How to choose a TV: panel types, HDR and sizes

A new TV is one of the bigger purchases for most homes, and the specification sheets are full of overlapping terms — panel types, HDR formats, refresh rates and smart platforms. This guide explains what those terms mean in practice, how to choose a size for your room and the questions to ask before you buy.

Choosing a screen size

Screen size is measured diagonally in inches. The right size depends on how far you sit from the screen, the resolution you watch and the space you have. A larger screen feels more immersive, but it also needs a wider stand or wall space and more distance to view comfortably.

Practical steps:

• Measure the distance from your usual seat to where the screen will be.
• Measure the width of your TV unit or wall space. A TV's width is noticeably larger than the screen diagonal suggests once you include the frame and stand.
• Check the stand design. Feet near the edges need a wide unit; a central pedestal fits a narrower one.
• If you are wall-mounting, check the VESA mounting pattern and the TV's weight.

With 4K content, many people find they can sit closer to a larger screen without noticing individual pixels.

Panel types

LCD/LED

Most TVs use an LCD panel lit by LEDs from behind. They can be very bright and are widely available at every size. Contrast depends on how the backlight is controlled. Local dimming dims parts of the backlight in dark areas; Mini LED uses many more, smaller LEDs and more dimming zones for finer control.

QLED and quantum dot

Quantum dot layers are added to LCD TVs to widen the range of colours. "QLED" is mostly a brand term for LCD TVs with quantum dots.

OLED

Each pixel produces its own light and can switch off completely, giving deep blacks and strong contrast with wide viewing angles. OLED TVs are often less bright overall than the brightest LCD models, which matters in very bright rooms. Most manufacturers include features to reduce the risk of image retention from static images.

Which is best depends on your room. In a bright room, a bright LCD/Mini LED can be easier to watch; in a dimmer room, OLED's contrast is a strength.

Resolution, HDR and refresh rate

Resolution

4K (3840 × 2160) is standard on most mid-size and larger TVs. 8K TVs exist, but there is little native 8K content, so for most buyers 4K is the sensible choice.

HDR

High dynamic range shows brighter highlights and more detail in light and dark areas. Formats include HDR10 (the baseline), HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG (used for some broadcasts). Supporting a format is not the same as displaying it well: brightness and contrast decide how good HDR looks. Check which formats your streaming services and discs use.

Refresh rate

Measured in hertz (Hz). A native 100/120 Hz panel can make motion smoother in sport and fast games. Be careful with marketing figures for "motion rate" or similar, which may not be the native panel refresh rate.

Gaming features

If you have a current games console or gaming PC, look for:

• HDMI 2.1 ports, and how many of them — some TVs have only one or two.
• 4K at 120 Hz support.
• Variable refresh rate (VRR), to reduce tearing and stutter.
• Auto low latency mode (ALLM), which switches to game mode automatically.
• Input lag, sometimes listed in milliseconds for game mode.

Sound, smart features and ports

Thin TVs have limited space for speakers. If sound matters, budget for a soundbar and check the TV has HDMI eARC to connect it simply.

Smart platforms differ in apps, menus and how long they receive updates. Check that the apps you use — catch-up services, streaming subscriptions, sports — are available on the TV's platform. Count the HDMI and USB ports you need, and check for an aerial or satellite tuner if you watch broadcast TV.

Key specs explained

Questions to ask before you buy

1. How far will I sit from the screen, and how wide is my TV unit or wall space?
2. Is my room bright during the day, or mostly dim when I watch?
3. Which HDR formats do my streaming services and discs use?
4. Do I need HDMI 2.1 ports for a console or PC, and how many?
5. Are my apps available on this smart platform?
6. Will I need a soundbar, and does the TV have HDMI eARC?

Frequently asked questions

Is OLED better than LED?

Neither is better everywhere. OLED offers deeper blacks and wider viewing angles; bright LCD and Mini LED models can be easier to watch in sunny rooms. Choose based on your room and what you watch.

Do I need an 8K TV?

For most people, no. There is very little native 8K content, and a good 4K TV is a better use of the budget for typical viewing distances.

What is the difference between HDR10 and Dolby Vision?

Both are HDR formats. HDR10 is the open baseline supported by almost every HDR TV. Dolby Vision adds scene-by-scene information that can help the TV adjust the picture. Not every TV supports every format, so check the specifications.

Why do model numbers differ between retailers?

Manufacturers sometimes sell slightly different versions or retailer-exclusive variants with different stands, colours or features. Compare the full specifications, not just the series name.

Prices & links

HotWhatHow compares live prices from retailers as they are connected to the site. When offers are available, we rank them by the total landed price — the item price plus standard delivery — and show when each price was last checked. Some retailer links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission, which never changes which offer we label as the cheapest. This guide is based on manufacturer specifications and general product information, not on our own use of the products.