Between €300 and €400 lies probably the most competitive battleground in the TV market: it’s the price range where manufacturers try to cram in as much technology as possible without crossing into premium pricing, and where differences between models show up more than anywhere else. We compared four representative models from this tier — TCL 55V6C, Samsung Crystal UHD U8090F, Hisense 55E78Q and LG QNED80 43” — to help guide your choice, using the same concrete-numbers approach as our full guide on how to choose a TV.
TCL 55V6C: the smoothest platform on the biggest screen
The TCL 55V6C brings Google TV — one of the most well-liked smart platforms precisely for its homepage that aggregates recommendations from all installed apps instead of isolating them into separate rows — to a 55-inch 4K panel with HDR10, HLG and HDR10+ support. The bezel-less design and Direct LED panel (backlighting spread behind the whole screen, not just the edges as on cheaper Edge LED models) round out a solid package, delivering more uniform lighting and less “haloing” in dark scenes. Refresh rate stays capped at 60Hz, so it’s not the right pick for those wanting to fully exploit a current-gen console, but for mixed streaming, linear TV and casual gaming use it remains fully satisfying. Its 55” screen is also the largest in this comparison, and per 4K distance tables calls for roughly 1.4-2.1 meters from the sofa for an optimal viewing experience.
Samsung Crystal UHD U8090F: the best image processor
The Samsung U8090F stands out for its Crystal 4K Processor, which handles upscaling effectively even from non-native 4K sources — a detail that matters more than it might seem, since a good share of Italian terrestrial broadcast content still airs in HD or Full HD. For audio, OTS Lite technology simulates a surround effect that follows on-screen action, a step up from the classic front-facing stereo speakers found on most competitors in this range. The built-in Smart Hub and Gaming Hub make for a particularly polished day-to-day experience, gathering streaming apps, cloud gaming and on-demand content into one interface. Like all Samsung TVs, it doesn’t support Dolby Vision (a business decision from the Korean company, which backs HDR10 and HDR10+ instead), worth considering if you often watch content specifically mastered in that format on Netflix or Apple TV+.
Hisense 55E78Q: the best HDR in this range
Rare at this price point, the Hisense 55E78Q supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, the two main dynamic HDR formats that adjust brightness and color scene by scene instead of over the whole piece of content — normally a combination reserved for pricier models, since most mid-range competitors choose to support only one. Add to that Dolby Atmos audio, also not a given at this price. The VIDAA U8 platform, with over 1000 apps available, is less immediately familiar than Google TV or webOS for newcomers, but still gives access to all the major streaming services. The QLED panel with Quantum Dot delivers more vivid colors than a traditional LED, though it remains a step behind a Mini-LED in local contrast control during high-contrast scenes.
LG QNED80 43”: the most advanced technology on a compact screen
For those with less space, the LG QNED80 43” brings QNED technology (combining Quantum Dot, NanoCell and Mini-LED backlighting) to a smaller screen, with the α7 Gen8 processor handling AI-powered image processing and webOS with an AI pointer remote for more intuitive navigation than a classic directional-pad remote. At 43”, per 4K distance tables, the ideal viewing position is between 1.1 and 2.1 meters — perfect for bedrooms, studies or larger kitchens. HDMI ports stay at version 2.0, so it’s not the ideal pick for high-refresh gaming, but base image quality, thanks to Mini-LED technology, remains a step above a traditional QLED in the same price range, especially in scenes with strong contrast between highlights and shadows.
Conclusion
Those wanting the smoothest smart platform on a generous screen should look at the TCL 55V6C; those wanting the best overall balance of picture and audio, the Samsung U8090F; those prioritizing the most complete HDR, the Hisense 55E78Q, the only one in this group with both Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Those with less available space who still don’t want to give up advanced panel technology will find the LG QNED80 43” the smartest pick, helped by the group’s most modern AI-powered processor.