Top 10 Smart TVs and Media Devices for Home Entertainment
With the January Sales in full swing, now is the perfect time to upgrade your home entertainment setup. We've carefully evaluated the best smart TVs and media devices currently available, comparing picture quality, smart features, and value for money. Whether you're looking for a premium 4K television or a versatile streaming device, our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed choice while taking advantage of seasonal discounts.
Sony BRAVIA KD-32W800 - 32-inch TV
The Sony BRAVIA KD-32W800 leads our list with its exceptional HD-ready display powered by the renowned BRAVIA Engine. While compact at 32 inches, this smart TV delivers vibrant colours and smooth motion handling. The Android TV interface provides seamless access to streaming services, while advanced voice control makes navigation effortless.
Pros
- Superior BRAVIA Engine picture processing
- Comprehensive smart features with Android TV
- Advanced voice control capabilities
- Built-in digital recorder function
- Comprehensive smart features with Android TV
- Advanced voice control capabilities
- Built-in digital recorder function
Cons
- Only HD Ready, not Full HD
- Relatively small screen size
- Relatively small screen size
Apple - TV 4K 128GB (3rd Gen)
The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) represents the pinnacle of streaming technology. With its powerful A15 Bionic chip and support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, it delivers stunning 4K visuals. The refined Siri Remote offers precise control, while seamless integration with other Apple devices enhances the user experience.
Pros
- Premium 4K HDR performance
- Powerful A15 Bionic processor
- Extensive app ecosystem
- Seamless Apple device integration
- Powerful A15 Bionic processor
- Extensive app ecosystem
- Seamless Apple device integration
Cons
- Premium price point
- Best features require Apple ecosystem
- Best features require Apple ecosystem
Apple - TV 4K 128GB (3rd Gen)
Another configuration of the Apple TV 4K offers the same exceptional performance with additional storage capacity. The 128GB version is ideal for users who want to download more apps and games. The inclusion of both WiFi and Ethernet ensures stable streaming regardless of your home network setup.
Pros
- Large 128GB storage capacity
- Dual connectivity options
- Private listening with AirPods
- High-quality Dolby Atmos sound
- Dual connectivity options
- Private listening with AirPods
- High-quality Dolby Atmos sound
Cons
- Higher price than basic streaming devices
- Limited gaming capabilities compared to consoles
- Limited gaming capabilities compared to consoles
Generic - 4K Mini Projector
The Juvale Mini Projector offers remarkable versatility with its 180° rotatable design and 4K support. Perfect for both home cinema and portable use, it provides a massive 130-inch projection capability. The built-in WiFi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity ensure smooth streaming and audio options.
Pros
- Flexible 180° rotation
- Large 130-inch projection
- Built-in Android OS
- Portable design
- Large 130-inch projection
- Built-in Android OS
- Portable design
Cons
- Lower brightness than traditional TVs
- Requires optimal room conditions
- Requires optimal room conditions
Hisense - 50-inch 4K Smart TV A6BGTUK
The Hisense 50A6BGTUK delivers excellent value with its 50-inch 4K UHD panel and Dolby Vision HDR support. The VIDAA U5 operating system provides easy access to popular streaming services, while dedicated Sports and Game modes enhance specific content types.
Pros
- Impressive 4K resolution
- Dolby Vision HDR support
- Comprehensive smart features
- Dedicated content modes
- Dolby Vision HDR support
- Comprehensive smart features
- Dedicated content modes
Cons
- VIDAA OS less refined than competitors
- Limited peak brightness
- Limited peak brightness
Hisense - 50-inch 4K Smart TV A6BGTUK
Another variant of the Hisense 50A6BGTUK comes with identical specifications but different retailer packaging. The combination of DTS Virtual X audio and Alexa integration makes this TV a strong contender for smart home enthusiasts.
Pros
- DTS Virtual X audio
- Alexa voice control
- Competitive price point
- Good gaming features
- Alexa voice control
- Competitive price point
- Good gaming features
Cons
- Audio could be more powerful
- Basic remote design
- Basic remote design
HISENSE - 65A6GTUK 65" 4K Smart TV
The Hisense 65A6GTUK impresses with its large 65-inch panel and comprehensive smart features. The combination of 4K resolution and Dolby Vision creates stunning visuals, while the built-in Alexa support adds convenient voice control options.
Pros
- Large 65-inch screen
- Rich smart features
- Excellent value for size
- Strong HDR performance
- Rich smart features
- Excellent value for size
- Strong HDR performance
Cons
- Basic speaker system
- Motion handling could be better
- Motion handling could be better
HISENSE - 65A6GTUK 65" 4K Smart TV
This version of the Hisense 65A6GTUK maintains the same impressive specifications while offering alternative retailer options. The extensive streaming app support, including Disney+, makes it a comprehensive entertainment hub.
Pros
- Comprehensive app support
- Good viewing angles
- Responsive gaming mode
- Easy setup process
- Good viewing angles
- Responsive gaming mode
- Easy setup process
Cons
- Standard refresh rate
- Limited local dimming
- Limited local dimming
Sony - BRAVIA KD-43X80L 43" Smart TV
The Sony BRAVIA KD-43X80L showcases Sony's premium technology in a mid-sized package. The Triluminos Pro display and X1 HDR Processor deliver exceptional picture quality, while the X-Balanced Speaker Unit ensures impressive audio performance.
Pros
- Superior colour accuracy
- Advanced HDR processing
- Quality audio system
- Premium design
- Advanced HDR processing
- Quality audio system
- Premium design
Cons
- Higher price point
- No VRR support
- No VRR support
YABER K2s - 4K Smart Projector
The YABER K2s Projector rounds out our list with its impressive feature set including Android TV 12.0 and JBL sound system. The 800 ANSI lumens brightness and auto-focus capabilities make it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor viewing.
Pros
- Bright 800 ANSI lumens
- Quality JBL speakers
- NFC connectivity
- Auto focus feature
- Quality JBL speakers
- NFC connectivity
- Auto focus feature
Cons
- Complex setup process
- Requires dark environment
- Requires dark environment
The January Sales present an excellent opportunity to upgrade your home entertainment system. From premium Sony BRAVIA TVs to versatile projectors, there's something for every budget and requirement. Consider your viewing habits, room size, and desired features when making your choice. With substantial discounts available, now is the ideal time to make your purchase and enhance your viewing experience for the year ahead.
Julian Martinez
on Jan 02 2025
