TV Test 2020: Stiftung Warentest Winner And Recommendations

Table of contents:

TV Test 2020: Stiftung Warentest Winner And Recommendations
TV Test 2020: Stiftung Warentest Winner And Recommendations

Video: TV Test 2020: Stiftung Warentest Winner And Recommendations

Video: TV Test 2020: Stiftung Warentest Winner And Recommendations
Video: LG 37LC2D Testvideo 2024, March
Anonim
placement product price offer
Stiftung Warentest: test winner 43-inch TV Samsung GQ43Q60R approx. 550 euros To Amazon
Stiftung Warentest: Test winner 49-inch TV Samsung UE49RU7379 approx. 420 euros To Otto
For the small budget: 32-inch TV LG 32LK6200 about 300 euros To Saturn
GIGA value for money: 55-inch TV Samsung 55RU7409 about 600 euros To MediaMarkt
GIGA top recommendation: best OLED television LG OLED C97LA approx.1,350 euros To Saturn
Alternative: OLED TV with Ambilight Philips 55OLED804 approx.1,500 euros To Amazon

Stiftung Warentest 2020: The best 43-inch TV - Samsung GQ43Q60R

Samsung 4K QLED Q60R (43 inch)
Samsung 4K QLED Q60R (43 inch)

Samsung 4K QLED Q60R (43 inch)

Now from 633.60 € at Otto Similar offer at Mediamarkt Similar offer at Amazon Price can now be higher. Price from 22.07.2020 8:32 p.m.

In the 01/2020 issue, Stiftung Warentest examined 14 TV models with screen sizes between 40 and 43 inches. One of the test winners in this size class is the Samsung GQ43Q60R for around 550 euros, which received the test grade "good" (2.0) and shares the top position with the LG 43UM76007LB (also 2.0 "good").

The versatility of the medium-sized Samsung TV is praised, which has four HDMI connections and a double tuner (2 × DVB-C / S2 / T2 HD). According to the Stiftung Warentest, the picture can also convince with fast movements. The TV is also commercially available under the somewhat more catchy name "QLED 4K Q60R", when buying you should then look for the version with 43-inch screen diagonal.

Note: The Samsung model series Q60R only has Freesync (technology against tearing and micro stuttering) for versions from 55 inch screen size.

Samsung GQ43Q60R at Amazon

Advantages:

  • Good picture
  • Many connections
  • Double tuner

Disadvantage:

No headphone jack

Stiftung Warentest 2020: The best 49-inch television - Samsung UE49RU7379

Samsung UE49RU7379 Curved LED TV (49 inch)
Samsung UE49RU7379 Curved LED TV (49 inch)

Samsung UE49RU7379 Curved LED TV (49 inch)

Now from € 419.99 at Otto Similar offer at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 12:32 a.m.

In the size class 49 to 50 inches, there were six test winners in the 01/2020 edition of the Stiftung Warentest, all with a 49 inch screen size and all with an overall grade of “good” (1.9). These are the model names and the current street price (as of February 10, 2020):

  • LG 49SM82007LA for around 530 euros
  • LG 49SM86007LA for around 700 euros
  • LG 49SM90007LA for around 890 euros
  • Samsung GQ49Q60R for around 590 euros
  • Samsung GQ49Q70R for around 900 euros
  • Samsung UE49RU7379 for around 460 euros

All models are recommended, but the Samsung UE49RU7379 is particularly interesting. It is a curved TV with a curved display. The viewing angle is somewhat limited due to the special design, so the device is less suitable for the use of several people at the same time. The curvature creates an impressive depth effect. According to the Stiftung Warentest, the picture is good, the sound even gets the grade "very good" (1.5). Aside from the technical features, the Samsung UE49RU7379 is also the cheapest TV among the winners.

Samsung UE49RU7379 at Otto

Advantages:

  • Good picture
  • Very good tone
  • Special depth effect thanks to screen curvature

Disadvantage:

  • No recording function, no headphone jack
  • Rather less suitable for several viewers at the same time

The best compact 32 inch TV - LG 32LK6200

LG 32LK6200PLA. AEE (32 inch)
LG 32LK6200PLA. AEE (32 inch)

LG 32LK6200PLA. AEE (32 inch)

Now from 252.85 € at Saturn Similar offer at Mediamarkt Similar offer at Amazon Price can now be higher. Price from 2020-22-07 3:46 p.m.

Whether as a space saver in the student apartment or as a second device for the bedroom - the compact devices in the 32-inch class still have their right to exist. Our recommendation in this area is the LG 32LK6200. The device has a good picture, the software is proven and powerful. The Smart TV can be connected to the Internet, thanks to the large selection of apps you can watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, Sky Ticket and the like directly on the TV.

In the 32-inch range, practically all devices have 1080p resolution (Full HD) - given the display size, the lack of 4K is no problem. Typical for 32-inch TVs, however, the thin sound is also criticized in the Samsung model. Sound bars make little sense here, since they are usually larger than the television itself. Even an external loudspeaker can significantly improve the sound. With a price of around 230 euros, the TV does not tear a hole in your wallet.

LG 32LK6200 at Saturn

Advantages:

  • Inexpensive
  • Compact
  • Good software

Disadvantage:

  • Lean sound
  • Image size only suitable for small seat spacing

55-inch TV with 4K and top value for money - Samsung 55RU7409

Samsung RU7409 138 cm (55 inch)
Samsung RU7409 138 cm (55 inch)

Samsung RU7409 138 cm (55 inch)

Now from € 608.31 at Otto Similar offer at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Price can now be higher. Price from 15.05.2020 04:55 p.m.

55-inch televisions offer the best compromise between screen size, price and “placement” in most living rooms. However, the price range is large: While some “cheap homes” are already available for less than 400 euros, expensive models cost significantly more than 1,000 euros. Samsung's model 55RU7409 offers a good balance between price and performance. The high 4K resolution, the HDR capability and a realistic color image are top in this price range.

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Airplay 2 are integrated. The variety of connections, a game mode and the excellent remote control complete the offer. Only headphone fans could be upset about the lack of a jack socket. Nevertheless: For around 500 euros, the Samsung device offers a strong overall package! The Samsung RU7409 got the grade “good” (2.0) in the computer image category.

Tip: Samsung also offers the model in other sizes, which also offer a lot of performance for relatively little money.

Samsung 55RU7409 at MediaMarkt

Advantages:

  • Good picture quality, 4K & HDR
  • Inexpensive
  • Large display
  • Good software

Disadvantage:

  • No USB recording function
  • No headphone jack

The best OLED TV - LG OLED C97LA

LG OLED 55C97LA (55 inch)

Now from € 1,299.00 at Otto Similar offer at Saturn Similar offer at Amazon Price can now be higher. Price from 25.05.2020 04:58 a.m.

Film fans swear by televisions with OLED panels due to the excellent picture quality. LG now updates its OLED TVs every year, the current top model is the "C9". Apart from almost priceless luxury versions of the "Signature" series, there are no more televisions at LG.

The LG OLED C97LA is the test winner at Stiftung Warentest (issue 12/2019) with the overall rating “very good” (1.5). The model offers equipment that leaves virtually nothing to be desired: Various connections, including the future-proof HDMI 2.1, a beguiling design, good sound via the integrated speakers, the latest technologies for image enhancement and LG's functional webOS operating system. Gamers are also pleased about the support of variable frame rates up to 120 Hz, which guarantee particularly quiet pictures for connected Xbox One consoles and PCs.

In addition, 4K resolution with good upscaling of lower-resolution images, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a great remote control with voice search and "mouse control" that can be carried out using air gestures. Apps for the common streaming services and the Google Assistant are also on board, in the future Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2 can also be integrated via software update. The C9 is available with a 55-inch screen diagonal for around 1,300 euros, with a 65-inch one for around 1,900 euros.

LG OLED C97LA 55 inch at Saturn

price comparison at idealo *

LG OLED C97LA 65 inch at Saturn

price comparison at idealo *

Advantages:

  • High image quality for all content
  • Variety of connections
  • Good sound
  • Effective image enhancements
  • Good software and apps
  • Good remote control

Disadvantage:

Lower brightness and risk of burn-in for static content

OLED TV alternative with Ambilight and more HDR options - Philips 55OLED804 / 65OLED804

Philips Ambilight 55OLED804 139 cm (55 inches)

Now from € 1,266.25 at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Price comparison Price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:41 a.m.

Philips also offers a line of smart TVs with OLED panels, which even impresses with Ambilight. The model series OLED804 and OLED854 presented in 2019 are available in 55 and 65 inches, but differ only in price and stand - the more expensive 854 has a T-shaped foot and can be swiveled sideways.

The built-in Ambilight technology is an advantage over devices from other manufacturers. This uses LEDs to throw colored light onto the wall behind the television, which corresponds to the picture content - in three directions with the 804. The effect of the picture in darkened rooms is “bigger”, more pleasant to the eye and more atmospheric - even if, of course, no more picture can be seen. As a gimmick, Ambilight can now also be woken up in connection with music. Another advantage of Philips devices is the support of all common HDR standards, i.e. in addition to HDR10 also HDR10 +, Dolby Vision and HLG - this combination currently offers no competitor. Android TV 9 is used as the operating system and the Google Assistant is integrated for voice control. The included remote control does not have an AirMouse function as with LG,but a keyboard on the back.

Philips current OLEDs offer a wide range of features in a great design, but they are not quite up to the level of LG in terms of gaming features and integrated sound. But the price is tough: the 55-inch model costs around 1,500 euros, the 65-inch model costs around 2,350 euros.

Philips OLED804 55 inch at Amazon

price comparison at idealo *

Philips OLED804 65 inch at Amazon

price comparison at idealo *

Advantages:

  • High image quality for all content
  • Variety of connections
  • Software with broad app support
  • HDR standards
  • Ambilight makes the picture more atmospheric

Disadvantage:

  • Lower brightness and risk of burn-in for static content
  • Lags slightly behind LG in terms of gaming features and sound

Buying a TV: what you need to know

The TV market is almost unmanageable. In addition to the examples we have presented, there are hundreds of models, some of which are available at bargain prices. When you buy a TV, you should know what to look for. Therefore here are some of the most important information.

Which size for which seat distance?

The question of the optimal size of the TV depends on four factors:

  • What are the conditions of the room in which the television should be placed?
  • How big is my seat distance from the TV ?
  • For what content I use the TV?
  • Personal preferences and requirements

According to a known rule of thumb, the distance to the television should be about 2 to 3 times the screen diagonal. A television, for example, has a 55-inch diagonal screen, which is around 140 cm - the optimal seat distance to the device is therefore 2.80 m to 4.20 m. Larger distances require larger screens, and those who sit closer to the TV due to lack of space can also use a smaller device with a clear conscience.

If you watch a lot of high-resolution material, for example films and series in 4K, a short distance or larger television is also acceptable in order to properly enjoy the sharpness of the picture. In case of doubt, console gamers should also opt for a larger model - after all, the menu items in games are now becoming smaller and smaller, and the font is often not particularly large. Of course, factors such as individual taste or poor eyesight can also play a role in the choice of size.

Image
Image

Price range of televisions: how much does a good product cost?

TVs vary in very different price categories depending on their size and function. Good 22-inch televisions are already available for 200 euros. 50- to 55-inch devices start at 450 euros. Anyone who appreciates a huge screen will pay 600 euros upwards for 65-inch televisions. Depending on the additional function, the price can get even higher: 4K televisions in the size 55 inches start at 500 to 800 euros, whoever wants OLED is quickly at 1,500 euros.

Stiftung Warentest warns: Why you shouldn't buy a supermarket television

While the discounter Aldi has been relying on the Medion brand for TVs for years, it looks a bit more diverse at other supermarkets: Here, the customer often sees enticing cheap TVs from Toshiba, Hitachi, Blaupunkt, Sharp and others (melodious) when shopping between the cheese counter and detergent shelves) Names. In a comprehensive test, the “Stiftung Warentest” took on these “action TVs” and let them compete against “endurance runners”. “Endurance runner” (permanent offer) is a TV model that can usually be found in (specialist) stores for months or even years. An “action model”, on the other hand, is produced in small numbers and only offered for a short period, usually only a few weeks.

The conclusion of the Stiftung Warentest: Better to spend a little more and buy a real branded device instead of cheap promotional goods. The apparent bargains have to struggle with jerky display during fast movements (sports programs), feature poverty (no internet, no UHD) and poor sound. Qualitative bright spots are rarely found on supermarket TVs. For "a few euros more" it is usually worth buying a higher-quality device (eg LG, Philips, Metz) and bypassing the promotional TVs that are only available at short notice. The 8-page magazine article "TV: Caution, bargain trap" is available as a PDF from Stiftung Warentest (paid article).

The action televisions are often provided with sonorous brand names, which unfortunately have already had their best times. A Blaupunkt TV comes from the Slovakian manufacturer UMC, but - especially by older customers - is still considered a premium product "made in Germany". Behind brand names like JVC, Kendo, Hitachi, Toshiba, Techwood and Telefunken has long been the Turkish electronics giant and OEM manufacturer Vestel, who is even less well known in Germany. Of course, this does not necessarily mean that the device is bad. It is just harder to find independent reviews of certain models because they are only available at short notice.

Blaupunkt BN24H1032EEB (24 inch, HD)
Blaupunkt BN24H1032EEB (24 inch, HD)

Blaupunkt BN24H1032EEB (24 inch, HD)

Now from € 107.22 at Otto price can now be higher. Price from 2020-23-07 8:52 p.m.

However, the following applies: A kitchen TV that briefly shows the news in the morning before rushing to work does not have to offer UHD, HDR, top sound and numerous connections. He has to show the news, nothing more - the 99 euro TV from the supermarket can easily do that. But if you want to get the cinema feeling in the living room and expect the latest panel generation as well as all smart TV functions, you will hardly be able to avoid looking around in specialist shops.

Buy TV: the most famous brands, common features and most popular sizes

Devices from LG and Samsung are particularly popular, although both brands are characterized by their intuitive and varied menu. Samsung also offers a particularly well-designed remote control, which is the standard for many. Devices from Sony, Philips and Panasonic are also common.

Image
Image

About the size: For the living room there is usually a 43- to 55-inch television. So the picture is not too small, but you also don't sit too close on the screen. If you have a lot of space and want to feel like you're in the cinema, you can also use a 65-inch device - ideally in combination with external boxes and cozy dim lighting. For small rooms, TVs with a size of 32 inches are ideal because they allow a smaller seat distance.

What differences there are now with TVs

LCD vs. LED vs. QLED vs. OLED: battle of screen technologies

The most important property of a television is the picture quality. And that essentially depends on the panel, i.e. the screen. To what extent the individual screen technologies differ from each other, what advantages and disadvantages they offer - we have summarized this for you in this video:

LCD vs. OLED: which is really better? - TECH facts

Tube and plasma screens are technically obsolete and are practically irrelevant today. The most common panels are LC-based displays, also called LCDs. These are manufactured by many manufacturers, have different technical properties and a wide range of quality. The advantage and disadvantage of all LC-based technologies is external lighting. So there is no "real" black on these screens and the lighting can be irregular, but significantly higher brightness values can be achieved than with OLEDs.

When it comes to lighting, LCDs have various technical terms that also play a role:

Edge lit means that either the entire screen or, with local dimming, at least large parts of the screen are illuminated even in dark scenes. This is disadvantageous for the picture quality in dark scenes. If in doubt, you should at least opt for a television with direct lit lighting. Here the lighting is behind the display instead of on the side of the panel, which makes the lighting appear more even.

Devices with full array local dimming (FALD) are one step better. Here the rear lighting consists of specially divided zones, the brightness of which can be regulated separately. This is a clear visual advantage, especially in dark scenes, for example the black bars in films are also shown in "real" black. The technology also increases the possible contrasts and improves the HDR effect. In general, the following applies to televisions with full array lighting: the more zones, the better.

LG produces "nano-cell" TVs in its LCD line, while Samsung uses its marketing term "QLED" to oppose it. Both are technologies for improved color matching and a brighter, higher-contrast image - but with classic LCD technology. The advantage of LCD-based TVs over OLEDs is, at least in the high-priced range, significantly higher brightness values and a very natural color rendering. In addition, there is no "burn-in effect". But LED TVs in dark color areas are less good, although Samsung's QLED TVs and TVs from other manufacturers with full array local dimming have caught up here.

In televisions with OLED technology, pixels do not have to be illuminated from the rear, the diodes illuminate themselves, which initially enables even thinner televisions. A big advantage of OLED televisions are therefore the "real" black tones, which enable excellent contrasts and nuances of detail even in extremely dark scenes. In addition, the intense, deep colors with extremely good lateral viewing angles speak for OLEDs. Although the maximum brightness does not quite come close to that of classic LCD TVs, there is the so-called burn-in effect, which creates long-term "shadows" in the picture when the same subject is shown for a long time - but both problems can be neglected in normal use become.

Opinions differ as to whether (Q) LED or OLED TVs have better picture quality. The question depends on personal taste, great images can produce both technologies.

Buy 4K TV or set to 8K?

4K resolution, also called UHD, has four times as many pixels as Full HD. If you look at content that is available in 4K resolution, you benefit from a sharper and more lifelike picture. If you just want to watch classic television and DVDs and are not planning to change that in the near future, you don't need a 4K television. But: 4K is now established, especially for streaming services and 4K BluRays and gaming on the PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, it is worth buying a 4K TV. From a screen size of 49 inches, we therefore recommend 4K, especially since there will hardly be any good Full HD devices in these sizes any time soon.

The first 8K televisions started on the mass market in 2019. The corresponding devices are far too expensive in view of the hardly noticeable better picture quality, at least on normal screen sizes. In addition, they consume more electricity, they generate a lot of heat and there is still a lack of appropriate media. For early 2020, we still advise normal consumers not to buy 8K televisions. It remains to be seen how technology will develop.

Of course, you also need a suitable lowboard for the new television, on which it can be placed - like this model from Otto:

KITALY Lowboard Genio
KITALY Lowboard Genio

KITALY Lowboard Genio

Now from € 199.99 at Otto price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:37 a.m.

HDR - an investment in the future

HDR, short for "High Dynamic Range", provides a wider color spectrum, stronger contrasts and a higher maximum brightness compared to the "normal" SDR (Standard Dynamic Range). If HDR is used by the content played and the TV, the effect is convincing and a real added value.

However, there is not yet too much media, standards compete with each other (HDR10, HDR10 +, Dolby Vision) and TVs in the lower price range do not use HDR properly. As a result, the difference may either be barely noticeable or the picture may look worse on poor devices than on SDR. Currently, HDR is "mandatory" only in higher price regions. But even there it is advisable not to buy blindly, but to read test reports online.

Important for streaming fans: Netflix delivers HDR content in the HDR10 and Dolby Vision standards, Amazon Prime supports HDR10 and HDR10 +. Samsung and Philips newer high-end TVs support HDR10 and HDR10 +, the LG devices HDR10 and Dolby Vision. That means: An optimal Netflix picture is available from LG, prettier Amazon Prime content from Samsung and Philips - of course only if the content supports the respective standards. A few TV models now support both HDR10 + and Dolby Vision, such as the 2019 OLED TVs from Philips mentioned above.

What does Smart TV mean - and do I need it?

Smart TV functions make sense for everyone who wants to watch content from the Internet - from YouTube to Netflix and Amazon Prime to Sky, Maxdome and DAZN. Smart TVs also make operation easier via sophisticated user interfaces. Finally, another important function is the playback of local content via USB data carrier or in the network.

There is a whole range of smart TV platforms thanks to which apps and streaming services in particular can be used. The main ones are Tizen (Samsung), webOS (LG) and Android TV (Sony, Philips and others).

If you have an old or underperforming television, a device with inadequate Smart TV functions or a screen that does not have Smart TV features (many projectors, PC monitors and the like), you can still “upgrade” to Smart TV. For this you have to connect an additional device. In addition to game consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, some of which also offer Smart TV functionality, there are cheaper or specialized options.

Inexpensive: Chromecast

Image
Image

Google Chromecast is a small device that plugs directly into an HDMI port on the TV. This allows media content from Netflix and other services to be streamed. The control takes place entirely via the smartphone. Chromecast costs around 40 euros in the basic version Chromecast 3, 70 euros you pay for the 4K-capable Chromecast Ultra. More about Google Chromecast at GIGA.

Chromecast 3 at Saturn

Price Comparison at idealo *

Chromecast Ultra at Saturn

Price Comparison at idealo *

Chromecast alternative from Amazon: Fire TV Stick 4K

Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with Alexa voice remote control
Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with Alexa voice remote control

Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with Alexa voice remote control

Now from € 59.99 at Amazon Similar offer at Saturn Price can now be higher. Price from 30.03.2020 02:27 p.m.

Amazon's alternative, the Fire TV Stick, costs similarly to a Chromecast. Advantage: its own user interface, which can be operated directly on the television using the supplied remote control and which can also be used to install new apps. Disadvantage: advertising and a strong focus on Amazon's own content. More in our test on the Fire TV Stick 4K.

Versatile: Nvidia Shield TV

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro

Now from € 213.48 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 1:17 a.m.

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019) is a powerful box through which you can get a complete Android TV system, use all relevant streaming services and play local media via USB connection or via network share. The separately available game controller turns the device into a game console - either directly on the device (game apps from the Play Store), streamed from the PC in the local network (Nvidia Geforce graphics card required on the PC) or from the Internet via Nvidia's fee Geforce Now Service.

For Apple fans: Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K 32GB

Now from € 184.90 at Cyberport Similar offer at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 26.07.2020 23:28 p.m.

With the Apple TV 4K streaming set-top box, Apple's own and other streaming services can be used, of course with 4K and HDR support. The user interface is exemplary, games can be downloaded from the App Store in conjunction with additional controllers. Regular updates and optimal support for AirPlay 2 also distinguish the box. The best option if you already have other Apple devices. More in our test on Apple TV 4K. Cost: around 190 euros.

Article history:

  • 2019-28-06: Initial publication
  • 2019-18-09: Update: Ambilight TV added, information about 8K TVs added, prices updated, table of contents adjusted
  • 2020-10-02: Update: new Stiftung Warentest test winner integrated, LCD backlight better explained
  • 2020-24-03: Update: Prices updated, Stiftung-Warentest note on supermarket TVs added

Recommended: