Which smart TV brand is better?
Samsung is well known for its wide range of electronics, and its 4K TVs are among its most popular products. In fact, many Samsung TVs are on the cutting edge of display technology, with features such as quantum dot filtration and now OLED panels delivering great performance.
In contrast, Vizio has largely been a more value-oriented electronics manufacturer for most of its existence. While this remains true today, Vizio smart TVs do boast some powerful technologies that make for a great viewing experience.
If you’re willing to make a relatively large investment, a offers arguably the most high-end experience possible. But if you want something effective, good-looking and reasonably priced, don’t sleep on Vizio. The middle and upper end of its 4K TV lineup are excellent purchases for many users.
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Samsung smart TVs
Samsung has been a leader in smart TVs for as long as these internet-connected devices have been mainstream, and for good reason. For example, it pioneered the use of quantum dot filtration to the point where the Samsung name for the technology, QLED, is now seen across the industry. Samsung was also one of the first manufacturers to incorporate advanced gaming features, including variable refresh rate technology, into its midrange TVs.
When researching Samsung TVs, you’re liable to run across reviews for older models full of concerns about quality control. In the past, Samsung TVs were somewhat notorious for shipping with dead pixels or unacceptable levels of light bleed in dark scenes. But for the last few generations, these issues have all but disappeared, with the most recent Samsung TVs getting high praise across the board.
Samsung smart TV pros
- All advanced HDMI 2.1 features available: This latest high-definition connection standard includes 120-hertz refresh rates, auto low latency mode, HDMI Forum variable refresh rates and enhanced audio return channel technology.
- Cutting-edge display technology: Samsung’s most recent flagship model is the first TV to combine an OLED panel with QLED quantum dot filtration.
- Remarkable HDR10 and HDR10+ performance: Many Samsung TVs boast premium local dimming, wide color gamuts and high peak brightness. Few brands have such consistently high visual performance.
- Great for gaming: Samsung TVs have a low input lag that’s perfect for fast-paced games such as first-person shooters.
Samsung smart TV cons
- No Dolby Vision support: This is especially unfortunate since there’s currently more content mastered in Dolby Vision HDR than in HDR10+, the competing high dynamic range standard.
- Relatively high prices: You will have to spend a considerable amount for a top-of-the-line Samsung TV.
Best Samsung smart TVs
With a reliable anti-glare screen and thin design, this TV fits well into most living spaces. It has a 4K QLED display with AI-powered upscaling for a sharp, crisp image. Its 165-hertz refresh rate is ideal for gaming or watching sports.
An excellent midrange model in the Samsung lineup, this one is feature-packed for a premium experience. It boasts superior color and brightness and offers many of the same AI-controlled picture enhancements as Samsung’s top-tier TVs.
If you want a TV that blends in with your decor, this TV that mounts on the wall is the one for you. When you’re not watching it, it goes into art mode, displaying fine-art images. Of course, it’s a great TV in its own right, with a vivid QLED display and super smooth performance with minimal lag or blur at top speeds.
Vizio smart TVs
It doesn’t make a ton of TVs, but Vizio does a good job with models it offers. With that in mind, even its top-of-the-line models don’t quite compete with the flagship 4K TVs from other brands. However, they come at significantly lower prices. Especially once you get into the midrange and entry-level models, Vizio TVs boast some of the best values of all.
Vizio smart TV pros
- Great value for the money: Few brands offer such good image quality and modern features at such low prices.
- Easy to find the right model for you: Some manufacturers offer a dozen or more TVs, and it’s hard to tell them apart. Vizio’s lineup is simple, easy to navigate, and has something for everyone.
- Power HDR support: Its midrange and high-end options support both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, giving them a clear advantage over all Samsung TVs.
Vizio smart TV cons
- Less-than-perfect gaming experience: While it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, most Vizio TVs have a below-average pixel response time. This results in minor smearing or ghosting during some fast-moving scenes.
- Upscaling engine isn’t perfect: Vizio TVs don’t do the best job of translating standard definition content to the full 4K resolution. Samsung TVs are consistently better in this regard.
Best Vizio smart TVs
This bright, budget-friendly big-screen Vizio TV gives you 4K resolution and an almost lifelike picture, thanks to its Quantum Dot QLED technology. A solid performer, it supports Apple AirPlay and Google Cast and offers a 60-hertz refresh rate.
If you’re looking for a basic TV that looks good and works well for all types of content, the V-Series is worth a look. It doesn’t exactly excel at anything in particular, and it lacks most advanced features, but it is affordable and reliable.
Should you get a Samsung or Vizio smart TV?
If you want the absolute best in display quality and don’t mind spending a lot, Samsung TVs boast nearly unrivaled image quality. However, Vizio smart TVs have comparable image quality to many Samsungs and, unlike them, support Dolby Vision HDR. Most people will be happier saving a little by purchasing a Vizio TV. For that matter, most people will hardly even be able to tell a difference in image quality between the top models from each brand.
Bottom line: In most cases, Vizio TVs’ significantly better value makes them a better choice.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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