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Best 40 inch Smart TV: Top 4K and Full HD Models Explored

Best 40 inch smart tv - Man choosing what to watch on TV

If you’re on the hunt for the best 40-inch smart TV, you might be feeling overwhelmed right now, as you realise there are endless models currently on the market, and wondering where on earth to start. Yes, buying a new TV is no easy business, add to that the features available on smart TVs, and you’re pretty much flummoxed on what you need, don’t need, or even what you just plain want.

When it comes to narrowing down your choices, you’re probably factoring in picture quality, price range, and of course size. So, if you’ve already decided on a 40 inch, we think you’ve made a good choice. One of the best inch TVs, 40 is a perfect size to allow you to appreciate a 4K resolution, without dominating your room so it looks like an indoor cinema. The question now is, how do you narrow down your choices? And what are the top features you want out of your new smart TV?

Well, to make your life easier, we’ve put together 7 of the best 40-inch smart TVs available on the market right now. Not only that, but we’re going to compare HD and 4K models, smart TV features, price, and affordability.

Read on to find the perfect 40-inch smart TV for your home.

Person pointing remote control at smart TV
Photo credit: stokkete via Envato Elements

 

The 7 Best 40-inch Smart TVs in 2020

We have selected the following 40-inch smart TVs based on their features, functionality, and all-round viewing experience. Plus, if you’re still unsure about what to look for in a smart TV, we’ve also provided some tips to point you in the right direction.

Top features to look for in a 40-inch Smart TV:

  • 4K resolution
  • High-resolution HD display
  • Smart access to on-demand apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
  • Inclusive Freeview
  • HDMI & USB ports

Sharp 2T BG3 LED Smart TV

Sharp might not be a household name in the same way that Samsung is, but this Sharp BG3 LED TV certainly gives Samsung a run for their money – and at a fraction of the price.

With 1080p LED HD resolution, combined with DTS TruSurround the Sharp BG3 certainly has a lot going for it quality-wise, despite not being 4K or high dynamic range.

The smart features on this 40-inch TV include easy access to Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and of course Freeview Play on-demand. As with most smart TVs on the market at the moment, you can also access Freeview HD channels and PVR recording on this one device too.

Additional features on the Sharp BG3 model include 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, meaning you can easily hook up additional devices to your setup. Popular choices for the Sharp TV range include Roku TV, giving you even more access to on-demand services and movies.

  • 1080p HD LED Screen
  • Freeview Play
  • Smart access to apps including Netflix and BBC iPlayer
  • 3 HDMI ports plus 2 USB ports

Blaupunkt BLA-40 HD Ready Smart TV

For those looking for one of the best 40-inch smart TVs with a smaller budget, this is a popular model by Blaupunkt. Don’t be put off by this lesser-known brand, as the functionality and price bracket for this model is impressive.

Access your favourite on-demand apps including Netflix and BBC iPlayer on this 1080p HD LED screen, and experience high-quality audio through JBL speakers.

As with the Sharp BG3 model, you can access all Freeview channels live, and on-demand in addition to the PVR recording function too. If the built-in apps and Freeview channels aren’t enough, you can screen share your devices using built-in Miracast, allowing you to share photos and videos with the whole family.

Additional features on this TV include 3 handy HDMI ports, USB, plus composite and digital audio ports too. If you’re looking at mounting your TV – a great option for the 40-inch screen – this model is slim and lightweight at only 8.1kg. Considering the smart features and built-in Freeview access, this is a nice, compact device for bedrooms and kitchens too.

  • 1080p HD LED display
  • Smart access to apps including Netflix and YouTube
  • Freeview Play inclusive
  • 3 HDMI ports plus USB and digital audio ports

Cello ZBVD LED Smart TV

One of the lesser-known brands on the list, the Cello ZBVD is a lower-end, but by no means lower-quality smart TV.

The Cello ZBVD model made it on to our list of the best 40-inch smart TVs due to its high functionality combined with its particularly low price tag. It might not be ultra HD, but this model still offers a 1080p full HD LED display, which offers a clean, crisp, picture.

The smart access on this TV includes full access to Freeview Play, meaning no top-box required and keeping your TV setup tidy and compact. This is particularly beneficial if you are purchasing a 40-inch smart TV for your bedroom or kitchen. Built-in Freeview Play also means it is an easy device to use for all the family, including young children and older generations too – think no multiple remote controls and flicking between HDMI ports.

The only downside to the Cello ZBVD is it lacks the recording function for live Freeview channels. The TV does come with a USB port so you can record straight on to other devices, however, when other models of a similar price offer this function, it’s hard to ignore that this feature is missing. If you’re a fan of recording your favourite TV shows or want to keep your TV setup small and compact, this will certainly factor in as a downside to this otherwise very well-designed smart TV.

  • 1080p HD LED display
  • 3 HDMI plus 1 USB port
  • Freeview Play inclusive
  • Slim design

Sharp 4T BJ3 UHD LED Smart TV

A step-up from the Sharp BG3 model listed above, this Sharp model comes with the latest Ace Pro Ultra picture engine released by the tech company. Combine that with high dynamic range at only a marginally higher cost, the Sharp BJ3 does outdo the BG3, ever so slightly. Plus, on a screen size around the 40-inch mark, this upgrade in picture quality won’t go unnoticed.

The BJ3 also comes with built-in Freeview Play, HD and PVR recording. Not only that, but like the BG3, this model also features DTS TruSurround, and Harmon Kardon sound technology to accompany that HDR picture. Of course, this smart TV gives you full access to your favorite on-demand apps including Netflix, YouTube, and access to a web browser.

Extras on the Sharp BJ3 model include 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, plus a nice additional USB 3.0 port too. Much like its Sharp 2T counterpart, you also get composite and digital optical audio ports. These are great additions that make it one of the best 40-inch smart TV available at a reasonable and affordable price.

Whilst the features on the Sharp BJ3 may only seem like a small upgrade from the 2T model, it does count for more than you’d think. The sound upgrade and higher-resolution picture quality certainly make this TV feel like a much more expensive model. So, if you’re able to squeeze a little more out of your budget, this is an upgrade worth making in the long run.

  • Ace Pro Ultra Picture HDR display
  • 3 HDMI, 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 ports
  • Composite and Digital Optical Audio ports
  • Inclusive Freeview Play plus smart access to on-demand apps

Westinghouse Full HD Smart TV

This 40-inch smart TV by Westinghouse is a tough contender, again at the lower end of the price bracket for affordable TVs.

Marketed as energy efficient and kind to your household bills, this HD TV might not give you 4K resolution, but the LED panel will still provide a decent picture quality for a reasonable price.

The smart TV functions on this Westinghouse model include Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, although it’s worth noting that these are built-in apps and you cannot download your own. In this sense, the Westinghouse model is quite restrictive. It perhaps might not be the best choice if you have a family wanting to access a wide range of applications.

Of course, you also have full access to Freeview and Freeview HD channels too, but these services are available on other smart TVs that provide a wider range of smart services and built-in apps.

  • Full HD display
  • 16W built-in speakers
  • 2 USB plus HDMI ports
  • Built-in apps including Netflix and Facebook

Hisense 40A5 Full HD Smart TV

Features including 1080p HD display combined with DBX TV advanced audio enhancements are perhaps what gets the Hisense model onto our list of best 40inch smart TVs this year.

This smart TV has full access to Freeview Play, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, YouTube, plus all the Freeview on-demand services, providing a wider range of apps than other models listed. This model also comes with an easy-to-use remote control, giving access to apps directly through one press of a button. In fact, it is the Quad-Core Processor that is what gives this smart TV its easy-to-use functionality.

The sleek design of the Hisense model doesn’t mean a lack of additional connections. 2 HDMI, 2 USB plus composite, and optical ethernet ports are provided plus headphone socket too.

  • 1080p HD display
  • DBX TV advanced audio enhancements
  • Freeview Play plus smart apps including Netflix and Amazon Instant Video
  • 2 HDMI, 2 USB ports plus extras

Panasonic HX800 LED Smart TV

If you’re looking for one of the best 40 inch TVs in 2020, you’ll be hard-pushed to find one that beats the Panasonic HX800. This smart TV is perhaps one of the best TVs on the market at the moment, outdoing the exceedingly well-received Panasonic GX800 that launched last year.

With 4K HDR picture resolution – and we’re talking HDR10+, combined with bright panel plus, you’re looking at one of the cleanest, sharpest pictures available on a 40-inch TV. A screen this size, for some, might be considered one of the smaller TVs. But with the image quality on this Panasonic model, it certainly won’t feel like a problem.

In addition, this TV also comes with an HCX processor and Dolby Atmos surround sound technology, both of which provide an excellent viewing experience together.

The Panasonic HX800 also doesn’t disappoint with the additional luxury features either. With Bluetooth Audio link, and Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant compatibility. Add to that 3 HDMI ports to hook up additional devices – perhaps blu ray players to make the most out of that 4K screen. You also get easy access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube through the smart TV functions too.

  • 4K HDR Dolby Vision
  • Bluetooth Audio Link
  • Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
  • Dolby Atmos
Hand on remote pointing at TV
Photo credit: twenty20photos via Envato Elements

 

What is the Best 40-inch 4K TV?

The best 40-inch 4K TV on the market this year has to be the Panasonic HX800 LED TV. With features including HDR10+, bright panel plus, and Dolby Atmos sound, this model includes all the features required in a high-quality, high-functioning smart TV.

Whilst the Panasonic model does come with a considerably higher price tag, the package it includes certainly makes it worthwhile if you have a higher budget. This is especially true if you are purchasing a TV for your living room or bedroom, where it is going to be your main feature.

If you’re factoring in a smaller budget, then you can get fantastic 40-inch smart TVs that come without 4K. The Sharp 4T BJ3 model listed above is an excellent TV that comes at a fraction of the Panasonic’s price. Whilst it might not come with a 4K display, it still offers an excellent HDR resolution and access to Freeview Play and smart apps too.

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Should I buy a 4K or Full HD TV?

If you are choosing between a 4K or full HD TV, and haven’t got a budget to worry about, we would always recommend buying 4K if you can. Even on smaller TV screens, such as 40-inch and below, 4K resolution still trumps full HD when it comes to sharpness and clarity.

When it comes to screen size, a lot of people tend to think that if it’s not a 50-inch TV or bigger, then it’s not worth getting 4K. In actual fact, a higher resolution picture is sometimes more appreciated on a smaller TV and can provide more depth and detail despite the smaller screen.

Of course, if you’re choosing between 4K or full HD display, it helps to know what the difference is between the two. A 4K screen gives a 3,840 x 2,160-pixel resolution, whereas full HD gives 1,920 x 1,080. In terms of picture quality, it is the higher the pixels, the better the resolution – and you can see the difference between the two right there.

That doesn’t mean that full HD can’t give you an excellent picture because it definitely can. But, if you’ve got the budget for a 4K TV, you might as well go for it.

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Couple watching best 40 inch smart TV at home
Photo credit: Prostock-studio via Envato Elements

 

What is the Difference Between a 4K TV and a Smart TV?

A 4K TV offers a high-quality picture resolution of 3840 x 2160, one of the highest-quality images currently on the market. A smart TV connects to the internet, giving you access to applications than include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and many others – although these applications vary depending on model and manufacturer. When buying a TV, you don’t have to buy either 4K or smart. Many models of TV are both 4K and smart. But if you are on a budget, you can weight up which feature is most important to you and find the best model with that feature.

The benefits of buying a smart TV are many, particularly if you subscribe to on-demand platforms such as Netflix, and want to access shows directly from your TV. On many TVs, you can also access web browsers, and social media apps including Facebook and Twitter too. A great example of this is the LG 49-inch Ultra HD smart TV. This TV is a high-end model but really does provide everything you need if you’re looking for a wider-screen.

If picture quality is high up on your list of features in a TV, 4K is potentially the best you can get. The only downside to that is that not all TV shows are in 4K. If you subscribe to on-demand services, however, they often include many TV shows and movies in 4K, allowing you to make the most out of your 4K TV. So, with that in mind, a 4K smart TV is a great option if it’s within your budget.

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Is 4k Worth It On 43-inch TV?

When it comes to mid-size TVs, 40-inch is considered the smallest size to appreciate a 4K display. So, yes, it is certainly worth forking out for 4K on a 43-inch TV. In fact, for those who don’t want a 55-inch TV dominating their living room, but still want to enjoy a high-quality image, 43-inch might just be a perfect size.

Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind the space that you will be displaying your TV set. To truly appreciate a 4K display on a 43-inch TV screen, you will want to sit closer to it. So, in a bigger room, you might benefit from a bigger screen. It is also worth considering what content you will be watching, as to whether you will get the most out of your 4K resolution. Many games out on Xbox or Playstation now come with 4K imaging. Plus, if you subscribe to Netflix, they have a whole section dedicated to 4K movies and TV shows.

But, if your main concern is whether 4K is worth it on a 43-inch TV, the answer is yes, and always yes!

Popcorn on table in front of smart TV
Photo credit: twenty20photos via Envato Elements

 

What Is the Best and Cheapest Smart TV?

One of the best, but the cheapest smart TVs currently on the market is the Hisense smart TV. Due to its low-profile name, Hisense offers the same intelligent smart TV features for a much lower price. Not only that, but Hisense is also known for its budget 4K TVs, which give you the benefit of the exceptional high-quality pictures without the exceptionally high price tag.

As technology advances, however, it is becoming much easier to buy a cheap, but decent smart TV. Smaller brands are always releasing new models, for example, brands such as Westinghouse and Cello that we have listed above. If you think of smart TVs you automatically go to Samsung or LG. The thing is, you no longer have to go for tech-giant brand names to buy high-quality TVs anymore. Although, many of us are more comfortable spending larger amounts of money from brands we know are reputable and well-reviewed.

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Conclusion

When it comes to buying the best 40-inch smart TV for your home, it all boils down to personal preference. That and what features are a priority when it comes to your TV viewing experience.

Is it worth getting 4K on a 40-inch TV screen? Definitely. Is it possible to get a high-quality resolution without splashing out on a 4K TV? It certainly is. Regardless of your budget and constraints, there are hundreds of TVs out there with various features and additions. We’ve just narrowed it down to the best!

Did you find this article helpful? Let us know, we would love to hear from you!

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