How To Choose a Smart TV?

Choosing a perfect smart TV can be a difficult task considering the choices available. Here are the most important factors that you should at least consider that can help you find the perfect fit

1. Screen Size

Smart TVs screen are measured diagonally usually in Inches. Impala Shopping has all sizes from 32 inches to 100 Inches. Few things to consider before choosing a perfect TV size are the distance you will be sitting from the TV, The size of your room.

1. 32 Inch - 43 Inches ( Ideal for small rooms like bedrooms, small living rooms, Kitchen and you should sit 1 - 1.5m away from the TV.
2. 50 Inch - 65 Inches (Ideal for medium & Large living rooms, bars and you should sit 1.7m - 2m away from the TV
3. 70 Inch - 100 Inches ( Large living rooms, cinema, big open bars and you should sit at least 3m away

2. Display Type

The most common types of displays are LED, QLED, OLED, ULED, MiniLED & NeoQLED, Which one should you choose?

1. LED TV is lit by several LEDs (light-emitting diodes). These TVs are more narrow and efficient due to the LEDs being smaller in size and less energy-intensive. This is the most popular display on smart TVs and cheaper
2. OLED TV have better quality of color and contrast compared to LED and QLED TVs and thus produce an excellent picture.
3. QLED TVs are variation of LED TVs with Quantum dot and are brighter than OLED TVs. Consider this TV if your living room is brighter.
4. ULED TVs are special for Hisense TVs and combines the tech from both QLED AND OLED TVs.
5. Mini-LED displays have the clear advantage in the brightness department compared to QLED TVs Consider mini-LED display over other options for bright, sun-filled rooms.
6. Neo Qled are Samsungs mini leds and are much better than QLED which will improve the contrast and brightness.

3. Screen Resolution.

We will use Youtube as an example to explain TV resolution.

TV resolution is like choosing video quality on YouTube. Just as YouTube offers different resolutions like 480p, 720p, 1080p, and 2160p (4K), smart TVs come in resolutions such as HD (720p), Full HD (1080p), and Ultra HD (4K). The resolution determines the clarity and detail of images on the screen. Lower resolutions like HD provide basic clarity, while higher resolutions like Full HD and 4K offer sharper images with more detail, akin to selecting higher video quality on YouTube for clearer viewing experiences. Choosing a smart TV with a higher resolution ensures that you enjoy sharper, more detailed images, especially noticeable on larger screens or when watching high-definition content.

4. Operating System (OS)

For a smart TV to function effectively, it requires an operating system. There are five major TV operating systems: Android TV, Google TV, Tizen, WebOS, and VIDAA OS.

Android TV:

1. Features: Developed by Google, it offers a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store, including streaming services, games, and utilities. It also supports Google Assistant for voice commands.
2. Difference: Known for its flexibility and integration with other Android devices like smartphones and tablets.

Google TV:

1. Features: Integrates with Google services, focuses on personalized content recommendations.
2. Apps: Supports a wide range including Netflix, YouTube, and Android TV apps.
3. Interface: Designed for easy content discovery based on user preferences.

Tizen:

1. Features: Developed by Samsung, known for smooth performance and Samsung device integration.
2. Apps: Supports popular streaming apps and other applications.
3. Interface: User-friendly, provides a seamless experience across Samsung smart TVs.

WebOS:

1. Features: Acquired by LG, praised for intuitive user interface and ease of use.
2. Apps: Major streaming services and a good selection of apps available.
3. Interface: Uses a "cards" interface for easy switching between apps and inputs.

VIDAA OS:

1. Features: Developed by Hisense, known for simplicity and customization options.
2. Apps: Supports various streaming and other apps, though app store selection may be more limited.
3. Interface: Focuses on easy navigation and user customization.

Differences:

1. App Ecosystem: Android TV has the largest app ecosystem, Google TV and Tizen offer a wide range, while WebOS and VIDAA OS have smaller but sufficient selections.
2. User Interface: Each OS has distinct UI strengths: Google TV for content discovery, Tizen and WebOS for ease of use, VIDAA OS for simplicity and customization.
3. Updates and Support: Android TV typically gets frequent updates, while support varies for Tizen, WebOS, and VIDAA OS.
4. Integration: Tizen and VIDAA OS integrate closely with Samsung and Hisense ecosystems, respectively.

5. Smart TV Connectivity

The following Connectivity features are important to consider when choosing a smart TV.

1. HDMI Ports: Essential for connecting devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Look for multiple ports to accommodate various peripherals simultaneously.
2. USB Ports: Used for connecting external storage devices and powering accessories like streaming sticks. Useful for playing media files directly on the TV or connecting peripherals.
3. Bluetooth: Enables wireless connectivity with headphones, speakers, keyboards, and game controllers. Ideal for personal audio and device control without cables.
4. WiFi: Allows the TV to connect to your home network for streaming services, web browsing, and software updates. Look for support for latest WiFi standards for optimal performance.
5. Screen Mirroring: Some smart TVs support DLNA and screen mirroring (like Miracast or AirPlay), enabling wireless sharing of content from smartphones, tablets, or PCs directly to the TV screen. This feature is convenient for displaying photos, videos, or presentations without requiring cables.

Smart TVs Price in Tanzania

Smart TV prices in Tanzania vary based on factors like display type, resolution, Brand and model year. Entry-level models with standard features tend to be more budget-friendly, while premium options with advanced technologies command higher prices. You can find a range of choices, from basic HD screens to more expensive models offering 4K resolution and superior display technologies. Comparing prices and features across brands is recommended to find the best value.