Specifications can be overwhelming, but most of them do not change the decision. Focus on these five, in this order, and the rest tends to sort itself out.
1. Screen size and viewing distance
Start with how far you sit from where the TV will go. For a 4K television, a comfortable range is roughly 1 to 1.5 times the screen's diagonal measurement. The table below gives a practical starting point.
| Viewing distance | Comfortable 4K size |
|---|---|
| 1.5 – 2.0 m | 43" – 55" |
| 2.0 – 2.5 m | 55" – 65" |
| 2.5 – 3.0 m | 65" – 75" |
| 3.0 m and beyond | 75" and larger |
When in doubt, size up. People rarely wish they had bought a smaller screen.
2. Resolution
For almost everyone, 4K is the right choice: it is the standard for new content and the price premium over Full HD has largely disappeared at usable sizes. 8K is impressive but native content is scarce, so it is hard to justify today unless you want the absolute latest and are buying a very large screen.
3. Panel type
Match the technology to your room and viewing habits:
- OLED — best contrast and perfect blacks; ideal for film lovers and dimmer rooms.
- Mini-LED / QLED — very bright and vivid; better for sunny rooms and daytime sport.
- Standard LED LCD — the value option; perfectly good for casual viewing on a budget.
If you watch mostly at night and care about cinematic image quality, lean OLED. If your room is bright or you watch a lot of live sport in daylight, a bright Mini-LED or QLED set may please you more.
4. Room lighting
A screen fights with the light around it. In a bright, sun-facing room, prioritise peak brightness and an anti-reflective coating so the picture stays punchy during the day. In a controlled or dark room, contrast matters more than brightness, which favours OLED. Be honest about when you actually watch — that single fact often decides the panel type for you.
5. Features and budget
Finally, weigh the extras against price. Gamers should look for HDMI 2.1, 120Hz, VRR and ALLM. Anyone adding a soundbar wants eARC. Check that the smart platform has the apps you use and a good update record. Set a budget, pick the largest screen and best panel that fits it, and treat features as tie-breakers between similar models rather than the starting point.
A quick checklist
Measure your viewing distance and pick a size.
Choose 4K unless you have a specific reason not to.
Pick a panel that suits your room's light.
Confirm the ports and apps you need are present.
Want the reasoning behind these choices? Start with why modern TVs look better.