Best Budget Ultra HD 4K TVs – Affordable big screen entertainment

Samuel J Tan Entertainment, Home & Kitchen, TV, Ultra HD 4K TV 0

The biggest question on everyones’ mind is do I really need an Ultra High Definition (UHD) television? We know it’s future proofing but when can you truly take advantage of an Ultra HD TV?

The Ultra HD standard is closer than you think. 2015 is the year we see 4K broadcasting on compatible Ultra HD TV, 4K streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs and 4K Blu-ray players. This is the future.

Table of Contents

What is an Ultra HD 4K Television

Ultra HD 4K (2160P) TV supports digital video format at resolution 3840 pixels wide by 2160 pixels tall, which is four times as many pixels as Full HD TV (1080p) with 1920 pixels wide by 1080 tall resolution.
In lay terms, the picture quality is four times as sharp as regular Full HD TV and at screen sizes bigger than 40-inches, you will need that sort of sharpness to avoid seeing jaggeder lines and edges caused by the gaps between pixels sometimes known as the “screen door” effect.
While viewers in the UK have been able to watch their favourite programmes in HD since 2006 with the launch of HD TV broadcasting services back then, Ultra HD is still at its infancy.
BT announced the launch of Ultra HD 4K broadcasting in June 2015.The service is thought to be operational albeit limited to certain channels in August.

Where to get Ultra HD 4K content now

You can enjoy new 4K movie titles from Amazon Instant Video 4K with the right UHD TV (currently set top boxes support up to 1080p only).
New 4K movie titles from Netflix 4K with the right UHD TV.
More releases of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Movie titles and new generation 4K Blu-ray players (Panasonic / Sony) following May 2015’s announcement of the Blu-ray specification. Currently, most players are support 4K up-scaling and not true 4K.
BT in the UK made their commitment to Ultra HD 4K broadcasting and will show live Sport (through BT Sport channels) in Ultra HD 4K, Ultra HD 4K set-top box is required from the television provider.
Expect more companies to follow with TV programmes in Ultra HD 4K over time.
Sony released a Sony Ultra HD Media Player which comes preloaded with 4K content that can be viewed using Sony 4K TVs. Samsung also has a Samsung UHD Video Pack that can be viewed using Samsung 4K TVs.
If you can’t get your hands on Ultra HD content, most UHD TV supports upscaling, enhancing standard definition broadcasts or media to near 4K quality resolution with image processing.

Other considerations to support Ultra HD 4K streaming

Consider your home broadband connection and type of streaming service:

Amazon Prime Instant Video recommend a 25 Mbps connection to stream 4K Ultra HD content and the app on the smart TV to stream 4K content.
For Ultra HD Broadcast, you are likely to require a connection of approximately 35 Mbps for the best possible experience, a subscription with the provider and Ultra HD 4K set-top box.

When you consider other broadband users in the home who might also be streaming music or shows at the same time as someone watching live Ultra HD 4K on the main TV then a fibre optic connection of 80 Mbps would likely give the best customer experience.

Best Budget Ultra HD 4K TVs

Any of the 4K Ultra HD TV below will let you enjoy true 4K programmes and movies with the right set-top box, streaming service with a suitably fast broadband connection, disc media and player. To make sure that you are on the same page, your chosen Ultra HD must be capable of HDMI 2.0 at 50 frames per second and support HDCP 2.2 copy protection.

There are many reasons for the low price tags on these Ultra HD TVs. These include the availability of newer models, being a lower model in the range, oversupply, ultra competitive market and in some cases lack of features and functionality. The general rule is the Ultra HD TV needs to support current content and at the same time future proof for 4K streaming and connectivity so upscaling and at least HDMI 1.4 or 2.o is essential.

40-inch to 43-inch – Most Affordable Ultra HD 4K TVs

LG 40UF770V 40-inch 4K Ultra HD TV

The LG UF770 series offer the broadest range of sizes with 40 being the entry level UHD 4K TV from the manufacturer. Other screen sizes are 43-inch, 49-inch, 55-inch, 60-inch, 65-inch and maxing out at 79-inch. This is easily the most popular Ultra HD 4K TV offering a balance between price and size. The unique IPS panel offers perfect clarity at any angle.

Technology: LED, Ultra slim profile, 4K upscaler, HEVC Decoder, Freeview HD
OS: LG Smart Web OS with LG Store app, Live menu and web browsing support.
Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 x 4, Built-in WiFi

Samsung Series 6 JU6500 40-inch Widescreen Ultra HD Smart Curved LED TV – CURVED

Curved to offer the best viewing at right angle, Auto Depth Enhancer for better contrast, vibrant true-to-life colour tones and upscaling.

Technology: Powered by quad core processor for enhanced performance and quicker switching between content, app and web browsing
OS: UHD streaming (Amazon and Netflix), catch-up and games services
Connectivity: HDMI x 4, USB x 3, Ethernet x 1, Composite In x 1, CI Slot x 1, HDMI A support and built-in WiFi

Panasonic TX-40CX400B 40-inch 4K Ultra HD TV

Technology: High contrast for deep blacks, bright white and vivid colours, powerful Quad Core Pro Engine. Enjoy 2D to 3D conversion with Active 3D glasses sold separately. Freeview HD turner.
OS:Smart feature includes essential apps and a media player, HEVC decoding for 4K Ultra-HD streaming services
Connectivity: HDMI (4K 60/50p with HDCP2.2) x 4, USB2.0 x 3, Ethernet x 1, CI+ Slot x 1, Scart Connector x 1, Digital Audio Output Optical, Component Video Input, Headphone output.

Samsung Series 6 UE40JU6510 40-inch Widescreen Ultra HD Smart Curved LED TV – CURVED

The Samsung Series 6 has a curved radius of 3000mm and the 40-inch model is the smaller model of three Series 6 LED TV from Samsung. Next up are the 48-inch and 55-inch.

Technology: Quad Core Processor, Auto Depth Enhancer, UHD streaming and UHD upscaling, 1100 PQI (Picture Quality Index)
OS: Tizen Smart TV with Intelligent Navigation UI, Freeview HD and Freesat HD
Connectivity: 802.11ac WiFi, DLNA, 3 x HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0, headphone, CI Slot, Digital Audio Out (Optical), HDMI A, RF in (terrestrial or cable input), Dual Tuner (DVB-T2 / C / S2)

Panasonic TX-40CX680B 40-inch Smart 4K Ultra HD TV

The Panasonic TX-40CX680B is one of the few TVs with the new Freeview Play. Freeview Play is like Freeview (Live broadcast) but with catch up TV function.

Technology: LED edgelit, streaming Netflix 3K, YouTube 4K and Amazon Instant Video 3K, Freeview Play: full catch up Freeview HD tuner for BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five with more to follow.
OS: Mozilla Interface, customisable Firefox OS, Facebook, Twitter and Panasonic App Store.
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, 3 x HDMI 2.0, SCART, 2 x USB2.0, 1 x USB3.0, SDHC memory card slot x 1, component input, composite input.

LG 40UB800V 40-inch 4K Ultra HD TV

An older model from LG and as such can now be had for a super low price, the LG 40 UB800V is still a connected smart TV packed full of features.

Technology: IPS LED edgelit, HEVC decoder.
OS: LG SmartHome TV
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, 3 x HDMI 4K, 3 x USB 2.0,RF in, SCART, Composite, Component, Digital Audio Output (optical), PC Audio Input, LAN, Headphone Magic Remote.

LG 43UF770V 43-inch 4K Ultra HD TV – WebOS

This TV combines the powerful Tru Ultra HD processing engine, backlight scanning technology and a high resolution panel so you’ll be sure of the best images possible. It’s ideal for fast moving pictures, such as sports and action movies, thanks to the reduced blurring.

Technology: LED edgelit, Ultra HD 4K resolution, Ultra slim profile, 4K upscaler, HEVC Decoder, Netflix 4K streaming and screen mirroring via mobile app. Freeview HD Tuner
OS: LG Smart Web OS with Catch up TV BBC iPlayer, Demand 5 and access to LG App Store as well as Full Internet Browser and Social Media
Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 x 2, HDMI x 1, Built-in WiFi, SCART, Component, Composite, USB 2.0 x 2, USB 3.0 x 1, Magic remote.

LG 43UF640V 43-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV – WebOS

The 4K Upscaler converts lower resolution entertainment to near 4K quality using a unique 6-step image processing technology. So whether it’s broadcasts, movies, sports or more, you can now enjoy it in incredible detail. The screen is supported by a Ribbon Plate Stand, sturdy yet elegant stand that folds at the base.

Technology: Ultra HD 4K with 4K upscaler for non UHD content or HD broadcast, Virtual Surround Sound, Ultra Slim profile. Freeview HD tuner.
OS: LG Smart TV with WebOS 2.0: Catch up TV: BBC iPlayer, Amazon / Netflix – App store: LG App Store – Custom homepage – Full internet browser – Knowhow Movies – Social media: Facebook, Twitter – Skype
Connectivity: 2 x HDMI, DLNA, WiFi Built-in, CI+ slot, USB x 1, Headphone out, RF in, Component, Digital Audio Out (optical), PC Audio input, LAN, Magic Remote

Sony KD-43X8305C 43-inch 4K UHD Smart TV

Your smart TV just got smarter. Think of all the stuff you love doing on your smartphone or tablet, now on the big, beautiful BRAVIA screen. All-new Sony Android TV lets you connect and enjoy any content, from apps to movies, between different Android devices – the simplest and easiest way ever. The X83C series has one of the best connectivity options.

Technology: Edge LED backlight, 4K X-Reality PRO, 4K Processor X1, Slim Profile, Freeview HD Twin Tuner
OS: Android TV 5.0 with Apps from Google Play and Web browser as well as Catch up Services (BBC iPlayer, Demand 5)
Connectivity: WiFi Direct, Screen Mirroring, TV Side View, Wireless LAN, MHL (Ver3, for HDMI2);HDCP (2.2, for HDMI 1/2/3/4);Bluetooth (HID/HOGP/3DSP/A2DP/AVRCP/HSP/HFP/SPP);AC Power Input (1 Rear);RF Connection Input (1 Side);IF (BS/CS) Input (2 Side);Composite Video Input (2 Rear Hybrid w/Component);Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input (1 Rear Hybrid);SCART without Smartlink (1 Rear);HDMI™ Connection (4 Side);Video Out Scart (1 Rear);Analog Audio Input Total (2 Rear);Digital Audio Output (1 Rear);Audio Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP);Headphone Output (1 Side/Hybrid w/Audio Out);Subwoofer Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP and Audio Out);USB (3 port);Ethernet Connection (1 Rear);PCMCIA Slot (1 Up);HDMI™ PC Input.

Sony KD-43X8307C 43-inch 4K UHD Smart TV – ANDROID TV

Specifications similar to the above also powerd by 4K Processor X1 running Android TV OS in a slim package. Motionflow XR 800Hz technology reduces blur and judder. Smoother images, whatever you watch.

Technology: 4K PROCESSOR X1: Whatever you watch is boosted to 4K Ultra HD clarity, with greater colour & contrast. Freeview HD Twin Tuner
OS: ANDROID TV: All the personalization, intelligence and entertainment of your smartphone, on the big screen. Freeview HD and Catch Up TV services with YouView coming soon
Connectivity: WiFi Direct, Screen Mirroring, TV Side View, Wireless LAN, MHL (Ver3, for HDMI2);HDCP (2.2, for HDMI 1/2/3/4);Bluetooth (HID/HOGP/3DSP/A2DP/AVRCP/HSP/HFP/SPP);AC Power Input (1 Rear);RF Connection Input (1 Side);IF (BS/CS) Input (2 Side);Composite Video Input (2 Rear Hybrid w/Component);Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input (1 Rear Hybrid);SCART without Smartlink (1 Rear);HDMI™ Connection (4 Side);Video Out Scart (1 Rear);Analog Audio Input Total (2 Rear);Digital Audio Output (1 Rear);Audio Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP);Headphone Output (1 Side/Hybrid w/Audio Out);Subwoofer Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP and Audio Out);USB (3 port);Ethernet Connection (1 Rear);PCMCIA Slot (1 Up);HDMI™ PC Input

48-inch to 50-inch

Panasonic TX-48CX400B 48-inch Ultra HD 4K TV

Comes with a Media Player (music, video and photo) to play content from USB memory stick and Essential Apps such

Technology: LED backlit, Quad-core processing, 200Hz processing rate for smooth motion. Freeview HD tuner. Netflix 4k, YouTube 4k streaming
OS: Panasonic Smart TV with access to Panasonic App Store, custom homepage, full internet browser, facebook and twitter app
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, HDMI 2.0 x 3, HDMI x 1, SCART, Component, Composite, USB2.0 x 3

Samsung UE48JU6410 48-inch Smart UHD 4K TV

Samsung UE480JU6410 displays 4K content perfectly and for HD or non-UHD content, such as broadcast Freeview HD, Freesate HD or standard Blu-Ray, Samsung’s innovative UHD upscaling technology makes light work of it, transforming Full HD content and making it up to four times more detailed.

Technology: Quad Core processing, 1000 PQI processing rate for extra smooth motion, Netflix 4K and Amazon Prime Instant Video 4K streaming, Freeview and Freesat HD tuner
OS: Smart TV services and catch-up TV (BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4 and Demand 5) and custom apps from Samsung App Store. Full browser access, Social media and Skype also supported.
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.0 x 4, Component, Composite, USB 2.0 x 3.

LG 49UF675V 49-inch Ultra HD 4K TV

Big 49-inch UHD TV at the price of a 43-inch UHD TV with all the bells and whistles you would get with a smaller screen. The TV also offers 8 picture modes; vivid, standard, eco, cinema, sport, game, expert1 and expert2 to suit everyone’s viewing needs. It also supports recording of DTV channel to external hard drive including manually scheduled recording. Sturdy ribbon plate stand. The unit however does not have built-in WiFi or ‘Smart’ operating system that supports web browsing or streaming catch up TV, just Freeview HD tuner. You will need a separate set top box or player for this.

Technology: LED edgelit, 4K Upscaling picture enhancement, Freeview HD, Virtual Surround and Ultra Slim profile. Freeview HD tuner.
OS: –
Connectivity: LAN, HMDI 2.0 X 2, USB2.0 x 1, Headphone out, CI Slot, RF In x 2, SCART, Composite, Component, LAN, Digital Audio Out (Optical), RS232.

LG 49UB830V 49-inch 3D UHD 4K LED Smart TV

Technology: IPS 4K Panel with Ultra HD 4K resolution. 3D support. DVR features that records to external hard drive offering watch and record function, Freeview HD.
OS: LG Smart OS with catch up TV, custom apps and full internet browser. SmartHome and SmartShare for content sharing.
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, USB2.0 x 3, HDMI x 3, CI Slot x 1, RF In x 1, SCART, Composite, Component, Digital Audio Out Optical, PC Audio Input, LAN, RS-232C, Headphone out, MiraCast, Media Link, 2nd Display, WiDi,

A bigger 55-inch version also available.

LG 49UF640V 49-inch Smart 4K UHD TV

Technology: Ultra HD 4K, 4K Upscaler, Virtual Surround, Ultra Slim Profile, Freeview HD and ribbon plate stand
OS: LG Smart TV with WebOS 2.0 (Catch up TV: BBC iPlayer, Amazon / Netflix – App store: LG App Store – Custom homepage – Full internet browser – Knowhow Movies – Social media: Facebook, Twitter – Skype), Full Web Browser
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, Miracast, WiFi Direct, HDMI 4K x 2, SCART, Magic Remote with gyroscopic sensors to control on-screen cursor, number keys, flick, gesture and voice command.

LG 49UF770V 49-inch Ultra HD 4K TV

Technology: LED, Ultra slim profile, 4K upscaler, HEVC Decoder, Freeview HD
OS: LG Smart Web OS with LG Store app, Live menu and web browsing support.
Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 x 4, Built-in WiFi

LG 49UB820V 49-inch Ultra HD 4K LED Smart TV

Technology: Ultra IPS panel with Ultra HD resolution 4K for streaming 4K content from Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, DVR recording to external hard drive, Freeview HD.
OS: LG Smart OS with SmartHome and SmartShare, Catch-up TV, LG App store, full web browser,
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi (WiFi Direct, Miracast, 2nd Display, WiDi), HDMI x 3, USB 2.0 x 3, SCART, Composite, Component, CI-slot, Digital Audio Out (Optical), LAN, PC Audio Input, RS232C, Headphone Out

Sony KD-49X8305C 49-inch UHD 4K Smart TV – ANDROID TV

Technology: Edge LED backlight, 4K X-Reality PRO, 4K Processor X1, Motionflow 800Hz, Slim Profile, Freeview HD Twin Tuner
OS: Android TV 5.0 with Apps from Google Play and Web browser as well as Catch up Services (BBC iPlayer, Demand 5)
Connectivity: WiFi Direct, Screen Mirroring, TV Side View, Wireless LAN, MHL (Ver3, for HDMI2);HDCP (2.2, for HDMI 1/2/3/4);Bluetooth (HID/HOGP/3DSP/A2DP/AVRCP/HSP/HFP/SPP);AC Power Input (1 Rear);RF Connection Input (1 Side);IF (BS/CS) Input (2 Side);Composite Video Input (2 Rear Hybrid w/Component);Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input (1 Rear Hybrid);SCART without Smartlink (1 Rear);HDMI™ Connection (4 Side);Video Out Scart (1 Rear);Analog Audio Input Total (2 Rear);Digital Audio Output (1 Rear);Audio Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP);Headphone Output (1 Side/Hybrid w/Audio Out);Subwoofer Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP and Audio Out);USB (3 port);Ethernet Connection (1 Rear);PCMCIA Slot (1 Up);HDMI™ PC Input.

Sony KD-49X8307C 49-inch UHD 4K Smart TV – ANDROID TV

The higher model to the KD-49X8305C above, the KD-49X8307C has higher screen processing rate at 900Hz. All other specs are similar.

Technology: 4K Processor X1, Motionflow XR 900Hz reduced blue and judder for smooth image, Edge LED backlight, 4K X-Reality PRO, 4K Processor X1, Slim Profile, Freeview HD Twin Tuner
OS: Android TV with Catch up services and content streaming via apps. Access to Google Play and Google Cast.
Connectivity: WiFi Direct, Screen Mirroring, TV Side View, Wireless LAN, MHL (Ver3, for HDMI2);HDCP (2.2, for HDMI 1/2/3/4);Bluetooth (HID/HOGP/3DSP/A2DP/AVRCP/HSP/HFP/SPP);AC Power Input (1 Rear);RF Connection Input (1 Side);IF (BS/CS) Input (2 Side);Composite Video Input (2 Rear Hybrid w/Component);Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input (1 Rear Hybrid);SCART without Smartlink (1 Rear);HDMI™ Connection (4 Side);Video Out Scart (1 Rear);Analog Audio Input Total (2 Rear);Digital Audio Output (1 Rear);Audio Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP);Headphone Output (1 Side/Hybrid w/Audio Out);Subwoofer Out (1 Side/Hybrid w/HP and Audio Out);USB (3 port);Ethernet Connection (1 Rear);PCMCIA Slot (1 Up);HDMI™ PC Input.

LG 49UB850V 49-inch 3D UHD 4K LED Smart TV

Technology: Ultra HD 4K, Cinema 3D, Freeview HD
OS: Smart TV with WebOS (launcher with recent, home and my apps) access to LG Store for apps, Live menu showing recommended, channels, search and recorded. SmartShare support.
Connectivity: HDMI 4K x 1, HDMI x 3, USB2.0 x 2, USB3.0 x 1, CI Slot, ARC port, RF In, SCART, Composite, Component, Digital Audio Out (Optical), PC Audio Input, RS-232C, Headphone out.

Samsung UE50HU6900 50-inch Ultra HD 4K LED Smart TV

Features include UHD (Ultra High Definition) 4K, UHD upscaling, Samsungs advanced dimming technology – giving better contrasts than ever before, future ready with the UHD evolution kit, QUAD core processor for better multitasking and a user friendly SMART interface. Instant on offers 2 second picture from standby mode. You can also stream life TV from the TV to compatible smartphone or tablet and vice versa.

Technology: Quad Core processor, 200 Hz smooth clear motion index, Quad Core Processor. Netflix 4K, Freeview HD, 4K upscaling with advanced image processing, Freeview HD
OS: Samsung Smart TV – Catch up TV services including ITV Player, 4oD, BBC iPlayer, Demand 5, BBC Sport and BBC News. Download additional apps from the Samsung app store to get more out of your TV. Full browser access. Social media (Facebook and Twitter) as well as Skyep support.
Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, Ethernet, HDMI x 4, SCART, Composite, USB2.0, Component

Philips 6809 50-inch Ultra HD 4K Smart TV

Technology: 400 Hz PMR for smooth motion, Ultra HD TV with HDMI 1.4, Freeview HD, 3D Ready with 2 pairs of Active 3D glasses included.
OS: Smart TV with WiFi Built-in, access Apps (BBC iPlayer, BBC Sports, BBC News, Netflix, YouTube and Spotify), web browser, ability o share content from Android and iOS
Connectivity: WiFi, Miracast,