43-inch Smart TVs 2023: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

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43-inch Smart TVs 2023: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Hey guys! So, you're in the market for a brand new 43-inch smart TV in 2023? Awesome! You've come to the right place. Choosing a new TV can feel like navigating a tech jungle, but don't worry, I'm here to be your friendly guide. We'll break down everything you need to know about picking the perfect 43-inch smart TV for your needs in 2023. From the nitty-gritty specs to the must-have features, we'll cover it all. Whether you're upgrading your living room setup, or you're looking for a great TV for your bedroom, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Let's dive in and explore the best 43-inch smart TVs that 2023 has to offer!

Why Choose a 43-inch Smart TV?

So, why the 43-inch size specifically, you ask? Well, it's a sweet spot, isn't it? 43-inch smart TVs offer a fantastic blend of screen real estate and practicality. They're big enough to provide an immersive viewing experience, making movies and games feel fantastic, but they're also compact enough to fit comfortably in various spaces, from apartments and bedrooms to smaller living rooms. The size is perfect for most viewing distances, providing a great balance between picture quality and the room's dimensions. Furthermore, the 43-inch segment is extremely competitive, leading to lower prices and more value for your money. You get great features and performance without necessarily breaking the bank. It's also a popular size, so manufacturers often pack them with the latest technology, including 4K resolution, HDR support, and built-in smart features. This means you can enjoy the same high-end experience you'd expect from larger TVs, just in a more manageable package. Think about it: you can easily mount a 43-inch TV on a wall, place it on a stand, or tuck it into an entertainment unit without it overwhelming the room. It's versatile! Plus, the pricing is usually more friendly to your budget when compared to the larger screen sizes. This is a brilliant size for a second TV as well! So, whether you are after a primary TV for your living room, or a great addition to your bedroom or a guest room, the 43-inch smart TV has got you covered! In a nutshell, you get a solid viewing experience, modern features, and great value, all wrapped up in a convenient size. It's no wonder the 43-inch smart TV continues to be a favorite among consumers.

Key Features to Look for in a 43-inch Smart TV in 2023

Alright, let's get into the good stuff. What features should you be keeping an eye out for when shopping for a 43-inch smart TV in 2023? Here are the main things to consider:

  • Resolution: You absolutely want 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160). It's the standard now, offering four times the resolution of Full HD. This means sharper images, more detail, and a better overall picture quality. Trust me, it makes a huge difference, especially on a screen this size. The jump from 1080p to 4K is very noticeable. Your content, especially movies and games, will look much more immersive and crisp.
  • HDR (High Dynamic Range): Look for HDR support, specifically HDR10 and HLG at a minimum. HDR expands the color and contrast range of the image, making it appear more vibrant and lifelike. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are even better, as they provide dynamic metadata that optimizes the picture scene-by-scene. HDR brings out details in both the darkest and brightest parts of the image, creating a more realistic and visually striking experience. This will significantly improve your viewing experience, making colors pop and shadows reveal more detail.
  • Panel Type: There are a few different panel types out there, but IPS (In-Plane Switching) and VA (Vertical Alignment) panels are the most common. IPS panels offer wider viewing angles, meaning the picture looks good even if you're not sitting directly in front of the TV. VA panels typically have better contrast ratios, which means deeper blacks and brighter whites, resulting in a more dynamic picture. It depends on your viewing needs and preferences. If you have a wide seating arrangement, IPS is probably best. If you primarily watch straight on, VA can offer a better contrast experience. OLED panels, while not as common in the 43-inch size, offer the best picture quality due to their perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio. They are typically more expensive, but the picture quality is unsurpassed.
  • Smart TV Platform: This is how you'll access all your streaming services. Android TV, Roku TV, Tizen (Samsung), and webOS (LG) are some of the most popular platforms. They all offer a wide selection of apps (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc.) and user-friendly interfaces. Make sure the platform has all the apps you use regularly and that you like the layout. Consider ease of use, app availability, and how the smart features fit your streaming habits.
  • Refresh Rate: The refresh rate (measured in Hz) determines how smoothly the image appears on the screen, especially during fast-motion scenes. A 60Hz refresh rate is standard and works well for most content. If you're a gamer or watch a lot of fast-paced sports, a 120Hz refresh rate will provide a smoother experience, minimizing motion blur.
  • Connectivity: Check for a good selection of ports. You'll want HDMI ports (preferably HDMI 2.1 for gaming), USB ports, and an Ethernet port. HDMI 2.1 supports advanced features like 4K at 120Hz, which is essential for next-gen gaming. Also, make sure the TV has built-in Wi-Fi for easy internet connectivity. More ports provide flexibility for connecting various devices, such as gaming consoles, soundbars, and Blu-ray players. Bluetooth is also a bonus for connecting headphones or speakers.
  • Audio: While the built-in speakers in most TVs aren't amazing, make sure the TV has decent sound. Consider getting a soundbar or external speakers for better audio quality if you are serious about sound. If you are not an audiophile, and you do not want to invest extra in an audio device, make sure the tv speakers are good enough.

Top 43-inch Smart TVs to Consider in 2023

Alright, here are a few recommendations to get you started, based on different budgets and needs. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, so always check the latest pricing and reviews before making a purchase. Prices are only illustrative and might change at any time!

Best Overall: The best overall means the perfect blend of features, picture quality, and value. The Samsung Q60C QLED is generally a winner for its great image quality, smart features, and reasonable price. It typically includes good picture quality, a user-friendly smart platform (Tizen), and a sleek design.

Best Value: If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, the TCL 4-Series or Hisense A6 Series are usually good choices. They deliver excellent features, especially when compared to their competitive price point, offering features like 4K resolution, HDR support, and a decent smart TV experience. Both are great options if you are on a budget, but still want a modern viewing experience!

Best for Gaming: For gamers, look for a TV with HDMI 2.1 ports and a 120Hz refresh rate. The LG C3 OLED (if you can find it in 43-inch) or the Sony X85K would be great options. OLED TVs offer stunning picture quality, perfect blacks, and incredibly fast response times, which are ideal for gaming. Look for features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which enhance the gaming experience.

Best Budget Pick: For those on a tighter budget, the Insignia or Amazon Fire TV models often provide great value. They may not have the premium features of higher-end TVs, but they still offer 4K resolution, smart functionality, and a decent picture quality at a very affordable price. They are great as a secondary TV as well!

Setting Up Your New 43-inch Smart TV

Once you've unboxed your new 43-inch smart TV, you will need to set it up. It is important to do so correctly so that you can enjoy the best picture and sound quality. Here's a quick guide:

  1. Placement: Decide where the TV will go. Make sure there's enough space for it to fit comfortably, and consider the viewing distance. The ideal viewing distance for a 43-inch TV is generally between 5.5 to 7 feet. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can affect the picture quality.
  2. Connections: Connect all your devices. Plug in your HDMI cables for gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. Use the USB ports to connect external storage, and the Ethernet port if you prefer a wired internet connection.
  3. Power On and Initial Setup: Turn on the TV and follow the on-screen instructions. This usually involves connecting to your Wi-Fi network, signing in to your accounts, and setting up the smart TV platform. Make sure you set your TV to your specific needs!
  4. Picture Settings: This is where you can dial in the perfect picture settings. Go to the TV's picture settings menu and adjust the brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness. You can also select picture modes like