My current Hisense 55U7G TV bought in May last year is now dysfunctioning so I'm going to claim the refund at JB and upgrade. I only paid $900 for it with a price match.
Since a 65" would fit nicely it is hard to resist.
Initially, I was sold on a premium C2 but it is still around the $2,600 for the 65". We are getting a puppy soon so if something happened to the TV it would hurt.
Our usage and needs:
- 40% shows and documentaries.
- 30% movies,
- 30% sports. No gaming.
I have a Bluetooth soundbar and nothing except a chromecast connected.
Will sit on its stand, no wall mounting possible.
Located between two big windows so quite a luminous spot in the living.
No more Hisense garbage, their Vidaa system has failed me (the reason why the TV is going back is recurrent 'playback error' with apps, disconnection from the internet and the TV does not play anything from the antenna now…). I need a fast and trusty system.
Budget: I could go up to $2,600 but I'd prefer not to, I'd be happier around the $1,500 - $2,000 re the puppy situation. I could also spend less as long as it's good value.
Looking to keep it as main TV for at least 8 years.
I can wait about 2/3 weeks but no more lol. Just in case a good bargain is coming.
I read some good appraisals here about the TCL C835 which is $1320 at the moment at Appliance Central. Ideally, I would prefer a main brand LG/Sony/Samsung but it is not mandatory, I'm just a little scared now lol. I understood Google TV was liked by everybody?
Another option is to get a 55" C2 and not stress about the value too much. Will I really be a lot happier with a C2 though? Bit hard to justify $1,800 for a 55'' when there are 65'' for $1,300 or is it really justified (with my needs)? It does look good at the shop but so does most. I have not seen the TCL C835 running yet so I cannot compare.
I need guidance please.
Is the actual image itself causing any issues?
If it's not, honestly, I would just get a $50 Chromecast with Google TV and no longer have to worry about their "smart TV" system. Far superior to almost all "smart TV" onboard experiences (although C2 is a bit of an outlier here, would come close)
4k version currently $67 here, but have been a few prices closer to $50 as of late.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/760960
Could also pick up a second hand one for cheaper too, but they do hold their value pretty well.
RE whether you'd see a difference with C2 vs TCL, there'd be a huge difference in quality.
But it really depends on the person, if you're not very fussy on image quality at all, you're not going to care. Some people would rather a smaller TV with better image quality, others would prefer the largest image possible without regard for image quality. Others don't care if they use a tiny 2010 screen for $50 off marketplace.
https://rtings.com/ is a great site for comparing TVs though. Really comprehensive testing and reviews.
By the sound of your post though, I'd just pick up a Chromecast and see if it keeps you satisfied with your current TV.