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Over the years, the size of mainstream TV screens has increased, and we are now in a situation where a 55-inch set is affordable for most consumers for use as a main set, however, there are certain scenarios, such as where space is limited or rooms are small or oddly shaped, where a smaller set is required. The good news is that there is still an abundance of sets in the smaller sizes, and when it comes to 40” sets there is little sacrifice when it comes to specifications.
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What is the best 40 inch TV UK?
You may not see the range of features available in flagship models, however all the featured sets have a minimum of full HD 1080P resolutions and smart features including catch-up TV services. While most sets have 4K these days, for smaller sets this is not necessarily an essential feature as the size of the screen will reduce the effect of an improved resolution to a minimum in practical everyday use, especially when you consider that most content is still HD.
Samsung Q60T QLED TV
Samsung 2020 43″ Q60T QLED 4K Quantum HDR Smart TV with: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
- Q HDR powered by HDR10+: experience exceptional picture detail, just as the film makers intended
- 100% Colour Volume and Dual LED: get genuine cinematic colour, made from over a billion shades thanks to 100% Colour Volume, and discover bold contrast and accurate colour with Dual LED
- Crystal Processor 4K: adapts to give you the very best 4K picture and targeted sound
- Adaptive Sound: perfects every sound for what you're watching
- What's in the box: Samsung 2020 43" Q60T QLED 4K Quantum HDR Smart TV, One Remote Control, standard remote, batteries, user manual and power cable
This is the cheapest QLED TV offered by Samsung, however it is feature rich and barring a few compromises such as only having edge lighting and a slightly slower processor than the other models in the range, it offers an excellent performance for the price.
This set has fairly low-key aesthetics with a slim bezel forked side stands which are removeable for wall mounting. The frame is black, and while this looks minimalist the set lacks some of the premium touches that the best sets offer. For connectivity, this set has 3 HDMI ports (one of which is e-arc compatible), satellite and antenna inputs, AV in, ethernet, optical out and 2 USB ports. For wireless connectivity both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are present.
Samsung employs a system called “Quantum HDR” which reproduces pictures as the director intended – detail is very crisp and clear and there are improvements with shadowing and black levels. Samsung’s QLED technology is certified to deliver 100% colour volume. QLED technology, unlike others, can transform light into breath-taking colour without degradation over time. Standard resolution can be upscaled to 4K with good results. An adaptive sound system dynamically alters the output to match the scene which should help reduce the annoyance experienced during particularly quiet sections of some programs, however due to the limited size of the speakers an external sound bar may be required.
As is customary with premium Samsung set, you are supplied with two remote control units – a fully featured remote and a basic one with just the essential functions. Buttons for direct access to both Amazon and Netflix are present on both units. Using the Tizen operating system, the smart TV features are well organised with an extensive range of catch-up services. You also have a choice of which smart assistant to use as this set is compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Samsung’s own Bixby system. AirPlay2, which is used for connecting Apple devices, is also present.
Users are impressed with the picture quality and range of features on offer, although some users have commented that there is slight motion blur in certain scenarios (although this is common to all sets that do not have 120Hz refresh rates – a feature that costs a lot more), and that when used with HDR content the images lack brightness. Some customers have noted that the fact that this unit has legs instead of a central stand makes it unsuitable for use on some surfaces because the span between the legs may be wider than the surface.
Panasonic TX-40HX800BZ
- Multi HDR Support (HDR10/ HDR10+ / HLG / Dolby Vision)
- 4K HDR – Bright Panel Plus
- HDR10+ / Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos
- HCX Processor – Experience powerful picture quality
This LED set from Panasonic is a 4K multi-HDR unit with both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support that is very energy efficient. Priced slightly higher than most other sets in this size range it does however offer a huge range of features and enhancements which are customary with the Panasonic brand. This set has a slim bezel and a slightly unusual stand which is much larger than the minimalist stands most other manufacturers use – it is not for everyone; however, it can be removed for wall mounting. Connectivity consists of 3 HDMI ports (including one ARC), 2 USB, Component AV inputs, only one aerial input, ethernet, optical out, and a port for connecting a subwoofer. Wireless capabilities include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Panasonic claims the picture of this set was tuned in Hollywood by an industry expert to deliver faithful detail and colour and this is further enhanced through the use of a “HCX Processor” which remasters images and achieves a high level of accuracy. The HDR10+ picture optimisation with Dolby Vision dynamically adjusts colour, contrast, and brightness to bring out the best in any scene. Unlike many sets of this type and size, the Panasonic has decent sound quality with a pair of 10W speakers, built in Dolby Atmos, and the ability to connect a subwoofer directly to the set. The “Bluetooth Audio Link” feature allows the connection of external Bluetooth devices so you can enjoy your music everywhere in the home wirelessly. This panel has local dimming which means that the screen contrast between light and dark areas can be controlled via a zoning system. This offers far better image control that the cheaper and more prevalent edge lighting used by most manufacturers, especially on sets lower in price. There is a dedicated game mode which reduces post-processing and enhances the response of the set; however, refresh rates are still limited to 60Hz.
Google Assistant and Alexa support are both present, as it the ability to control Freeview Play using voice commands. The remote control is fully featured, if not a bit confusing and cluttered, and offers direct access buttons for both Freeview and Netflix, but not Amazon. There is a good range of smart features and catch-up services, although as with most Panasonic sets a better experience can be had elsewhere – this is one area where other brands have the edge.
Users are very impressed with the picture quality although some have noted that a good deal of adjustment and tinkering is required to get the best from it, with the out-of-box settings being less than optimal. A few customers have mentioned that this set is best viewed head-on with poor side viewing angles, so it may not be the best choice where seating positions are off-centre or for larger rooms.
Sharp 2T-C40BG3KG2FB
- This Sharp LED TV can be connected to an array of devices using the 3 x HDMI, SCART, 2 x USB, Component, Composite and Digital Optical Audio ports. It can be used on a table top/stand/TV unit or wall mounted.
- With the Smart capability of Sharp you can access a range of apps, such as Netflix, YouTube and BBC iPlayer, direct to your TV. Screen share with your smart device using Miracast.
- Freeview Play is live and on demand. You can watch catch up through your TV guide and stay on top of the last seven days’ viewing, so all your favourite shows are available when you want them.
- A compact unit with a multitude of features such as DTS TruSurround, Freeview HD and PVR recording, the 2T-C40BG3KG2FB is ideal for use in the Kitchen, Bedroom or Lounge.
- The slim, lightweight design is ideal for wall mounting and also comes with an easy fit stand. The built-in Freeview HD means less wires and less boxes.
If you are looking for a 40-inch set as a second TV or for use in a bedroom, some features can be sacrificed to achieve a good cost / performance ratio. This set from Sharp has all the main features required in a smart TV, however it lacks 4K compatibility, which may not be an issue as the improvement seen with such high resolutions on smaller sets is marginal, especially when its used in locations that do not have access to high resolution input sources.
This Sharp LED TV is an attractive model with extremely narrow bezels, and it can be connected to an array of devices using the 3 x HDMI (limited to version 1.3), SCART, 2 x USB, Component, Composite and Digital Optical Audio ports. It also features Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity although Bluetooth is lacking so if you plan to use headphones these cannot be directly connected, and you will need additional hardware unless used with a wire. This unit can be mounted on a tabletop/stand/TV unit or wall mounted, although bear in mind that the stand has edge feet so will require a wide surface if used in tabletop mode.
This Tv has a pair of Harman Kardon speakers which enhance dialogue and finer detail, and the set has DTS TruSurround HD. The “ActiveMotion 200” system reduces blurriness and brings images into focus very quickly which is ideal for sports fans and action movies. Sharp uses a system of picture reproduction that enhances specific colour groups so, for example, yellow shades are better defined with less edge bleeding than many other sets.
With the built in Smart capabilities you can access a range of apps, such as Netflix, Amazon, YouTube BBC iPlayer, 4, My 5, and dedicated buttons for both Netflix and Freeview Play are available on the remote-control unit. The inclusion of Miracast allows you to share content from a mobile device directly to the screen. The system used for smart apps means its unlikely that many additional services will be added in the future, however, external devices for connectivity such as a Fire TV stick can be used when that becomes a problem, obviously at additional cost.
Users are pleased with the picture and sound quality and the range of features on offer; however, some have commented that navigating through menus and changing settings is difficult, especially with smart services, and some have experienced frequent disconnections from wireless services. The sharpness of the image and the high maximum volume levels are commended, however, Sharp are not known for issuing frequent software updates so any issues may take some time to resolve, if at all.
HISENSE 43A7100FTUK
- 4K Resolution- With 4x more pixels than traditional Full HD, Hisense’s 4K Ultra HD resolution is the benchmark for stunningly realistic picture quality and pin-sharp clarity.
- DTS Studio Sound- An immersive sound experience. Volume Levelling cleverly smooths transitions between inputs and when changing channels.
- HDR Technology- HDR dramatically enhances detail by maximising contrast and colour accuracy for more true-to-life colours and amazing levels of clarity.
- VIDAA U Smart TV - access Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Freeview Play and Rakuten with direct access keys on remote.
- Freeview Play - Catch up on the last 7 days via BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Demand 5 and UKTV Play.
At a slightly larger size of 43”, this 4k model from Hisense has an impressive array of features given its very reasonable price. HDR compatibility delivers brighter highlights and ten times darker blacks while maintaining a vivid but natural viewing experience due to the use HDR10+ decoding. With a slim bezel and slimline feet this is an attractive set that is nicely styled to fit most homes, although if your intention is to mount it on a tabletop bear in mind that the stand requires a wide surface. The smooth motion feature analyses any movement in adjacent frames and inserts an optimal image in between to create a more fluid illusion of motion which is invaluable especially when viewing sport or high-speed action programs or movies and the inclusion of an ultra-dimming feature means that contrast is evenly controlled. The sound system is Dolby Digital DTS Studio Sound compatible and the sound produced is about as good as it gets for a slim TV without using an external sound bar, especially considering the wide array of sound enhancement options in the menu.
Inputs / outputs include three 4K 60Hz compatible HDMI ports, 2 USB, optical, DVB-S and DVB-T antenna inputs, LAN, and AV, which should be sufficient for most needs. For wireless access this set includes Wi-Fi. This model uses the Hisense VIDAA U Smart TV system which includes access to Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Freeview Play among others, and most services have dedicated quick access buttons on the remote control. In addition to the remote control, this unit can be controlled using the “Remote Now” app which is available for both Android and IOS devices. Alexa compatibility is also built in.
User reports indicate an overwhelming satisfaction with the picture quality, sound quality and output volume, and the range of smart features on offer. Some users have noted that they have experienced issues with the software, especially in relation to smart services with catch up TV software requiring re-installation, especially iPlayer, however a recent software update has fixed some of these issues. Hisense issue frequent software updates in my experience and these often add functionality in addition to fixing bugs, which is more than can be said even for some of the better-known manufacturers.
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