Top Best TVs 55 inches in quality and reliability

A good TV is, first of all, reliable and of high quality. Next in importance is picture quality, brightness, surround sound, and the latest operating system for fast smart TV. We have selected the best models based on test results, expert opinion and customer reviews. We have compiled a rating of 55-inch TVs of 2021 and 2022.

 

 

The TV is no longer just a tool for watching the news and weather forecasts. Now it’s an important media center for home entertainment and relaxation. To really enjoy your favorite games, movies, TV shows or YouTube-channels is possible only on TVs with a screen screen size of 55 inches. We will consider only 4K TVs, as representatives of the most advanced format.

Thinking about which TV is better to buy in 2022 at 55 inches? Our answer is the LG OLED55C1PUBOLED. This modern oled TV is the best in terms of price/quality ratio. It has everything for watching your favorite movies and shows, almost infinite contrast, good brightness, gaming features, quality sound system.

Modern TV panels are many times ahead of their CRT predecessors in terms of technology. HDR, OLED, QLED, DTS, Nano Cell – it is easy to get confused in the names and terms, even a person enthusiastic about technology, not to mention unprepared buyer who just wants to buy a good TV. What do these acronyms and terms mean?

The rating of TVs 55 inches 2022 4k price and quality include the following models: LG OLED55C1PUB, LG OLED55B1PUA, Sony XR-55A80J, Samsung QE55QN85AAU, LG 55NANO90UPA, TCL 55R635, Sony XR-55X90J, Hisense 55U7QF, Samsung QN55Q60A, Samsung UE55AU8000U, Hisense 55A6H LED, LG 55UP8000.

Which TV is best to buy?

According to the dynamic range television panels are divided into:

• SDR. Standard. Brightness and contrast are limited due to the imperfection of the electronic systems responsible for information processing;
• HDR. High. Extended dynamic range, the image as much as possible resembles the real picture, bright and dark areas of the screen are saturated with details that can not be reproduced by SDR. It is better to buy TVs with HDR.

The basic concepts associated with dynamic range are as follows:

• Brightness. The limiting value of the white hue displayed by a panel. Changed in cd/m2 or (nits). A brightness of 300 nits or more is considered a good value;
• Contrast. The difference between the lightest and darkest areas of the display. Contrast is directly related to detail, clarity of the picture, the saturation of black;
• Color rendering. The number of halftones and tones displayed by a device. Measured in bits. Now most inexpensive TVs are 8 bits + FRC. If you’re buying a 10 bit TV, it’s a very good choice;
• Local dimming. The technology allows you to activate the LEDs in a specific area, which makes dark colors richer. The feature is good, but if the Edge LED TV looks it’s not very aesthetically pleasing. Direct LED backlighting is better. Read more about backlighting below;
• Metadata. By processing metadata, the device displays the scenes of a particular movie or show better.

Rating of TVs 55 inches price-quality

The top included the following modern TVs, which are suitable for watching movies, TV series, sports, cable and digital television.

1st place LG OLED55C1PUB OLED;
2nd place LG OLED55B1PUA;
3rd place Sony XR-55A80J HDR;
4th place Samsung QE55QN85AAU;
5th place LG 55NANO90UPA;
6th place TCL 55R635 QLED;
7th place Sony XR-55X90J LED;
8th place Hisense 55U7QF;
9th place Samsung QN55Q60A;
10th place Samsung UE55AU8000LED;
11th place Hisense 55A6H LED;
12th place LG 55UN7000;

LG OLED55C1PUBOLED

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
Screen refresh rate: 120Hz
Screen technology: OLED, HDR
Smart TV platform: webOS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Sound power: 40W
Average price: 1,097$

LG OLED55C1PUB is the best 55 inch 4k 2022 price quality TV for watching movies right now. A model that represents one of the flagship lines of the famous concern from South Korea. This is a case where the manufacturer, in fact, refused to compromise, made an emphasis on the maximum quality of the product. Yes, this affected the price, but overpayment is justified by reliability, functionality and the highest image quality. Type of matrix – OLED, resolution – 4K. This combination provides everything you want to get from a picture, even the most demanding user: the excellent clarity, detail, richness and realistic colors.

The α9 IV generation processor is responsible for signal processing, thanks to which it is possible to view the most advanced HDR-formats, allowing you not to miss a single detail, no matter how illuminated a particular area of the frame. The processor also processes the sound signal, allows you to fully reveal the benefits of the acoustic system of the 2.2 format. The effect of presence is pronounced, there is enough bass, middle and high frequencies.

For games the panel is suitable without any footnotes and restrictions. HDMI 2.1 transmits a signal in 4K at 120 Hz, supported by special game modes, fully reveal the beauty of special effects, providing stable frame rate. In addition to HDMI 2.1, other relevant connection interfaces, both wired and wireless, are available.

Great for watching movies even in a dark room.

Forget about the jodder effect. It simply does not exist.

LG has more expensive TVs, but we believe that this model combines the best qualities of the older models and the price is noticeably lower. Completely lives up to its “best price/quality” status.

The TV stand is centered. This is an important point, if your cabinet is a little smaller in size, you can still put the TV there. What would not happen if the feet were on the sides.

Support for Nvidia G-Sync technology.

In general, the TV gives excellent picture and sound quality for a reasonable price.

The operating system – webOS 6.0 Smart TV, very convenient, functional, understandable, fully supporting the functions of Smart TV.

LG OLED55B1PUA

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
Screen refresh rate: 120 Hz
HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR 10 Pro
Screen technology: OLED, HDR
Smart TV platform: webOS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Sound power: 40W
Average price: 1,697$

Second in the top 55-inch 4k TVs is the LG OLED55B1PUA. Another representative of one of the best collections from LG. It is somewhat inferior to the model described above, for example, instead of the processor Alpha 9 here is installed the seventh version, which, incidentally, does not greatly affect the efficiency of signal processing algorithms and performance. The main characteristics are quite comparable with the C1. The matrix belongs to the OLED group, its resolution is 4K, so the details, contrast and saturation of colors meet the wishes of even the most demanding users.

All current Dolby technologies are supported. For example, Dolby Vision extends the dynamic range, processing ensures that the saturation of detail is preserved throughout the frame, small elements can be seen in both the brightest and darkest areas. Dolby Atmos is responsible for sound detailing, increases the pronounced presence effect, allows you to fully reveal the possibilities of the speaker system of the 2.2 format with a total capacity of 40 watts.

For computer games the panel is suitable without any restrictions. The response time is amazing – only milliseconds, allowing the player to assess the situation most objectively, instantly respond to its changes. HDMI 2.1 ports are in place, so that the most impressive gaming modes in 4K at 120 hertz are possible. Anti-aliasing features provide a clear picture regardless of the dynamics of the scene, this is important both during games and when watching sports. Operating system is traditional for LG – webOS sixth version. Convenient, fast and functional.

Sony XR-55A80J HDR

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
Screen refresh rate: 120 Hz
HDR formats: HDR10, Dolby Vision
Smart TV platform: Android TV
Resolution: 3840×2160
Sound power: 30W
Average price: 1,298$

The next on the list is a 4K Sony TV. The model represents the flagship line of Bravia, equipped with an advanced OLED matrix with 4K resolution. There is no need to repeat about the contrast, color rendering, saturation of shades, everything is at the highest level. To fully realize the advantages of the matrix helps proprietary Cognitive Processor XR. It processes both the picture (increases dynamic range to meet the current requirements of the HDR format), and the sound, to open the possibilities of the acoustic system to 100%. Upscaling, for which the CPU is also responsible, is beyond praise, even the content in low resolution is increased to 4K format with maximum preservation of details, halftones.

The brand decided to use Google TV as its operating system. Its merits lie not only in the possibility of personalizing the interface and a huge number of applications, but also, for example, in voice control.

Gamers this panel can offer HDMI 2.1 ports (of course, they are adjacent to the actual interfaces of other types), allowing you to connect the console to transmit a signal in 4K at 120 hertz, and special game modes that make special effects colorful, smoothing the sharp movements, ensuring consistency of framing clarity, regardless of the dynamics of the scene.

Samsung QE55QN85AAU

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
Screen refresh rate: 120 Hz
HDR: HDR10, HDR10+
Smart TV platform: Tizen
Resolution: 3840×2160
Screen matrix type: IPS
Sound power: 60W
Average price: 933$

To imagine the ratings of the best electronic devices without this Korean concern is hardly possible, TV panels are no exception. Flagship matrix QLED, excellent 4K resolution – no doubt that viewing will bring extremely positive emotions, the picture will please you with richness, realistic shades, the ability to consider everything in detail. Quantum Mini LED backlight adapts to the specifics of the frame, eliminating the appearance of dark or light areas with low detail.

The core of the system is the Neo Quantum 4K processor. It is responsible for the speed of the platform Tizen, simple, functional and intuitive, the implementation of algorithms for processing graphics and sound. The sound, by the way, is frankly a joy. Regardless of the room in which the panel is installed, the sound design is adapted to the peculiarities of the room, the viewer is always in the center of the action. The acoustic circuitry is almost the best among all rating devices – 2.2.2, and the total power – an impressive 60 watts. Almost a home theater!

For gamers, the model has HDMI 2.1 ports, which allows you to play at maximum resolution at 120 fps, as well as special image processing modes, such as Motion Xcelerator Turbo, which keeps frequency stability regardless of the load on the core, excludes the appearance of graphic artifacts, blur of fast-moving objects.

Samsung, traditionally, pleases with little things. Complete remote control is equipped with a solar battery. Very convenient and practical!

LG 55NANO90UPA

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
Screen refresh rate: 120 Hz
HDR Dolby: Vision, HDR 10 Pro
Smart TV platform: webOS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Type of screen matrix: IPS
Backlight Type: Direct LED
Sound power: 40W
Average price: 797$

The first TV on this list with an IPS matrix. It is a simpler technology compared to OLED or QLED, which allowed to significantly reduce the cost without compromising the quality of the picture. Yes, the contrast level is lower than that of OLED, but the concern has compensated this with Full Array backlight, which automatically adapts to the scene, eliminating the loss of detail in too dark or light areas. Resolution of the matrix is 4K, so there is no doubt in the amount and clarity of these details.

The processor is α7 IV generation 4K. It controls not only the backlighting, but also makes possible the implementation of numerous advanced algorithms of sound and image processing. Dolby Vision, HDR 10, Dolby Atmos – this is not a complete list of available algorithms. The acoustic system is impressive. No “modest” 2.0 formats, a full-fledged 2.2 circuit, a pair of broadband radiators and a pair of subwoofers with a total capacity of 40 watts are used. In fact, you do not have to buy a home theater system, even in a large room, their capabilities are enough to spare, provides excellent detail over the entire frequency range.

Despite belonging to the group of relatively inexpensive devices, the model is equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, which will definitely please the fans of computer games. Also it has special game modes, making special effects and movements of objects – smooth and clear, even if it is about dynamic scenes.

TCL 55R635 QLED (2021)

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
Screen refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR: HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Screen technology: QLED
Smart TV platform: Android TV
Smart Home ecosystem: Google Home
Resolution: 3840×2160
Sound power: 50W
Average price: 700$

This model comes with a full QLED matrix in 4K format, while costing almost twice as much as LG or SONY analogues. Yes, the manufacturer has spared on some functions, but the quality of the picture is still on par. The excellent contrast, realism, color saturation, clarity – all this is in place! With what has been achieved to reduce the price? For example, there is no HDMI 2.1 You won’t be able to play 4K at 120 Hz, but this will hardly stop you from getting the most out of the process.

The sound system is quite decent. Its total power is 50 watts, in addition to the two wide-band speakers there is a full-fledged subwoofer producing deep, rich bass frequencies. Buying external acoustics with such characteristics is not necessary, the panel itself can please you with a very dense sound.

Processor – proprietary TLC development, G52(2EE)MP2. Quite decent chip, audio and video processing meets modern standards, HDR modes are supported.

As the operating system used Android TV. Very convenient, functional platform, allowing you to easily customize the interface to your liking and download a lot of additional applications!

Sony XR-55X90J LED

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
Screen refresh rate: 120 Hz
HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
Smart TV platform: Android TV
Resolution: 3840×2160
Backlight Type: Direct LED
Sound power: 20W
Average price: 899$

Sony XR-55X90J LED – Flagship 55″ 4K TV from Sony, a good option in its price segment. The model is equipped with a high sweep frequency (120 Hz), 4K-format screen, a screen size of 55 inches and support for HDR. The XR-55X90J also has the ability to play videos via USB, support for Smart TV.

The TV has Android 10 as the operating system. It is worth noting that XR-55X90J is quite heavy – its weight is 17.5 kg. If you want you can mount the TV on VESA mounts. It is standard here – 300×300.

The maximum aspect ratio supported by the TV is 16 to 9. From the interfaces there are four HDMI 2.1, one USB 3.0. The matrix here is made with “TRILUMINOS PRO” technology.

Among other useful and pleasant features we’d like to mention the latest generation of Wi-Fi, auto off timer, built-in clock and voice control. The TV is made in matt black color. It comes with a table stand.

The power of the sound system is 20 watts. The speakers are in the form of high-frequency speakers with the effect of moving sound.

In general – an excellent TV set with good response time, simple interface, saturated colors. Perhaps the model has only one unpleasant drawback – not very good viewing angles. If you look at the TV from the side, the picture can be a little whitish.

TV Hisense 55U7QF

Pros
High brightness
Steady operation of the Smart TV
Very good color rendering
Dolby Atmos and HDR 10+
Good performance for a low price
QLED technology
Stylish design
Average sound quality
Poor viewing angles
Some dirty screen effect (DSE) is visible
Few useful applications

Average price: 795$

Picture quality
The TV got a 55-inch screen. This makes it very large, it may not fit in some “walls”. The device is placed on the table with the help of a rather unusual D-shaped stand. Further, the buyer will not be distracted by anything from what is happening on the screen. In this case, he will enjoy 8K resolution and a very bright picture. When watching movies and connecting a modern game console, HDR10 mode is activated. The result is impressive. Including the fact that it uses QLED technology, which makes the color rendition more saturated.

It is possible to pick on the screen, though. The manufacturer did not increase the refresh rate. As a result, the buyer is waiting for the standard 60 Hz. This will make everyone who has a powerful computer consider buying another model.

Audio Quality
Despite the large size, the TV still did not get a large number of speakers. As a result, the picture will be accompanied only by stereo sound. The volume of the sound is just barely perceptible. If the device will be placed in a room with a large area, the volume reserve may not be enough. Fortunately, you can easily output the sound to speakers or a soundbar. But you still need to buy them separately and spend extra money for that!

If you want to have the sound on your headphones then you will have to refuse using a wired accessory. Instead, you can use the Bluetooth module built into the TV.

Features
Recently, the company Hisense has been actively developing its own software platform VIDAA. It is this platform that is installed on this television. We cannot say that every application imaginable and unimaginable has been developed for it. However, for the majority of them will be enough. The device allows you to access the Internet via high speed Wi-Fi 802.11ac. This is quite enough to watch online movies in 4K resolution.

The TV is equipped with a gaming mode. Its activation reduces the impulse-lag to 20 ms or even less. This is enough to comfortably use the game console. Problems will arise only for fans of network shooters. The management of this model is entrusted to a handy remote that supports voice control. The accessory has all the necessary buttons, including those responsible for running Netflix, YouTube and a couple of other similar applications. Of course, voice control is not forgotten either.

Samsung QN55Q60A

Screen size : 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
HDR: HDR10, HDR10+
Smart TV platform: Tizen
Resolution: 3840×2160
Screen sensor type: VA
Sound power: 20W
Average price: 697$

Samsung QN55Q60A is able to surprise the average user with its performance – all thanks to the intelligent Quantum processor from Samsung. The CPU is able to support 4K playback while maintaining a stable frame rate. Moreover, Quantum can optimize sound quality.

As for the display characteristics, QN55Q60A has a screen size of 55 inches with a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. There is support for HDR technology and LED backlighting. The refresh rate is 60 Hz, and the aspect ratio is 16 to 9.

There are three HDMI 2.0 inputs. Also, to connect headphones and peripherals, there are two USB 2.0 ports.

The operating system used here is Tizen OS, as on all other TVs from Samsung. The power of the acoustic system is 20 watts. There are no subwoofers, but there is an adaptive sound system.

Of interesting and useful features we can mention the presence of an auto-off timer, support for Airplay 2 with iTunes and convenient voice control.

The TV has a clear, strict shape. The main color is black. There is a desktop delivery, but if desired, the TV can be mounted on a VESA mount. The weight of the Samsung QN55Q60A is 15.5 kg.

Samsung UE55AU8000 LED

Screen size: 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
HDR: HDR10, HDR10+
Smart TV platform: Tizen
Resolution: 3840×2160
Screen sensor type: VA
Backlight Type: Edge LED
Sound power: 20W
Average price: 498$

Samsung UE55AU8000 LED is a nice inexpensive TV 55 inches, offers the user the advanced performance, which is due to the Crystal video processor and Tizen operating system. This tandem allows you to view any content in 4K with a stable frame rate. The UE55AU800U is deployed at 60Hz. The screen is made with LED technology, and the aspect ratio is 16 to 9.

The screen diagonal is 138 cm, the TV is 55 inches. The maximum resolution is 3840 by 2160 pixels. The sound is presented in the form of Dolby Digital Plus compression scheme. The power of acoustic elements is 20 watts.

The number of interfaces of the model is standard – there are 3 pieces of HDMI (2.0) and 2 pieces of USB (similar to 2.0).

From the main advantages of the model can be distinguished:

Frameless design;
Slim, neat body;
Relatively small size – 75 to 123 to 22 cm;
The presence of Smart TV;
The sound with Q-Symphony technology.

Hisense 55A6H LED

Screen size: 55″
HD resolution: 4K UHD
HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Smart TV platform: Android TV
Resolution: 3840×2160
Sound power: 20W
Average price: 320$

Hisense 55A6H LED is a modern budget 4K TV from TCL. Its “modernity and sophistication” are largely explained by a large, 55-inch screen with Ultra HD resolution (in common parlance – 4K, 3840 by 2160 pixels). On this TV, you can enjoy not only watching movies, sports, TV shows, but also gaming – all thanks to the game mode. The response time is 8.5 milliseconds, which is a very good indicator for a TV set.

TCL 55P728 is remarkable for its decent indicators of brightness (330 candela per square meter), contrast (5000:1) and matrix saturation. The operating system is Android R. The maximum scanning frequency is 60 Hz, which is more than enough for viewing almost any content.

The model has three HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 inputs. However, there are only two USB ports – version 3.0 and 2.0, respectively. The power of the speaker system is 20 W. There is a bass amplifier, automatic volume control.

LG 55UP8000

4K UHD (3840×2160), HDR
55″ screen size, IPS
50 Hz screen refresh rate
Smart TV (webOS), Wi-Fi
sound power 20W (2×10W)
Average price: 447$

The final representative of the rating of the best 55-inch TV was LG 55UP8000,. It largely repeats the design of last year’s predecessor and has a similar 1 cm frame. The TV works on the basis of IPS-matrix, which has low contrast and mediocre black color. Thanks to the IPS, the TV does not distort the picture at all viewing angles. The installed processor well scales the resolution of the played content from any source. Even picture enhancement from 480p to 4K is supported.

Benefits of HDR

When choosing between SDR and HDR, it is worth choosing the second option. Television images are almost 100% identical to the real picture, the director and operator repeats the idea, it looks natural, beautiful. Almost all modern TVs, especially with 4K resolution, comply with HDR requirements, equipped with an 8-bit matrix, local backlighting, featuring a maximum brightness of 1000 nits and high contrast.

OLED matrix: is it worth buying?

OLED – the development of standard LCD matrices. The devices are distinguished by the depth of black shade, the highest viewing angles, compact bodies, absence of lighted areas. OLED does not need LEDs, the pixels themselves are light sources. OLED picture looks more natural and contrast.

The main disadvantage of OLEDs, apart from the much higher price compared to LCDs is pixel burn-in. They are especially vulnerable to static images. Companies are trying to solve the problem by introducing pixel displacement and regeneration techniques, but they have not yet managed to solve it definitively.

Nano Cell: TV features

Nano Cell is a technology introduced by the South Korean concern LG, which has improved the quality of television panels based on LED. Its name is the tiny particles of a substance that are sprayed on the screen. This substance blocks dull shades, adds lushness, brightness and purity to the picture. But it’s not OLED at all, it’s just a light filter on the IPS matrix. And the IPS matrix itself is darker than VA. Perhaps on such a matrix in dark scenes there will be a little less detail. In general, be sure to see in a store in person such a TV.

Also the Nano Cell is characterized by the following advantages:

Support for local matrix backlighting and HDR technology;
Increased viewing angles;
Automatic adjustment of tones for the maximum realism.

Features of QLED technology

QLED technology, introduced by Samsung concern, is based on quantum dots. Its main advantage over other solutions – the brightness, due to the brightness of the image looks richer and contrast. QLED is a development of OLED, Samsung engineers managed to cope with its main drawback, pixel burnout.

Crystal UHD: what is it?

Crystal UHD is an advertising move by Samsung. The concept was introduced in 2020, uniting TV sets equipped with standard liquid crystal matrices rather than advanced QLED displays. Such matrices have a color depth of 6 or 8 bits, and artificial HDR technology is implemented through rapid activation and deactivation of backlight LEDs.

In fact, Crystal UHD devices are identical to their analogues of the conventional UHD line and the previous Premium TV family, there is nothing innovative about them.

Types of backlighting

The pixels of the liquid crystal matrix does not emit light itself, it needs LEDs to display the picture. Their arrangement corresponds to one of two schemes:

Direct LED. The LEDs are located directly behind the matrix. This arrangement eliminates the formation of overshadowed areas, provides high brightness and contrast. Disadvantages – the need to increase the thickness of the body and a decent power consumption. A development of Direct LED – FALD, this scheme has more diodes, implemented the possibility of partial switching off, so that the dark tones look more saturated;
Edge LED. Diodes are around the perimeter, emitting light onto a substrate of reflective material. This makes the panel slim and compact, but it does not preclude the formation of overlit areas, which is especially noticeable on budget TVs.

TV frame refresh rate

The refresh rate determines the maximum number of frames shown per second. The standard value for TV airtime is 50 and movies is 24. To make it smoother, TVs often use interpolation, which involves “refreshing” the intermediate frames. However, interpolation is not always a good thing, many people do not like the excessive smoothness, and increasing the load on the processor is often associated with the appearance of graphic artifacts.

Normal values for modern panels are 50/60 Hz, better when 100/120 Hz. If the TV is used to connect a set-top box or PC, for games, you should pay attention to the increased frequency of 200 Hz, there the difference is really noticeable.

Earlier we have already considered:

DTS and Dolby: what is the difference?

Good sound when watching movies is as important as the picture. Both technologies support 6 channels of surround sound, the difference is the bitrate. Dolby’s bitrate is 640 kilobits per second, while DTS’s is 1.5 megabits per second. However, to believe that DTS provides greater detail is not necessary, the developers Dolby argue that they have more advanced compression algorithms and the sound is quite comparable with DTS.

Developments of the mentioned technologies are DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, where 8-channel sound and precise reproduction of unusual effects, whistling of bullets and flying planes are implemented.

Ports

The main switching port is HDMI, and the 1.4 version is not enough, you need the 2.0 version, which is able to transmit video in 4K format and 60 frames per second. The optimal scheme is 2-3 ports located at the end, it is the most convenient.

To connect flash memory or an external HDD, you will need a USB 3.0 port, which has enough bandwidth to display 4K movies. Optical port is needed for switching with sound systems, subwoofers, panels. An alternative to the optical port is a classic jack 3.5 or RCA. Wireless technologies are implemented by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards, allowing you to connect to the Internet or establish synchronization with input devices, mouse, keyboard