JUNE 2020 T3 37Bargain TVs
PANASONIC TX-50GX700B
One advantage of buying a budget TV from a brand that’s been
involved with TVs as long as Panasonic has is that you can get ‘drip
down’ technology. Tech, in other words, that was once only found
on high-end TVs, but has gradually seeped down to cheaper models.
This is exactly why the 50GX700B is so attractive. Its 4K Studio
Colour picture processing engine is derived from much more
expensive TV hits from Panasonic’s back catalogue.
Combined with the 50GX700B’s unusually talented backlight
controls, the Studio Colour processor delivers pictures that try to
track as closely as possible the colour, contrast and sharpness
designed by the filmmakers in their mastering suites.
The results don’t look as punchy as those of some rival budget TVs,
but the balance and refinement on show is very impressive.
Especially if you feed it a source that unlocks its support – unusual at
this price level – for the premium HDR10+ HDR format.
£499, panasonic.co.uk
SAMSUNG 55RU7020
Inevitably for its price, the 55RU7020 doesn’t get Samsung’s QLED
technology. But while this means it lacks the colour richness and
brightness that are QLED’s trademarks, it doesn’t stop the set from
delivering better contrast, colour and sharpness than the vast
majority of the sub-£500 TV world.
As is almost always the case with Samsung LCD TVs, the
55RU7020 uses a VA panel rather than an IPS one. So viewing angles
are a little limited, but contrast is well above par.
In fact, while it’s £430 now, the 55RU7020 cost around £700 when
it first launched a few months ago. So it’s kind of cheated its way on
to our list (not that we’re complaining!), and this means you’re really
getting a lower mid-range level of performance at a budget price.
It’s not just a hit with its pictures, either. It also carries the same
version of Samsung’s latest proprietary smart TV platform, meaning
you get the same massive library of apps and easy to follow interface.
£430, samsung.com