Smart TV Buying Guide: Features to Look for in 2024
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Smart TV technology, with faster processors, upgraded software capabilities, and more advanced display panels coming to market. As these internet-connected televisions become more sophisticated, making the right buying decision has never been more important. This comprehensive guide aims to cut through the noise and highlight the most significant features to look for in a Smart TV purchase this year.
With new operating systems, built-in voice assistants, expanded app selections, and cutting-edge display tech, the Smart TV space is rapidly evolving. We'll explore the key advancements and considerations to help prepare you to buy a new Smart TV model that keeps pace with the latest innovations and aligns with your entertainment needs and budget. Whether you're looking for stunning visuals for movies and shows, seamless smart home integration, immersive gaming performance, or intuitive voice control, this guide will cover the essential specs and capabilities to prioritize in your search.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of today’s Smart TV landscape and an actionable checklist of features to seek out that will enhance and customize your viewing experience. Let’s dive in and demystify the Smart TV buying process for 2024 and beyond.
Operating Systems and User Interface
The operating system and user interface are crucial factors when choosing a Smart TV in 2024. The OS powers the TV's core functionality and has a major impact on the overall user experience. Some of the most popular Smart TV platforms include:
Tizen - Developed by Samsung, Tizen provides a polished, intuitive interface optimized for ease of navigation. Tizen features a minimalist design and is highly responsive.
webOS - Created by LG, webOS offers a visually appealing interface organized into tabs and cards for apps and content. webOS is praised for its simplicity and speed.
Android TV - Google's Android TV platform is designed with Google Assistant integration in mind. The customizable home screen and Play Store provide access to a vast app selection.
Roku TV - Roku TVs run the company's user-friendly Roku OS, which offers a straightforward menu and universal search function. The platform is ideal for streaming content.
Fire TV - Amazon's Fire TV OS focuses on tight integration with Amazon Prime content and Alexa voice commands. The UI features content-forward menus and recommendations.
No matter which platform you choose, look for a clean, customizable interface that makes navigating apps, inputs, settings and streaming services effortless. Snappy performance and intuitive menus will enhance your overall viewing experience.
Voice Control and AI Integration
Voice control technology has seen major advancements in recent years, making it easier than ever to control your Smart TV experience using just your voice. Most Smart TV platforms now include built-in support for voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. This allows you to turn your TV on or off, launch apps, search for content, adjust settings, and more completely hands-free.
In addition to basic voice control, Smart TVs are integrating AI and machine learning to enable more contextual, personalized experiences. AI algorithms study your viewing habits and content preferences to make recommendations tailored specifically to you. They can suggest new shows and movies you may enjoy based on your tastes, or automatically populate your home screen with your favorite apps and suggested content.
Some Smart TV platforms use AI for advanced features like intelligent search. Instead of just looking for matching keywords, it can interpret the meaning behind a voice query and surface the most relevant results. For example, asking to see a funny movie from the 90s would return comedy films from that decade rather than all movies with the word "funny" or "90s" in the title.
AI also allows Smart TVs to learn and adapt to you over time for an increasingly customized experience. The more you use voice commands or viewing recommendations, the better it learns your preferences. Some Smart TVs can even recognize different users by voice and serve up personalized content for each member of the household.
Overall, advancements in voice control and AI are making Smart TVs faster, easier, and more intuitive to operate. They minimize hunting through menus and apps by allowing you to simply speak requests. And AI integration ensures your Smart TV screen is populated with the content that's most likely to satisfy you in that moment.
App Compatibility and App Store Accessibility
App compatibility is a critical consideration when selecting a Smart TV in 2024. With streaming services and apps playing such a pivotal role in the modern entertainment experience, it's important to choose a TV with access to a wide variety of compatible apps.
The operating system largely determines app compatibility. Leading options like webOS, Tizen OS, and Android TV offer access to thousands of apps through their respective built-in app stores. Consider which apps and services you frequently use and ensure they are supported on your shortlisted TVs.
While some Smart TVs come with only a basic, proprietary app store, others provide access to more extensive libraries. For example, models running Android TV grant access to the vast Google Play store, with over 5,000 entertainment apps at your fingertips.
Similarly, models using Roku TV deliver the Roku Channel Store, comprising over 10,000 streaming apps. Carefully examine the app store associated with any Smart TV you are considering and ensure it provides the depth and variety of apps you are likely to enjoy.
Overall app accessibility and navigation on the TV interface is also worth factoring in. Ideally, you want intuitively organized apps that are simple to browse, search and launch. User experience testing from third-party experts can help compare the accessibility of apps across different Smart TV platforms.
With apps and streaming services at the core of the modern Smart TV experience, app compatibility and app store accessibility should be pivotal considerations in your buying decision. Prioritize Smart TVs that grant you access to your preferred apps and services through a smoothly navigable interface.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is a crucial consideration when purchasing a Smart TV in 2024. Seamless integration with other devices in your home entertainment setup can maximize the potential of your Smart TV.
Look for models that offer ample HDMI ports, USB connections, and Bluetooth capabilities. Multiple HDMI ports allow you to connect sound bars, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and other devices. Ensure there are enough ports for your needs. Newer HDMI standards like HDMI 2.1 support higher resolutions and refresh rates.
USB ports are useful for plugging in streaming sticks, webcams for video calls, and external storage devices. Models with USB 3.0 and USB-C offer faster transfer speeds. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair wireless headphones, speakers, game controllers, and more to your Smart TV. Bluetooth 5.0 or higher provides extended range and simultaneous connections.
Seamless integration between your Smart TV and other devices provides a unified hub for all your entertainment needs. With robust connectivity options, you can create a customized home theater experience tailored to your preferences. Evaluate your current and future device needs to determine the ideal connectivity features when selecting a Smart TV.
Streaming Services and Content Partnerships
Smart TVs in 2024 offer built-in support for the most popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. This allows you to access on-demand movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other content directly through your Smart TV without the need for additional streaming devices.
When researching Smart TVs, look for models that offer subscriptions or easy access to the streaming services you already use. Some platforms have partnerships with specific services as well - for example, LG TVs provide special integration with LG channels.
You'll also find Smart TVs with exclusive content or early access opportunities through content partnerships. For instance, Samsung partners with HBO Max to offer an HBO Max app with additional features not available on other platforms. Some manufacturers have their own streaming services too, like Vizio WatchFree+ or LG Channels.
Prioritize Smart TVs that align with your preferred streaming services and content. The availability of built-in apps, subscriptions, exclusive content libraries, and partnerships can vary across manufacturers and models. Focus on the specific streaming and content features most relevant to your household when selecting a Smart TV.
Gaming Features
Smart TVs in 2024 offer some compelling capabilities when it comes to gaming. For avid gamers, investing in a Smart TV with robust gaming features can significantly enhance the overall gaming experience.
One key consideration is support for high refresh rates, ideally 120Hz or higher. Higher refresh rates translate into smoother visuals and reduced input lag for faster on-screen response times. Many Smart TVs in 2024 will include dedicated gaming modes to enable the highest possible refresh rates when gaming.
Low input lag is another pivotal gaming specification to look for. Input lag refers to the delay between user input on the controller and the reaction on screen. The lower the input lag, the more responsive and immersive the gameplay will feel. Smart TVs designed with gaming in mind aim for input lag of 15ms or less.
Smart TV manufacturers are also optimizing gaming integration across popular consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Seamless integration allows you to easily connect your console and start gaming on the big screen. Some Smart TVs may even offer exclusive gaming features when paired with the same brand console.
Cloud gaming support is another trend to watch for. With services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now and Google Stadia gaining traction, the ability to stream and play games directly on a Smart TV without a console becomes possible. Having built-in support for major cloud gaming platforms enhances the versatility of Smart TVs for gaming in 2024.
By paying attention to gaming-centric specifications like refresh rates, input lag, and cross-device integration, you can find a Smart TV well-equipped for gaming in 2024. This allows you to consolidate your gaming and entertainment experience into one device.
Smart Home Integration
Smart TVs in 2024 offer innovative integration with popular smart home platforms, providing seamless connectivity and enhanced convenience. When selecting a Smart TV, consider its compatibility with your existing smart home ecosystem or preferred platform.
Many of the latest Smart TVs allow you to control and monitor your smart home devices right from the TV screen. For example, you can view and converse with smart security cameras, control smart thermostats and lights, and more. Top Smart TV platforms like Android TV, LG webOS, and Samsung Tizen have apps that connect your Smart TV to smart speakers and smart home hubs.
Look for Smart TVs that support leading smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT and more. With deep integration, you can use the TV's remote to activate Alexa skills or Google Assistant actions. Voice assistant capabilities allow hands-free control and access to smart home devices through voice commands issued to the TV.
Selecting a Smart TV that seamlessly syncs with your smart home system enables convenient management and monitoring without having to grab your phone. The top Smart TVs of 2024 make it simple and intuitive to view doorbell cameras, control music playback, adjust lighting scenes, and more, all from the comfort of your couch.
Security and Privacy Features
With Smart TVs now connected to the internet and able to collect data, it's essential that they come equipped with robust security protections and privacy controls. When evaluating models, look for TVs that have these key features:
Built-in security protections - Many Smart TVs now include advanced security features like antivirus software, firewalls, encrypted data transmission, and automatic software updates to safeguard against malware, hacking, and data breaches. Choose a model with comprehensive protections to keep your viewing and information secure.
Privacy controls and settings - You'll want to select a Smart TV that gives you transparency into the data collected and options to limit that collection. Look for granular settings that allow you to toggle data tracking on/off, block cookies, or disable certain features entirely for privacy. Also ensure there is an obvious way to review and delete any collected data or viewing history.
The right privacy settings and security protections can help prevent your Smart TV from becoming a vulnerability. Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate options and read reviews from other users highlighting potential security issues. Only models that place privacy and safety as a top priority should make your short list.
Display Technologies and Picture Quality
With each passing year, TV manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of display technology to offer consumers ever more vivid and lifelike viewing experiences. When selecting a Smart TV in 2024, you'll want to consider the latest advancements that contribute to stunning picture quality:
Resolution
4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) has become the new standard, offering four times as many pixels as 1080p Full HD. This increased pixel density results in sharper, more detailed images.
8K resolution (7680 x 4320 pixels) is an emerging ultra high definition standard that quadruples the pixel count of 4K. While native 8K content is still limited, many 8K TVs use advanced upscaling tech to improve the quality of lower resolution content.
OLED
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TVs offer perfect black levels and a near infinite contrast ratio for vivid images. Each pixel emits its own light for precise illumination control.
LG's new OLED Evo technology boosts brightness by up to 30% for improved highlight details.
QLED
QLED (quantum dot LED) TVs from Samsung utilize nanoparticles that produce more saturated colors across a wider range. This results in heightened color volume for rich, dynamic images.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR allows for brighter whites and deeper blacks in a single image. It expands the range of color and contrast for a more realistic, nuanced picture.
Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ are leading HDR formats that adapt brightness on a scene-by-scene basis.
Color Accuracy
Advanced color mapping technologies like quantum dot deliver extremely accurate colors that remain consistent across viewing angles.
Look for wide color gamut capabilities exceeding 100% of the DCI-P3 color space for vivid, true-to-life hues.