TVs now come in different sizes and brands. It would be a miracle to find a CRT unit now, given that sets are getting bigger and come with loads of features. A popular size that you will find in homes is the 42-inch screen. Manufacturers seem to have struck the sweet spot with consumers and are offering units with all sorts of capabilities.
However, upon closer inspection, you will find that there are variations in the 42 inch TV dimensions. Some manufacturers refer to the size or the display, while others focus on the overall diagonal, including the frame.
Looking at the variety of brands from manufacturers, we have identified a couple of sets that you should consider for your next purchase. Our comparison looks at all TVs in four main aspects. The display technology of the TV, design, price, and multi-use capabilities. Without further ado, here are the models that we find most appealing.
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Samsung QN43Q60TAFXZA
The Samsung QN43Q60TAFXZA is from the 2020 line up of Samsung TVs. It comes with Quantum Dot technology, which helps in creating a wider color range and enhances clarity. However, despite being recent, there is a shocking amount of downgrades on features compared to other previous models.
Display Technology
The screen is backlit by 2 LED panels allowing for better variation in color tones. You also get 4K UHD capability from the onboard Quantum Processor. The contrast ratio and reflection handling are outstanding, meaning you can use the television in multiple settings. The positive is that Samsung is in line with the 42 inch TV dimensions they claim.
Samsung has also made improvements to the TV’s input lag. However, all the beautiful things about the display end there. The set has an incredibly low viewing angle of only 64 degrees. Trying to adjust the brightness will not get you far, as the unit does not produce any significant light when tweaking the settings.
Multi-use capability
The system runs on a Tizen platform that allows you access to multiple apps for online streaming. Some of the built-in streaming services include Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google play movies & TV, Hulu, VUDU, and ESPN. The TV is compatible with most Voice Assistants such as Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant, all of which allow you to use voice search to operate the platform.
The smart remote automatically detects the devices you have connected to the unit, and you can control them using it if they are compatible. The Tizen platform has also improved in terms of interface. Applications are easier to access, and based on your preferences; you do get recommendations on what apps to install.
The TV comes with 3 HDMI 2.0b ports that support ARC, meaning you can connect any device you see fit to the unit. If you love gaming, this TV is a good buy because it also comes with game enhancers, eliminating inconveniences such as tearing and stuttering. With this powerful combination of features, it is worth the price.
Unfortunately, the brightness level and lack of VRR support are a bit concerning for a unit made in 2020.
ALSO READ: Samsung JS9500 88-Inch Excellent Image Display and Picture Quality
Technical Specifications
| Model Number | QN43Q60TAFXZA |
| Dimensions | 37.9 X 22 X 2.3 Inches without stand |
| Display | QLED with 4K UHD at 3840 X 2160 pixels. 4K HDR10+ Upscaling Game Enhancer Mode 42.5 Inches of viewable display size |
| Smart TV | Tizen with Bixby Voice Assistant. Google Assistant and Alexa compatible. Full web browser |
| Connectivity | 3 HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 for 4K copyright protection 2 USB 2.0 ports 1 composite video 1 RF input for the antenna 1 Ethernet port Wi-Fi built and Bluetooth built-in |
| Audio Output | 2 X 10W down firing speakers Dolby Atmos Codecs |
| Accessories | 2 wide-set bezel stands 1 user manual 1 voice control enabled remote |
Design
The design is impeccable, at only 5.8 cm at its thickest point. The frames around the screen are skinny, giving you maximum viewing space with no distractions. You also get an allowance for a 200 X 200 VESA mount. However, the screen also comes with bezel stands that you plug into the unit on either side. You will notice a slight wobble, but nothing too worrying.
Price
Retailers either sell the TV only or as a bundle offer. Some offers may include the TV, along with a soundbar, subwoofer, and other TV essentials.
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Sony XBR43X800H
Another TV that matches the 42 inch TV dimensions is the Sony XBR43X800H. The TV is the latest model from SONY’s 2020 line of affordable Android-powered smart TVs. It comes loaded with features that are pretty decent for the price you pay.
Display Technology
The set is best for watching movies and managing your home from the comfort of your sofa. Its TRILUMINOS display creates more color than an ordinary TV. The colors appear more natural and precise such that the pictures look close to real life.
The LCD screen is backlit with Edge LED, similar to the technology present in all other models from Sony for this year. Thanks to the X1™4K HDR processor, you get Ultra High resolution and HDR upscaling from the HDMI ports of up to 4096 X 2160p. Extra help on picture clarity also comes from the Dolby Vision Bright and Dark codecs. By using the preset picture settings, you can enhance your viewing experience to suit different light settings and inputs.
Multi-Use capability
The Smart TV platform runs on Android Nougat 7.0, which updates automatically when the TV is on standby. Alexa and Google Assistant are compatible with the unit. You have access to over 5000 apps from the PlayStore, aside from the pre-installed Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Switch TV. The voice-enabled remote allows you to control multiple devices across your home networks from one unit.
There are 4 HDMI ports available on the TV, allowing you to plug in your computer, gaming console, and soundbar with ease. When using the unit with a PlayStation 4 and laptop for gaming, you experience no lag thanks to the Motionflow™ XR 240 enhancer.
Technical Specifications
| Model Number | XBR-43X800H |
| Dimensions | 38.25 X 22.5 X 2.5 Inches without stand VESA Mount allowance of 300 X 300 mm on the back panel. |
| Display | LCD display panel with 4K UHD at 3840 X 2160 pixels. 4K HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision Upscaling Live Color™ & TRILUMINOS™ support for better color. Motionflow™ XR 240 at 60 Hz 42.5 inches of viewable display size |
| Smart TV | Android Nougat 7.0 Google Assistant and Alexa compatible. Full web browser 16 GB Internal storage |
| Connectivity | 4 HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.3 for 4K copyright protection 2 USB 2.0 ports 1 composite video in 1 RF input 1 Ethernet port Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Bluetooth built-in |
| Audio Output | 2 X 10W down-firing speakers with Bass Reflex Support Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, and DTS Digital Surround Codecs |
| Accessories | 1 AC battery pack with power cord 1 Quick Setup Guide 1 voice control remote with batteries 1 Table Top Stand |
Design
The Sony XBR43X800H is a beautiful unit.
It features narrow bezel frames, only 1.5 cm thick, which allows you to focus on the picture rather than the TV. The only disappointing thing is the lack of proper cable management. The TV sits well on its stand with minimal wobble. SONY has also included a massive vent at the bottom of the back panel to assist in heat dissipation.
Price
Units are available for purchase from the below retailers:
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TCL 43S435 43’’ Smart LED Roku TV (2020)
TCL has been in the market for about ten years. As the years progress, they are slowly carving a niche for themselves in the low-budget Smart TV market. They offer innovative products at very affordable rates. An example of the new products they have for 2020 is the TCL 43S435. The product holds its own in the market and has become popular among multi-use consumers.
Display Technology
The display panel offers 4K Ultra High Definition viewing across multiple input sources. It features an LED screen that can accentuate up to 10.7 billion colors. It also comes with HDR10 and HLG technology that enables high contrast ratio and brightness capability. Whether you are live streaming, playing games, or watching cable, the clarity you get from the LED panel is close to none. However, you will need to adjust the picture settings before you can enjoy the unit’s full capabilities. Another issue was with the viewing angle. You only get an allowance of a measly 64 degrees. Aside from these, the TV offers bang for your buck with regards to picture quality.
Multi-use capability
You get the latest Roku TV Red after your purchase. It is by far the best smart TV platform in the market. The running of apps is smooth, and the interface is neat with minimal clutter. Among the streaming services you get access to are Netflix, YouTube, CBS, Disney Plus, and Google Play Movies & TV. Should these not fulfill your entertainment desires, the Roku platform will still give you access to over half a million movies and TV series through its plethora of apps. The accompanying remote has dedicated buttons for Netflix, Hulu, Sling, and Now TV. You also get support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Roku Search.
Like most 42 inch TV dimensions, the set also works well with game consoles, DVD players, and as a PC monitor. The images are up-scaled to 1080p with no problems. Unfortunately, the number of connections ports are limited, with only 3 HDMI ports and 1 USB port. The sound quality is also poor. With only 2 8-watt speakers built-in, they struggle to produce sufficient sound to enjoy across your entertainment room.
Technical Specifications
| Model Number | 43S435 |
| Dimensions | 38.2 X 22.3 X 3.3 Inches without stand VESA Mount compatible at 200 X 200 mm |
| Display | LED with 4K UHD at 3840 X 2160 pixels. HDR10 and HLG Upscaling 10.7 billion display colors 42.5 inches viewable LED display |
| Smart TV | Roku TV Red 2020 Google Assistant and Alexa compatible. Full web browser |
| Connectivity | 3 HDMI with 1 ARC 1 Digital optical Audio out 1 composite video in 1 RF input for the antenna 1 USB 2.0 1 3.5 mm headphone jack Wi-Fi built-in |
| Audio Output | 2 X 8W built-in speakers Dolby Digital Plus Codecs |
| Accessories | 2 wide-set bezel stands 1 Quick Start Guide 1 RC280 remote with 2 AAA batteries |
Design
As this is a budget TV, there is nothing that stands out with the design. The entire chassis is plastic except for the top back panel. It adds exceptionally well to the décor when you mount it on the wall. At only 7.4 cm at its thickest part, it fits almost flush with the wall. The lack of cable management is also a downer. Overall, it looks decent for the price you are paying for it.
Price
You can purchase the TCL 43S435 from the following retailers:
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LG43UN7300PUF
Rounding up our review of manufacturers that are true to the 42 inch TV dimensions, is the LG43UN7300PUF. A release from the 2020 LG line-up, the TV incorporates all the latest technology in design and functionality. The TV is also good value for money, given the performance it churns out.
Display Technology
The unit comes with a quad-core 4K processor that performs exceptionally well regardless of the video source. The 42.5 inches LED viewable display combines HDR10 and HLG technology to output 3840 X 2160 pixels of Ultra HD images. The proprietary Filmmaker mode™ automatically adjusts to create an authentic cinematic experience as the content creator wanted. LG has also included HGiG technology in the display for the best experience when gaming or using your TV as a monitor. The TV adjusts automatically to the settings of your games and upscales the images up to 1080p. Unfortunately, LG fails to address its brightness and local dimming issues that persist with their products.
ALSO READ: Cool TV Accessories: Top 7 Simple Accessories For Your LED TV
Multi-use capability
As earlier seen, this model of LG is great for multi-usage functionality. DVD players, game consoles, and laptops all connect easily with the unit. The LG 43UN7300PUF adjusts accordingly to ensure that you receive quality imaging every time.
The smart TV platform runs on the latest LG webOS app. Much improvement has been made to make the interface user-friendly. You now have more apps available from the LG store and increased features such as sports alerts and the LG office. The TV also syncs well with google assistant and Alexa, giving you control of your smart devices in the house. The remote is better looking and has app-specific buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, and Zee5. It also comes with a voice and universal control, meaning you do not need separate remotes to operate the different devices.
To get the full experience of using an LG TV, make sure you have these apps.
Technical Specifications
| Model Number | 43UN7300PUF |
| Dimensions | 38.3 X 22.5 X 3.3 Inches without stand VESA Mount compatible at 200 X 200 mm |
| Display | LED with 4K UHD at 3840 X 2160 pixels. HDR10 and HLG Upscaling HGiG Gaming HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping, Advanced Color Enhancer, True Color Accuracy, Sharpness Enhancer 42.5 inches viewable LED display |
| Smart TV | LG Smart webOS 2020 Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, and Alexa compatible. CBS All Access, Disney+, Google Play Movies & TV, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Sling TV, Spotify, YouTube Full web browser |
| Connectivity | 3 HDMI with ARC & CEC function 1 Digital optical Audio out 1 composite video in 1 component video in 1 RF input for the antenna 2 USB 2.0 1 Ethernet port Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5.0 built-in |
| Audio Output | 2 X 10W built-in speakers with downward firing. Clear Voice III™, AI Sound, Ultra Surround. Bluetooth Audio Playback |
| Accessories | 2 wide-set bezel stands 1 magic remote with 2 AAA batteries |
Design
43UN7300PUF TV is a beautiful TV. It incorporates the thin-bezel design that LG uses in all their high-end televisions to suit any décor. Whether mounted or on a tabletop, the black metallic finish blends seamlessly with the surroundings. At only 3.3 inches thick, the TV fits in your wall like a painting.
Price
Prices for the TV start from $316.99, depending on the retailer. You can also avail of bundle offers during your purchase from selected retailers. Some of the bundle items included are Amazon Prime Subscriptions for three months, VESA wall mounts, and Bluetooth Speakers. You can check out the offers from any of the below vendors:
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Conclusion
Many factors influence your buying decision when it comes to TVs. Different manufacturers offer several product lines on their catalog to cater to each customer. Always be diligent when selecting products, as you may find that the manual does not match the unit’s features. In most cases, 42 inch tv dimensions refer to the size of the viewing panel. The above sets have undergone specific tests that we felt necessary to establish where you can get the best ROI. In looking at the results of all the models that we have reviewed, the LG43UN7300PFU is the outright winner. It matches in connectivity with the Samsung, has a cool user interface, all at a fair price.
