A significant advantage of working as a full-time television critic is gaining practical exposure to every type of show. best TVs Of course, such high-level access greatly aids in assessing the performance and features of premium models from well-established brands. It also establishes a standard for reviewing various televisions ranging from mid-range to entry-level models.
Out of over 30 TVs evaluated in 2024, three really caught my eye. As expected, each one was a premium offering from its brand and naturally comes with an upscale price tag beyond what many might be willing to spend. The unexpected part? One of those top-three picks featured mini-LED technology.
Previously, any roster of leading televisions would have been dominated by the best OLED TVs , primarily due to their capacity for consistently producing images with unparalleled contrast, intricate shadow details, and vibrant, striking colors. However, contemporary systems best mini-LED TVs They are now matching OLED TVs in terms of image quality and offer high brightness levels as well. This makes them an excellent choice not just for watching movies and playing games, but also for enjoying daytime sports.
I've been quite impressed with the mini-LED TVs I've tried out over the years, and I've awarded several of them top marks for picture quality. However, among all these televisions, the Sony Bravia 9 The initial mini-LED model I've assessed managed to achieve an OLED-caliber display quality specifically in depicting shadow details within dimly lit cinematic sequences, without showing noticeable backlight "blooming" issues. After using the Bravia 9 for several weeks during my evaluation, I must admit that its visual output impressed me just as much as the other two sets featured here. Samsung S95D and LG G4 OLED TVs.
Sony Bravia 9
When Sony declared that it would shift from OLED to mini-LED technology for its sole new premium television model set to launch in 2024, it caused quite a commotion. However, this decision sparked considerable discussion. Initial displays of the Bravia 9 The firm presented a compelling argument for their new XR Backlight Master Drive featuring High Peak Luminance technology. This innovation utilizes an extremely compact 22-bit LED driver—most televisions usually employ 10- or 12-bit drivers—which enhances local dimming capabilities. Additionally, this improvement includes a significant boost of 325 percent more local dimming zones compared to Sony’s former flagship mini-LED television.
What does this mean for you? A screen that's brighter for stunning colors and HDR, but with the super-cinematic dark tones and contrast of OLED. I measured the peak HDR brightness at 2,280 nits (in Standard mode), meaning the Bravia 9 is capable of rendering the full range of highlight detail in movies with high dynamic range, and its ability to also display detailed shadows is second to none for a mini-LED TV.
I was also impressed with the X-Wide Angle feature that ensures pictures look uniformly good over a wide viewing arc, so it doesn't matter if you're sitting way off center.
In addition, this model boasts a 2.2.2-channel, 70-watt speaker setup featuring "Frame" tweeters situated along the sides of the television frame and " Beam" tweeters placed at the top. This configuration delivers sound quality that rivals virtually every other TV I’ve experienced, making the Bravia 9 a comprehensive high-end option, which aligns with what I mentioned earlier in my detailed review. Sony Bravia 9 review .
Samsung S95D
Samsung's premium OLED television has distinguished itself as the most luminous OLED model we have tested, owing to its use of a QD-OLED display paired with advanced AI processing designed to enhance HDR performance along with improving details and colors. Additionally, Samsung incorporates its Glare-Free technology into this set to nearly eradicate screen glare in well-lit environments—a common issue for OLED televisions because they typically cannot match the overall brightness levels seen in LED sets. If avoiding reflective surfaces reflecting back at you like mirrors is important, then look no further; this particular unit features an anti-reflective coating which significantly reduces such distractions—we found this improvement quite remarkable during our comprehensive evaluation. Samsung S95D review .
Our assessment highlighted the vibrant and deep hues, along with the exceptionally detailed textures and strikingly realistic visuals of these images. These features are characteristic of what makes OLED TVs renowned, particularly regarding their superior contrast ratios. After viewing the Samsung S95D firsthand, I can confirm every aspect mentioned here. It stood out as our top choice for the finest television available. Choice Awards 2024 primarily due to its exceptional total image quality.
However, this isn’t everything included with Samsung’s top-tier OLED television. This model boasts a 4.2.2-channel speaker system delivering up to 70 watts, providing rich audio experiences complete with robust bass tones. Additionally, it comes equipped with a sleek and stylish appearance; furthermore, an external One Connect Box manages all connections required by the TV, ensuring just one cord connects directly to the display—keeping things neat and orderly. You have the option to discreetly place the box elsewhere as well. Moreover, it offers exceptional gaming capabilities such as four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting resolutions of 4K at refresh rates of 144 Hz along with Samsung's own Gaming Hub designed for streaming games over the internet.
LG G4
The LG G4 represents the brand’s most luminous OLED television to date, thanks to a cutting-edge version of LG's OLED evo display panel featuring Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology. This innovation employs tiny lenses to improve screen brightness. The revamped panel not only enhances brightness but also elevates color reproduction for richer and more nuanced visuals, providing the G4 with a significant advantage in image quality compared to its highly commendable predecessor. LG C4 OLED TV.
Our luminescence readings for the G4 did not reach the levels of the S95D mentioned earlier, yet in our comprehensive testresults LG G4 review We observed that this aspect isn't particularly critical in real-world use. The device produces a stunning and intricately layered picture, featuring exceptionally precise colors right from the start. We described it as “excelling at revealing fine details within shadowy parts of an image,” precisely what one would hope for from a cinematic OLED display.
The remarkably thin profile of the G4 makes it an ideal option for wall mounting, thanks to a specialized bracket that allows it to sit completely flat against the wall. Additionally, both the 55- and 65-inch versions include a table stand.
LG's top-of-the-line OLED television boasts numerous gaming capabilities, such as support for 4K at 120Hz (upgradable to 144Hz when connected via PC through the four HDMI 2.1 ports), alongside 4K 120Hz Dolby Vision gaming. Although this model is notably thin, it delivers robust internal audio thanks to a 4.2-speaker setup and an AI Sound Pro feature that enhances sounds to simulate a 11.1.2-channel surround experience—however, both of the alternative models selected here provide superior integrated audio performance overall.
Clearly, my selections here lean towards the higher end of the spectrum—but naturally, the premium options tend to offer superior quality! Should you prefer something more moderately priced, I would highly recommend considering alternatives like these: Hisense U8N mini-LED TV , or the TCL QM851G mini-LED TV for US buyers.
On the more affordable side, we rank the Hisense U7N mini-LED TV , or I would also strongly suggest the The Roku Pro Series LED TV .
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