compatible with next-gen gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The Samsung S90D, for instance, supports 4K gaming at 120Hz, making it perfect for getting the most out of these powerful gaming systems.

For PC gamers, these TVs can handle even higher refresh rates, with some models supporting 144Hz when connected to a capable graphics card. This makes them viable alternatives to traditional gaming monitors, especially for those who want a larger screen without sacrificing performance.

Smart TV features and connectivity

Modern 48-inch TVs come equipped with sophisticated smart features and connectivity options that enhance the viewing experience. Let’s explore the key aspects that make these TVs truly ”smart” in 2024.

Smart platforms and operating systems

The leading 48-inch TVs utilize advanced smart TV platforms that offer seamless access to streaming services and apps. LG’s webOS, found in the OLED48C4PUA, provides an intuitive interface with comprehensive app support and smooth navigation. Samsung’s Tizen OS, featured in the S90D series, delivers a responsive user experience with AI-powered content recommendations and easy device integration.

Streaming and app support

All major streaming services are supported on premium 48-inch TVs, including:

Netflix with 4K HDR support
Amazon Prime Video
Disney+
BBC iPlayer
Apple TV+

Connectivity options

Modern 48-inch TVs offer extensive connectivity options to support various devices and use cases. The LG C4 series leads the pack with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz, making it ideal for next-gen gaming consoles and high-end PCs. Additional connectivity features typically include:

Multiple USB ports for media playback and device charging
Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones and controllers
Wi-Fi 6 support for faster streaming
Optical digital audio output for soundbar connection

Voice control and smart home integration

Leading models from Samsung’s S90D series and LG’s C4 lineup include built-in voice assistants and smart home integration capabilities. Users can control their TV, search for content, and manage connected devices using voice commands through:

Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Built-in AI assistants (like LG’s ThinQ AI)

Screen sharing and casting

Modern 48-inch TVs support various screen sharing protocols, making it easy to display content from mobile devices and computers. Common features include:

Apple AirPlay 2 support
Chromecast built-in
Screen mirroring for Android devices
Multi-View capabilities for displaying multiple sources

These smart features and connectivity options make today’s 48-inch TVs versatile entertainment hubs that can seamlessly integrate with your existing devices and smart home setup. When choosing a model, consider which smart features align with your ecosystem and daily usage patterns.

Best 48-inch TVs UK: Top OLED & 4K Models Compared