Loaded with 4K UHD resolutions, user-friendly operating systems, multiple streaming platforms, and powerful cinematic audio and image processing, a 43-inch TV perfectly straddles the border between affordability and experience. They are not so big as to overtake a room and empty bank accounts, but big enough to carry the latest tech TV-watching has to offer. When it comes to that all-important TV upgrade, 43-inches is an excellent choice.
Many options carry an array of interfaces, allowing a 43-inch TV to comfortably take centre stage in an entertainment setup, whether its primary focus is on TV shows and movies, video games, sports and racing. The benefits of WiFi and ethernet internet connections speak for themselves regarding a smart TV's ability to stream and browse online. Bluetooth and screen mirroring features will also open up new and versatile entertainment options.
Multiple HDMI connections allow Blu-ray players, game consoles and streaming devices to be installed with ease, while eARC support allows a soundbar to integrate into an ecosystem. USB ports, particularly USB 3.0 iterations, allow for external storage connections, unlocking a TV's ability to pause and rewind live TV, and allowing for images and video files to be viewed on the big screen.
What to look for in the best 43-inch TVs:
Connectivity
The more interfaces a TV has, the more versatile it is. Multiple HDMI inputs are needed for input from Blu-ray players, media streamers and video game consoles, while USB ports allow for live TV recording on USB or movie playback from external hard drives. Bluetooth and WiFi are also important, allowing for versatile inputs and outputs.
Screen and Image Tech
The processor is the brain of a TV, taking most, if not all, of the heavy lifting under its remit. A quality processor is a must. As is High Dynamic Range (HDR), a feature that looks after screen contrast to improve vibrancy and depth. There are several standards around (like HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision), and understanding what is needed can get needlessly complicated. While important to note whether a TV has HDR support, the standards supported shouldn't stop you from buying the TV you like most. Besides, the manufacturer can add new HDR via firmware updates.
Resolution upscaling is also important. Older content, even in 1080p, looks very dated on a 4K UHD screen. Upscaling AI cleverly works behind the scenes to artificially up the resolution of legacy content to, or near to, 4K. This makes for a far more consistent viewing experience.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a TV refers to how many times the screen refreshes every second. Measured in Hertz (Hz), the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the image – low refresh rates can make fast-paced content appear blurry.
50-60Hz will be fine for TV shows and movies, as they are usually shot at 27fps. Higher refresh rates are a more important feature for those who are keyed into motion performance, such as sports fans and video games enthusiasts.
Audio Tech
Audio technology plays an essential role in creating an immersive experience. Modestly priced TVs will often carry a stereo surround, which will do a fine job of sinking viewers into the content. However, as you move higher in price, different audio technologies start to emerge, like Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual
These object-orientated systems go beyond simple left-right audio separation, manipulating sound to simulate additional above-below audio. Such processes derive from cinema applications. They give the impression that you are t the centre of the audio field, rather than in front of it. Often soundbars, surround sound systems or headphones are needed to witness the full effect, but it’s worth the extra investment.
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The Best 43-Inch TVs
EMPIREThe screen is crystal clear, with the 4K UHD resolution being supported by the mights powers of Dolby Vision HDR 10+ and the P5 Perfect Picture Engine. The vividness and depth of the image are furthered by the colour-matched glow of Philip's Ambilight. This LED system helps your entertainment to break free of its borders and is a powerful feature when watching atmospheric movies and TV shows in low light. The audio can match the awe of the visual experience thanks to Dolby Atmos.
| Resolution | 4K |
| Operating System | Titan OS |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth |
| Picture Tech | Philips P5 Engine, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Sound Tech | Dolby Atmos Sound |
EMPIREGet ready for a list, because Panasonic has packed a lot behind its screen. Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and the HCX PRO Intelligent Processor are all here to provide an immaculate 4K UHD image. The HCX is tuned to continuously optimise contrast and colour for improved visual depth and realism. Local Dimming Pro does great things furthering the processor's cause through accurate adjustments to brightness. The sound is top notch too, thanks to the Dolby Atmos and hefty internal speakers.
| Resolution | 4K |
| Operating System | FireOS |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Picture Tech | HCX Processor, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Sound Tech | Dolby Atmos Sound |
EMPIREThis BRAVIA TV from Sony delivers a pin-sharp 4K UHD image loaded with dynamic colour, courtesy of the Live Colour Display. Motionflow XR is onboard to artificially up the refresh rate and improve the smoothness of fast-paced content as the X-Reality Pro engine works to up legacy content up to a level kind on contemporary eyes. The set also carries Dolby Atmos and the Android TV OS.
| Resolution | 4K |
| Operating System | Android TV OS |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Picture Tech | Motionflow XR, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Sound Tech | Dolby Atmos Sound |
EMPIRESamsung puts its Crystal Processor 4K to work alongside Dual LED and Crystal Display tech to deliver a sharp and well-defined image. The OS is easy to navigate and hosts MultiView, voice control and smart home integration, Game Enhancer, Ambient Mode and device mirroring. Though a soundbar is needed for a more exciting audio experience and wider viewing angles are the preserve of more expensive TVs, Samsung has distilled a tonne of essential tech into this device, resulting in a TV that's hard to pass up for the price.
| Resolution | 4K |
| Operating System | Tizen OS |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, RF |
| Picture Tech | Crystal UHD 4K Processor, PurColour |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Sound Tech | Adaptive Sound Lite, Q-Symphony Sound |
EMPIRECombining performance, features and affordability, this LG TV put the α5 AI Processor to use to boost the quality of 1080p content into stunning 4K UHD. The operating system is LG's WebOS and is one of the best around and has integrated 4K streaming services, including Netflix and YouTube. Though it may not carry OLED or Dolby processing, this TV proves there's still plenty to get excited about when shopping on a budget.
| Resolution | 4K |
| Operating System | WebOS |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF |
| Picture Tech | α5 AI Processor Gen 7 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Sound Tech | α5 AI Sound Experience |
EMPIREThe headline feature of this pick is the Quantum LED technology, more widely known as QLED. The image quality provided by QLED always hits hard and invigorates - the 100% colour volume provides flawless colour accuracy and the result is truly cinematic. As with other Samsung models, the Neo QLED carries the Tizen OS, which is rich in features and user-friendly.
| Resolution | 4K |
| Operating System | Tizen OS |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Picture Tech | Neo Quantum HDR |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Sound Tech | Dolby Atmos Sound, Object Tracking Sound+ |
EMPIREThis simpler option from Toshiba gains top marks for affordability and convenience. The TV uses Fire TV OS that integrates Amazon Prime Video into its UI for streamlined browsing. While this does forefront Amazon's content, there are plenty of apps to hand for many popular services, including Netflix and Curzon Home Cinema, BBC iPlayer and YouTube. The lower price point does come at the cost of a 1080p resolution, rather than 4K UHD.
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Operating System | Fire TV |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Picture Tech | TRU Micro Dimming, HDR 10 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Sound Tech | Dolby Audio Processing, DTS Virtual X |
HDMI, Resolution and Refresh Rate: A Quick Reference Guide
Port interfaces have a direct effect on the resolution and refresh rate that a TV can display. More recent iterations of the HDMI interfaces can transfer larger volumes of information, allowing for higher refresh rates and resolutions to be achieved.
Linking your input device with the correct port and with the right cable will ensure that a TV performs at the peak of its powers. Here’s a quick guide breaking down the maximum refresh rates and resolutions for HDMI connections:
HDMI 1.4 - 120Hz at 1080p, 75Hz at 1440p, 30Hz at 4K
HDMI 2.0 - 240Hz at 1080p, 144Hz at 1440p, 60Hz at 4K
HDMI 2.1 - 120Hz at 4K, 60Hz at 8K UHD
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