Sony smart TV vs Samsung smart TV ?

[wanaberetiree]

I find lots of knowledge here so hoping there are TV/streaming enthusiasts here too

I am considering to buy Sony Bravia smart tv but need to clarify some details.

Any feedback on this tv is appreciated! ( maybe Samsung is a better option ? )

I usually stream videos from my Plex server via iPhone app to Apple TV

I'd like to understand

1. Does this tv have a plex app available ?
2. Can I stream from iPhone or iPad to this tv ?

Thank you in advance !

 

[Bamaman]

In the present retail electronic market, Samsung is as high technology as they get. Televisions are changing so fast that any manufacturer may have 4 or 5 different generations of televisions for sale.

I tend to stick toward the lower priced LCD televisions right now, but they may not have all the high tech features you're looking for. My #1 tv is a LG 60" plasma hooked up to Dish TV, and the picture's still great looking.

 

[REWahoo]

Televisions are changing so fast that any manufacturer may have 4 or 5 different generations of televisions for sale.

+1

You need to get the specific TV you are considering and do some research. Try a google search on the model number and look for specifications and reviews of the set's features.

 

[txtig]

I have a couple of Samsung Smart TV's and I'm not all impressed with their "smart" features. I much prefer to use a streaming box such as the Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV to access smart features. Hopefully, your HDTV will last quite a few years, during which any smart features on your TV will likely become outdated. It's much easier and cheaper to upgrade your streaming box than your HDTV.

 

[RetiredGypsy]

If a Samsung TV goes bad under warranty, they send you a refurbished one instead of a new one. Every model I've known has random shut off / restart issues while streaming. I will never buy another Samsung television.

I've had two Bravia sets that lasted years, and my current Sanyo is staying strong.

 

[serie1926]

I'm a Sony XBR man. In my opinion, picture and features are second to none. The XBRs tend to be more expensive.

 

[SecondCor521]

The Best Buy TV guy recommended I use Rtings.com - TV Reviews, and I liked the site for its reviews and information. I decided to get a Samsung JS5190, which is a less advanced model than many on the market, but it met my requirements and I am definitely happy with it so far.

 

[REWahoo]

The Best Buy TV guy recommended I use Rtings.com - TV Reviews, and I liked the site for its reviews and information.

+1

Note also the site has recommended settings for each model rated. Good information to help you get the best possible picture.

 

[ERD50]

I have a couple of Samsung Smart TV's and I'm not all impressed with their "smart" features. I much prefer to use a streaming box such as the Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV to access smart features. Hopefully, your HDTV will last quite a few years, during which any smart features on your TV will likely become outdated. It's much easier and cheaper to upgrade your streaming box than your HDTV.

I agree with this 100%. IME, the TV 'apps' just do not get upgraded as fast (if ever), compared to accessing these through a tablet or laptop and that displays on the TV. I've added Chromecast devices ($30-$35?) to two of our TVs and DW uses those a LOT, and she generally just won't touch any "high tech" way to play TV. But she finds this very easy to use, just 'cast' your app to the TV.

-ERD50

 

[folivier]

Amazon + Samsung had this same problem last year which took months to resolve. I used my Roku until Samsung finally updated their tvs to accept the changes Amazon made. It's nice to have the apps on your tv but this will happen again on most tvs.

 

[Sittinginthesun]

I've had nothing but problems with Samsung electronics including a smart LED TV that would not run Netflix over wifi despite a strong 105 MBPS internet signal. I have several Panasonic TV's and they have never let me down.


Also had a Samsung top of the line dishwasher that failed and was scrapped when it was less than 5 years old. Back to KitchenAid and no problems since.

 

[enginerd]

I have Samsung and LG smart TVs, but I end up using the Amazon Firestick as my primary "smart" device. I've tried the chromecast and roku, but the Firestick works best for me.

The original Firestick's processor was a little weak and some apps had lagging issues. The new firestick should resolve that. Also, the FireTV works flawlessly for me too. All 5 of my TV's have either a Fire or Firestick.

 

[Walt34]

After Samsung's issues with phones and washing machines that explode that brand is now dead to me, I wouldn't buy anything they make. They've got a long road ahead to clean up their reputation.

 

[Triton9918]

I have a Samsung smart tv. Great tv but realized I could care less about the smart functions. I purchased a Roku 3 and have been much happier with it. Easier to use, more options, and updated more often.

 

[explanade]

I find lots of knowledge here so hoping there are TV/streaming enthusiasts here too

I am considering to buy Sony Bravia smart tv but need to clarify some details.

Any feedback on this tv is appreciated! ( maybe Samsung is a better option ? )

I usually stream videos from my Plex server via iPhone app to Apple TV

I'd like to understand

1. Does this tv have a plex app available ?
2. Can I stream from iPhone or iPad to this tv ?

Thank you in advance !

Is there any reason why you wouldn't continue using the Apple TV with your new TV?

I don't have a smart TV, I don't think. My Panasonic Plasma may have Netflix and Youtube but never bothered to really look.

You can either use Apple TV with the new TV to continue to stream from iPhone or iPad.

Typically, the processors in these newer streaming boxes have more powerful processors than the ones they're likely to use in a smart TV.

Plus several smart TVs have been known to spy. If they have microphones or cameras, beware.

 

[Blueskies123]

I usually go by what Consumer Reports shows and they typically rate Samsung very high. I have to say the smart features are very clumsy and I quickly lose interest. It is just easier to walk over the the PC.
I have had 6 Samsung and I had one go bad on me with a bad capacitor a year after the warranty expired. They gave me a free part but I had to pay for labor. I still have it up in the bedroom.
CR also report LG highly for mid range TV's. I would pick one from Sony, LG, and Samsung based on price. Samsung typically heavily discounts their older models to compete with LG.

 

[explanade]

I'd recommend browsing avsforums.com.

They have a lot of threads on individual models or series of models, with a lot of posts from owners.

They are however more of an enthusiast site so there's an emphasis on picture and sound quality and for more high-end models.

 

[mpeirce]

Is there any reason why you wouldn't continue using the Apple TV with your new TV?

That's what my DB is doing.

He purchased a new Samsung TV because it had very nice color at a decent price.

It has a ton of smart TV functionality and he simply ignores it. The only things he has the TV do is switch the HDMI inputs between his TiVo and his Apple TV.

 

[explanade]

Actually, the newer Tivos have streaming functionality. It has Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Youtube and maybe others.

However, the Hulu client on my third-generation Apple TV is better than the one in my Tivo Roamio.

That's what I mean about differences in processors in these DVRs, streaming set tops, smart TVs, etc.

 

[Dawg52]

I'd recommend browsing avsforums.com.

They have a lot of threads on individual models or series of models, with a lot of posts from owners.

They are however more of an enthusiast site so there's an emphasis on picture and sound quality and for more high-end models.

Some of the ratings sites are a little tough on the lower end models too. The Samsung tv I ended up buying was only rated average by CNET, but when I compared the picture to all other models in a store....it looked just as good as the rest to me. Perhaps my aging eyes had something to do with it.

I would say rating sites, forums and product reviews at various sellers are helpful, but nothing takes the place of actually seeing the TV(or any product) in action. I'm happy with my TV and that's all that matters.

 

[explanade]

Certainly valid but beware that stores tend to put TVs in "torch mode" with brightness and colors boosted up.

That might be fine in a store with bright showroom lights and such but people may find it tiring to look at for hours after hours in a room with more normal lighting.

 

[JustCurious]

I have a couple of Samsung Smart TV's and I'm not all impressed with their "smart" features. I much prefer to use a streaming box such as the Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV to access smart features. Hopefully, your HDTV will last quite a few years, during which any smart features on your TV will likely become outdated. It's much easier and cheaper to upgrade your streaming box than your HDTV.

This.

 

[Dawg52]

Certainly valid but beware that stores tend to put TVs in "torch mode" with brightness and colors boosted up.

That might be fine in a store with bright showroom lights and such but people may find it tiring to look at for hours after hours in a room with more normal lighting.

That's true. I actually saw my model at a family member's house first and then went to a store to compare. So I got to see it in a normal setting and compared to other's in a store. I have heard some say that lower priced models do not get the 'torched' or best colors turned up as stores would rather sell the higher $$$ one's. Not sure if they truly manipulate it to that extent or not.

 

[gromit]

I'm currently in the market for a new TV and was in a Best Buy store yesterday. While I was there wandering through the TV area I noticed that there was a spot in the big Samsung TV Display area where there was a strong smell of baking cookies. Apparently I was near where they were actually pumping the baking cookies smell into the Samsung area. I've heard of such as both a realtor's trick and a retail store tactic. I think it only made me hungry, not more likely to buy a TV on the spot.

 

[krldrummerboy]

I liked the picture quality of the Sony Bravia. I thought the LG OLED was better though and bought that. This was a few weeks ago. No complaints. This smart tv will be my first venture towards cutting the cord. Since we already have Amazon Prime, we are using this.