4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Smart TV

A photo of Raila Odinga following a Supreme Court election case on smart TV on September 2, 2022.
A photo of Raila Odinga following a Supreme Court election case on smart TV on September 2, 2022.
Photo
Raila Odinga

Most Kenyans are switching from traditional and digital televisions and embracing Smart TVs.

The allure of owning a smart TV driven by its ability to perform multiple functions like accessing the internet, accommodating built-in apps and supporting browsers.

Despite the cool features that come with Smart TVs, a sizable percentage of Kenyans end up regretting after buying smart TVs that don't meet their expectations.

Kenyans.co.ke compiled key factors to consider before purchasing a smart TV.

Mounting

Members of Kenya Kwanza follow a Supreme Court ruling through a smart TV mounted on a wall on September 5, 2022.
Members of Kenya Kwanza follow a Supreme Court ruling through a smart TV mounted on a wall on September 5, 2022.
DPPS

If you plan to mount your TV on the wall, make sure you buy one of the larger sizes, mostly 43 inches and above.

This is because the positioning of the TV against the wall and its distance from the sitting area can make a smaller-sized TV uncomfortable to watch, straining the eyes of the viewers.

At current market rates, popular TV brands sell a 43-inch screen beginning from Ksh30,000.

Streaming Services

One of the selling points of smart TVs is their ability to support streaming. It should be noted that streaming capability is largely dependent on the brand.

Before making a purchase, make sure that you test if your smart TV supports your preferred streaming services.

Sound Quality

It is not uncommon to purchase a smart TV and later realize that it has poor sound quality once it is mounted.

Therefore, it is necessary to test the Smart TV before completing a purchase. Once you do this, it will be even easier to determine if you need to buy a sound bar or an extra speaker.

Connection Ports

Before buying a smart TV, it is prudent to take stock of electronic devices in your household that you might need to connect to the TV.

Make sure that the smart TV has the necessary ports to accommodate your devices. For example, if the TV does not have a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, it will be hard to connect laptops, gaming consoles and speakers. 

A photo of a smart TV and its assorted accessories.
A photo of a smart TV and its assorted accessories.
Photo
Urban Kenyans