Do You Actually Need an Expensive 4K TV?

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Shopping for a 4K TV can feel intimidating when prices range from under $200 to well over $1,000. While all of these sets promise “ultra high resolution,” the experience they deliver can vary widely depending on what you spend.

Below is a breakdown of what typically separates cheaper 4K televisions from their more expensive counterparts, followed by real-world examples pulled from current Slickdeals threads to help you decide how much you should spend.

What You Get With a Cheap 4K TV

Budget 4K TVs focus on screen size and basic resolution at the lowest possible price. These sets usually rely on standard LED panels with limited brightness and contrast, making them better suited for casual viewing in dim or moderately lit rooms. Smart TV platforms like Roku TV are common and easy to use, though performance can feel slower. Advanced gaming features, premium HDR formats and high refresh rates are typically absent. For everyday streaming, watching DVDs or a bedroom TV you fall asleep to, cheaper models often get the job done without extra frills.

What You Pay For in an Expensive 4K TV

More expensive 4K TVs prioritize picture quality and performance. Technologies like Mini LED backlighting, QLED panels and higher native refresh rates deliver brighter highlights, deeper blacks and smoother motion. These models tend to support advanced HDR formats and offer better processing for sports and gaming.

If you own a modern gaming console, watch a lot of high-definition movies (either on Bluray/4K discs, or by paying for premium streaming tiers) or simply have a bright living room, the jump in price often comes with noticeable benefits.

Current 4K TV Deals

To help you save money on whatever tier of TV you end up choosing, here are a few recent deals we’ve seen for both budget-friendly and premium TVs:

Budget Pick 1: onn. 65″ Class 4K UHD Roku Smart TV: $298

Sold through Walmart, this 65 inch onn. TV delivers 4K resolution with built in Roku TV streaming. The regular price sits closer to $348, making this roughly a $50 discount. Features include HDR support, multiple HDMI inputs and a simple remote driven interface. Slickdeals users said it offers solid value for the size and works well as a secondary or family room TV.

Budget Pick 2: Hiro 4K HDR Roku TV: $159.99

This smaller Hiro 4K TV sold at Target drops from a regular price around $220 for about $60 savings. It includes Roku TV and Dolby Audio, keeping things simple for streaming-focused households. Commenters noted it is not designed for demanding picture quality but works well for bedrooms or dorm rooms.

Budget Pick 3: Samsung 65″ Crystal UHD U7900F: $328

This Samsung Crystal UHD model sits at the upper end of the budget category. Normally priced near $430, this deal reflects close to $100 off. It offers Samsung’s Tizen smart platform, HDR support and a better picture than you’ll find with many comparably-priced sets. Users pointed out that it delivers reliable picture quality without premium pricing.

Premium Pick 1: TCL 75″ QM85 QD Mini LED 240Hz TV: $1,199.99

This TCL QM85 normally sells for around $2,000, offering an almost 50% discount here. It features QD Mini LED backlighting, a 240Hz refresh rate and Google TV. Reviewers frequently highlight its brightness and gaming performance. Slickdeals users commented that it competes with higher-priced flagship models.

Premium Pick 2: Sony Bravia 5 65″ Mini LED TV: $998

The 2025 Sony Bravia 5 drops from a regular price near $1,499, a discount of roughly 33%. It uses Mini LED technology, Sony’s image processing and Google TV. Slickdeals commenters said it appeals to movie watchers who want premium quality without stepping into OLED pricing. The thread shows a strong deal score with consistent activity.

Premium Pick 3: Panasonic Z8 Series 77″ OLED 4K 144Hz Smart TV: $1,499

This Panasonic Z8 Series OLED TV is priced at $1,499 with free shipping, down from a regular price closer to $1,999 reflecting about 25% off. The 77″ display uses OLED technology for pixel level contrast, deep blacks and wide viewing angles, paired with a 144Hz refresh rate aimed at gaming and fast motion content. It runs Fire TV built in and supports modern HDR formats, positioning it as a premium home theater option. Slickdeals users commented on the rarity of seeing a large Panasonic OLED at this price point and noted the strong value compared to similarly sized OLED models from other brands.

These deals are available for a limited time and pricing can change quickly. If you want updates on future TV discounts, setting up a Deal Alert can help you stay ahead of similar cheap and premium options.