How to Choose a Smart TV: Size, 4K and Features

Buying a TV is exciting, and confusing. Every box shouts about QLED, HDR, refresh rates and AI, and it's hard to tell what actually changes the picture in your living room.

This guide cuts through the jargon. You'll learn what size suits your room, whether you need 4K, how the main screen types differ, and which features are worth paying for.

The short answer

• Size: pick it by how far you sit from the screen, not by what looks biggest in the shop.
• Resolution: choose 4K for 43 inches and above. Full HD is fine only on small screens.
• Screen type: a good LED or QLED TV suits most homes. OLED gives deeper blacks, and costs more.
• Smart platform: check that the apps you use are available, such as Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube.
• Ports: make sure there are enough HDMI ports for your devices, and one that supports ARC if you want a soundbar.

1. How big a TV do you need?

The right size depends on how far your sofa is from the screen. Sit too close and you see the picture structure and move your head to follow the action. Sit too far and a small TV feels lost.

A simple rule: the comfortable distance is about 1.2 to 1.6 times the screen's diagonal size. This table shows comfortable distances for 4K TVs, from a cinema-style view to an everyday one.

These are a starting point. Your eyesight and taste matter too.

Before you buy, measure the distance from where you sit to where the TV will go, and measure the wall or unit so the TV fits. Remember that the size in inches is the diagonal, and the TV is wider than you may expect.

2. Resolution: HD, Full HD and 4K

Resolution is how many pixels make up the picture. More pixels mean a sharper image.

At 43 inches and above, 4K is worth having. Most streaming apps offer 4K content, and 4K TVs usually look better even when playing lower-resolution video, because they scale it up. A bigger TV at your sitting distance makes the extra detail easier to see.

3. Screen types: LED, QLED, OLED and Mini LED

These labels describe how the picture is lit. In simple terms:

• LED: a standard LCD screen lit from behind by LEDs. Good picture, lower price, and the most common choice.
• QLED: an LED screen with an extra quantum-dot layer for brighter, richer colour. It's still LED-lit, and the "Q" doesn't mean it is OLED.
• Mini LED: an LED screen with many more, smaller backlights, which gives better contrast and brightness. It costs more.
• OLED: each pixel makes its own light, so blacks are deep and contrast is excellent. It looks fantastic in dim rooms, and is the most expensive.

What to choose: for a bright family living room, a good 4K LED or QLED is usually the best value. If you watch films in a dark room and want the best picture, consider OLED or Mini LED.

4. Smart TV platforms

The platform is the TV's built-in software. It decides how you find and open apps.

• Google TV is Google's interface, built on the Android TV system, and brings your streaming services together in one place. Some TVs run Android TV without the Google TV look.
• Other brands use their own systems, such as Samsung's, LG's and others.

Check these before you buy:

• Are the streaming apps you use available (for example Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube)?
• Does it support screen casting from your phone?
• Does it have voice control if you want it?

A TV that gets regular software updates will stay smooth for longer.

5. Refresh rate, HDR and sound

Refresh rate is how many times the picture updates each second.

• 60Hz is fine for most TV, films and streaming.
• 120Hz helps with fast sports and gaming consoles. You won't need it unless you game or watch lots of fast action.

HDR (high dynamic range) gives brighter highlights and richer detail. Look for common formats such as HDR10, and Dolby Vision if you want it. A TV that is bright enough makes HDR look good, so don't rely on the label alone.

Sound: slim TVs have small speakers, so many people add a soundbar. If you plan to, check that the TV has an HDMI ARC port, so the soundbar works with one cable and one remote.

6. Ports and connections

Count what you'll plug in:

• HDMI: for a set-top box, a game console, a soundbar and a streaming stick. Four ports is comfortable, and at least one should be marked ARC.
• USB: for pen drives and hard disks.
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet: most smart TVs have Wi-Fi, and a cable gives a steadier connection.
• Bluetooth: for wireless headphones and speakers.
• Optical audio: for older sound systems.

7. Practical points before you buy

• Wall mount or stand? Check whether the TV comes with a stand, and what size wall bracket it needs.
• Installation and delivery: ask what is included and what costs extra.
• Warranty: ask what it covers, for how long, and who to call. Keep your invoice.
• Power protection: plug the TV into a good surge protector.
• Picture settings: shop displays use a very bright "vivid" mode. At home, a standard or cinema mode usually looks more natural.
• EMI: EMI options are available on select products, so ask about them when you choose.

Quick picks by use

Mistakes to avoid

1. Buying too big for the room. Check the distance first.
2. Paying for features you won't use, such as a high refresh rate for ordinary TV.
3. Ignoring the apps. Check your streaming services before buying.
4. Forgetting HDMI ports for your devices and a soundbar.
5. Not measuring the wall or unit.
6. Skipping the warranty and installation questions.
7. Judging picture quality in a bright shop and not in your own room.

Buying for a business?

TVs are useful in waiting rooms, offices, meeting rooms and showrooms. For several units, bulk pricing and a GST invoice, read our guide to buying office supplies in bulk or send your requirement on our Bulk Orders and B2B enquiry page.

Our TVs and home appliances

Browse our televisions and compare models using the checklist above. Setting up a home or office? See our air conditioners and our guide to split vs window AC.

Frequently asked questions

What size TV should I buy for my living room?
Measure your sofa distance and use the table above. For many living rooms, 50 to 55 inches is a good fit.

Is 4K worth it?
At 43 inches and above, yes. It's the standard now, and streaming apps offer plenty of 4K content.

Is QLED better than LED?
QLED adds a quantum-dot layer for brighter, richer colour. It is still LED-lit, and usually costs more than a basic LED.

What is the difference between Google TV and Android TV?
Google TV is a newer interface that runs on the Android TV system. Some TVs use Android TV without the Google TV look.

Do I need a soundbar?
Not necessarily, but slim TVs have small speakers. A soundbar improves sound, and you'll need an HDMI ARC port.

Are the products on WERY genuine?
Yes. WERY sells 100% genuine products with official brand warranty.