TOP 6 best inexpensive 4K TVs by price and quality

In this ranking, I have collected the 6 best budget 4K TVs for 2021 . My TOP includes only the best models from different price ranges from 25,000 to 45,000 rubles. When selecting models, I paid attention to such characteristics as:

• HDR support.
• Size (number of inches).
• Smart TV.
• Additional features.
• Sound.
• Color rendition.
• Viewing angle.
• Remote controller.
• Design (frameless).
• Build quality.

And in order to be as objective as possible and identify the pros and cons of each model, I studied customer reviews and expert reviews.

Table of participants in the rating of inexpensive 4K TVs 2021

Toshiba 50u5069

4.5/5

8 reviews

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average price

RUR 29,807

Characteristics

• resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160), HDR
• screen diagonal: 50″
• backlight type: Direct LED
• Screen refresh rate: 60 Hz
• sound power: 16 W (2x8 W)
• Smart TV platform: VIDAA

Opens my TOP Toshiba 50u5069 . The TV has small, but still noticeable frames; the model's stands are standard, but they are reliable and not bulky. Available in 43, 55, 65 and 50 inches, we will be reviewing the latter version. The quality of even Full HD content rises almost to the 4K level thanks to proprietary Resolution development. The Japanese also like to remind you about the viewing angle, but it’s true: in earlier models they had problems with this parameter. Otherwise, the gold quality standards are 60 Hertz and the aspect ratio is 16:9. Color depth – 8 bits + Frame Rate Control.

There are enough ports for any task - 2 USB, 4 for HDMI, a LAN port for connecting an Internet cable , a couple for all kinds of antennas and an audio output. There is also Bluetooth, devices connect quickly and stably. The company's TVs have always had sound as their strong point. It’s the same with this model: you can even go through the settings and change something, but users are happy with the basic settings. Let's move on to the system capabilities of the device. Something like Chromecast is implemented here too, called Screen Mirroring , but the difference is that in the case of Chromecast, the image can be transferred from many devices, but its analogue only works with a smartphone.

The remote control has several quick access buttons and a standard layout, but we didn’t bother with its appearance, but thanks to the RemoteNow application you can control the TV directly from your phone. Smart TV is no-frills and makes good recommendations based on the content you've already watched. It is made on the basis of the Vidaa operating system, which, in turn, is based on LinuX .

Pros:

• Frameless.
• Color depth.
• Price.
• Sound.

Minuses:

• Build quality.
• Smart TV.

Users complain about glare on the sides; in addition to them, there is also an operating system that receives updates extremely rarely , as well as additional applications that can only be downloaded from the Toshiba market, but there are not so many of them there. But all these disadvantages are justified by its price - 28,000 rubles . If a high-quality picture is important and you don’t really need Smart TV functions, then this device is for you. If you still want to use it like a modern TV, but your budget is limited, then you’ll have to be patient and then you can buy it.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Advantages of TVs with maximum screen refresh rates of 240 Hz and 480 Hz

A TV with a 240Hz or 480Hz refresh rate sounds very impressive, but the actual refresh rates available today are 60Hz and 120Hz.

These are the native refresh rates. TVs available today cannot upgrade more than these units.

Thus, we can conclude that the higher figures advertised by TV manufacturers are inflated.

TV manufacturers have their own individual names for the processing technology they use to increase the refresh rate.

LG 43UN70006LA

4.5/5

54 reviews

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average price

RUB 34,500

Characteristics

• resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160), HDR
• Screen diagonal: 43″, IPS
• backlight type: Direct LED
• Screen refresh rate: 50 Hz
• sound power: 20 W (2x10 W)
• Smart TV platform: webOS

Fifth place is occupied by LG 43UN70006LA . Unlike the same Toshiba, this model is endowed with quite noticeable frames, itself, and this is a little strange. The screen is an important part of any TV; here it is capable of upgrading the quality of the original image to 4K . Movies, sports programs, games - all this takes on a new color and looks as detailed as possible. A quad-core processor is responsible for all functionality, and not artificial intelligence, like other manufacturers. It also takes noise cancellation to a whole new level. In this case, frame interpolation, sharpening and noise reduction are automatically disabled , and the original aspect ratio and number of frames are preserved. This allows you to preserve the original idea of ​​the authors and enjoy the content.

The matrix is ​​IPS, the backlight type is direct led , in addition, HDR Pro is used here, which gives a good picture and color with a depth of 10 bits. The 16:9 aspect ratio and 60 frame rate give the image a pleasant smoothness without excesses . The sound is spacious, but it is not the strong feature of the model. Speaker output power is 10 watts. The TV has Bluetooth: you can connect speakers and create the effect of sound around us.

Especially for gamers, all delays have been minimized, so you can enjoy the game without a drop in FPS . Smart TV is made on a new, improved operating system, which the company implemented in its previous models. All the most popular services, such as YouTube and Netflix, are here, and you can also install additional applications.

Pros:

• Smart TV.
• HDR10 Pro.
• Video enhancement feature.
• Price.
• Build quality.

Minuses:

• Viewing angle.

The only thing that let us down was the viewing angle. If you watch TV from a horizontal angle, the colors become gray and do not convey an accurate picture. The price of the TV is 30,000 rubles for the 43-inch variation . If you're looking for an affordable 4K TV, you might want to seriously consider this model. The price is good, the sizes are average, there is a Smart TV.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

What affects the picture quality on TVs?

Motion interpolation

Interpolation, the name suggests that you are adding frames to the video source before displaying the images.

So it concludes that you are adding frames that don't exist at the time of the original recording.

The technique involves creating additional frames by guessing the movement between two frames. It's like taking two frames and creating an in-between frame to enhance the effect of movement.

Read: OLED vs QLED, compare technologies and choose the best TV

When this is done effectively, it can make the movement look smoother. Motion interpolation works great for fast-moving sports and action scenes.

However, it can sometimes create an unnatural image, primarily if you use this technique with films. This effect is also known as the soap opera effect.

Motion interpolation can be useful for watching TV, but it can make gaming difficult because it introduces lag. Images may stutter and look awkward at times.

Black frame insert

TV manufacturers use other techniques to improve motion, such as inserting a black frame and scanning the backlight.

The trick is to turn the screen black between each video frame, thereby tricking the eye into seeing smoother motion.

Read: What is NanoCell technology? And which is better OLED and QLED

This method works because of a phenomenon called motion blur. TV pixels, especially LCD displays, don't switch colors quickly enough.

Thus, the color remains for a fraction of a second longer than it should, thereby causing blurred images, especially in fast-moving action scenes.

One way to solve this problem is to insert a black border between two consecutive frames to make the color transition sharper and cleaner.

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 50

4.8/5

187 reviews

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average price

RUB 38,990

Characteristics

• resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160), HDR
• screen diagonal: 49.5″
• backlight type: Direct LED
• Screen refresh rate: 60 Hz
• sound power: 20 W (2x10 W)
• Smart TV platform: Android TV

In fourth place is Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 50 . Made in gray with thin frames and a large 50-inch screen, the company logo is located at the bottom center. The device is thin and assembled entirely from metal using special processing technologies to create a seamless frame for the TV body. This is an upgraded version of the budget Mi LED TV 4A , they also added size variations: in addition to the already mentioned 50, there are also 43 and 55 inches. The model’s screen will provide you with the clearest and brightest image at a not very high brightness - 220 candelas .

Ultra HDR will add natural color, with it you will know what visual pleasure is. The aspect ratio is 16/9, which is optimal.

The viewing angles are excellent, the colors do not shimmer, and they do not darken when exposed to sunlight. A pair of 8-watt speakers are responsible for the sound . also used here - this is a technology that makes sound surround and more tangible , something like this is used in IMAX cinemas. A model with a large number of ports: three HDMI, a pair for USB, a port for an Internet cable, AV Input for connecting to a set-top box, and an Optical connector if you suddenly want to connect external speakers.

A remote control with a minimum number of buttons and intuitive controls , even searches are carried out thanks to your voice or Google Assistant, the call button for which is located on the remote control. It connects to the TV via Bluetooth version 5. The entire system runs on Android, but the Chinese tried their best and introduced a couple of their own functions, including PatchWall . She is responsible for making recommendations based on your requests and already viewed content; by the way, she works very well. Well, Chromecast allows you to broadcast images from your smartphone to your TV.

Unfortunately, there are many shortcomings here, but they are all related to the build quality and a large number of defects . Some users receive it non-working, but if this happens, they return it under warranty without any problems, the main thing is not to rip off the factory films right away, and if the TV stops working after a while, then everything is much more complicated: the company refuses to recognize a manufacturing defect, even at best In this case, they will give you a discount on repairs. But the mentioned problems occur infrequently; more often, users observe banal glare or the back wall of the device wandering.

Pros:

• Price.
• Sound.
• Control.
• Frameless.
• Smart TV.
• Price.
• Additional functions.
• Build quality.

Minuses:

• Problem matrix.

Price - about 38,000 rubles . Quite a risky purchase, given the complaints from users, but at the same time we are attracted by the price and characteristics. We can say from ourselves that it is better to buy in an offline store, where you can immediately check the device.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

What is motion blur on TV?

TV motion blur is a significant aspect that can affect your TV viewing experience.

Many people are confused between refresh rate and motion blur because they assume that a higher refresh rate eliminates motion blur.

In fact, motion blur has nothing to do with refresh rate.

Motion blur occurs whenever there is fast movement on the screen, especially in sports content. Images may appear blurry.

Philips 50PUS8505

4.6/5

112 reviews

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average price

RUB 45,990

Characteristics

• resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160), HDR
• screen diagonal: 50″
• HDR format: HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Screen refresh rate: 60 Hz
• sound power: 20 W (2x10 W)
• Smart TV platform: Android TV

The top three is opened by Philips 50PUS8505 . Made in an elegant light gray design with a custom stand that aims to keep it balanced and protect your family pet from falling. At the bottom right there is an indicator indicating the state of the TV. The model belongs to the company’s 2021 line – Series 8 . As with the Xiaomi 4S, the TV has a 50-inch screen that produces clear and bright pictures. Let's go through the characteristics: VA matrix, Direct LED backlight, brightness - 400 candelas, viewing angles - 178°/178° , refresh rate - 60 Hz, quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor. The TV supports HDR10, and Dolby Vision takes dynamic range to a new level: the picture becomes more realistic, and brightness, contrast and color rendition also increase.

The Dolby format takes not only the image to a new level, but also the sound: the implemented technologies make it larger, clearer and deeper . There is also a function for automatic volume control and night mode. All this is provided by two 10-watt speakers. Smart TV runs on Android version 9 . The proprietary SimplyShare function serves to unite the TV and devices from the same Wi-Fi network. The controls are simple and in some places even pleasant, of course, they are still far from the level of Samsung , but the built-in microphone in the remote control, together with the pre-installed Google Assistant, makes control several times easier, and also supports Alexa - this is also a voice assistant, but from Amazon.

In addition to the listed functions, there are also standard ones: TV recording and energy-saving modes . The TV has a lot of advanced settings; you can reconfigure display formats, sound and much more. Connectors include LAN for the Internet, miniJack for headphones, USB and 4 for HDMI.

Pros:

• LEDs.
• Frameless.
• HDR10.
• Sound.
• Smart TV.
• Build quality.

Minuses:

• Firmware.
• Remote controller.

Complaints include the remote control, which turned out to be unsuccessful: there is an inconvenient placement of buttons and constant freezing. And the firmware is not encouraging: the same Yandex applications are not supported. Price - 45,000 rubles . A controversial purchase, but if you are a picky user and do not use Yandex services, then this model can be considered, but you will have to come to terms with the shortcomings of the remote control.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

What causes motion blur on TV?

The TV panel can sometimes be responsible for motion blur. Some TVs can switch between panels at incredibly fast rates.

OLED technology is outstanding in such conditions. Motion blur is commonly seen in LCD TVs and LED TVs.

• Read: OLED and QLED TVs

Another cause of motion blur is the sample-and-hold technique used in some TVs.

This method involves the TV screen to hold the pixels for a moment. As images move quickly, the viewer experiences motion blur.

Motion blur can also occur when shooting video using slow shutter speeds. This can even happen if you compress videos, especially during online streaming services.

Motion blur can be annoying. Techniques such as motion interpolation and black screen insertion can eliminate motion blur. Having a higher refresh rate can also help, but to a certain extent.

Haier 50 SMART TV BX 50

4.5/5

31 reviews

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average price

RUB 52,490

Characteristics

• resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160), HDR
• screen diagonal: 50″
• HDR format: HDR10
• Screen refresh rate: 60 Hz
• sound power: 20 W (2x10 W)
• Smart TV platform: Android TV

In second place is Haier 50 SMART TV BX 50 . I usually start talking about a model with its appearance, but there’s nothing to say here, because due to the thin frames, the TV is just a solid screen, although it’s worth mentioning here that it’s quite thin, and this will allow it to be placed close to the wall . For stability on horizontal surfaces, there are 2 stands that are not noticeable . The display has good backlighting: the strain on your eyes will be reduced several times, while occupying 98% of the total area of ​​the front of the TV and having 50 inches with an aspect ratio of 16/9 and 60 Hertz.

In the technical part, I don’t see much difference even with the most technologically advanced new products, for example, with the same Haier 65 Smart TV MX. Bluetooth version 5 will provide easy connection to other devices for broadcasting pictures or sound , which is quite modern. The image is good, the color rendition is at the level, and these 2 factors contribute to the most precise detailing, for which we should also thank the improved HDR mode with a color depth of 10 bits . There is also another rather interesting function - converting HD and Full HD video to 4K.

We paid a lot of attention to the Simulated Surround Sound function : it creates deep surround sound and automatically adjusts it, the output power of the speakers is 10 Watts. The built-in Smart TV makes the model a family entertainment center , because everything works quickly and has many built-in applications and services, in particular Chromecast, which allows you to broadcast images from other devices to TV. The remote has a cool design , a standard button layout and a couple of shortcut keys for YouTube and Netflix.

Pros:

• Fast Smart TV.
• Frameless.
• Build quality.
• Remote controller.
• Color rendition.

Minuses:

• There is no analog audio output.
• The sound is weak.
• Remote controller.

Price - 45,000 rubles . The model was released at the beginning of 2020, and people who bought at the start of sales are still surprised by the speed, smoothness and image quality. They didn’t add any special technologies to the model, but apparently the goal was to make a reliable and long-lasting device, and not a box with functions we didn’t need.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Summarizing

Taking into account all relevant parameters, several conclusions can be drawn.

1. Scanning provides a smooth image and a clear storyboard of moving objects.
2. The resolution ensures realistic rendering of each frame, when you can see all the details; color, movement of water or people are accurately conveyed.
3. When choosing which TV model is better, it is worth analyzing all the key characteristics together so that both the screen resolution and frame refresh rate are at the same level.

Also, feel free to include and compare the image in the store before purchasing. Consultants will never be able to describe in words the quality of the picture of a particular model. Maximum comfort and satisfaction from a new acquisition will be at its best if you approach the choice with a degree of criticality.