At CES 2025, the spotlight has shifted dramatically toward large-screen televisions, with major brands showcasing their latest innovations. Notable manufacturers like Hisense, Samsung, TCL, and LG have unveiled impressive new models exceeding 100 inches in size. Samsung, for instance, introduced a gigantic 115-inch variant of its QN90F Neo QLED TV, as part of its 2025 Neo QLED lineup. LG has also entered the fray with a 100-inch model in its 2025 QNED TV collection, signaling a robust commitment to offering larger displays.
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This year’s CES continues to reflect a growing trend, where screen sizes are reaching new heights. Unlike previous years, where many brands showcased 98-inch TVs, CES 2025 is boldly crossing into the territory of 100-inch displays. For example, Hisense revealed a remarkable 116-inch RGB mini-LED TV, known as the UXN, adding to its extensive lineup which already includes models like the 110-inch UXN and the 100-inch U8K. Furthermore, they have announced an upcoming 136-inch MicroLED TV, expected to be consumer-ready by 2025, with even larger sizes planned shortly thereafter.
The Price Factor
While the current buzz surrounding these behemoth TVs is palpable, the question on many minds revolves around pricing. As of now, most of the announced models do not have confirmed price tags, but we can glean insight from existing market offerings. A case in point is the Hisense 110-inch UXN, which comes equipped with mini-LED technology capable of reaching peak brightness levels of 10,000 nits. Nevertheless, based on practical tests, it’s closer to 3,000 nits sustained. This monumental television is priced at approximately $15,000 / £20,000, categorizing it firmly within the premium segment.
For the top-tier large-screen TVs, consider the 97-inch LG G4, commanding a staggering price tag of $24,999 / £24,999. Such exorbitant costs place high-quality large televisions out of reach for most consumers. Alternatively, one might explore options such as the best 4K projectors, including elite models like the JVC DLA-NZ800, which is available for $14,999 / £14,999, and offers a much larger display experience.
Even more affordable projectors, such as the Sony XW5000 priced at $4,999 / £4,999, paired with a decent-sized screen, would still cost significantly less than the premium televisions mentioned above. The LG CineBeam Q ultra-short throw projector proves to be a compelling option, capable of projection sizes over 100 inches for under $1,000 / £1,000.
Affordable Large TVs – Pros and Cons
While earlier sections highlighted the extreme pricing of premium large-screen TVs, the reality is that a variety of 100-inch mini-LED models exist at more accessible price points, some priced below $5,000 / £5,000, and even as low as $2,000 / £2,000 for certain models.
An exemplary affordable choice is the Hisense U8K, recognized among the best mini-LED televisions of 2023, retailing for about $3,999. However, deals during events like Black Friday can drop the price to as low as $2,599, presenting a substantial value for a mini-LED TV that boasts exceptional detail, brightness, and contrast.
I tested a 100-inch Hisense U7K against the Hisense L9H Laser TV (UST projector) to assess which provided a better low-cost home theater experience. The results showed that while I favored the L9H projector overall, the U7K mini-LED TV held its own remarkably well, even surpassing the projector in bright viewing conditions.
Moreover, numerous affordable QLED and LED models from brands like Hisense, TCL, and Samsung can be found starting around $1,299 / £1,299. This pricing considerably undercuts what you’d pay for a good projector and screen setup. However, buyers should be cautious of edge-lit TVs, which tend to offer subpar performance.
A key consideration lies in the potential flaws that may come with these budget-friendly large-screen TVs. Issues such as inadequate backlight control can lead to noticeable backlight blooming, while poor black uniformity means dark tones may appear uneven across the screen—flaws that are typically less prevalent in similarly priced projectors.
Additionally, for what you might pay for a more premium affordable television like the Hisense U8K, you could instead purchase a solid ultra-short throw projector. The Hisense PX3-Pro, priced around $3,499 / £2,499, demonstrated outstanding HDR picture quality and versatility, earning a strong review score of four-and-a-half out of five.
Final Reflections
Despite the emergence and growth of large-screen televisions, they are unlikely to replace projectors in the near future for home theater enthusiasts. To achieve the highest quality visual experience from a giant screen, buyers often find themselves spending more compared to investing in a high-quality 4K or ultra-short throw projector paired with an even bigger display, such as those over 130 inches.
The impressive specs and performance of many of the large-screen TVs shown at TechRadar this CES are commendable and indeed rival premium projectors. However, until prices start to decline significantly, large-screen TVs are unlikely to unseat projectors for consumers seeking optimal value in their home theater experiences.
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