A decade ago, there were only a few smart TVs. Nowadays, however, consumers have a wide range of choices as brands launch smart TVs to connect to the blossoming world of online audio and video entertainment. With different operating systems, specifications and features, it's hard not to get overwhelmed. So, here's what you should consider when choosing a smart TV.

2025 Latest 55" 4K TV Review Report
▾4 to 4.5 Stars▾

Product	Screen Type	Image Quality	Sound Quality	Smart TV Features	Ease of Use	Power Saving	Safety	Overall Rating
SAMSUNG S90D 4K OLED TV	OLED	4.5/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	4/5	3.5/5	5/5	4.5 Star
LG B4 OLED TV	OLED	4/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	3/5	5/5	4 Star
SONY BRAVIA 8 OLED TV	OLED	4.5/5	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	3/5	5/5	4 Star
SAMSUNG QN85D Neo QLED 4K LED LCD TV	QD/Mini LED	4/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	4/5	3.5/5	5/5	4 Star

Source: Consumer Council

Reasons to buy a Smart TV

Smart TVs are connected to the Internet with an endless variety of programmes available on major streaming platforms. Audiences can now enjoy an incredible diversity in audio-visual experiences. And with the rise of the smart home, smart TVs will become the centre of attention with some models able to connect with and control different smart appliances.

Which is the Best Operating System?

There are four major operating systems popular in Hong Kong: Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Panasonic My home screen, and Android TV that commonly used by other brands. In fact, the basic functions of most current operating systems are similar with the main differences lying in the interface and operation.

Comparison of 4 Major Smart TV Systems

	Tizen (Smart Hub)	webOS	My home screen	Android TV (authorised version)
Brand	Samsung	LG	Panasonic	Hisense / Sharp / Skyworth / Sony / TCL
Interface	Main menu at the bottom of the screen			Full screen design
App	Samsung App Store	LG Content Store	Support specific apps	Google Play
Remote Control	One Remote (control multiple devices)	Magic Remote (ultra-smooth mouse experience)	Remote Control	Remote Control
Mobile Remote Control	One depth	LG TV Plus app	TV Remote 2	Android TV Remote Control
Screen Projection	SmartThings Airplay 2	LG TV Plus app Airplay 2	TV Anytime	Chromecast Airplay 2
Voice Recognition	Bixby Support 3rd party technologies	ThinQ AI Support 3rd party technologies	N/A	Google Assistant Support 3rd party technologies
Smart Home Appliances	Support	Support	N/A	Support

What Size should I Get?

Most think the bigger the TV, the better but the right viewing distance is more important than size. Simply put, the better the picture quality, the closer the optimal viewing distance.

• Full HD TV: Best Viewing Distance (cm) = TV Size x 4
• 4K UHD TV: Best Viewing Distance (cm) = TV Size x 3

Work out the appropriate size for your home before buying a 4K TV. For example, if the distance between the sofa and the wall at 1.5m, it is better to choose a 50" model.

TV Size	Full HD TV Best Viewing Distance	4K UHD TV Best Viewing Distance
40"	160cm	120cm
43"	172cm	129cm
49"	196cm	147cm
50"	200cm	150cm
55"	220cm	165cm
65"	260cm	195cm

Differences between LED, QLED and OLED

These confusing abbreviations represent three types of LCD technology. The choice of which one to buy depends on the image quality as each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• LED:
  LED TV uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology and pairs it with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source.
• QD/Mini LED:
  TV screens add a layer of quantum dots (QDs) to make colors more vivid and images brighter. The overall display still relies on LED backlighting. Some TVs also introduce Mini LED technology, which uses local dimming to enhance brightness and improve dark scene details.
• OLED (organic LED):
  OLED screens generate images by allowing each pixel to emit different colors of light independently, eliminating the need for traditional LCD backlighting.

	Advantages	Disadvantages
LED	More affordable price	Lower colour reproduction Thick body Low viewing angle Narrower colour gamut
QLED	Cost less than OLED High colour reproduction Generally better HDR performance than OLED Wider colour gamut High saturation Energy saving Poorer lifespan than OLED	Lighter black levels Less uniformity
OLED	High colour reproduction Fast response time Thin body Deep black levels High contrast ratio Wide viewing angle Energy saving	Cost higher than QLED Generally worse HDR performance than OLED Shorter lifespan than QLED

Differences between HD, Full HD, 4K UHD and 8K UHD

The pixel level affects the picture quality. If the resolution of a Smart TV is only in HD, it is entry level. Full HD is now the mainstream for Smart TVs. However, the most attractive aspect of smart TVs is that streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube already support 4K. With movies already in 4K, 4K TVs are the best value for money.

As for 8K UHD TVs, they are naturally the best for those who have a budget in mind and have a high demand for picture quality. Although 8K is a relatively rare option at the moment, some Hollywood blockbusters are already moving in this direction such as Captain Marvel which was shot in 8K. AI-equipped TVs automatically upgrade the picture so you enjoy the visual impact at home with the same level of detail and texture as if you were in a cinema. Also check if your TV supports HDR technology. Images are detailed with better colours and contrast and the overall viewing is more vivid and realistic.

Some brands are good on audio and support Dolby Atmos panoramic sound or use on-screen output technology to rectify glitches such as sound and picture mismatches. Look out for these when buying a smart TV.

What TV is Best for Playing Video Games?

Buyers who play video games need to consider compatibility with the gaming consoles. The next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S delivers up to 8K UHD at 120 Hz. This effectively reduces screen tearing, choppiness and flickers and improves picture lag so a variable refresh rate (VRR) of 120 Hz is required. Some models use technologies such as eARC, AMD FreeSync or G-Sync, or have ALLM or HGiG modes to create a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Fortress eShop vs Small Shops: A Clear Comparison

Advantage	Fortress eShop	Typical Retail Stores
Credit Card Fees	Free, no additional charges, plus earn credit card points	Usually charge 3-5% fees, increasing expenses
Delivery Fees	Free delivery on orders over $350, delivered to your door	Often require shipping fees, especially for large appliances
Delivery Speed	Fastest same-day delivery, quick and reliable	Unstable delivery times, may take days to a week
Bank Discounts	Exclusive bank discounts and cashback offers	Generally no bank discounts, limited offers
After-Sales Service	Professional after-sales support, including maintenance, repairs, and returns	Limited after-sales service, complicated repair processes
Rewards Program	Earn iCoin and MoneyBack Points, redeemable for gifts or vouchers	Mostly no points or rewards programs
Product Assurance	Only sells genuine products with warranty and after-sales support	Sources unclear or parallel imports, no warranty or after-sales assurance
Product Variety	Wide range of brands, models, and stock, plenty of choices	Limited stock, may require waiting
Installation Service	All TVs purchased from Fortress can be installed by professionals on a scheduled date	Installation services unclear or require self-handling
Refund Policy	10-day refund or replacement for defective products	No clear or no refund policy
Old Appliance Removal	Same-day old appliance removal service available	Often no same-day removal service

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