What Smart TV Should I Buy? The Complete 2025 Guide (Size, Resolution & Budget Tips)

With 100+ models on the market, choosing a TV shouldn’t require a degree in engineering. If you’ve recently browsed TVs online or wandered through an electronics store in Australia, you’ve probably encountered confusing terms like UHD, FHD, contrast ratios, refresh rates, and smart features. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially if you're not a tech enthusiast.

But here’s good news: finding your next smart TV doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you're shopping on a tight budget or just looking for clear guidance, we've simplified everything you need to know. From resolution and size to smart capabilities and budget considerations, you'll soon know exactly which TV is right for your home.

If you're on a tighter budget or shopping for a smaller room, consider this your first smart recommendation: Palsonic’s 40" Full HD smart TV. At only $199 AUD, it’s a budget hero that fits seamlessly into small spaces, apartments, and secondary rooms.

UHD vs FHD: Which Resolution Actually Matters?

Resolution refers to the clarity and detail a TV screen can display. Today, the main choice lies between Full HD (1080p) and Ultra HD (4K).

Full HD (1080p)

• Best For:

  • 32"-43" screens

  • Casual viewers who mainly watch free-to-air or basic streaming services

  • Buyers with budgets under $300

At smaller sizes, FHD offers great clarity without unnecessary costs. For instance, Palsonic’s 40-inch TV delivers crisp 1080p visuals perfectly suited for apartment living where 4K would be overkill.

Ultra HD (4K)

• When to Splurge:

  • Screens 50" or larger

  • Gamers and movie buffs with premium streaming subscriptions (Netflix Premium, Amazon Prime, Disney+)

  • Viewers who love sports and want immersive experiences

4K is ideal when you regularly watch high-resolution content. The enhanced detail of UHD shines on larger screens, ensuring sharper images and vivid colours.

Key Comparison:

• At the 40-inch size, choosing FHD instead of UHD can easily save you $150 or more. That’s money better spent on streaming subscriptions like Netflix or Stan.

Screen Size: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Choosing screen size depends on room dimensions and viewing distance. While big screens are popular, they're not always practical or necessary—especially in smaller Australian apartments or secondary rooms.

40" Sweet Spot:

• Ideal viewing distance is around 1.5–2 metres.

• Perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, smaller living areas, and units under 20m².

• Palsonic’s 40-inch smart TV:

  • Width: 910mm, Weight: 5.5kg – extremely portable and easy to move

  • 200x200mm VESA compatibility for easy wall-mounting (how to wall-mount a TV)

50"+ TVs:

• Recommended viewing distance increases to 2–3 metres.

• Larger screens can lead to pixelation issues at FHD resolution when viewed closely, making UHD preferable.

Key Takeaway:

• For smaller spaces or secondary rooms, the 40-inch FHD TV like Palsonic’s model is the smartest, most budget-friendly choice.

Contrast & Picture Quality: What You’re Really Getting

Let's tackle one key reality upfront: premium features like OLED-quality blacks and extreme brightness typically don’t appear in budget TVs. But understanding your TV’s contrast and picture quality is crucial, even at lower price points.

Budget Reality Check:

• Under $200, expect good contrast and vibrant colours suitable for daytime viewing. However, don’t expect premium OLED-level blackness.

• Palsonic’s Hack: Use the built-in ‘Movie Mode’ to enhance shadow detail and improve black levels. This smart setting ensures improved image quality without additional cost.

HDR Warning:

• True High Dynamic Range (HDR) content requires at least 500 nits of brightness—rarely available in TVs priced under $500. Budget TVs claiming "HDR" often have limited actual HDR performance.

What to Look For:

• Decent contrast ratio (5000:1 or higher recommended)

• Brightness above 250 nits for comfortably lit Australian homes

Smart Features: What’s Worth Paying For

Smart features enhance your viewing experience, but not every advertised feature is equally valuable. Here’s what actually matters:

Must-Haves:

• Dedicated Streaming Buttons: Instant access to Netflix and Amazon Prime—one-click convenience. Palsonic excels here with dedicated remote buttons.

• USB DTV Recording: Record your favourite free-to-air TV shows effortlessly.

• Wi-Fi Connectivity (Wi-Fi 5): Stable streaming of 1080p content without buffering. Budget TVs rarely need Wi-Fi 6.

Avoid Unnecessary Features:

• Voice Assistants: Often glitchy on budget TVs—save money and skip this.

• Unused Apps: Stick to popular apps (Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube); other niche apps often clutter interfaces without benefit.

The Budget vs Premium Breakdown

How do TVs compare at different price points? Here's a simple breakdown:

Under $200:

• Palsonic’s 40" FHD Smart TV stands out clearly as it offers:

  • One-touch streaming buttons (Netflix & Prime Video)

  • USB recording functionality

  • Energy efficiency with 5-star rating (175kWh/year), saving around $50 per year compared to 3-star alternatives.

Energy Savings (Why It Matters):

Energy consumption matters more than ever to Australians conscious of rising electricity costs. Choosing a TV with higher energy ratings significantly reduces your bills.

• Palsonic’s 5-Star Rating: Annual consumption of just 175kWh—roughly $50 cheaper per year compared to similar-sized 3-star models. That’s real-world savings, year after year.

Final Verdict: Matching Needs to TVs

Choosing the right TV boils down to aligning your actual needs with your budget and preferences:

For Renters/Budget Buyers:

• Palsonic 40-inch Smart TV:

  • Budget-friendly ($199 AUD)

  • Ideal for smaller rooms

  • Effortless 10-minute setup, plug-and-play simplicity

  • Reliable brand with Australian warranty and support

Final Thoughts

Buying a smart TV doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. By understanding the essential elements—resolution, screen size, contrast, smart features, and budget—you can quickly identify your perfect TV match.

For budget-conscious Australians looking for a reliable, feature-rich TV under $200, Palsonic’s 40-inch Smart TV is clearly the smart choice. Offering unbeatable value, local support, energy savings, and convenient smart features, it makes quality viewing accessible for everyone.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to choose your next smart TV confidently and quickly—no engineering degree required. Happy viewing!