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Guide To Smart TV's

Ultimate Buyer's Guide / Smart TVs

The Smart TV Buyer's Guide: find the right screen for your room.

Size, resolution, display technology, features, and the operating system it all runs on — this guide walks you through every decision, so you can buy with confidence instead of guesswork.

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01 · Selecting the size

How big is too big?

TVs range from 24" up to 98", measured diagonally, corner to corner. Get it right for your room — too small and it disappears on a big wall, too big and it overwhelms a small one.

It's important to get the right size TV for the space you have. TV size is always measured in inches, diagonally from corner to corner — not width or height alone.

Rule of thumb: for 4K or 8K TVs, sit at least 1.5× the screen's vertical height away. At this distance, individual pixels disappear to the naked eye — even on the biggest 4K screens.
Screen size
Approx. viewing distance
32"
1.34 m
40"
1.68 m
42"
1.76 m
48"
2.00 m
55"
2.30 m
60"
2.50 m
65"
2.70 m
70"
2.90 m
75"
3.15 m
86"
3.60 m
02 · Choosing your pixel count

What is 4K, and do you need 8K?

Your picture is made of tiny dots called pixels — the more of them, the sharper and more detailed the image.

Entry level
1080pFull HD · 1,920 × 1,080

Still offers a good picture, but technology is moving past it — most streaming services and game consoles now default to 4K.

Recommended
4KUltra HD · 3,840 × 2,160

Four times the detail of 1080p. This is now the standard for Smart TVs, and where the vast majority of streaming content is mastered.

Premium
8K7,680 × 4,320

Double the pixels of 4K, and unmatched picture quality — at a price. Best appreciated on larger 65", 75" and 86" screens.

03 · Display technology

LED, OLED, QLED or QNED — what's the difference?

The panel technology affects brightness, colour and how deep the blacks go — which is what makes a picture really pop.

LED

The most common type, found in most entry-level 4K Smart TVs. A flat panel using an array of light-emitting diodes as pixels — the most cost-effective option.

€ budget

QLED

Samsung technology

Uses quantum dots with LED backlighting to boost colour and brightness. Sits between LED and OLED — a solid mid-range choice.

€€ mid

QNED

LG technology

LG's answer to QLED — adds a Nanocell layer in front of the quantum dot filter to absorb unwanted light and reduce colour distortion.

€€ mid

OLED

Organic Light-Emitting Diode — each pixel lights up individually, giving true blacks, vibrant colour and wide viewing angles. The best picture quality available, at a higher price.

€€€ premium
04 · Prioritising efficiency

Smart TV energy ratings

A to G — lower running costs, lower impact

Opt for a more energy-efficient TV to minimise running costs and reduce environmental impact. Ratings range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) — worth a look before you buy, especially on larger screens.

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
05 · Features to consider

Elevating everyday utility

Beyond size and picture quality, these are the features that shape how you'll actually use your TV day to day.

App store

Does your Smart TV have its own dedicated app store, so you can download extra streaming services, games and apps as they arrive?

Gaming mode

A dedicated mode for the most hardcore gamers, with increased refresh rates and enhanced colour, tuned specifically for fast-paced play.

HDR

High Dynamic Range expresses detail in both very bright and very dark scenes at once, for a more natural, realistic-looking picture.

Screen casting

Cast images and video straight from your phone or tablet to the big screen — perfect for switching a stream from your phone to the TV effortlessly.

Voice control

Choose what to watch just by talking to it. Voice-controlled TVs often integrate with smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home too.

Web browser

A built-in browser lets you search and view websites directly on the TV, without needing to plug in anything extra.

06 · Choosing your operating system

The OS shapes how your TV feels to use

Each brand runs its own operating system — it's how you'll navigate, browse and interact with the TV every single day, so it's worth knowing the differences.

Samsung Tizen OS

Samsung

Comes with its own dedicated app store and Samsung TV Plus, a free ad-supported streaming app. Integrates well with other Samsung devices like phones and tablets.

LG WebOS

LG

Ships with popular apps pre-installed — Apple TV, Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix and more — with additional apps available via LG's Content Store.

Google TV

Sony

Sony TVs run Google TV or Android TV, unlocking the full Google Play Store for a huge range of apps, plus deep integration with Google Assistant and Google Home.

Roku TV

Multiple brands

Found across brands like TCL and Sharp. Usually simpler to set up and use, with fewer extra features — a great fit for younger or older family members.

07 · Trusted partners

Shop by television brand

Explore our trusted TV brands and put your newly learned knowledge to use.

LG Samsung Sony Nordmende
08 · Common questions

Smart TV FAQs

What is a Smart TV, and how is it different from a regular TV?
A Smart TV connects to the internet, letting you stream from apps like Netflix, YouTube and Disney+, browse the web, and even control smart home devices. Regular TVs need an external streaming device to do any of this — Smart TVs have built-in Wi-Fi and run apps natively.
What screen size should I choose for my room?
It depends on your viewing distance. As a general guide:
  • 55" TV → around 1 m viewing distance
  • 65" TV → around 1.2 m
  • 75" TV → around 1.4 m
  • 85" TV → around 1.6 m
Measure your room against the table above to find your ideal size.
What's the real difference between 4K and 8K?
4K (3,840 × 2,160) offers four times the detail of Full HD, and looks sharp on any large screen. 8K (7,680 × 4,320) offers four times the detail again, but content is still limited and the difference is only really noticeable on very large screens. For most people, 4K delivers excellent picture quality without the premium price tag.
Do I need an external streaming device if I have a Smart TV?
Usually not — most Smart TVs come with Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube built in. If you prefer a particular interface, or want access to more niche apps, an external device like a Roku, Apple TV or Fire Stick can still be worth adding.
Why does refresh rate matter?
Refresh rate (measured in Hz) is how many times per second the image refreshes. A higher rate — 120Hz vs. 60Hz — gives smoother motion, which matters most for fast-paced sport or action content. For everyday viewing, 60Hz is usually enough.
How do I get the best picture quality out of my TV?
A few quick wins:
  • Make sure content is displaying in its native resolution (e.g. 4K content on a 4K TV)
  • Use good-quality HDMI cables
  • Match the picture preset to what you're watching — try "Cinema" or "Game" mode
  • Enable HDR where available, for better contrast and colour accuracy

Found the right spec? Let's find your TV.

Browse our full range by size, brand or budget — or drop into your local store and talk it through with the team.

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