The operating system: the number one criterion
In 2025, the choice of operating system directly affects your daily experience: menu fluidity, application availability, software updates, and product lifespan.
Three systems dominate the market:
- Google TV / Android TV (Sony, TCL, Philips): the largest catalog of applications via the Google Play Store, regular updates, compatible with Google Assistant
- Tizen (Samsung): very fluid interface, well-integrated Samsung ecosystem, slightly more limited application catalog
- webOS (LG): intuitive and reactive interface, excellent support for premium video formats, guaranteed 5-year updates on recent models
If you use many third-party applications, Google TV offers the best compatibility. If you prioritize fluidity and image quality, Tizen (Samsung) or webOS (LG) will be more suitable.
Resolution: 4K or 8K in 2025?
Full HD (1080p) is now completely outdated for a new purchase. In 2025, 4K UHD is the essential standard, with a pixel density four times higher than Full HD.
8K exists and is beginning to become more common, but native content remains extremely rare. Manufacturers' 8K upscaling is impressive on high-end models, but it alone does not justify the extra cost for most users.
HDR: the true criterion for image quality
Even more than resolution, the HDR (High Dynamic Range) format determines the richness of colors and contrasts. In 2025, prioritize:
- Dolby Vision: the most qualitative standard, very well supported by streaming platforms
- HDR10+: the alternative developed by Samsung, compatible with Amazon Prime content
- HDR10: the minimum acceptable, present on all 4K models
OLED, QLED, Mini-LED: which panel technology to choose?
| Technology | Strengths | Weaknesses | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLED | Perfect blacks, excellent viewing angles, maximum responsiveness | Peak brightness lower than QLED, risk of burn-in (minimal) | Starting from €800 |
| QLED | Very high brightness, excellent for bright rooms | Blacks less deep than OLED | Starting from €500 |
| Mini-LED | Best brightness/contrast compromise, durable | Possible halo effect around bright areas | Starting from €700 |
| Classic LCD | Accessible price | Grayish blacks, limited viewing angles | Starting from €300 |
The refresh rate
The refresh rate (Hz) indicates the number of images displayed per second. For classic video streaming, 60 Hz is perfectly sufficient. For sports content or gaming, native 120 Hz provides significantly superior fluidity.
Beware of "Motion Rate", "Clear Motion" or "PQI" mentions: these are marketing values that do not correspond to the actual native frequency. Always look for the mention "native 120Hz" in the technical specifications.
Ports: think about the future
A point often overlooked when buying: the number and quality of HDMI ports. In 2025, make sure you have at least:
- 2 HDMI 2.1 ports minimum for future connections (consoles, PCs, multimedia boxes)
- USB 3.0 for high-definition file playback
- Wi-Fi 6 integrated for uninterrupted streaming
- Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting wireless headphones and speakers