The Best 4K Android TVs You Can Buy Right Now
In today’s digital world, owning a 4K Android TV is more than just having access to a television; it’s about having a complete entertainment hub. 4K resolution offers stunning visual clarity, while Android TV provides the versatility of an integrated smart platform with thousands of apps, voice commands, and seamless streaming capabilities. With an ever-growing selection of 4K Android TVs on the market, it can be tough to choose the perfect model.
This guide highlights some of the best 4K Android TVs available right now, focusing on display quality, smart features, performance, and value for money.
1. What Makes a Great 4K Android TV?
Stunning Picture Quality
The most important feature of any 4K TV is its display. 4K UHD resolution provides four times the pixels of Full HD, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. In addition to 4K, look for TVs with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, as this technology enhances contrast, color accuracy, and overall picture vibrancy.
Android TV Platform
Android TV offers more than just access to streaming services; it allows users to download thousands of apps from the Google Play Store, making it easy to watch movies, play games, and even control smart home devices. Android TV models come with Google Assistant, which enables voice search, hands-free control, and seamless integration with other Google products like Chromecast.
Performance and Processing Power
A high-performance quad-core processor is essential for delivering smooth streaming, fast app switching, and overall responsiveness. Android TVs with powerful processors ensure you won’t experience lag, even when multitasking between apps.
Audio Quality
While picture quality is a key focus, audio performance shouldn’t be overlooked. Look for TVs that support Dolby Audio, DTS, or even Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.
2. Best 4K Android TVs in 2024
Sony X90J 55 Inch 4K UHD Android TV
When it comes to 4K Android TVs, Sony consistently ranks among the top manufacturers, and the X90J is no exception. Known for delivering superb picture quality, the X90J is a standout model with Cognitive Processor XR, which enhances image quality for a lifelike viewing experience.
- Display: 55” 4K UHD with Full Array LED and HDR support
- Smart Features: Android TV with Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in
- Audio: Supports Dolby Atmos for immersive sound
- Why It’s Great: The Sony X90J offers breathtaking 4K clarity with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent motion handling. Its Cognitive Processor XR takes image enhancement to another level, making this a perfect choice for movie buffs and gamers alike.
TCL 6-Series 65 Inch 4K QLED Android TV
The TCL 6-Series is one of the best-value 4K Android TVs on the market today. Featuring QLED technology, this TV delivers brighter images, richer colors, and better contrast compared to traditional LED TVs.
- Display: 65” 4K QLED with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
- Smart Features: Runs on Android TV with Google Assistant and access to the Google Play Store
- Audio: Dolby Atmos support
- Why It’s Great: With QLED technology and Dolby Vision, the TCL 6-Series delivers a viewing experience that rivals more expensive models. Its large 65-inch screen size makes it ideal for home theaters, offering a cinematic experience for a fraction of the price of premium brands.
Hisense U8H 55 Inch 4K ULED Android TV
The Hisense U8H is another strong contender in the budget 4K TV market. Offering ULED technology, it combines enhanced brightness, color, and motion clarity, making it one of the best 4K Android TVs for fast-action content like sports and gaming.
- Display: 55” 4K ULED with Quantum Dot Color and Dolby Vision
- Smart Features: Android TV platform with voice control via Google Assistant
- Audio: Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio
- Why It’s Great: The Hisense U8H is perfect for users who want a balance of performance and affordability. The ULED technology delivers sharp, vibrant images that are perfect for gaming or fast-action movies, while the Android TV platform provides access to all the essential apps and features.
Sony A80K 65 Inch 4K OLED Android TV
For those who want the absolute best in picture quality, OLED is the way to go, and the Sony A80K stands out as one of the top 4K OLED Android TVs available. With self-emissive pixels, the A80K offers perfect blacks and infinite contrast, making it ideal for home cinema enthusiasts.
- Display: 65” 4K OLED with HDR support
- Smart Features: Android TV with Google Assistant and Chromecast
- Audio: Acoustic Surface Audio+ for sound that comes directly from the screen
- Why It’s Great: The Sony A80K OLED delivers a premium viewing experience with its perfect black levels and stunning color accuracy. It’s an excellent option for those who prioritize picture quality and are willing to invest in a higher-end model.
3. Why Choose a 4K Android TV?
Seamless Smart TV Experience
Android TVs offer an intuitive, user-friendly interface that provides easy access to all your favorite streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. With Google Assistant built-in, users can control the TV using voice commands, search for content, or even control smart home devices like lights and thermostats.
Access to Google Play Store
Android TVs come with the Google Play Store, offering a massive selection of apps ranging from streaming services to games and productivity apps. Whether you want to watch the latest blockbuster on HBO Max or play a round of Fortnite, Android TV gives you access to it all.
Built-In Chromecast
Many Android TVs come with Chromecast built-in, allowing users to easily cast content from their smartphones, tablets, or laptops directly to their TV. This feature is especially useful for sharing personal photos, videos, or content from apps not available on Android TV.
4. Picture Quality Features to Look for in a 4K Android TV
HDR Support
Many 4K Android TVs come with HDR10 or Dolby Vision support, both of which enhance the overall image quality by improving contrast and color accuracy. Dolby Vision is considered the more advanced of the two, offering dynamic metadata for better image optimization scene by scene.
LED, QLED, and OLED Technologies
- LED: Standard LED TVs offer good brightness and contrast, but the blacks may not be as deep as other technologies.
- QLED: TVs with Quantum Dot technology (QLED) provide better brightness, colors, and contrast than standard LED TVs. This makes them ideal for well-lit rooms.
- OLED: OLED TVs are known for their perfect blacks and infinite contrast, making them the top choice for movie lovers who want the best visual experience.
Refresh Rate
A TV’s refresh rate is important for smooth motion, particularly for fast-moving content like sports or action movies. A refresh rate of 120Hz is ideal for the best performance, while some budget models may only offer 60Hz.
5. Optimizing Your 4K Android TV for the Best Performance
Picture Settings
To get the most out of your 4K Android TV, consider adjusting the picture settings. Most TVs come with pre-set modes like Movie Mode, Game Mode, or Standard Mode. These modes optimize color, brightness, and contrast based on the type of content you’re watching.
Internet Connection
A stable, fast internet connection is essential for streaming 4K content. Consider using a Wi-Fi 6 router or connecting your TV directly to your router via Ethernet to avoid buffering issues.
Audio Enhancements
While most 4K Android TVs come with decent built-in speakers, adding a soundbar or surround sound system can significantly improve the audio experience. Many budget-friendly soundbars support Dolby Atmos, enhancing both dialogue and ambient sounds in movies and TV shows.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for premium picture quality with an OLED display, an affordable yet high-performing QLED, or a budget-friendly LED TV, the options for 4K Android TVs in 2024 are vast. With features like Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in, and access to the Google Play Store, these TVs offer more than just an impressive picture—they bring the full smart home experience into your living room