Choosing a TV is not simply a matter of picking a well-known brand. The same company can sell basic and premium models with very different panels, backlighting, processors and features.
To choose a good TV, look at the specifications of the particular model, the type of display, picture quality, connectivity and the features you actually need.
What Makes a Good TV
The most important factor is the display. TVs with OLED displays are capable of reproducing true black because each pixel can be turned off independently of the others. LED TVs use conventional backlighting, while TVs with Mini LED technology feature a more advanced backlight system consisting of many small LEDs and supporting local dimming. In addition, TVs with RGB LED backlighting have been available for the past few years. Quantum dot TVs also deserve special mention, as they outperform traditional models.
HDR support is important, but it does not guarantee that a TV will deliver high-quality HDR playback. The result is greatly influenced by the quality of the panel. It is worth noting that even budget models support HDR, but their displays may not be capable of delivering the full potential of HDR because of their lower quality.
Refresh rate is important for playing games. A 120 Hz panel provides smoother motion than a 60 Hz panel, and some new TV models support 144 Hz, 165 Hz, and even higher refresh rates for PC gaming. However, these higher refresh rates are not supported when watching video content.
Does the TV Brand Matter?
The brand matters, but it is not the only factor in determining a TV’s quality.
Most major manufacturers offer several TV lines. A premium model with an OLED, QLED, RGB LED, or Mini LED screen may have hardware that differs significantly from a base model with a standard LED screen produced under the same brand name.
That is why it is better to compare specific models rather than simply asking whether a particular brand makes good TVs. Of course, you should also keep in mind that some brands focus on producing budget TV models and compete for customers by offering lower prices.
A well-known brand may guarantee a reliable product, but a famous logo does not mean that every model will automatically be better than a more affordable TV from another manufacturer.
Who Actually Manufactures TVs?
The company whose logo appears on a TV is not always the one that actually manufactures it.
Modern TVs are manufactured using an extensive supply chain. It is very common for TVs to be manufactured through outsourcing, as well as through the acquisition or licensing of brands.
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) produces products according to another company’s specifications. An ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) can provide a more comprehensive platform for design and manufacturing, which the brand then sells under its own name.
Samsung and LG have their own divisions for developing and manufacturing televisions, although they also use components from third-party suppliers.
Other brands rely on more extensive outsourcing or licensing agreements. For example, Philips televisions in many markets are manufactured by TP Vision under a Philips brand license.
Sony is another example of how the market is changing. In 2026, Sony and TCL announced plans to form a joint venture for Sony’s home entertainment business, with TCL holding a 51% stake and Sony holding 49%.
Toshiba TVs are manufactured by Hisense, which acquired the Japanese company’s imaging division.
