Buying Guide for the Best Samsung 65-Inch TVs
Choosing the right 65-inch TV can make a huge difference in your viewing experience. A 65-inch screen is a great size for a living room or a medium-to-large space, but with so many features and technologies available, the decision can seem overwhelming. It’s important to focus on the aspects that matter most for your needs, like picture quality, smart features, sound, and design, to make sure the TV you choose fits your space and lifestyle perfectly.Display TechnologyDisplay technology refers to how the TV creates images, with the most common types being LED, QLED, and OLED. This is important because it affects brightness, color vibrancy, and the overall quality of what you see on the screen. LED TVs are generally a solid and affordable choice with decent performance, while QLED TVs offer better brightness and color, making them ideal for bright rooms. OLED TVs are known for their deep blacks and beautiful contrast, which is perfect if you love watching movies in dimly lit spaces. Think about what kind of content you watch and your room lighting—if you watch a lot of sports or want vivid colors, try QLED; for movie nights and dramatic scenes, OLED might be worth considering.
ResolutionResolution determines how sharp and detailed the picture appears, and for 65-inch TVs, 4K (Ultra HD) resolution is the standard today. 4K provides a crisp and clear image, especially on larger screens, and is well-suited for most content including streaming and gaming. You might occasionally see 8K options, which offer even more detail but aren't always necessary since there's limited 8K content available. For most people, 4K is the best balance between quality and content availability.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, which helps bring out more life-like images by improving contrast and color. TVs may support formats like HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision. This spec is important if you want richer colors and a more immersive experience, especially when watching newer movies or streaming services that offer HDR content. If you frequently watch HDR-enabled content, choose a TV that supports a wide range of HDR formats for maximum compatibility.
Smart FeaturesSmart features refer to the TV's built-in platform for streaming apps, internet browsing, voice assistants, and connectivity with other devices. Some TVs offer more user-friendly interfaces, faster navigation, and a greater choice of apps. If you prefer to stream content without extra devices (like a streaming stick), be sure the built-in system supports your favorite services and is easy to navigate. For smart home users, check if the TV works well with the virtual assistants you use, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is how many times the TV image updates per second, often listed as 60Hz or 120Hz. This spec matters most for fast-moving content: higher refresh rates reduce blur for sports, action movies, and gaming. If you mostly watch regular TV shows or movies, 60Hz is usually fine. But if you’re a gamer or love sports, look for TVs with 120Hz for a smoother picture.
Sound QualitySound quality covers how well the TV’s speakers can reproduce dialogue, music, and special effects without distortion. While modern TVs are slim, their speakers can sometimes lack depth. Some TVs include enhanced audio features like Dolby Atmos or built-in subwoofers. If you want the best sound from your TV alone, look for models that highlight sound technology, but if you plan to add a soundbar or speakers, this may be less critical.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include available HDMI ports, USB slots, and input/output for devices like soundbars, game consoles, and streaming sticks. Enough HDMI ports are important if you want to connect multiple devices at once, and features like HDMI ARC or eARC help with easy soundbar or receiver connections. Consider how many and which type of devices you want to use with your TV, and make sure you have the right ports.
Design and MountingThe design includes the TV’s frame, thickness, and stand style, as well as whether it’s suitable for wall mounting. This matters if you want your TV to blend in with your room’s decor or need a specific stand or wall-mount setup. If you plan to wall-mount your TV, check for VESA compatibility and make sure the TV isn’t too heavy or thick for your desired location.