Best TVs Of 2022: Top Picks & Reviews

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Best TVs of 2022: Top Picks & Reviews

Hey guys, finding the best TV in 2022 can feel like navigating a maze, right? With so many brands, features, and technologies popping up, it's easy to get lost in the jargon. But don't worry, I'm here to help you cut through the noise and pinpoint the TVs that truly stood out this year. We're diving deep into what made these TVs special, from stunning picture quality to smart features that make your viewing experience seamless. So, whether you're a movie buff, a gaming enthusiast, or just looking for an upgrade to your living room setup, let's explore the top TVs of 2022!

Why These TVs Made the Cut

Okay, so what makes a TV truly "the best"? It's not just about a flashy screen or a well-known brand. A top-tier TV needs to nail several key areas to deliver an exceptional viewing experience. When I was researching for this guide, I focused on these critical factors:

  • Picture Quality: This is the big one, right? We're talking about contrast, color accuracy, brightness, and how well the TV handles motion. A great TV should make images pop with vibrant colors and deep blacks, while also keeping things smooth during fast-paced action scenes. Technologies like OLED, QLED, and Mini-LED all play a role here, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
  • Smart Features: In 2022, a TV is more than just a screen; it's a portal to streaming services, apps, and smart home integration. The best TVs have intuitive interfaces, support for popular streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.), and voice control capabilities. Responsiveness is key – nobody wants to wait around for apps to load!
  • Sound Quality: While many people opt for soundbars or external audio systems, the built-in speakers on a TV still matter. The top TVs offer decent sound right out of the box, with clear dialogue and a reasonably immersive soundstage. Some even incorporate technologies like Dolby Atmos for a more cinematic experience.
  • Design and Build Quality: Let's be honest, your TV is a centerpiece in your living room, so it should look good! The best TVs boast sleek designs, slim bezels, and premium materials. Build quality is also important – a sturdy stand and well-constructed chassis ensure that your investment will last.
  • Value for Money: Finally, a great TV needs to offer a compelling value proposition. It's not just about the price tag, but what you get for your money. A TV that excels in all the above areas and comes at a reasonable price point is a winner in my book.

Top TV Models of 2022

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and take a look at some specific TV models that impressed in 2022. I've tried to include a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets.

OLED TVs: The King of Contrast

OLED TVs are still the gold standard when it comes to picture quality, thanks to their ability to produce perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Each pixel is self-emissive, meaning it can turn on and off independently, resulting in stunningly realistic images. While they tend to be pricier than other types of TVs, the visual experience is often worth the investment.

When evaluating OLED TVs, consider aspects such as peak brightness, color volume, and image processing. Newer OLED panels often incorporate technologies to boost brightness and improve color accuracy, addressing some of the earlier concerns about OLED's performance in bright rooms. Also, pay attention to the TV's gaming features, such as HDMI 2.1 support, low input lag, and variable refresh rate (VRR) capabilities.

  • LG OLED C2 Series: The LG C2 is a fantastic all-rounder that offers exceptional picture quality, a sleek design, and a wide range of smart features. It's a great choice for both movies and gaming.
  • Sony A80K Series: Sony's A80K delivers stunning picture quality with its Cognitive Processor XR, which enhances color, contrast, and clarity. It also boasts excellent sound quality and a premium design.

QLED TVs: Bright and Colorful

QLED TVs (Quantum Dot LED TVs) are known for their brightness and vibrant colors. They use quantum dots to enhance color accuracy and brightness, making them a great choice for bright rooms. While they can't match the perfect blacks of OLED TVs, they offer excellent overall picture quality and are often more affordable.

Key considerations for QLED TVs include the type of backlighting (full-array local dimming is preferable), color volume, and viewing angles. Full-array local dimming helps improve contrast by dimming the backlight in dark areas of the screen, while wider viewing angles ensure that the picture remains consistent even when viewed from off-center. Also, look for QLED TVs with high peak brightness for HDR content.

  • Samsung QN90B Series: The Samsung QN90B is a top-of-the-line QLED TV that delivers exceptional brightness, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast thanks to its Mini-LED backlighting. It's a great choice for gamers, with its low input lag and HDMI 2.1 support.
  • TCL 6-Series (R655): The TCL 6-Series offers excellent value for money, with its Mini-LED backlighting, QLED color, and Roku smart platform. It's a great choice for those looking for a high-performance TV on a budget.

Mini-LED TVs: The Best of Both Worlds?

Mini-LED TVs are a relatively new technology that aims to bridge the gap between OLED and QLED. They use tiny LEDs for backlighting, allowing for more precise control over brightness and contrast. This results in improved black levels and less blooming (halo effect around bright objects) compared to traditional LED TVs.

When evaluating Mini-LED TVs, consider the number of local dimming zones, peak brightness, and color accuracy. More dimming zones generally result in better contrast and less blooming. Also, look for Mini-LED TVs with advanced image processing to further enhance picture quality.

  • Samsung QN90B Series: As mentioned earlier, the Samsung QN90B is a standout Mini-LED TV that delivers exceptional brightness, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast.
  • Hisense U8H Series: The Hisense U8H is another excellent Mini-LED TV that offers a great balance of performance and value. It features a bright display, wide color gamut, and Dolby Vision/Atmos support.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before you rush out and buy a new TV, it's essential to consider a few key factors to ensure that you're making the right choice for your needs and viewing environment.

  • Screen Size: The ideal screen size depends on the size of your room and your viewing distance. A general rule of thumb is to multiply your viewing distance (in inches) by 0.84 to get the optimal screen size. For example, if you sit 10 feet (120 inches) away from your TV, a 100-inch screen would be a good fit.
  • Resolution: 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) is the standard for most TVs in 2022. While 8K TVs are available, they are still quite expensive, and there's not much 8K content available yet. Unless you're a serious enthusiast or plan to future-proof your setup, a 4K TV is the way to go.
  • HDR Support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances the contrast and color range of the picture, resulting in more realistic and immersive images. Look for TVs that support HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, as these are the most common HDR formats.
  • Refresh Rate: The refresh rate measures how many times per second the TV updates the image. A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) results in smoother motion, which is especially important for fast-paced content like sports and video games. If you're a gamer, look for TVs with HDMI 2.1 ports, which support 4K/120Hz gaming.
  • Viewing Angles: If you often watch TV with a group of people, viewing angles are an important consideration. Some TVs have narrow viewing angles, meaning that the picture quality degrades when viewed from off-center. OLED TVs generally have the widest viewing angles, while some LED TVs use technologies like wide-viewing-angle panels to improve off-axis viewing.

Final Thoughts

Alright guys, that's a wrap on the best TVs of 2022! I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect TV for your needs. Remember to consider your budget, viewing environment, and desired features when making your decision. And don't be afraid to do some more research and read reviews before you buy. Happy watching!