42-inch QLED / LCD TVs – Test Rankings

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”

Technology: LCD VA, PFS LED

Brand: TCL

Verdict:

TCL P7L is a successful budget television that shows you can get more than just a screen for basic viewing for a modest sum. It does not match pricier Mini LED or OLED models, but in its class it has a lot to offer. The VA panel delivers decent blacks and contrast, so during an evening session the picture does not look as flat as on many cheap IPS models. After calibration the colours are also goo...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”

Technology: LCD VA, PFS LED

Brand: PHILIPS

Verdict:

The idea behind The One has hardly changed over the years and with the Philips PQS9001 this is both a strength and its biggest drawback. You still get a versatile mid-range television whose main distinguishing feature is Ambilight. The light that follows the picture can change the atmosphere of an evening viewing and for many people will be the main reason to buy it. It's easy to see why: once you...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”

Technology: LCD IPS, White LED

Brand: SONY

Verdict:

The Sony Bravia 2 II is a television that performs best in simple, everyday use. And we suspect many people will choose it mainly because of Google TV. The system provides access to a huge number of apps and streaming services, and it also includes Chromecast, AirPlay and convenient voice search. The set itself may not run as quickly as more expensive Sony models, but in terms of features there is...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 100”

Technology: LCD VA, PFS LED

Brand: SONY

Verdict:

The Sony Bravia 3 II is a TV that quickly reveals the idea the manufacturer had for this model. It's meant above all to be a sensible Bravia for gaming, and in that respect the changes are substantial. After all, Sony has fixed one of the biggest annoyances of its TVs, the presence of only two full-featured HDMI 2.1 ports. Here there are four, and that alone makes the Bravia 3 II a much more conve...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 55”

Technology: LCD VA, PFS LED

Brand: DREAME

Verdict:

The Dreame Q100 is the manufacturer's entry-level model, and its price alone hints at what to expect. This is not a TV that tries to win on picture quality. Its strengths lie elsewhere: it has Google TV, surprisingly many features for gamers and costs relatively little. In terms of image, the Q100 performs similarly to many other sets in this segment. The VA panel provides decent contrast, colours...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”

Technology: LCD IPS, White LED

Brand: BLAUPUNKT

Verdict:

Blaupunkt UGC5500S is a textbook example of a very cheap television that has primarily two huge advantages: the Google TV system and an extremely low price. It is these two elements that make it an appealing option for many people. During testing, we also found a great alternative use for it, which is working with a computer. Thanks to the exemplary legibility of fonts and good viewing angles of t...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 86”

Technology: LCD IPS, White LED

Brand: LG

Verdict:

LG NANO81A is essentially a continuation of the NanoCell series, which has hardly changed at all over the past few years. Apart from the new operating system, refreshed remote control, and a few marketing additions, we are dealing with practically the same design we have known for years. Thanks to the nanostructure filter, the television can display better, cleaner colours than standard budget tel...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”

Technology: LCD VA, White LED

Brand: PHILIPS

Verdict:

If you are looking for a specific reason to buy the Philips PUS7000, it’s really just the price. This is a model that is primarily meant to be cheap, and it accomplishes that role perfectly. It could be a decent choice for someone who is still using an old Full HD screen and wants to finally upgrade to 4K without emptying their wallet. Interestingly, even though this is a "budget model at 60 Hz", ...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 85”, 100”

Technology: LCD VA, PFS LED

Brand: HISENSE

Verdict:

Hisense E7Q PRO is a television that clearly shows where the manufacturer has placed its priorities. It is not a model focused on impressive HDR or cinematic fireworks in a dark living room. This equipment is tailored for universal use, with a strong emphasis on gaming and everyday content streaming at a very competitive price. The biggest disappointment remains the omission of local dimming compa...

Available screen sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”

Technology: LCD VA, White LED

Brand: HISENSE

Verdict:

The Hisense A6Q clearly shows from the outset that its main advantages are: A. Price, B. Simplicity, and C. Predictability in everyday use. It is a television that simply does its job – you turn it on, choose an application, watch or play, and nothing gets in the way. Good blacks, quick response to movements on the pad, a smoothly operating system, and a complete set of basic functions make it com...