The sheer endless selection of televisions often makes it difficult for buyers to find the right model. Stiftung Warentest therefore took a closer look at the market and tested various models with OLED panels and LCDs. One provider in particular was able to convince with good models.
In its current product test, Stiftung Warentest focused on televisions from 2022, where the OLED models in particular were able to convince with a good picture. The image quality was the focus of the test and was included in the evaluation with at least 40 percent. The testers rated the handling and the sound with 20 percent each, followed by the versatility of the connections and the power consumption with 10 percent each.
As part of the current test, Stiftung Warentest examined 32 televisions, all of which came onto the market this year. As in the previous year, one manufacturer in particular had the edge – LG. The South Korean company emerged as the test winner in 2022 with the OLED55C27LA and the OLED65G29LA. The predecessor of the latter, the LG OLEDG19LA, made it to the top of the tested TV sets last year. LG is particularly active and well-known in the production of displays, even making OLED panels for other companies. So it is not surprising that the manufacturer is also ahead in the television test by Stiftung Warentest. Several TVs from the manufacturer achieved good results in the study.
The best TV according to Stiftung Warentest
In 2022, the LG OLEDC27LA model performed best in both 55-inch and 65-inch sizes. The TV was already tested in July of this year, but it still holds the crown with regard to the 32 new models that have now been added. Like all other currently tested devices, the model is a 4K television with an average price of 1500 euros (55 inches) or 2500 euros (65 inches). The highlights here are the native 100/120 Hz panel, which should primarily delight gamers, as well as Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos 4.2, an HDMI 2.1 connection required for the PS5 and webOS 22.
The overall package convinced the testers. The TV is a particularly versatile model that did very well, especially in terms of picture and sound. The experts rated the handling as 1.9 “good”. Only the power consumption was not convincing. The device therefore only received a 2.8 “satisfactory” for the environmental properties. Overall, it came out with an overall grade of 1.6 “good” from the television test by Stiftung Warentest.
Also read: Do you need an OLED TV or is an LED TV enough?
LG OLED65G29LA – the runner-up
The LG OLED65G29LA television came in second at Stiftung Warentest. The 65-incher achieved the overall grade of 1.7 “good”. In terms of sound and versatility, the device performed very well. The testers were particularly enthusiastic about the numerous connection options. The testers rated the LG TV only slightly worse in the categories picture and handling. Here he secured the grade “good”. On the other hand, the television was disappointing when it came to the environmental properties, which the Stiftung Warentest rated as “satisfactory”.
The LG OLED65G29LA has a 120 Hz display and offers Dolby Atmos 4.2. There is also an HDMI 2.1 port on board. The common voice assistants are also supported.
Samsung also in the top 3
With the Samsung GQ55S95BAT, another OLED TV made it into the top 3 of the Stiftung Warentest. This model also received an overall rating of 1.7. The categories picture, sound and versatility, which were rated “very good”, were primarily responsible for the good result. As with the LG model, the handling was rated “good” and the environmental properties “satisfactory”.
The Samsung GQ55S95BAT is a 55-inch OLED TV with a 100 Hz panel. Instead of webOS, Samsung relies on its in-house system Tizen, which grants access to numerous apps. The TV is currently available for around 1600 euros and was launched in April 2022. As part of the Series 9, it’s one of Samsung’s better TVs.
Price tip in the TV test by Stiftung Warentest
For all those who do not want to spend 1500 euros on a television, the Stiftung Warentest recommends a model rated “good”. The LG 65UQ75009LF is a 65-inch LCD TV that is currently available for less than 700 euros. The television came out of the test with good results in the categories picture, sound, versatility and handling and achieved a grade of 2.4 overall. Only the environmental properties performed worse with “satisfactory”. The LCD panel of this model manages a refresh rate of 50 to 60 Hz, has a resolution of 4K and has a Direct LED backlight. Here, too, LG relies on the current webOS 22.
Tips for buying a TV
If you are looking for a new television, the results of product tests such as those by Stiftung Warentest are always a good way to get an overview of good models. However, you can narrow down the selection in advance by answering a few questions yourself.
What size should my Smart TV be?
When choosing a new TV, buyers often go for the larger models. But a Smart TV should not be too big, because then you may have problems viewing the picture. Therefore, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Is the distance between the sofa and the TV about two metresis a rather small TV with a screen size of up to 49 inches ideal
- However, if the seat pitch is included about three metersyou can confidently go to the popular size of 50 to 65 inches to grab.
- In yet larger rooms with a greater distance to the sofa, there are also large Smart TVs from 65 inches Place.
LCD or OLED?
OLED televisions are often significantly more expensive than models with an LCD screen. This is due to the screen technology used. LCD TVs are usually built very flat and are therefore ideal for hanging on the wall. They are also considered to be quite durable. The downside: The backlight is mainly attached to the edge and is large. For this reason, individual pixels are also illuminated when they should actually remain dark. As a result, black tends to look a little grey, and the contrasts are less pronounced.
Different at OLEDs. Here each pixel is illuminated individually. If it is switched off, it appears deep in focus, which is where the high contrasts and saturated colors come from. In the past, some users were afraid that the image could burn in if it was left standing for a long time. However, modern OLED TVs have been improved in such a way that this no longer happens.
Also Read: The 7 Best OLED TVs
the QLED technology from Samsung is a kind of intermediate. This is actually an LCD panel with a large backlight. However, Samsung uses a second layer with so-called Quantum Dots, which act as light and color boosters. This creates the high contrasts and rich colors that are reminiscent of OLEDs.
Does it really have to be 4K?
4K/UHD televisions now predominate on the market. They have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Their price has dropped significantly, so that it is hardly worthwhile to reach for a television with a full HD resolution. However, buyers do not yet have to resort to the slowly emerging 8K resolution. There is still far too little content for this and such high-resolution televisions are simply too expensive.
Also read: Which TV connection is right for me?
A smart TV should also have all the necessary connections. Therefore, before you buy, check exactly which devices you want to connect.
source
- Stiftung Warentest (accessed October 10, 202s, full test behind paywall)