Avoid 19 Mistakes When Buying a New 4K Smart TV

Buying a new 4K Smart TV can be an exciting experience, but it's essential to make informed decisions to ensure you get the best value for your money. However, there are common mistakes that buyers often make while buying new 4K TV, which can lead to dissatisfaction or regret. In this article, we will discuss most common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a new 4K Smart TV, helping you make a wise and satisfying investment.

Buying a New 4K TV —
Your television is an investment and an essential element of your room, so it's not a purchase you wish to take lightly. Television is an inseparable part of our daily life. In this world of technology, you can see there are a bunch of varieties are available on televisions. HD, FHD, LCD, UHD, 4K TV, LED, QLED, QNED, OLED and also various specifications are there. But some people are don’t know much about 4K tv’s and about their specifications as well as because of lack of knowledge, people make countless mistakes and gets confused while buying 4K tv. To end shopping confusion, I have made this page to make you aware of a few but most important mistakes while buying a new television.

If you thinking about upgrading your antique and old television into a new one, then you have absolutely come to the right place. If there is any festival season is going, people want to buy many things for them and they go out for the shopping. Nowadays in the list of shopping, television is the necessary thing to buy. Somehow, people get afraid and missing-out on the right features and right specifications of television. By the way, it’s all overwhelming sometimes.

How to choose a new tv? Well, some people get excited to gain knowledge about the technology of 4K tv and its specifications but some people have less knowledge about it. Now, you don’t need to think much about it, because I am here to tell you the top 8 mistakes that maximum people are going to make most of the time while buying their new branded 4K tv. So, without wasting time, let’s take a look at that mistakes and how can you avoid them. Before you buy your next 4K SMART TV, make sure you know what you're doing.

Top 8 Mistakes: 4K TV Buying Guide

Owning a 4K Smart TV can be an incredible addition to your home entertainment setup. These TVs offer stunning picture quality, seamless connectivity, and a host of smart features. However, purchasing a 4K Smart TV can be a significant investment, and making mistakes during the buying process can lead to disappointment. In this guide, we'll walk you through common mistakes to avoid when buying a new 4K Smart TV, ensuring that you make an informed and satisfying purchase.

Avoid most common mistakes while shopping for a new branded 4K television this time but you're afraid of missing out on the best features. Our shopping guide is definitely helpful to purchase the most suitable smart LED TV.

Sharing most useful tips for avoiding common mistakes while choosing the right 4K smart tv in your budget:

1. Don't listen to the salesperson.

Everybody knows, when you at the store to buy 4K tv, there is always a person for you who guides you properly about tv, they are called as a salesperson, depending on who is consulting you while buying a new tv. These salespeople are always best in their communication and marketing too; as well as you can see them in a thousand stores in your country.

A bunch of qualified salespeople is out there. These people have knows very well what they're talking about but according to the tv. Here we are discussing the people who have great salespersons for all the time and you will find them in a thousand of tv stores. But in some of the stores, you can find there is no more skilled person over there. In fact, some of them have no idea what they're talking about. Even they don't know much about television and its specifications. So, rather than listening to these salespeople, you have to listen to a bunch of other people who have great knowledge about 4K tv.

There are lots of people with its different opinions and you can search them on the internet and on the platform like YouTube. So, trust the wisdom of the crowd and you will get all the answers according to buying 4K tv. There are countless other YouTubers and online outlets are available that really do try to give your insight about the best TV. Do not rely on anyone's source, I mean there are more and more videos and information coming every day on the internet, use them while buying 4K tv.

2. Neglecting Research

One of the most significant mistakes is failing to research before buying a new 4K Smart TV.

Take the time to understand the different brands, models, and features available in the market.

Read reviews, compare specifications, and consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Doing so will help you make an informed decision and choose a TV that meets your specific needs.

3. Avoid in-store comparison.

When it comes to buying a new tv, people go offline market to compare and review TVs. I recommend you don't review the televisions at the store, because every time sellers trying to tell you only the best part according to the tv. Sometimes, the information they provide can be inaccurate. When you go to tv store, you will find that the tv is perfectly set up, also the sources and information that they providing you are exactly matched with that TV in front of you.

When you are at the store, your focus should on the tv accessories, like tv remote, TV mount or stand, 3d glasses and etc. Let check how it feels while handling. Try to review tv with your physical appearance, make sure that the tv size is perfect as per your requirement. Also, take a look at the tv screen and its slimness. You can review these things and many more according to 4K tv. On another side, I would like to tell you that you have to avoid review the quality of images and video on the tv screen. Because sometimes it can be inaccurate, in fact, they may have been setting up in a brighter mode and not properly calibrated. Check out the tv with all your physical condition rather than seller services to you. Remember that these TVs are called demo mode TVs, which are kept in their store to show only for the customers.

A lot of TVs are there in front of you, so it can be possible to check the quality of video and image on the screen. Also, the TV may have been not configured properly. So, it is better to avoid checking the quality of the image and clear your fact according to it. In the store, they have set up tv screen brightness and saturation to make it look exciting. So, that the source of demo TVs looks good for a while, but this is not what you're actually want to see.

As a matter of fact, when you buy any 4K tv and if you setting up it on the most accurate movie mode, you will realize that it looks completely different as compare to demo mode tv. So do not go with the store comparison, make your own decision before bringing any television to your home.

4. Ignoring Display Technology

When purchasing a 4K Smart TV, it's crucial to understand the different display technologies available, such as LED, OLED, and QLED.

Each technology has its pros and cons, affecting factors like picture quality, contrast ratio, and color accuracy.

Research and consider which display technology aligns with your preferences and budget.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a crucial feature to consider when buying a new 4K Smart TV. HDR enhances the contrast and color range, providing a more vibrant and lifelike picture quality.

Ensure that the TV you choose supports HDR content, as it significantly enhances your viewing experience, especially when watching HDR-enabled content like movies or games.

5. Ignore hyped-up specifications.

Because there are a lot of features, specifications and all of these things, somehow people get so afraid that if they buy this tv and if something they missing back, it can be affect on the viewing experience and they will face some bad experiences according to that tv. Let's just temporarily say that specifications don't matter in the trust. Trust on the tv reviewers who have well hands-on experience with 4K tv and promises you to this is a good one to buy. Trust on at least 25 reviewers who tell you that this is a good one tv, rather than trusting on lots of specifications.

If you see that in the market there are a lot of LED TVs that come with 500 dimming zones and 1000 dimming zones. Technically, dimming zones are sometimes more likely to mislead you. Let me give you an example of the TCL 8 series, it may not be so amazing but the 8 series was recognized as the first mini LED tv ever. It introduces almost 1000 dimming zones. In the case of 65 inches tv, you will get 800 dimming zones and more.

Now the question is why is dimming zone important? Diming zones help control the blackness and reduce the blooming on the screen. It generally comes on LED tv’s to look good. So, the assumption is that the more dimming zones mean, it comes with deep black levels, without blooming. Well guess what, this is mainly edited from TCL which was an amazing technology. The passive nature, mini LED comes with almost 1000 dimming zones, it didn’t help to beat Samsung. Samsung which was an old-school and non-mini LED with 480 dimming zones, it looks much better. If you went for the specifications, you guys will say like “oh what a great deal, it is slightly cheaper than the Samsung that it comes with 1000 dimming zones, let me get that”. See, the dimming zones are very misleading you. There are some 'nits' as well, it is basically a measurement of how much light the TV screen sends to your eyes. People assume that if the tv has 2000 nits, then it must be awesome! But let me tell you, it is not necessary like you think.

Last year there had a lot of nits comes in tv's but there were other issues as well, that affected the viewing experience. some issues are related to its brightness and how bright it gets. As a matter of fact, how bright TV gets measured in the nits? More often it is not important to you. For example, most of the content that you might watch on the HDR the content itself is 200 to 300 nits. People focus on the wrong specifications so that it will lead you astray. As a matter of fact, your focus should be on the rightest specification that will lead you in the right way. You need to see the tv size, it measures in inches and it can be 55 65 75 85 inches. Before buying a 4K tv you have to know, how big of a TV you need and make a search as per your requirement.

Focusing wrong aspects in the sense, suppose if you found a great TV of 75 inches, and if you want that tv but there are another tv that 65-inches, which has slightly better with its specification, both tv has available in the same price. They get confused in these both TVs. TV ‘A’ is the larger size that you want but TV ‘B’ is the smaller size but has much exciting and filled with more specifications. Many people go with the TV ‘B’ and this is where the mistakes happen to the people. If you want the best view and experience, choose the big size tv rather than a lot of specificational TVs.

Here are the two important specifications that will give you the best viewing improvement, one has the size of the TV and another one has its HDR system, that's it! If the tv is large and if it can pass to support HDR then you're more likely than not to have a great viewing experience. In this case, specs are less important, because you've trusted the wisdom of the crowds, who assume that this tv is particularly best for you. Right! SO buying 4K tv make sure to focus on the TV size. You will enjoy it the most.

6. Overlooking Connectivity Options

Ensure that the 4K Smart TV you choose has a variety of connectivity options.

Look for HDMI ports, USB ports, and wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These features allow you to connect external devices, such as gaming consoles, soundbars, or streaming devices, enhancing your overall viewing experience.

7. Ignore 8K.

When it comes to buy a new 4K smart tv, most people are likely ‘Oh should I spend extra thousands of money for the 8k?

I would like to discuss here 8K tv’s because we’re going with the best buy tv at our home. Many people seem like they investing in 8k TVs. Most likely they’re searching that used tv from the last year. If they got any 4K used tv at a cheap price they will start marking it down like "Wow! this is 8k and it's only $1,500, should I get a 75 inches tv which six years used only for 1500? or last year's 8k that's tiny 55 inches?” Don't even think about it, because 8k will not give you the same improvement across the board. As a matter of fact, 8k is great tv there is no doubt. If you're buying a huge screen, [probably I'm talking about 85 inches tv] if there is no money if you want the best viewing experience in 85 inches, make sure that there are other options instead of 8k and big screens. Okay!

I think the 8K can come into the discussion but sort of an 85 inch TV, where there money is no object for you, at that time it makes a difference. 8K tv basically not affordable for everyone. As a matter of fact, if someone is trying to sell you a large 8k tv and that’s an LCD, let’s walk away. You have to understand some 8k TVs which used for a year will not give you a good viewing experience. So, you don’t need to think to buy an 8K tv, in fact, it that would be a huge mistake if you make the decision according to it.

8. Forgetting about Smart Features

The "Smart" aspect of a 4K Smart TV is essential for accessing streaming services, apps, and online content.

Different brands use varying operating systems for their Smart TVs. Some offer more user-friendly interfaces and a wider range of compatible apps than others. Choose a TV with an operating system that aligns with your preferences and app needs.

Ensure the TV has a user-friendly interface, supports popular streaming platforms, and has an intuitive operating system.

Don't forget to check for regular software updates and compatibility with future advancements.

9. Disregarding Refresh Rates

When purchasing a new 4K Smart TV, one mistake that buyers often make is disregarding the importance of refresh rates. The refresh rate refers to the number of times the TV's screen refreshes its image per second. A higher refresh rate is crucial for smooth motion handling, particularly for activities like gaming or watching fast-action scenes.

To minimize motion blur and ensure a seamless viewing experience, it is recommended to look for a TV with at least a 120Hz refresh rate. This means that the screen refreshes 120 times per second, resulting in smoother motion and reduced blur during fast-paced action sequences or gaming sessions.

By neglecting to consider the refresh rate, buyers may end up with a TV that struggles to handle rapid movements, leading to motion blur and a less enjoyable viewing experience. Whether you're an avid gamer or simply appreciate smooth visuals, prioritizing a higher refresh rate is essential.

When researching and comparing different 4K Smart TVs, be sure to check the refresh rate specification and opt for a model that offers at least 120Hz. This way, you can immerse yourself in fluid and lifelike visuals, making the most out of your entertainment experience.

10. HDMI 2.1 in TVs.

Why would that be a mistake for all? Unless you are a gamer, let's just take that out of the way. HDMI 2.1 almost all of its improvements of any significance is for the gaming community Okay! As far as you can watch a movie on HDMI 2.1 4k TV it doesn't matter at all. If you are looking for 4K TV to watching HD content like streaming Amazon Prime, Netflix, Apple, Disney plus, HBO and for such blue ray movies, make sure that all those things HDMI 2.1 does not help and support at all.

As a matter of fact, you'll have more problems according to device compatibility. So, HDMI 2.1 will lead you down a different path. Make sure to stick with HDMI 2.0. If you're a gamer then this advice is not for you so let's get out of the way. Again, I would like to tell you, HDMI 2.1 is for the gaming community. Make sure to choose the HDMI while buying a tv.

11. Disregarding Audio Quality

Don't underestimate the importance of sound quality. Built-in speakers on some 4K Smart TVs may not deliver the immersive audio experience you desire. Consider investing in a soundbar or external speakers for better audio.

While the visual aspect is important, audio quality is equally essential for an immersive entertainment experience. Don't overlook the built-in speakers and audio capabilities of the TV.

Consider options with advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos or ones that support external audio systems for a more cinematic sound experience.

12. Low brands suck to the people.

Some low brands suck for the people and that would be a huge mistake while buying the tv. Some people assume that the best TVs come with only some popular brands like Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more. But this is what many people do a mistake here, now why do people think like that, I basically get surprised by it! Some of the best brands are the most likely source of TV materials and it comes from the same companies like Samsung and LG. These are becoming out of the same production line. Now, the features of the tv and its specifications may be different as per the brand and company, but in the end here we're talking about low-branded TVs that people think twice while buying the tv. You have to make sure that there are no specific brands on the tv, all the brands have their own specifications.

As a matter of fact, if you buy any branded tv for several hundred of dollars, that doesn’t mean this is better than other low brands. There are several other brands available and more to do with its prices. Make sure that the lower you pay the more likely that brand is cutting corners. As a matter of fact, I suspect that some popular brands cut more corners when it's prices get low. Some lower brands are willing to have thinner margins to give you a better TV than other popular brands.

Some popular brands are known for a very wide profit margin. Well, does I mean that the branded and expensive TV’s most likely built to a lower specification than the lower brands. So, when it comes to selecting a new 4K TV, people assume that all lower brands are cheap and they avoid buying, this is would be a mistake. Choose your brand wisely as per your budget and tv specifications.

13. Unlikely for most OLED Burn-in tv.

This one is near to my heart and it is one that you may hear many times from everyone. I think it's overstated and it is OLED burn-In. Many people do not prefer to buy OLED burn-in tv. A few years ago, it has not that much popular, according to people but if you see and go online, you will look up all that burn-in TVs on market. You may hear a lot of stories about OLED tv but look at the model earlier as well as you look into the model in this year, you will notice that OLED burn-in tv has become less and less of a problem.

Many reasons behind it, OLED all that panel itself, is now designed with burn-in. They’ve increased is the size of certain pixels to even out any potential burn-in and more importantly, all the manufacturers are including certain burn-in features like NHL. The TV panel starts to refresh itself and cycle through to clean up possible or burn-in risks.

14. Not Considering Screen Size and Viewing Distance

Choosing the right screen size is crucial to ensure optimal viewing pleasure. Consider the size of your room and the distance between the TV and the seating area.

As a general rule, the viewing distance should be about 1.5 to 2 times the diagonal screen size. Overlooking this factor may result in discomfort or a subpar viewing experience.

15. Not Testing Viewing Angles

Before finalizing your purchase, test the TV's viewing angles.

Some cheaper models may have limited viewing angles, causing color distortion when viewed from the side. Ensure your TV offers good viewing angles, especially if you have a wide seating arrangement.

16. Not Considering Room Size

The size of your TV should complement the size of your room.

A massive 4K TV might overwhelm a small space, while a tiny one might not provide an immersive experience in a larger room.

Measure your space and find a TV size that strikes the right balance.

17. Match the TV to your USE case.

People watch a hundred reviews and all hundred reviews are about amazing for watching Netflix on the tv but you will never watch Netflix, in fact, you only watch over-the-air antenna. These reviews are pointless, as a matter of fact, what you should focus on is upscaling and maybe the picture quality in your living room, because your living room is extraordinarily brighter but the truth is you need to know your usage. So, that you can check the reviews that match you and your room.

So, look for the reviews that actually attempt to see the quality of over-the-air picture quality. Right! Just know your case and match the tv to your case and if you know your usage, you will read the right reviews generate the right shortlist and you can ignore all the other mistakes that everyone else will make.

18. Ignoring Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is not only environmentally friendly but also helps save on electricity bills.

Look for TVs with an Energy Star rating, which indicates that the TV meets certain energy efficiency standards. This ensures that your new 4K Smart TV will consume less power while providing excellent performance.

19. Overlooking Warranty and Customer Support

Finally, don't forget to consider the warranty and customer support provided by the manufacturer.

A longer warranty period provides peace of mind and protects you against any manufacturing defects.

Additionally, reliable customer support can be invaluable when you encounter any issues or have questions about your new TV.

Bottom Line

By avoiding these common mistakes when buying a new 4K Smart TV, you can make a well-informed purchase that aligns with your preferences and expectations and, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect 4K Smart TV for your home.

Remember to conduct thorough research, consider display technology, connectivity options, HDR support, audio quality, screen size, smart features, energy efficiency, and warranty/customer support.

Take your time, do your research, and prioritize your specific needs and preferences. With the right TV, you can enjoy stunning visuals and a seamless entertainment experience for years to come. By doing so, you'll be on your way to enjoying a fantastic viewing experience with your new 4K Smart TV.

So, avoid these most common mistakes when you go for shopping a new branded 4K smart television. I'm sure our TV shopping guide positively helps you to purchase the right and most suitable smart LED TV for you. Happy TV shopping!

Am I missing anything let me know in the comments below.