4K TVs are the in-thing at the start of 2017 and in terms of resolution, it is the best affordable technology out there. All major TV content providers are taking 4K seriously and we see no reason why your new TV should be anything less than a 4K Ultra High Definition TV.
With pictures much clearer than Full HD TVs, all major manufacturers are pitching their 4K TVs very aggressively.
We at Top Upminster Technology Venture feel 2017 will see more widespread 4K content availability and the prices will continue to go down.
In this article we have short-listed the best 4K TVs available in the UK in different price slabs. You will find 4K TV deals under £500, £600, £800, £900, £1000, £1500, £2000 and £3000.
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We have reviewed the best 4k TV in each of these price brackets to help you make the right buying decision. All modes reviewed are available to buy online with most of them being under £700.
What is 4K TV?
A 4k TV, also known as a UHD TV (Ultra High Definition TV), is the latest technology in the world of televisions and it’s to do with picture quality.
4K TV As Opposed To a Full HD TV
A 4k TV delivers 8 million pixels! Compare that to the not so old Full HD TVs that delivered only 2 million pixels. This means that a 4k TV delivers 4 times the detail as compared to a 1080p Full HD TV.
Vertical and Horizontal Pixels
Don’t be confused though – the horizontal & vertical pixels of a 4k UHD TV (3840 x 2160 pixels) as compared to a FULL HD TV (1920 x 1080 pixels) are NOT 4 times, but twice. So mathematically, you’re not getting 4 times the pixels vertically/horizontally, but the total number of pixels on the screen is 4 times.
There has been endless debate on the internet on this, so now that we have it out of the way, let’s get straight into the best 4k TVs in UK within your budget.
4K for Gaming at Home?
If you are into console or PC gaming, you must check our favourite 4k TVs for gaming article which explains how Xbox or Playstation consoles don’t provide 4K content. PC gamers can connect a large screen 4K TV for 4K clarity if they have a graphics card that supports it. Therefore 4K TV upgrade from an existing Full HD TV is not necessary for console gamers, but those looking for a new TV must still go for 4K.
4K Content
Whatever your reason for buying a 4K TV, please make sure you have 4K content to watch on your 4K tv, or you’ll not witness the real magic of 4K technology. Most TV subscription services offer 4K content in the UK and it’s only going to increase in 2017.
While cheaper 4K UHD TVs are smaller screen size models with basic features, more expensive 4K TVs have large screen sizes, latest technology and smart features.
We have put together an honest and objective review of the best 4K TV options, taking into account best value for money and features. I’ve taken a look at reviews across the board and checked out forums to see feedback from customers and I’m hoping it’ll be helpful when you’re choosing your 4K TV.
4K TV under £500
SAMSUNG UE40KU6400 Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR 40″ LED TV
Features
- Amazon Prime and Netflix content available in 4k
- Amazing contrast and colours HDR display
- Ultra HD resolution (4k)
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Includes all the latest Samsung apps
- Amazing detail
Cons
- Motion blur might be a problem for sports fan, but it’s not a deal breaker
- No Scart or VGA connections
- Backlighting on the edges can appear a (very) little uneven under certain conditions.
It’s a smart TV that’s even smarter looking, with a plastic rim or bezel and a matching Y-shaped stand. It also comes with a remote control and any ‘greenies’ out there will be pleased to know it’s A- rated for energy efficiency. As far functionality goes the TV has a Smart Hub, allows you to play games, whether you have a gaming console or not and everything you could possibly need is on your screen, easy to access and only needing a single remote.
Best 4K TV under £600
Panasonic TX-49DX600B
Features
-
- Firefox OS with customisable Home screen
- 4K ultra HD
- Freeview Play
- Adaptive backlight Dimming
Pros
- Headphone Jack and Optical Audio output
- Affordable Pricing
- Quick and easy user interface
Cons
- No 3D
- Viewing Angle limitation
- Average sound quality
Panasonic TX-49DX600B is a 49 Inch 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV with Freeview Play. Great picture quality, internet access and availability of all kinds of apps, this Panasonic 4K UHD TV has it all at a great price. This a fantastic TV and offers stunning 4K HD pictures at a highly affordable price.
4K TV under £800
Hisense 55 inch HDR Widescreen 4K Smart TV
Features
- 4K Upscaling
- Wireless set up easy and plays most video formats & codecs
- Excellent Picture Quality
Pros
- Ridiculously well priced
- Great picture overall
- Strong 4K-friendly connectivity for the money
Cons
- Underwhelming audio
- Basic smart system
- Limited viewing angle support
The Hisense TV is one of the best packaged a smart 4K TV for the price it is offered which one of the aspect that attracts customers. The settings menu is considered good and easy to navigate. The HD picture is improved dramatically and the 4k YouTube and Netflix stuff is incredible. Plus with this TV, accessing Netflix and YouTube is ridiculously easy.
4K TV under £900
LG 55UH750V 55” HD 4K Smart TV
Features
- Built In Freeview HD
- Smart TV with webOS
- Excellent for Streaming
Pros
- 4K Ultra HD HD Type
- Good Smart Remote Control
- Music Player app
Cons
- Poor Connectivity
- Average Sound Quality
- Poor Backlight Features
LG has always been a bit of an industry leader and the 55UH750V 55 is no different with its smart TV interfaces, the webOS that enhances your viewing experience. The operating system uses superimposed sidebars, folders and icons for easy to access content, all while staying on the same screen. Split screen viewing, new to webOS, means you can watch live TV and Blu Ray, for example, at the same time, which we think is very smart. Other new features include the appliance control and access to the Music Player app which can play through the TV’s speakers, even when it’s turned off.
4K TV under £1000
Panasonic TX-50DX750B 50″ 4K UHD TV
Features
- 4K Pro Studio Master UHD
- Cinema Display
- Freeview Play
Pros
- Ultra Slim design
- Value for money
- Firefox OS – need we say more?
Cons
- HDR has some backlight issues
- Set-up can be tricky
- Not a 10-bit panel
An incredible TV for under £1000 the Panasonic 50DX750 supports HDR and also squeezes 4K’s 3840×2160 resolution into its 50-inch screen. The Panasonic can deliver superb standard dynamic range 4K pictures and makes HDR look jaw-droopingly good. The Firefox operating system is also excellent. One of the smart features is its support for Freeview Play; this allows you to access on-demand, catch-up programs from all the main UK broadcast TV channels using a simple on screen EPG (electronic programme guide) interface. You’re pretty much in control of all your viewing, scrolling back through shows you’ve missed and as well moving forward to upcoming ones. This is a very cool add-on for UK consumers.
There’s no doubt this is a truly next-generation TV – which is impressive given its approachable price tag.
LG 49UH850V Smart 3D 4k LED TV
Features
- Bright colours HDR display with contrast options
- Ultra HD content available on Amazon Prime and Netflix as well
- 4k resolution
Pros
- Easy interface and great customization
- 3D with 4K
- Adjustable Stand (4 Different positions)
Cons
- Not True HDR specification.
- Limited interface settings.
- Limited app market.
The LG is a brilliant 4K TV with HD capability at a very attractive price. From an aesthetics point of view it’s beautifully styled with a smart silver and white finish, while the functionality includes passive 3D technology that brings the cinema to your TV room. A feature we particularly like is the 2D to 3D conversion, which means your favorite movies get a whole new lease on life, and you get to enjoy them all over again. The webOS Smart platform at the heart of the LG lets you enjoy the very best of the internet on your TV.
Sony Bravia 50SD8005 HDR 4K Ultra HD Android TV
Features
- Super Smart Android
- Up-Scaling 4K X-Reality PRO
- Stunning Curve
Pros
- Google Cast Built in
- Fantastic Connectivity
- Best in the market for 4k viewing experience
Cons
- No customization for Andriod menus at the moment
- Smart menus lack connection integration/TV tuner
- Hefty price
Quite possibly the way TV is going to work in the future, Sony’s Android TV brings you everything, fast. From movies and TV shows to hundreds and thousands of apps; you can send the latest blockbusters and music from your phone to your TV with Google Cast™ and your phone becomes your remote control. The Sony Bravia is changing the way people watch TV, with amazing 4K HDR and a larger color palette. It even has a built in Playstation, which means you don’t need a console to play PS3 video games. Leading the way in cutting edge TV, the Bravia SD80 is changing the face of entertainment in your home.
4K TV under £1500
LG 55UH950 LED HDR Super 3D 4K Ultra HD Smart TV
Features
- Spectacular HDR Super & Dolby Vision
- Harman / Kardon™ Sound
- IPS 4K Quantum Display
Pros
- Accurate picture – 4k detail
- Amazing Magic Remote
- 3D plus 4K
Cons
- Mediocre blacks
- Some artefacts due to position of LEDs
- Minimum Low input lag
The 55UH950 delivers a very balanced all-round performance and there is a lot to like about it; the design is striking and while you might wonder if an LCD panel needs to be this thin, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s a well-built that looks good. Along with its ‘thinness’ is its ‘flatness’ for those consumers still a little sceptical of the curve. The image accuracy is excellent with very little tuning needed and LG have fixed the bugs with the calibration controls.
4K TV under £2000
SONY BRAVIA KD65XD8599BU Smart 4k Ultra HDR 65″ LED TV
Features
- 4k resolution that is even better than HD
- HDR display
- Amazon Prime and Netflix content (4k) accessible
Pros
- Excellent picture quality
- Super-slim design
- 5 years guarantee
Cons
- Android TV can be frustrating
- Sound quality is average
- Backlight blocking issues
You will find yourself staring at the screen in absolute awe because of the HDR 4K pictures. The combination of contrast, colour and detail results in the most magical cinema-type experiences. But there seems to be a few bugs that need to be resolving with the backlight blocking problems. Overall the Sony KD-65XD9305 is a 4K stunner: contrast and colours come to life with an intensity that’s only ever been seen on the big screen in cinemas. Thanks to this TV, you won’t need an Ultra HD display to get an awesome experience using Blu-rays (UHD).
4K TV under £2500
Samsung UE65KS9000 4K Ultra HD Quantum Dot Smart TV
Features
- Quantum Dot SUHD Display
- Impressive Smart Features
- Excellent Sound quality
Pros
- Incredible picture quality
- Best HDR
- Ultra-Black Moth-Eye Technology
Cons
- It’s fairly pricey
- Curved screen is a little disruptive
- Lack of 3D support
The Samsung UE65KS9000 comes with a simple but smart remote control design that you’ll really like. The smart remote features a touch pad control, so you only need to use your thumb. The smart TV features are excellent, and offer all of the streaming and catch up options you would expect as well as a whole range of other clever things.
4K TV under £3000
LG OLED55E6V Smart 3D 4k Ultra HD HDR 55″ OLED TV
Features
- WebOS 3.0
- Picture-on-Glass
- 3D Technology with OLED
Pros
- Excellent colour and contrast
- Beautiful, ultra-thin design
- Improved smart TV interface
Cons
- Pricey
- Up scaling could be further enhanced
In a nutshell the LG OLED55E6 is a good looking TV, like super model good looking, even by the high standards set by some of the other manufacturers as well as LG. The bezel and panel are both ultra-thin and the screen is laid on a transparent glass backplane with the borders extending slightly beyond the outer edges of the bezel. Listening to customers and reading review after review the people at LG have ironed out all the problems that might have affected the TV’s rating. Undefeatable noise reduction? That has been corrected. Near-black vignetting? Fixed. Uneven colour tinting? All sorted. Dark-scene hue errors? No more a problem.
Conclusion
It’s always hard telling people what they should buy and when they should buy it, especially nowadays when most of us are counting our pennies and spending more wisely. Let’s put it this way; if you’re in the market for a new TV then a 4K is probably a good way to go, as long as you’ve had a good look at some of its best features and taken into consideration what it will be able to in the future. Good luck with your TV hunt!
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Is there an HDMI cable you would recommend? I’ve bought the LG 40UF770V and I think it’s brilliant. The box had one corner dented, but luckily the TV was safe inside.
I’m glad you liked the TV, it’s a big responsibility reviewing a TV #1. 😉
I’d recommend the speed pro gold HDMI cable. It’s good for its price – strong, not too short. Unless you need it for a specific purpose? Check the length – there’s not much more to choose in an HDMI cable than the length and quality.