CHOICE TV testing is underway for 2021 following one of the most disruptive years on record as far as TV releases and availability go. Our testers and buyers were constantly on the hop attempting to match up the TV companies' release dates for new models, with most new models arriving from June.
But Sony, Samsung, LG and Hisense are at least telling us when their TVs are about to hit shops, which will help consumers decide if and when they'll buy a new TV.
Even as we come out of the COVID-19 crisis and things start to become more 'normal', it's more important than ever to know what the model numbers and codes for TV models mean (especially if you're looking to pick up a bargain in the EOFY sales) because lots of 2020 models are still available instore and online.
When are new model TVs on sale?
The latest 2021 LG and Samsung TVs were released in May and June – in limited models and ranges, with many online retailers showing 'coming soon' banners for 2021 TV models, even though EOFY sales have already started.
Sony's latest and greatest have arrived later than usual with only some models available for this year's EOFY sales. We've just tested the latest X80J and X90J series TVs and expect more models to arrive in July and August including their A90J OLED TV. So for Sony, expect some great deals on TVs that were released in 2020 from now until Christmas.
Panasonic announced they were pulling out of the TV market weeks before COVID-19 broke out in early 2020, so if you see a Panasonic TV for sale, it's at least two years old.
Hisense has increased its presence in the Australian market with 2021 models expected from now onwards.
How to get the best deal on a TV
With most retailers now back to regular operating hours it's easier to talk to someone on the shop floor and let them know that you won't be tricked into settling for last year's TV without some serious discounting.
Ordering online may be an issue when it comes to driving a bargain, but if you're armed with the right information on model numbers, you can quickly recognise the difference between a great buy and simply old stock.
The trick is to know which TVs are 2021 releases and which ones are from 2020 or earlier.
Using our reviews
In addition to new releases, our TV reviews also feature older models that are listed as discontinued (just make sure you've ticked the box in the 'Related products' field on the left to see them). Sometimes these models suddenly reappear in the EOFY sales at a drastically reduced price and with production and shipping shortages continuing, you may suddenly find a 2020 model appear out of nowhere for a crazy good price and disappear just as quickly.
When shopping for a TV online, make sure your searches include the exact model name that's in our review as well as the size so you can determine the online retailer with the best price. Also, make sure you don't simply click on a retailer on the first page of the search as the top few results often pay for the privilege of appearing at the top of the page.
The LG OLED55CXPTA was priced at over $4000 when released in 2020 and is now available for around $2600 in some retailers.
Using a TV's product code
Major retailers will be promoting very good deals from now through to August and beyond, however the stack of bargain TVs may not be as large as it was in 2020 due to the general shortage of products for sale. Almost all of these models will be 2020 TVs, with very few 2019 models left to sell.
How do you find out the age of the TV? The secret is in the product code. Not only does it tell you the size and specifications of the TV, it contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it.
Here's our brand-by-brand guide to cracking the code:
LG has three ranges to consider: the premium OLED evo TVs, mid to high range NanoCell series, and the value UP8000 range. All LG TVs offer 4K (UHD) picture resolution, with the increase in price based on the quality of the screen as well as more powerful processors and extra smart features.
If it has NANO in the product code, it could be a 2020 or 2021 LG TV. If it has UP at the beginning of the code, it's one of LG's entry level range TVs for 2021. If the product code has OLED and X in the name, it's a 2020 LG OLED TV. If it doesn't have an X, it's most likely a 2021 model. Read on for more detail.
LG OLED TVs (Premium range)
- The OLED series of LG TVs are the top of the range display, however there are also various performance levels within the OLED range with the price mainly determined by a faster processor and additional support for various video and audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and 8K.
- The first two numbers in the product code indicate the display size in inches, and the last number indicates the year of release. So LG OLED65G1PTA means it's a 65-inch OLED TV and a 2021 model.
- The letter between the numbers for the display size and year of release indicates its position in the range. The C series is the mid range and the A is the most affordable OLED LG TV range. The price increases the further you go down the alphabet. For example, the OLED65G1PTA is more expensive than the OLED65C1PTA.
- The 2020 and 2021 models appear very similar and can be confusing. So if it has an X in the TV model code, it's last year's model.
NanoCell LG TVs (Mid-priced range)
- The NanoCell series provides the widest variety of choice and offers the best price performance in terms of screen size and features. All models in this range are 55 inches or larger. If you want a 32 or 43-inch LG TV, your only options are within the UP8000 range.
- The NANO75 and NANO86 series are the mid range NanoCell TV options, with screen sizes of 55, 65, 75 and 86 inches. The first two numbers in a TV model code indicate the display size in inches, and the two numbers after NANO indicate the position in the range – the higher the number, the better the TV – according to LG, although we can't comment on whether you're getting value on the extra dollars you spend until we get the TVs into the labs. So the NANO75 series is the most affordable with a slower processor and local screen dimming, and the NANO91 is the most expensive 4K TV series with a faster processor and Dolby Atmos sound. For example, if you're looking for a 75-inch LG NANO in the middle of the range, you would look for the 75NANO86TPA priced at around $3000.
- There's also an 8K variant of the NANO series with the NANO99, providing more resolution than you would ever need and the fastest processor LG can deliver. But at $7199 for the 65-inch 65NANO99TNA, you would have to ask yourself, 'Do I really need 8K that badly?'
UP8000 series (Value range)
- Starting with the UP8000PTB series, sizes available include 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 86-inch models. All these TVs offer 4K resolution and are smart TVs. For example, if you're looking for a cheap 55-inch LG TV for 2021, it will show online and instore as the LG 55UP8000PTB.The first two numbers indicate the display size of the TV. If the LG TV has UN in the model code instead of UP, it's a 2020 model.
- Some of the best deals to be had at the moment are in the value range for 2020 LG TVs. You can find a 75-inch model, such as a 75UN8100PTB, for well under $2000.
LG LCD TVs before 2021
The second letter in the product code indicates the release date. So for the LG 55UN7300PTC, N indicates a 2020 model. For OLED TVs, it's the X that indicates it's a 2020 model (e.g. OLED55GXPTA).
Avoid codes with the letters M, K, J, H, F or G (unless the TVs are being given away) as these are 2019 or older.
CHOICE tip: Expect to see some substantial LG OLED bargains for the 2020 range as 2021 models are still scarce. There's already evidence that thousands of dollars are being taken off premium OLED TVs that were the latest and greatest only a few months ago.
The Samsung TV offerings for 2021 are many and varied and include a revamp of their QLED TV range (which is Samsung's answer to the OLED TV), an addition to the QLED range called Neo QLED, and various models that can be used outdoors, on a picture frame and even shown in a portrait format.
Neo QLED 4K and 8K series (Premium range)
- The Neo QLED range is new for 2021 and sits above the standard QLED range. The big difference is the introduction of a Quantum Mini LED, which Samsung claims will deliver better light control for better colour and detail in both light and dark areas compared to the standard QLED offerings.
- The 8K models for Samsung are the Q800A and Q900A series with options from 55 inches up to 85 inches. As far as 8K choices, the series starts with the 65-inch QA65QN800AWXXY for $5599 up to the 85-inch monster QAQN900AWXXY for around $14,000.
- If you'd like a Neo QLED in 4K, then the series available for 2021 is either a Q85A or Q90A with prices starting at $3379 for the 50-inch QA50QN90AAWXXY and up to $7500 for the 85-inch QA85QN85AAWXXY.
QLED (Mid-priced range)
- As with last year's models, the product code for Samsung QLED TVs should show a QA followed by two or three numbers indicating their position within the range followed by an A to indicate a 2021 QLED model compared to a T for the 2020 model. The Q60A range is the most affordable QLED TV, while the Q80A is the top of the range 4K QLED TV. For example, QA65Q70AAWXXY is the mid range 65-inch QLED for 2021. The Q60A and Q70A range is available in 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch models while the Q80A is available in 55 and 65-inch sizes.
Crystal UHD (Value range)
- The volume selling LCD display TV for Samsung is the Crystal UHD series with the 2021 models using the code AU8000 with 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch display sizes available. The range starts with the UA43AU8000WXXY for around $1000, and up to $3300 for the 85-inch version (UA85AU8000WXXY).
Samsung TVs before 2021
- The 2020 standard Samsung LCD range is shown as the TU8000 series, with models ranging from 43 inches all the way up to 82 inches.
- 2019 models generally have an R after the display size indication (e.g. Samsung UA65RU8000WXXY) while 2018 models generally have an N after the display size number (e.g. Samsung UA55NU7000).
- If you see a Samsung TV instore with an M after the display size, it's a 2017 model and you should be able to negotiate a much lower price.
Many of the Sony releases for 2021 will appear later this year, so expect to see 2020 models on the shop floor during this EOFY sales period and even the Christmas sales. The 2021 Sony models all use a code ending with J and all the 2021 models operate on Android TV. This also means that none of the Sony TVs for 2021 can record live TV to an external USB hard drive. If you want to record shows, you'll need a PVR or another external tuner to do it. However, with the popularity of streaming video (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc.) this may not be an issue.
Sony OLED A90J and A80J (Premium range)
- The premium OLED series is Sony's tour de force. With the A90J and A80J OLED screen, Sony's fastest processor and all of their latest processing enhancements are on show with these TVs. You also get a TV sound that past CHOICE testing has found to be very good, with Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ turning the display into one large speaker with positional audio replicating the sound of an object within the scene. Prices start at around $3000 for the 55-inch XR55A80J up to $10,000 for the 77-inch model. There's also an 83-inch XR83A90J but the price is either unavailable or indescribable. You can also get either the A90J or A80J in a 65-inch version.
Sony X90J (Mid-priced range)
- Straddling the area between the value range (X80J and X85J) and the premium OLED series (A90J and A80J) is the X90J with size choices of 50, 55, 65 and 75-inch displays. For the price premium you get an upgraded processor, better LED backlighting, and several of the upscaling and processing features that are on offer in the top-end OLED TVs. CHOICE has just finished testing the XR65X90J with results out early July.
X80J and X85J (Value range)
- The value range starts with the X80J with KD at the beginning of the product code to distinguish it from the more expensive XR range. CHOICE currently has the KD55X80J (55-inch) and KD65X80J (65-inch) TVs in the labs with results out later in July. Display size choices include 43, 50, 55, 65 and 75 inches. The virtually identical X85J range includes the same size choices with the addition of an 85-inch monster TV for those with a huge entertainment area.
Models before 2021
- The 2020 models use a code ending with H (Sony KD-55X8000H or X80H).
- The next in line include the X90H and X95H range with some extra processing power and other bells and whistles, available in display sizes from 55 inches to 85 inches.
- The A8H and Z8H models are the premium Sony options with the A8H OLED TV and the Z8H being the top-end 8K offering.
- None of these models are available yet and we'll provide updates throughout the year on when you can buy these models and when we can test them.
- The 2019 models use a code ending with a G (Sony KD-65X9500G) for 2019.
- If the code ends with an F (Sony KD-65X9000F) then it's the latest model for 2018.
- If the code ends with a D (Sony KD-55X8500D) it's technically an early 2017 model and you should be asking for a much lower price or avoiding it altogether.
Hisense continues to offer good value options and with Panasonic out of the picture, it's competing with Sony for a minor placing against the two front runners, Samsung and LG. But their 2021 releases are trickling out and while CHOICE knows the model names, we're yet to see a TV in our lab. Thankfully the product codes for Hisense are easy to decipher. If it has a G at the end of the model, it's a 2021 TV, and if the numbers rise, so will the quality and price.
U90G and U80G (Premium range)
- The 75U90G and 75U80G are 8K models and only available with a 75-inch display, although they're available in other markets in different sizes so this may change during the year. The 75U90G uses Mini LED and at $8000 is the top-end option at the moment with the 75U80G priced at $7000.
U8G and U7G (Mid-priced range)
- With display options of 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches, these two series are most likely to be the TVs you'll be seeing in your local retailer or online and the models we'll be trying to get into the CHOICE labs to test as soon as possible. Prices for these TVs range from $1500 for the 55U7G up to $5500 for the 85U8G.
A7G (Value range)
- The A7G value range starts with the 43A7G at around $900 and tops out at around $2000 for the 75-inch 75A7G. With 50, 55 and 65-inch models available, there's a lot of choice. However, our testing in the past has found the models worth considering for Hisense are more in their mid-priced series as you truly get what you pay for.
Models before 2021
- The Hisense code for 2020 is reasonably simple to work out with the premium Q series range at the top with the 85Q8, an 85-inch QLED display TV, down to the 55Q8 55-inch display. The mid range S series has displays from the large 85-inch 85S8 all the way down to the 43-inch 43S8 display. Hisense also has an entry level series called the S4 series with 32, 40 and 49-inch displays available.
- The Hisense range for 2019 generally has the letter R but there are exceptions.
There are no new Panasonic TVs for 2021.
The following information on product codes is to identify any older models you may see on Ebay or Gumtree. Basically, Panasonic is no longer a new TV option.
Panasonic indicates the release year by the first letter after the display size, with G being a 2019 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65GX850A), F being a 2018 model, and E indicating a 2017 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65EX780A).
- The numbers in the series indicate the increase in quality and price, from the lowest 32-inch TH32F400A through to the FS500A series, FX600A series and so on, up to the top-of-the-line 4K FX800 series with all the bells and whistles.
- Panasonic also has a few OLED models that were still around both online and in some stores towards the end of 2020, like the GZ1000U, 55 or 65-inch, as well as two premium priced 65-inch OLED models (TH-65GZ2000 and TH-65GZ1500U). If you can find one of these models for under $1000 as a runout, it may be worth a gamble – but it's a gamble that will likely be without a warranty or support from Panasonic locally.
- If the Panasonic TV you're looking at has an E after the display size number, tell the salesperson you know it's a 2017 model. They should basically pay you to take it.
- If it has a D after the the display size, it's a 2016 model and must have fallen off the back of a truck.
Tips for your new TV
TVs are getting smarter
One of the biggest changes we're seeing with 2021 models is the improvement not only to smart functionality, but also the ability to add new features through software updates.
The latest TVs are more likely to interact with other smart devices on your home network, as well as using voice assistants such as Google or Amazon Alexa. Plus, they can answer queries about the weather, turn on your air conditioner, talk to your fridge and order more milk, and turn off the lights when you go to bed.
Streaming
Keep track of your streaming subscriptions. Signing up for free trials with Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and now Binge may sound great, but if you don't cancel them, you could easily end up spending more than $100 a month once the free trial period is over.
TV resolutions compared. 8K isn't really in the consumer space right now, but a couple of very expensive TVs with support for 8K are now available.
High-res options
4K, UHD and SUHD are all terms to describe the next top option in TV resolution: 3440 x 2160 pixels. By contrast, a Full HD TV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
What do all these numbers and letters mean?
- SD is the format you're watching when catching old reruns of Friends on TV and DVD movies.
- Full HD is High Definition broadcast TV (TV shows made in the last few years) and Blu-ray movies on disc.
- 4K/UHD (Ultra High Definition) / SUHD (Super UHD) is the format used for the latest blockbuster movies streamed on Netflix or a 4K Blu-ray disc, which look great on a 65-inch display TV and won't be noticed on a 32-inch display TV.
- The arrival of 8K TV is no reason for you to throw out your 4K TV just yet. While it's true that an 8K TV can offer upscaling of 4K content, this feature isn't a big enough reason to move over to the new resolution until more movie and streaming content arrives to take advantage of the higher 7680 × 4320 resolution.
Is your lounge room big enough for your big TV?
It's not just a question of will it fit – you should also consider the optimum viewing distance, as sitting too close to a big screen can be quite uncomfortable.
- A 127cm (50-inch) TV showing HD video should deliver its best viewing experience when you're sitting around two metres from the screen. If you sit closer, you may see the individual pixels (depending on the quality of your eyesight).
- If your room size forces you to sit closer, or if you really want a larger TV, then a 4K TV may be a good option to avoid that pixilation. Although you'll need to be watching 4K video for the best quality picture (and for now, most content is still in HD or even SD).
What is HDR?
High dynamic range (HDR) is all about increasing the range of brightness in images to boost contrast between the whitest and the blackest elements. This technology essentially expands the TV's colour palette by displaying high levels of contrast between bright and dark colours.
Almost all 4K TVs support HDR, and you'll find plenty of HDR-compatible movies and TV shows on disc and via streaming services.
When you buy your TV, ask the salesperson if HDR is on by default or whether you'll need to activate it. Some brands require you to turn it on for each HDMI port. Once activated, it should automatically switch on and off when you switch between HDR and non-HDR video and games.
