Watching TV is not fashionable, but most people still have it at home. The reason is that we have almost completely switched to the smart version of these devices. They have everything: TV channels, integration with streaming services (YouTube, Netflix, etc.) and even games. Surely such a TV should cost the same as two regular ones? Not at all necessary. The Chinese company Xiaomi made a name for itself with budget but functional smartphones, and is now applying the same practice to creating TVs. They are noticeably cheaper than competitors with the same characteristics. In this article, we select, review and rate the best Xiaomi TVs in 2021.
Photo: flickr.com
Russian retail can be competitive
After a careful study of the characteristics, prices and their dynamics, quite interesting details emerged.
Chinese TVs produced by Xiaomi and LeEco (LeTV) are relevant only with large diagonals. Samsung's 65-inch flagship models, whose matrix is used in Chinese TVs, are too expensive.
However, with a diagonal of 55-65 inches, Chinese TVs for the domestic market can find an adequate alternative in Russia. Also Chinese - but with a guarantee, for cash or in installments, online and offline.
There are two very important brands for the home appliances industry, but little known in Russia:
- TCL (formerly TTK, people over 25 definitely remember their products, and in 2015 - the best TV manufacturer); — Hisense (this year they released a cheap ultra-short throw 4K projector with the ability to view in a lit room - this is a technological breakthrough).
We were able to see them live and compare them in terms of image quality, system speed and general characteristics. It turned out to be competitive.
How to choose a Chinese TV?
When choosing a TV, you should carefully study such characteristics as:
- screen size and model design - the purchased TV should fit well into the place where it is intended to be installed, not be in dissonance with the surrounding interior and not be too small or too large for comfortable viewing;
- , etc. — you should give preference to more modern matrices (IPS instead of VA), higher resolution (not lower than Full HD and 4 K), high refresh rates (not lower than 60 Hz);
- HDR (high dynamic range) is a technology responsible for improving image quality - it is advisable that the model you purchase has the latest version of HDR;
- Smart-TV – smart functionality that makes it easier to manage your TV and connected devices;
- sound is not the most important parameter, but it is advisable to choose a TV whose sound suits the owners.
TCL - Amazon's unrecognized hit
As a budget display, the younger TCL models work great. There are successful models with 4K resolution and large diagonals.
True, the maximum supported frame rate per second is 30-60. This may not be enough for some movie fans, and even more so for gamers.
The operating system is regular Android for a smartphone. You can install the necessary applications and teach it to play all the necessary file formats.
TCL's newest models are based on quantum dot screens - just like Samsung's best. At the same time, the cost of Chinese products is one and a half to two times lower!
In the US, these are the cheapest 4K TVs. It's worth reading the reviews. In general, they boil down to the fact that for watching films - budget, but enough. At least for the next two to three years.
What to look for when choosing a TV
First, let's talk about the characteristics that buyers should look for when choosing a TV. We have tried to cover all parameters that are important for the overall assessment. These include external characteristics, filling, and, of course, video and audio indicators.
Design
TVs with thin frames around the screen are an undeniable trend that came from the world of mobile technology. But curved screens usually distort the picture, and they are not very convenient for placement in the house: they take up more space on the counter, and the corners extending from the wall do not always aesthetically fit into the interior. The TV should be invisible when it is turned off and focus attention on itself when it is on. For this, this TV design will receive additional points in our rating.
Diagonal
The first question that a potential TV buyer has is its size. Screen diagonals vary from the largest (60–70 inches) to small (30–40 inches). You should focus on the space available in the apartment or the ability to hang the TV on the wall. The most optimal size on the market is 45–55 inches, and models with this screen size are especially popular, they make up the majority of the Xiaomi model line. We will evaluate the diagonal according to the principle “the larger the better,” but focusing on the price category of the TV.
Image quality
Now it makes sense to buy a TV with maximum picture resolution. Despite the fact that Full HD models are still in use, it is better to choose, and most streaming services support this particular resolution. Models with 6K and 8K also exist, but have not yet gained popularity. They are chosen by wealthy buyers and futurists, since progress is moving very quickly and we can count on the fact that these formats will soon become popular. For now, we are choosing 4K as the resolution standard.
Any TV has several screen quality parameters: its type (LED or LCD), brightness and contrast, etc. LED screens are considered more modern, and other characteristics are interrelated to ensure maximum picture quality. We will evaluate all these indicators together: any deficiency will reduce the score.
Audio quality
When it comes to TV sound, reviews are often very critical. Most models are equipped with a built-in speaker, the quality of which is often weaker than that of a soundbar or audio system. However, technology is improving, manufacturers are adding new audio features to TVs and experimenting with the placement of speakers so that the sound simulates the effect of the environment as much as possible. It is important to avoid rattling and overload at high frequencies and extreme volume. We will evaluate the sound quality based on the technology used and its power.
Additional functions
Xiaomi TVs are equipped with different sets of functions. Smart TVs have a built-in operating system, application stores and a certain amount of memory. Ordinary ones are no different. We will rate TVs according to their smart features.
Two-faced Hisense
Hisense is represented in two faces at once: they are sold under their own name, and among the DEXP H series .
Subjectively, despite the outdated Opera TV operating system, they are much more interesting than even the advanced TLC.
A brighter panel, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a ton of full-featured ports all play a role. Including HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0. This makes it possible to use a Chinese set-top box for $20 or a receiver. It will be more functional. Although I use the built-in Netflix application or watch movies from the NAS (however, the photo shows Xiaomi Mi TV Box 3).
According to professional research, Hisense's color reproduction is a bit off and the video stream latency is quite high (up to 50 ms). For gaming, you should think about purchasing a monitor.
And for a bracket in the living room - Hisense TVs in Russia turn out to be not only the cheapest, but also the highest quality TV in the lower price segment (the closest analogues start from 50 thousand).
TOP 3 best inexpensive Chinese TVs
Price is a parameter that often determines whether a purchase will be made. The most inexpensive, but at the same time very worthy TVs from Chinese concerns in 2020-2021 were the following models.
HARPER 24R470T 23.5″ (2017)
The low cost of this device is mainly due to the small size of its diagonal, since the remaining parameters of the model can satisfy even a fairly demanding viewer .
After all, this TV is distinguished by a good screen with an optimal resolution for this size, giving a bright and fairly clear picture, excellent viewing angles that allow you to enjoy the plot from any angle to the screen and from any angle, a well-kept stylish and laconic design and intuitive controls that do not requiring frequent reference to the instructions: the viewer can correct the images using special filters.
There are all the necessary connectors for connecting storage devices and hard drives.
Built-in digital tuners allow you to receive signals without purchasing additional equipment.
A nice bonus is the ability to record video on external media and the Time Shift function, which allows you to pause the broadcast of an interesting movie or program and return to watching it a little later.
Options:
- diagonal, inches (cm) - 23.5 (60);
- TV resolution - HD, 1366 x 768;
- refresh rate, Hz — 50;
- sound, W - 2x3;
- dimensions, mm / kg - 553 x 334 x 74 / 2.38;
- additionally - TimeShift, sleep timer, child lock, video recording to USB.
pros
fast;
Supports major music and video formats.
Minuses
no Wi-Fi;
flat sound.
Blackton 2401B 23.6″ (2020)
Thanks to HD resolution, which is high enough for this screen size, and large viewing angles, the TV produces an excellent, high-quality, bright and detailed picture with good contrast and without distortion .
Equipped with all the necessary connectors, including USB and HDMI, allowing you to easily and quickly connect a game console, set-top box to your TV, or simply view any video content from an external storage device.
Can be placed on the included stylish legs or can be easily mounted on the wall using traditional mounting.
The audio system is represented by 2 built-in speakers, filling the room with a voluminous acoustic atmosphere.
There is a separate headphone jack . The parental control and sleep timer functions will allow you to effectively limit the operation of the device if the need arises.
Options:
- diagonal, inches (cm) - 23.6 (60);
- TV resolution - HD, 1366 x 768;
- refresh rate, Hz — 50;
- sound, W - 2x3;
- dimensions, mm / kg - 552 x 332 x 67 / 2.35;
- additionally - TimeShift, sleep timer, child lock, video recording to USB.
pros
excellent picture and sound;
compact.
Minuses
there are no modern “tricks”;
matrix.
Hyundai H-LED32ET4100 32″
A stylish frameless TV that fits perfectly into any room and has good functionality .
Optimal resolution allows you to view high-quality, clear and detailed images with the most suitable levels of contrast and brightness. Built-in tuners allow you to receive broadcast signals of various formats - cable, digital, satellite.
The presence of USB ports allows you to view content from external media, and HDMI connectors are designed for connecting game consoles, speaker systems and other devices.
There is a function for pausing the broadcast and then watching from the place where it was interrupted, there is a sleep timer that turns off the TV, and parental controls for limiting the time children watch content and establishing other procedures for using the TV.
Options:
- diagonal, inches (cm) - 32 (81);
- TV resolution - HD, 1366 x 768;
- refresh rate, Hz — 60;
- sound, W - 2 x 5;
- dimensions, mm / kg - 724.3 x 425 x 87.8 / 3.7;
- additionally - TimeShift, sleep timer, child lock, video recording to USB.
pros
design;
image quality.
Minuses
tight remote control buttons;
sound.
Personal experience
As a result of research and pure chance, I found myself the owner of a 50-inch (exactly what I needed) DEXP TV with the H index. That is, Hisense.
During the New Year holidays, its cost dropped to 34 thousand rubles versus 50 thousand for any analogue with 4K. There are no competitors at this price. Now he has won back 5 thousand, but is still ready to compete with Xiaomi or LeEco of the same diagonal.
The price is better, but there are almost no differences for the worse. All TVs in this class do not have HDR support (Hisense nominally has it, but 10-bit color is not supported).
The panel of our own production (or maybe not our own) compared to even more famous manufacturers in the store looks no worse than LG or Samsung.
At the same time, Xiaomi does not have TV decoders - Hisense (as well as TCL) work well. The set of inputs and outputs is larger.
Which company should you choose?
Modern China has become the birthplace of many brands, which in 2020-2021 are on the lips of most Russians, and at the same time, their equipment is characterized by excellent quality and high technology.
The most famous and popular manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom can be considered:
- the TCL brand comes from China, which is assembled in Russia from original components, and the products are of reasonable cost;
- Haier concern , which produces inexpensive equipment of excellent quality and a diverse range of models;
- BBK company - equipment with good capabilities and affordable prices;
- Supra brand , whose products are distinguished by decent functionality and excellent sound;
- the Xiaomi i concern is a popular Chinese innovator and fan of modern trends, producing the most “smart” devices;
- Harper company , characterized by high quality assembly of products and excellent components.
Polarline TVs from Aliexpress
A Russian brand that produces high-quality household appliances. The company has recently appeared on the market, but has already gained the trust of millions.
22″ POLARLINE 22PL12TC FullHD – small sizes
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A compact model that has a thin body and minimalistic design. Thanks to it, it will fit into any Internet. With a diagonal of only 22 inches, the matrix has FullHD resolution, so it provides comfort when watching movies and playing graphics-intensive games. The HDMI connector on the back of the case allows you to connect a video camera, laptop or other device to the device. There are also connectors for connecting to a smartphone or game console. However, the device does not support SmartTV, nor the ability to connect to the Internet. However, this cannot be called a disadvantage, given the cost of the device.
24″ Polarline 24PL12TC HD – reliable assembly
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If you are looking for a compact TV with SmartTV support, we recommend taking this budget device. This model supports Internet connection, which expands its functionality. The front panel is occupied by a 24-inch screen with HD resolution, which is enough to watch movies in good quality. The viewing angles are wide – 178 degrees. Therefore, the picture will not be distorted when viewed from anywhere in the room. Two 3-watt speakers are responsible for audio playback. There are no complaints about the sound quality, but the volume reserve of this model is not enough.
32″ POLARLINE 32PL51STC-SM HD SmartTV – with Wi-Fi and Smart TV support
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A medium-sized model with a 32-inch screen and an elegant body, which, due to its thin frames, does not interfere with viewing content. A special feature of the TV is support for Smart TV, as well as the presence of an Enternet and Wi-Fi connector for wireless connection. It uses a built-in home theater system – USBCINEMAHDndash. Therefore, any film can be watched in high definition format. Among other features, we highlight wide viewing angles – 178 degrees, which do not distort the picture when viewed from different angles.
40″ Polarline 40PL51TC FullHD – best for gaming
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Next in the ranking is the Polarline 40PL51TC model. Judging by the reviews, most buyers use this unit as a screen for a console or a player for movies from drives. Smart TV support is not needed for this, so in order to save money, you should take the 40PL51TC. The model will delight users with a cool Full HD display with a diagonal of 40 inches and a brightness of 270 cd/m2. At the same time, the response speed is at 8.5 ms, so the image in games will not freeze. In addition to standard connectors, the interface has a headphone output, as well as HDMI and VGA inputs.
43″ Polarline 43PL52TC-SMFull HD SmartTV – top mid-ranger
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In fifth place in the selection is a 43-inch TV with Full HD resolution. This is a universal model with support for Smart TV, which is often used for playing games on the console or watching movies in high quality. The frames are thin and do not spoil the feel. By the way, for connecting to third-party devices, there are many connectors on the back of the case, including 3 HDMI, 2 USB, AV and component inputs. The device is affordable for its characteristics. Now its cost has dropped from 23,000 to 15,000 rubles.
43″ Polarline 43PU11TC-SM 4k SmartTV – 4K
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The difference between this model and the previous one is the presence of a matrix with 4K resolution (instead of FullHD). Such displays have as many as 8 million pixels over the entire surface, so they produce the most detailed and bright picture. In addition, the user has access to the Smart TV function, 3 HDMI connectors for connecting to external devices, as well as a digital tuner that allows you to view almost any content in good quality. The device runs on Android 7, which makes it possible to control the TV from a smartphone.
58″ Polarline 58PU55STC-SM 4K Smart TV – large screen
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Huge 58-inch TV with 4K resolution. The model pleases not only with its large size, but also with its stylish design and advanced characteristics. There are thin frames around the display that are almost invisible when viewing. The device is supported on two small legs located on the sides of the device. and for placement on the wall a wall mount of 400x400 mm is provided. With these dimensions, the device weighs only 15 kg. Users note that the quality of the transmitted image is excellent. Brightness, color rendition, contrast – all these indicators are at a decent level. The sound is provided by two 8-watt speakers that produce 16 watts of power. Suitable for those who want to create a full-fledged home theater.
What to consider when choosing
To buy a good TV from China, you should follow the standard rules when choosing:
- Size. The choice of diagonal is based on the size of the room. There should be 2.5-3 diagonals between the eyes and the display. Choosing less or more is not advisable, as this will negatively affect vision.
- Permission. The maximum available in 2021 is 4K. It makes sense to consider this resolution for devices with a diagonal of 43 inches or more. For 32-40 diagonals, the best option is FHD, and for smaller models HD is quite sufficient.
- 99% of equipment sold in Russia is equipped with tuners that will allow you to watch terrestrial TV without special receivers. With Chinese devices this requirement is not necessary, so make sure DVB-T2 is installed. Cable and satellite television will require DVB-C and S. Not everyone needs them, but they won’t be superfluous.
- When buying a TV for home, many people look for smart features in the device. Chinese TVs may have the Android operating system or its subtypes on board (which is extremely rare), but you should understand that all companies implement it differently in the device. If possible, try to look at the interface and the availability of the necessary options before purchasing; it is worth reading how efficient the system in a particular device is. Among the positively proven manufacturers are TCL, Xiaomi, Hisense, Haier.
- Connectors. If your plans include connecting peripheral devices, for example, a DVD player, sound bar, game console and others, then you should make sure that the device has the necessary connectors for this. In 2021, the mandatory ones include HDMI, USB, audio (preferably optical).
- Most TVs with smart functions are equipped with a Wi-Fi module, but not all of them can support Miracast, WiDi, DLNA, AirPlay options. In addition, Bluetooth is a useful wireless module. With its help, external acoustics are connected.
The criteria listed above are the main ones when choosing a TV. With their help, the user will be able to independently choose the best device for himself. Among the Chinese manufacturers that have proven themselves positively among specialists and ordinary users:
- Haier;
- TCL;
- Hisense;
- Xiaomi;
- BBK;
- Hyundai.
The most affordable options include Skyline and Skyworth products.
Hisense TVs from Aliexpress
Large Chinese manufacturer of other household appliances. Hisense TVs are not known for their durability, but they are inexpensive and deliver high-quality images.
32 inch Smart TV Hisense 32HD – medium size
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The selection opens with a small TV with a 32-inch display. It is suitable for installation in the kitchen or small bedroom. The front panel is made with thin frames, and the device is supported on a massive leg located in the middle of the case. This model is easy to use: the simplified user interface of SmartTV allows you to customize the product for yourself.
43 inches Hisense 4K Smart TV – fast
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Top model from Hisense. The device is equipped with a large 43-inch display with 4K resolution, which allows you to enjoy clear images in games and when viewing content. The matrix used has HDR support. The body of the device is made of metal, which indicates its wear resistance. For control, a remote control is provided with a well-thought-out button layout and ease of use. In addition to the standard buttons, there are separate keys for connecting to streaming services.
50 inches Hisense 4K Smart TV – with HDR10
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In third place is a 50-inch TV with a 4K matrix. The model will delight you with ultra-thin frames around the display, which improve the experience of watching movies (covering the space on the front panel is 90%), as well as a well-thought-out VIDAAAI operating system. And those who like to watch sports content will appreciate the MEMC mode. When you turn it on, the TV begins to evaluate movements on the display, making the picture smoother and clearer. Support for the HDR10 standard will be a nice bonus. Among other advantages, we note the excellent assembly with a developed network of service centers in the Russian Federation, as well as a strong mount on two legs.
55 inches Hisense 4K Smart TV – large screen
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Another “purebred Chinese”, which has a resolution of 3840x2160. The screen diagonal here is 55 inches, there is support for HDR. The device is equipped with support for wired and wireless Internet, as well as Smart TV. The device runs on Vidaa OS. This is still the same Android, only with a shell from Hisense. At the same time, this will not interfere with the work of the “green robot”, because Applications from GooglePlay are easy to install. The product weighs more than 18 kg, so compared to its competitors it is heavy and has confusing controls.
PatchWall and subscriptions
After the settings, you will have access to two shells: the Android TV menu and PatchWall - Xiaomi’s proprietary shell - an endless “tape” of films and at the same time a menu with access to basic functions. To switch to regular TV, you need to scroll down the feed and find the small “Channels” icon. There is also a switch to HDMI, flash drive or hard drive.
For some reason, no one tells you that you won’t be able to watch movies and TV series right away; every time you will be thrown into one or another online cinema and offered to buy a subscription. To activate the promised free six-month subscriptions, you need to click on the blue “Receive gifts” sign on the PatchWall home page.
And then open each subscription in a separate application and activate the free period. ivi, Okko, KinoPoisk, MeGoGo, 24chasaTV and TVZavr. Personally, I didn’t have MegaFon TV, maybe they activated it before me or added it later.
Each die is thrown into the corresponding application, where they offer to sign up for a free trial. But it's different everywhere. In Okko you need to select “Movies and TV series”, “KinoPoisk” will show the code and ask you to enter it on the site.
TVZavr turned out to be the most interesting. They first ask you to link your card, then they activate a free subscription that is not linked to your account. If you try to log into your account, the subscription will not be there, although it is on the TV. And the card is already linked, which means that in six months they will start debiting money from it. I had to contact technical support, and an employee manually combined my personal account and subscription on the TV. I hope this bug will be fixed and you will not encounter it. In any case, don’t let the freebie go to your head. Remember that if you do not disable “Auto-renewal of subscription” in each online cinema, then after 180 days they will start debiting money. ivi alone will cost 399 rubles per month, and the same TVZavr will cost 249 rubles per month.
After activating your subscriptions, you can breathe out and start watching movies/series. While playing any video, I recommend going to the image settings and trying to disable “noise reduction” and other image “enhancements”. In my case, the picture became even better, although before that there was nothing. Reviews complain about an unpleasant “trail” behind moving objects, which also disappears after turning off.
The last important parameters that make the TV even smarter are buried deep in the “Advanced - Device Settings - Inputs” section.
“Manage HDMI devices” - allows you to control the menu of the game console using the TV remote control. Fun feature. “Automatically turn off device” - when you turn off the TV, it sends a signal to the set-top box to turn off too. Comfortable. “Automatically turn on TV” - when you turn on the set-top box with the joystick, the TV automatically turns on. A convenient feature, but it refused to work for me. Maybe a firmware update is needed. And most importantly - “Do not change the signal source . I recommend turning it on to everyone. For example, you were watching terrestrial TV channels, turned off the TV, turned it on - it shows all the same TV channels. It doesn't load PatchWall, which you don't need right now. “HDMI EDID version” allows you to enable 4k resolution in games for the console. She is not active. Read below to find out how to enable it.
