Best HDR TVs 2022/12
The abbreviation HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This makes colors and contrasts more vivid, so that corresponding content looks even more realistic on TV. The opposite is SDR, a format still found in linear TV and old movies and series. We have selected and compiled the best HDR TVs for you!
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HDR wonder in picture frame format: LG OLED evo G29
One might think that the LG OLED evo G2 as a designer piece does not offer the corresponding performance like other high-end devices. However, the flagship model of the Korean brand is equipped with the essential HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) formats, so the device is prepared for any content.
Whether HDR10+License-free, dynamic HDR-format in competition with Dolby Vision or Dolby Vision IQDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits, which can adapt to the ambient brightness – the picture frame TV can analyze and optimize each picture individually when used for watching movies and series so that you always get the best picture. This is also true for gamers, because Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits Gaming is possible, so your favorite games are always shown in the best light.
The OLED evo panel also contributes to the great picture quality. LG’s model has a much higher brightness and the built-in heat sink provides additional protection for the organic pixels. You can find new content via the numerous streaming apps that are pre-installed in the webOS 22 operating system. Maneuvering through the menus is super easy thanks to the Magic Remote, so you can start right away.
Dynamic HDR formats without special design: LG OLED evo C27
Basically, the LG OLED evo C2 is the same model as the Gallery model, but without the fancy design. Here, too, you can enjoy dynamically optimized pictures thanks to HDR10+ or Dolby Vision IQ, which makes movies and series look incredibly realistic. Especially new content from the various streaming services is staged best by this.
LG’s C2 can also claim “best gaming TV” because you can also enjoy Dolby Vision Gaming with the Xbox Series X here. This even works at 4K@120Hz, but games that support this are still rare.
QD OLED with HDR highlights: Sony A95K
The Sony A95K is undoubtedly one of the best TVs of the year and can also shine in HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range). Not only does the new technology deliver great brightness, but also incredibly rich colors that a TV could not display before. Add to that the perfect black and great contrast that an OLED is known for, and the TV can display the best picture that money can buy.
This is not only due to the great picture optimization by Sony itself, but also the excellent tone mapping, which allows for almost lifelike representations.
You can also enjoy the great picture while gaming and all available HDR formats like HDR10+License-free, dynamic HDR-format in competition with Dolby Vision or Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits are supported. However, the latter is only possible up to 60 HzHertz is the derived SI-unit of frequency with 1Hz=1/s – When talking about TVs this means how many different pictures a TV can display in one second., which is not a big deal since there are only a few games on the market that could utilize 4K@120Hz.
LED mit HDR: Sony X95K
The problem with most LED/LCD TVs is that they cannot achieve a comparably high contrast like OLED TVs. However, this is an essential factor for great HDR results. However, the much higher brightness can counteract this, which makes highlights stand out much better.
The Sony X95K can keep up quite well here, because besides the HDR formats HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, the TV offers the unique picture optimization that Sony has perfected over the years. The result is a realistic and very natural representation of various contents.
The Mini LED back lighting behind the panel ensures sufficient brightness with its Full Array Local Dimming, so you can enjoy HDR content even in bright rooms.
Great HDR without Dolby Vision: Samsung QN95B
The Samsung Neo QLED QN95B is one of the best LED/LCD TVs from 2022. It can also display incredibly good images in HDR and make every movie and series shine. Even games look great on the TV, which can also display excellent contrast thanks to high brightness.
One drawback, however, is that Samsung has only supported HDR10+ for years and that will not change for a while. The Samsung TV can at least score with the HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR10+ Gaming formats, which both adapt pictures to the ambient brightness and optimize games. Dolby Vision is unfortunately still not available here.
TV | Model year | Panel | Resolution | HDMI | HDR | Sizes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HDR wonder in picture frame format: | ||||||||
Recommended | LG OLED evo G29 | 2022 | OLED evo | 4K/UHD | 4x HDMI 2.1 (4K@120fps) ARC eARC | HDR10 HLG Dolby Vision IQ Dolby Vision | ||
Alternative | Alternative: LG OLED evo C27 | 2022 | OLED evo | 4K/UHD | 4x HDMI 2.1 (4K@120fps) ARC eARC | HDR10 HLG Dolby Vision IQ Dolby Vision | ||
QD OLED with HDR highlights: | ||||||||
Recommended | Sony A95K | 2022 | QD-OLED | 4K/UHD | 2x HDMI 2.1 (4K@120fps) ARC eARC | HDR10 HLG Dolby Vision | ||
Alternative | Alternative: Sony X95K | 2022 | VA | 4K/UHD | 2x HDMI 2.1 (4K@120fps) ARC eARC | HDR10 HLG Dolby Vision | ||
Alternative | Alternative: Samsung QN95B | 2022 | VA | 4K/UHD | 4x HDMI 2.1 (4K@120Hz) ARC eARC | HDR10 HLG HDR10+ Adaptive HDR10+ |
As a studied technology journalist Tobi likes to write regularly about the colorful world of TV sets & Co. Further interests: Music, cars, gaming, soccer
- HDR wonder in picture frame formatLG OLED evo G29
- QD OLED with HDR highlightsSony A95K
- HDR for optimal image quality
- Frequently asked questions about HDR TVs What is the difference between HDR10 and Dolby Vision?What are the advantages of HDR?Where do I find HDR content?Is HDR important for gaming?
HDR for optimal image quality
The picture optimization that comes from HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) formats is especially noticeable in 4K TVs. Since the resolution is now a standard in German living rooms, you can also get corresponding HDR formats for cheaper TVs. However, it still depends on the processing, because just because it says Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits or HDR10HDR10 Media Profile – HDR with a color depth of 10 Bit in the Rec. 2020 colorspace, does not automatically mean that the optimization also works excellently.
The processor and other technical requirements are also essential so that the user can ultimately enjoy a great picture. Moreover, not all HDR formats are supported by every provider, which can be seen in the examples of Amazon Prime and Netflix. While Amazon is more focused on HDR10 formats, Netflix offers much more content that supports Dolby Vision. The same is true for the TVs themselves. Samsung has been swearing by HDR10 instead of Dolby Vision for years, since the corresponding license is free of charge. This will not really change in the near future, which is why you should pay attention to the corresponding formats when buying a TV.
Frequently asked questions about HDR TVs
What is the difference between HDR10 and Dolby Vision?
First of all, it is a question of the license fee, since HDR10HDR10 Media Profile – HDR with a color depth of 10 Bit in the Rec. 2020 colorspace is basically free, but Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits costs a fee. In principle, however, they are similar, as both formats optimize the displayed image in each case. The add-ons IQ and Adaptive, respectively, can then also adapt the displayed picture to the TV’s ambient brightness.
What are the advantages of HDR?
HDRHigh Dynamic Range – image/video with more dynamic range (contrast range) is especially important when you want to watch current movies and series and not linear TV programs. Because SDRStandard Dynamic Range – image/video with a conventional gamma curve (opposite: HDR) – “normal” videos content is still used there and you will hardly notice a difference. However, you want to enjoy the best possible picture quality for movies and series, which is why an HDR-capable TV is mandatory. Only then can you experience the corresponding content as it was intended by the director.
Where do I find HDR content?
HDR content can be found at various streaming providers like Netflix & Co., but you have to take a closer look at the different subscription models. If you want to enjoy higher quality, you usually have to go for the premium model, which is of course correspondingly more expensive. Amazon mainly uses HDR10+License-free, dynamic HDR-format in competition with Dolby Vision for its own productions, while Netflix mainly offers Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits content from its own production.
Ultra HD Blu-rays, which offer a correspondingly high quality, are an alternative. They are not necessarily cheap either, but you do not run the risk of paying an ongoing fee in the form of a subscription.
Is HDR important for gaming?
If you play a game on the TV every now and then, HDR is not absolutely necessary. Gaming basically achieves the same as movies and series, and depending on the format, the individual images or scenes are dynamically optimized so that games look more lifelike. Thus, a higher contrast and better colors are achieved.
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X can also benefit from Dolby VisionDynamic HDR-format with a color depth of up to 12 Bits and Mastering of up to 10,000 Nits Gaming. This is even possible at 4K@120Hz if the TV and games support the corresponding setting.