When buying a TV, people try to find the model with the largest diagonal for the money they are willing to spend. A large picture will give more emotions and immerse you in what is happening. In 2021, relatively inexpensive options for 50-70 inches are coming out, although 5 years ago this was only available to wealthy buyers.
But it’s not always possible to place such a panel in a room, but you still want to watch TV shows. It’s rare that a dacha or kitchen can accommodate even a 32-inch TV, which is now considered small. In this case, models with small screens come to the rescue.
Differences from full-fledged models
This item depends on the price. If it is not important, then you can get all the features of large models in a compact case. But if we compare solutions with the same price, the smaller diagonal loses in terms of resolution. What needs to be considered here is not the direct comparison, but the pixel density per inch. With a smaller diagonal, even a small resolution is enough to get the same sharp picture as on a large 4K panel.
A compact TV is inferior in sound quality because there is no room for acoustics. In terms of brightness it loses by 1.5-2 times or more.
But in terms of the set of connection ports, additional functions, and the ability to mount on a wall, TVs with a smaller diagonal are no different from their older analogues. At the same time, they weigh as much as a laptop, and consume less energy than the average incandescent lamp.
You always want to choose the best solution for your money, but you don’t have the time or desire to search. In this case, the rating of TVs in 2021 with a small diagonal will help.
How to choose a small TV for the kitchen
When choosing a TV for the kitchen, the following characteristics are taken into account: dimensions, screen resolution, viewing angle, functionality, and placement options are considered.
Size
The parameters of the device depend on two main factors: the size of the kitchen and the availability of space to place the TV.
You need to focus on the following dimensions:
- for a small room of 6-8 m², an acceptable screen diagonal is 19-20 inches;
- a TV with a diagonal of 22-24 inches looks harmonious in a room of 9-12 m²;
- in a kitchen space of 13 m² or more, you can install a device with a diagonal of 25-28 inches or more.
In a room combining a kitchen and a living room, a flat volumetric appliance is generally installed. For non-standard very small rooms, you can choose an inexpensive unit of 15 or 18 inches.
Screen resolution and viewing angle
Important criteria when choosing a model are screen resolution and viewing angle. Miniature equipment with dimensions of 19-35 is equipped with two parameters: HD-ready 720p (1280x720 pixels) and Full HD 1080p (1920x1080 pixels).
When purchasing a device, it is extremely important to consider the viewing angle. It determines how well the screen can be viewed from all sides without distorting the picture. The optimal value is considered to be a viewing angle of at least 170 degrees. The best maximum value is 178 degrees.
Functional
Like their kinescope counterparts, modern devices broadcast TV programs using an antenna. TVs with a small diagonal have quite a wide range of functionality.
Additional functions of the equipment are listed below.
- The USB port allows you to connect a flash drive or solid-state drives.
- Smart TV partially gives the device the functions of a computer. Connecting to the Internet makes it possible to use social networks and search for information by navigating through pages in the browser.
- Digital TV tuner. The design with built-in digital signal reception will save on the purchase of a decoder.
Multifunctionality implies a high price for the product, so you should choose equipment wisely without paying for useless options.
Accommodation options
To properly place appliances in the kitchen, you need to focus on personal preferences, space and budget.
The location options are as follows.
- The wall is the most convenient option. The device with mounts can be placed anywhere in the room. The bracket allows you to easily tilt the product for easy viewing.
- Built-in - a device that “moves out” only for the time of use or a TV built into a kitchen set.
- Niche. Installation involves planning the location during the manufacturing process of the headset. When the device is turned off, you can close it with doors that mask the equipment.
- A shelf or bedside table is the simplest way, suitable for large rooms.
To calculate the height of placing the device on the wall, you need to know that when viewed at eye level, the third lower part or center of the screen should be located.
Rating of the best models
To make it easier to navigate before buying a TV, you need to study the rating of inexpensive devices that are available for sale on the Russian market. These models are very compact, inexpensive, and the image quality is improved.
Thomson T19RTE1060
This inexpensive model has classic characteristics that may appeal to the average user. The TV has no unnecessary options and is made in a neutral style, so it is suitable for most interiors. Positive points:
- The built-in backlight, while the glass is dark, does not irritate during the day, and the TV seems larger.
- The image quality is excellent, you can watch videos in improved resolution, and reproduces most modern television broadcast formats.
- The screen diagonal is 19 inches, and there are no thick, conspicuous frames.
- The viewing angle is 178°/178°. This allows you to use the model for the kitchen, since it is not necessary to point in front of the device to see the image on the monitor.
- The resolution is 1366x768 pixels, you can watch videos in 720p HD format.
- Edge LED lighting.
- Thomson T19RTE1060 is designed for broadcasting central channels, provides excellent reception, and does not slow down during signal processing. If desired, you can watch an image or video from an external media on the screen. There is a built-in media player for this.
- If you enable TimeShift mode, PVR can record a program that the user is watching online on a USB drive.
- The device has an image noise reduction function and automatically increases contrast.
- Accelerated pixel response to image changes – 6.5 ms.
- Interfaces USB, HDMI 1.4 (CEC, ARC), SCART, AV, VGA, audio outputs – linear and coaxial.
- Digital tuner built-in DVB-T2/C.
- The manufacturer equips the device with VESA 100×100 mm brackets. The model is equipped with legs for installation on a flat surface.
Minuses:
- The speakers have a power of 2x3 W.
- No light sensor.
BBK 20LEM-1056/T2C
Despite the fact that the brand is Chinese, the device is of decent quality.
This is a good device for the kitchen, and this TV is the largest of the devices reviewed at a similar price. Display diagonal – 20 inches. The model differs from earlier analogues mainly in its interesting firmware, due to which the functions have been expanded. The design is classic but fits well with every kitchen style.
The advantages include:
- Increased resolution. The device can reproduce materials in HD 720p format.
- The monitor has a brightness of 180 cd/m² and an improved contrast ratio of 3000:1.
- The extended viewing angle is 178°/178°, there is a slight distortion, but not significant, so you can watch a movie from anywhere in the kitchen.
- The tuner is digital and analogue, so there will be no problems receiving different broadcast channels; DVB-T2/C (on-air, cable) formats are available.
- Media player, built-in H.265 codec.
- USB, HDMI, VGA connectors are provided.
- The speakers are powerful - 10 W, providing stereo sound, despite the fact that there are only two of them.
Minuses:
- No support for network functions.
- If you watch an analog channel, the picture will be slow.
Philips 24PHT4031
Philips is a company that is not only well-known, but also boasts a wide variety of high-quality equipment and increased demand. It is justified, since the price-quality ratio is one of the best on the Russian market.
The model in question for the kitchen can be considered ideal. The device has an optimal size, an interesting design, which at the same time does not draw attention to itself. The usual options are included, so you won’t have to look for anything extra. The main positive qualities include a number of properties:
- Transmitting images in high quality up to 1366x768 pixels: this is work in Full HD format.
- Diagonal 24 inches. Of course, this is not the smallest smart TV, however, if the room is spacious, it will do.
- Built-in lighting.
- Using Digital Crystal Clear technology, which improves color reproduction, the colors are bright and saturated.
- The viewing angle is usual for models - 178°/178°, there is no picture distortion - this is an advantage of this particular TV. It is comfortable to look at the screen from any angle.
- High-power processor for faster image processing.
- You can use headphones. Two speakers, 3 W each.
The disadvantages of the model include:
- Doesn't work well with analog channels.
- Functionality without frills.
Samsung T24E310EX
Not the smallest TV diagonal, as it is 24 inches, however, a device with an attractive design and improved image quality is suitable for a spacious kitchen. Attractive in appearance and small LED TV/monitor from Samsung - 2021 model: not new, but nothing to become outdated here. The design is simple, the functionality corresponds to the entry level, but with some nice additions.
Advantages:
- WVA matrix.
- 178°/178° viewing angle and 8ms fast pixel response.
- Supports many types of broadcasting, while the picture remains excellent even on analogue.
- Outputs for external media USB, SCART, two HDMI.
- Two speakers, 5 W each.
The downside is that the control panel is not very convenient.
Types of portable TVs
This TV also has its own types, which can be divided for different purposes. The most common type of division is by what is built into the TV. The most optimal diagonal for a TV is considered to be about 5-10 inches. This format is enough to cover consumer demand. Larger models most often do not attract users, as they are quite expensive.
As a rule, a TV that has more additional indicators built in is charged a higher price, that is, due to its functionality, the cost of the device also increases. The classic division of portable TVs works as follows:
- With antenna;
- With DVD player;
- With battery;
- Battery operated;
- Folding.
Also, those who have a fairly extensive package are additionally distinguished, but we will skip this point, since it does not represent much difference from others.
With antenna
The first type is with an antenna. Such TVs catch the picture worse; they also operate on a built-in antenna, which automatically makes the picture worse. Optimization of the operation of this option is necessary; you can add an additional external cable connected to the antenna to increase the quality of the display. Most often, such TVs come with headphones, a stand, the device itself, and a remote control. Sometimes a cigarette lighter or batteries are also included.
With DVD player
The second type is with a DVD player, that is, a digital tuner. This model works better than the one described above, since it is capable of receiving analog and digital television, equipped with a radio receiver and even a navigator. This model has fairly high image quality, and, of course, the price is expensive because of this. Despite this, this option is in greater demand than other models.
Portable TVs with battery
The third type is portable TVs with a battery. Such TVs are designed for long and long viewing, and they are charged via a regular AC adapter. Since they can work without a connection, the price of such devices is much higher. And the advantages are long-term operation and the ability to do without a long amount of charging.
Battery operated
The fourth type is battery-powered. This type of device is not heavy; it is worth noting that it is preferable for those users who just need to watch something. The picture quality does not promise to be the best, it does not provide long-term operation, and constant replacement of batteries is required. Most often, such a device is equipped with additional capabilities, but they already take up the lion’s share of the remaining battery, so you should not connect additional capabilities to such TVs.
Folding
The fifth type is folding. One of the most convenient, as they are small enough and come folded. The device does not take up much space; you can take it not only on the road, but also on a long trip. The only disadvantages of such a device are that it is quite expensive, and this option is also quite difficult to find. Plus - compactness and lightness. The picture is clear enough to clearly see what's happening on the screen.
These five types are the most common. It is worth noting that the choice of type depends on the goals that the user sets for himself.