CHOICE TV testing is underway for 2022 and continues to be a very challenging period following yet another disruptive year as far as TV releases and availability go. As of early June only LG and Samsung have new models available, which means there are some great discounts to be found on 2021 TVs as we head into the end of financial year (EOFY) sales.
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 most of the 2021 models and even some 2020 models are still available in stores and online.
When are new model TVs on sale?
Some of the latest 2022 LG and Samsung TVs were released in May and June – in very limited models and ranges, with many online retailers showing 'coming soon' banners for 2022 TV models (even though EOFY sales have already started).
We expect to see most of the 2022 Sony TVs arriving in July and August but have heard little about official release dates from Sony Australia. This means you can expect some great deals on TVs that were released in 2021 from now until Christmas.
If you see a Panasonic TV for sale, it's approaching three years old as the company stopped selling TVs in Australia just before COVID-19 broke out in early 2020. TCL have released information on some of their latest models for 2022, but availability according to our buyers has been sporadic.
Some retailers are offering some valuable indicators as to what year the TV was released, giving you some bargaining power when looking for a better deal.
How to get the best deal on a TV
With retailers 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. Make sure the salesperson knows that the TV they're selling you may be the greatest, but it's not the latest.
Ordering online could 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 a good price for ageing stock.
The trick is to know which TVs are 2022 releases and which ones are from 2021 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-hand side to see them). Sometimes these models suddenly reappear in the EOFY sales at a drastically reduced price and with production and shipping shortages continuing, as well as chip shortages, you might find a 2021 model suddenly appears out of nowhere for a crazy good price and disappears 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 first few results often pay for the privilege of appearing at the top.
Sometimes shopping on the company site can save you several hundred dollars. For example, this Sony 75-inch 2021 TV is much cheaper on the Sony site than a retailer.
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 2021 due to the general shortage of products for sale. Many of these models will be 2021 TVs, but there have been several sightings of 2020 models available at run-out prices.
How do you find out the age of a 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 several ranges to consider: the premium OLED TVs come in a few iterations, there's the mid to high range QNED series, and the value NANO range. There's also an entry level UQ9000 series ranging from 43-inches all the way up to 86-inch display sizes for around $4000. 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 the model name has NANO in the product code, it could be a 2020, 2021 or 2022 LG TV. If it has UQ9000 at the beginning of the code, it's one of LG's entry level range TVs for 2022. If the product code has an SQ in the product name (eg. 75QNED99SQB or 55NANO75SQA) it's a 2022 LG TV.
LG OLED TVs (Premium range)
- The OLED series of LG TVs features the top-of-the-range displays, 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. A 2022 OLED TV from LG will end with the letters PSA (e.g. OLED48C2PSA) compared to 2021 models which end with the model code PTA (e.g. OLED65C1PTA).
- 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 OLED77G2PSA means it's a 77-inch G series OLED TV and a 2022 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 OLED65C2PSA is more expensive than the OLED65A2PSA.
- 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 a 2020 model. If it has 1PTA, it's a 2021 OLED model.
QNED LG TVs (Mid-priced range)
- The QNED series provides a wide variety of choice and resolutions available in 4K and even 8K models and probably delivers the best performance in terms of screen size and features for the price. All models in this range are 55 inches or larger.
- The QNED range starts with the 55-inch 55QNED80SQA (the 80 means it's the lowest in the series and SQA means it is 4K) at around $2400 and goes up to the monster 86-inch 86QNED99SQB (the 99 is the top series in the QNED range and SQB means it's an 8K TV) priced at over $10,000.
NANO and UQ9000 (Value range)
- The NANO75 and UQ9000 are the only options if you want a smaller 43-inch LG TV and were the first models to arrive in stores for 2022. With screen sizes of 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 86 inches, these TVs offer the best choice as far as display size. The first two numbers in a TV model code indicate the display size in inches. So the NANO75 series is affordable with some of the features you might expect in higher priced LG TVs, while the UQ9000 models are the value TVs that offer very good price performance but may struggle delivering the best video performance. .
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 2021 range as 2022 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 2022 are many and varied and include a revamp of the Neo QLED TV range (which is Samsung's answer to the OLED TV) and additional picture frame models that are meant to be hung on the wall like a work of art when you've finished watching TV.
Neo QLED 4K and 8K series (Premium range)
- The Neo QLED range for 2022 sits above the standard QLED range. The big difference for Neo QLED 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 in 2022 are the Q900B and Q800B series. The removal of a 55-inch display option for the 2022 series reflects the growing demand for larger TVs with display size options of 65, 75 and 85 inches. Prices range from $4699 for the 65-inch QA65QN800BWXXY model up to the huge 85-inch QA85QN900BWXXY for $11,999, which is a few thousand dollars less than the previous year. There seems to be instant discounting on many 2022 models with the actual retail price immediately being lower than the recommended retail price but this may not be the case for the premium model.
- The letter to look out for to determine whether a Samsung Neo QLED or QLED TV is a 2022 or 2021 model is the letter just before the WXXY. For example, a 2021 Neo QLED model will show a model code as QA65QN800AWXXY with the A indicating a 2021 model and the QA65QN800BWXXY a 2022 model. It's this small change in the model name that can have a big impact on the TV you're buying and the price you can expect to pay.
- If you'd like a Neo QLED in 4K, then the series available for 2022 is either a Q85B, Q90B or Q95B, with prices starting at $2299 for the 50-inch QA50QN90BAWXXY and going up to $6999 for the 85-inch QA90QN85BAWXXY.
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 a B to indicate a 2022 QLED model compared to an A for the 2021 model. The Q60B range is the most affordable QLED TV, while the Q80B is the top of the range 4K QLED TV. For example, QA65Q70BAWXXY is the mid range 65-inch QLED for 2022. Each QLED series (Q60B, Q70B and Q80B) is available in 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch models.
Crystal UHD (Value range)
- The volume-selling LCD display TV for Samsung is the Crystal UHD series, with 2022 models using the code BU8000 and 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch display sizes available. The range starts with the UA43BU8000WXXY for around $899, and up to $2999 for the 85-inch version (UA85BU8000WXXY).
Samsung TVs before 2022
- The 2021 standard Samsung LCD range is shown as the AU8000 series, with models ranging from 43 inches all the way up to 82 inches.
- 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).
Many of the Sony releases for 2022 will appear much later this year, so expect to see 2021 models on the shop floor during this EOFY sales period and even the Christmas sales. In fact, you might also find 2020 Sony models for sale.
The 2022 Sony models all use a code ending with K and all the 2022 models operate on Android TV. This also means that none of the Sony TVs for 2022 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 A90K and A80K (Premium range)
- The premium OLED series is Sony's tour de force. With the A90K and A80K 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 $2499 for the 55-inch XR55A80K and 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 A90K or A80K in a 65-inch version.
Sony X90K (Mid-priced range)
- Straddling the area between the value range (X80K and X85K) and the premium OLED series (A90J and A80J) is the X90K and X95K with size choices of 65, 75 and 85-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.
X80J and X85J (Value range)
- The value range starts with the X75K with KD at the beginning of the product code to distinguish it from the more expensive XR range. Display size choices include 43, 50, 55, 65 and 75 inches. The virtually identical X85K 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 2021 models use a code ending with J (e.g. Sony KD55X80J or X80J).
- The 2020 models use a code ending with H (e.g. Sony KD-55X80H or X80H).
- The next in line includes 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 G (e.g. Sony KD-65X9500G).
- If the code ends with an F (e.g. Sony KD-65X9000F) then it's the latest model for 2018.
- If the code ends with a D (e.g. Sony KD-55X8500D) it's technically an early 2017 model and you should be asking for a much lower price or avoiding it altogether.
With Panasonic out of the picture, Hisense continues to compete with Sony for a minor placing against the two front runners, Samsung and LG. But their 2022 releases are trickling out so expect to see the models released in 2021 available for most of 2022. If it has a G at the end of the model (e.g. 75U90G), it's a 2021 TV. The number and letter combinations for Hisense TVs continue to be the easiest to work out. If the model has HAU at the end of the model name, it's a 2022 Hisense TV.
Hisense is also very careful to highlight that the models with HAU are Australian models and they make it clear on their website that overseas Hisense models from the same series will have different specifications and features.
A7HAU and A6HAU (Premium range)
- The A7HAU and A6HAU are the only models available at the moment at the higher price end and would not be considered the premium option but more of a mid-priced TV with most of the features you'd expect to find in a smart TV for 2022.
- The A7HAU range starts with the 43-inch 43A7HAU with 50, 55, 65 and 75-inch models, as well as the monster 85-inch 85A7HAU for only $2999.
- There is also a 50-inch (50A6HAU) for $799 and 58-inch (58A6HAU) model available for $999.
A4HAU (Value series small display)
- With display options of 32 and 40-inch, the A4HAU series are your best option for the spare bedroom. With no 4K, they're about as basic as a smart TV can get.
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 2022 and there were none in 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 is an 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. But make sure you actually want and need these features before you splash the cash.
Streaming
Keep track of your streaming subscriptions. Signing up for free trials with Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Binge may sound great, but if you don't cancel them, you could easily end up spending close to $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.
