CHOICE TV testing is underway for 2024 and while new models were announced in February, they only started arriving on retail shelves in late April with some TV brands not arriving till June or even July. This late arrival of 2024 models means there are some great discounts to be found on 2023 TVs as we head into the end of financial year (EOFY) sales.
Knowing model numbers and codes for TV models will help you walk into the store with confidence, especially if you're looking to negotiate a better price.
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When are new model TVs on sale?
Some of the latest 2024 Samsung and LG TVs were released in late April and early May in very limited models and ranges, with many online retailers still showing 'coming soon' banners for 2024 models as the EOFY sales start to appear.
Sony continues to be late to the party when it comes to 2024 releases, with no official release dates from Sony Australia. But we do at least know what models are expected to arrive. This means you can expect some great deals on Sony TVs that were released in 2023 from now until Christmas.
Not only does a TV's product code tell you its size and specifications, it also contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it
TCL has released information on some of its latest models for 2024, but availability according to our CHOICE buyers has been sporadic.
Hisense on the other hand seems to have some of its models in stores as of May, so there should be a good selection of Hisense TV models leading up to the sales period and through the rest of the year.
The only place you should be seeing a Panasonic TV for sale is on Gumtree as the company stopped selling TVs in Australia just before COVID-19 broke out in early 2020.
How to get the best deal on a TV
While it's easier to talk to someone on the shop floor and let them know that you won't be tricked into buying last year's TV without some serious discounting, you also have the opportunity to drive a bargain with a local online retailer through the 'chat' feature commonly available on retail sites.
Some retailers are offering some valuable indicators as to what year the TV was released, giving you some bargaining power when looking for a better deal.
Make sure the salesperson knows that the TV they're selling you may be the greatest, but it's not the latest.
When shopping online or visiting a store, make sure you're armed with the right information on model numbers, so you can quickly recognise the difference between a great buy and a good price for ageing stock.
The trick is to know which TVs are 2024 releases and which ones are from 2023 or earlier.
Using CHOICE reviews
In addition to new releases, our TV reviews also feature older models that are listed as discontinued (just make sure you've ticked the checkbox in the 'Related products' drop-down on the left-hand side to see them).
Sometimes these models suddenly reappear in the EOFY sales at a drastically reduced price and with production and shipping shortages continuing, as well as chip shortages, you might find a 2023 or even 2022 model suddenly appears out of nowhere for a crazy good price and disappears just as quickly.
So if you have a particular brand and budget in mind, click on the brand name in the top filter of our TV reviews and select the price range to narrow down your options.
When shopping for a TV online, make sure your searches include the exact model name that's in our review as well as the size so you can determine the online retailer with the best price. Also make sure you don't simply click on a retailer on the first page of the search as shops that appear in the first few results often pay for the privilege of appearing at the top.
Using a TV's product code
Major retailers will be promoting very good deals from now through to August and beyond, but most of the bargain TVs will be 2023 models with some very specific markdowns on 2024 TVs (mainly the most expensive models). You may also find good deals for TVs that were released early in April that haven't been selling too well.
How do you find out the age of a TV? The secret is in the product code. Not only does it tell you the size and specifications of the TV, it also contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it.
New models can also be heavily discounted, with this 2024 LG 55QNED86TSA available for $300 less than the recommended retail price even though it's only just been released.
Brand-by-brand guide to TV product codes
LG has over 30 TV models to choose from in its 2024 range but really only three options: OLED, QNED and the value-priced UT8050 series.
The premium OLED TVs come in a few iterations and several sizes from $2499 for the 55-inch OLED55B4 up to $10,000 for the 83-inch OLED83G4. The mid to high range QNED series starts with the 43-inch 43QNED at around $1000, and up to $5499 for the 86-inch 91QNED86.
The value UT8050 series is sure to be the LG TV in most Australian homes, ranging from just $899 for the 43-inch 43UT8050 up to a relatively cheap $2899 for the 86-inch 86UT8050.
All LG TVs offer 4K (UHD) picture resolution, with the increase in price based on the quality of the screen, the size of the display and finally the power of the processor. There was a push for 8K TVs in 2023 but there seems to be little support for this resolution among filmmakers, streaming services or consumers.
LG OLED TVs (Premium range)
How do you tell which LG OLED is a 2024 TV?
The OLED series of LG TVs offers various levels of performance with the price mainly determined by display size, a faster processor and additional support for various video and audio technologies. The big sell for LG OLED TVs for 2024 is even more brightness, bringing them closer to the brightness levels of the latest QLED and Mini LED LCD TVs as well as the brightest Samsung and Sony models.
The most important thing to look for to find the right LG OLED TV for your budget is a combination of the number 4 and letters G, C, or B.
The number following OLED in the model code indicates the display size, and the letter indicates its position in the range. For example, the 65-inch OLED65G4, is more expensive than the OLED65C4 which is more expensive than the OLED65B4.
New for 2024 is an even more premium M4 OLED model with availability and release dates yet to be announced.
All OLED series TVs offer a 55-inch and 65-inch display option with the the C and G series providing a 77-inch and 83-inch display, and the C series also providing models at smaller sizes (48-inch and 42-inch displays).
LG OLED TVs from previous years (2023, 2022 or 2021)
The naming and numbering convention follows the same path as above, so you can quickly determine if the OLED TV is from 2023 or 2022.
For 2023 the C series is the mid range and the B is the most affordable OLED LG TV range, and the number to look out for is 3. For example, the OLED65 C3 PSA and OLED65 B3 PSA are both 65-inch OLED TVs released in in 2023.
For 2022 the C series is the mid range and the A is the most affordable OLED LG TV range, and the number to look out for is 2. For example, the OLED65C2PSA and OLED65A2PSA are both 65-inch OLED TVs released in 2022.
If it has a 1 in the model code, it's a 2021 OLED model (e.g. OLED65C1).
QNED LG TVs (Mid range)
How do you tell which LG QNED is a 2024 TV?
The QNED series probably delivers the best performance in terms of screen size and features for the price. Models in this range cover sizes from 43 inches up to 86 inches with an entry level range (QNED81), mid range (QNED86) and premium range (QNED91).
Unlike last year, most of the LG mid range and premium QNED TVs should be in the retailers now.
Working out which year an LG QNED TV was released is not as easy as the OLED coding.
QNED models from previous years (2023, 2022 or 2021)
If the number following the model code QNED isn't 75, 81 or 86, then it's not a 2023 QNED TV.
If the number following the model code QNED is 80 (e.g 55QNED80) it's a 2022 model with the other models to look out for being QNED85, QNED95 and QNED99. QNED TVs for 2021 will include either QNED96 or QNED91 in the product code.
UHD (4K) UT8050 (Value range)
How do you tell which LG UHD (4K) is a 2024 TV?
There is now a single 'value' TV option, with the UT8050 series available in six display sizes (43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 86 inches). Prices range from $899 for the 43-inch 43UT8050 up to $2899 for the 86-inch 86UT8050. The recommended retail prices for the 2024 range have been reduced compared to the previous year, so you may get an unusual situation with some retailers where the 2023 model is more expensive than the 2024 LG TV.
UHD (4K) models from previous years (2023, 2022 or 2021)
The code for the 2023 LG entry-level TV range is simpler to follow than previous years. If it has UR8050 in the model code, it's last year's TV.
If the model name has NANO in the product code, it could be a 2020, 2021 or 2022 LG TV. This range is no longer available in 2023. If it has UQ9000 in the the model code, it's one of LG's entry-level TVs for 2022 with the letter Q being the code for a 2022 TV.
The second letter in the product code indicates the release date. So for the LG 55UP8000, P indicates a 2021 model.
Avoid codes with the letters N, M, K, J, H, F or G (unless the TVs are being given away) as these are from 2020 or older.
CHOICE tip: Expect to see some bargains on 55-inch LG displays among the 2023 range as 2024 demand for larger displays may create some oversupply of 55-inch TVs.
Samsung continues to push the Neo QLED TV range (which is the company's premium TV option) in 2024 as well as its picture frame or lifestyle TVs that hang on the wall like a work of art when you've finished watching a movie.
The Samsung website provides a good model rundown showing the 2024 (marked as NEW) and 2023 models on offer, making it fairly easy to create your bargain hunting shopping list.
Neo QLED 4K and 8K series (Premium range)
How do you tell which Neo QLED is a 2024 TV?
The Neo QLED range sits at the top of the Samsung TV tree, above the Samsung OLED and Samsung QLED models. The big new thing for for Neo QLED in 2024 is Quantum Matrix Technology, which Samsung claims will deliver even better light control and detail in both light and dark areas.
The 8K models for Samsung in 2024 are the Q900D series and the letter to keep an eye out for is the D. Available in three sizes (65, 75 and 85 inches), prices range from $6499 for the 65-inch QA65QN900DWXXY model and up to $11,999 for the huge 85-inch QA85QN900DWXXY. There's also a range below the Q900D called the Q800D with the same three display size options but at around $2500 less for each size.
If you're looking for a 2024 Neo QLED TV in a 4K resolution, then your options include the QN90D series in six display sizes (from 43 inches up to 85 inches) and the QN85D series in 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch displays. Prices range from $1999 for the QA43QN90DAWXXY and up to $6499 for the QA85QN90DAWXXY. There's also a giant 98-inch model available for around $13,000.
Neo QLED from previous years (2023, 2022 or 2021)
The 8K models for Samsung in 2023 were the Q900C available in three sizes (65, 75 and 85 inches). Prices range from $5849 for the 65-inch QA65QN900CWXXY model up to $9899 for the huge 85-inch QA85QN900CWXXY.
The 8K models for Samsung in 2022 were the Q900B and Q800B series starting with the 65-inch QA65QN800BWXXY and going right up to the 85-inch QA85QN900BWXXY. The 2021 Neo QLED model will show a model code as QA65QN800AWXXY.
If you wanted a 2023 Neo QLED in 4K, then the options include a Q85C with prices starting at $1995 for the 55-inch QA55QN85CAWXXY and going up to $4675 for the 85-inch QA90QN85BAWXXY.
OLED 4K series (Premium range)
How do you tell which OLED is a 2024 TV?
Samsung has released its third series of OLED TVs in 2024 but continues to offer this technology as its second tier option and continues to push its Neo QLED 8K TVs as the premium offering.
As with last year, two series are available for 2024, starting with the S90D series with a 55- and 65-inch display on offer, and the S95D series with three display options (adding a 77-inch model to the mix).
Prices range from $3299 for the QA55S90DAWXXY up to $8000 for the QA77S95DAWXXY.
OLED TVs from previous years (2023 and 2022)
Samsung only started selling OLED TVs in 2022 with one series (S95B) available in 55- and 65-inch display options. The 2023 series included a range of display options as well as a 'value' OLED S90C (55- and 67-inch display options) and a premium S95C range adding a 77-inch display to the mix.
QLED 4K series (Mid range)
How do you tell which QLED is a 2024 TV?
Samsung has again offered a single series for the QLED range: the Q60D with four display options ranging from the 55-inch QA55Q60DAWXXY priced at $1499, and up to $3799 for the 85-inch QA85Q60DAWXXY.
QLED TVs from previous years (2023, 2022 and 2021)
Samsung consolidated its range in 2023 with just the single Q60C series available in four display sizes ranging from the 55-inch QA55Q60CAWXXY up to the 85-inch QA85Q60CAWXXY.
There are a few series to choose from among the 2022 range. Each QLED series (Q60B, Q70B and Q80B) is available in 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch models. For example, look out for the letter B in the mid range 65-inch QA65Q70BAWXXY.
As with last year's models, the product code for Samsung QLED TVs should show a QA followed by the display size of the TV then two numbers indicating their position within the range followed by a C to indicate a 2023 QLED model (compared to a B for the 2022 model or an A for a 2021 model).
Crystal DU7700 UHD series (Value range)
How do you tell which Crystal UHD is a 2024 TV?
The volume-selling LCD display TV for Samsung is the Crystal UHD series, with 2024 models using the code DU7700 and 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch display sizes available. The range starts with the UA43DU7700WXXY for around $799, and goes up to $2799 for the 85-inch version (UA85DU7700WXXY).
Crystal UHD TVs from previous years (2023, 2022 or 2021)
The 2023 value series Crystal CU8000 offers 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch display sizes with the UA43CU8000WXXY priced at around $699, up to $2499 for the 85-inch version (UA85CU8000WXXY).
The 2022 models use the code BU8000 and are available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch display sizes. The 2021 standard Samsung LCD range is shown as the AU8000 series while the 2020 LCD range is shown as the TU8000 series. 2019 models generally have an R after the display size indication (e.g. Samsung UA65RU8000WXXY) while 2018 models generally have an N after the display size number (e.g. Samsung UA55NU7000).
Hisense continues to compete with Sony for a minor placing against the two frontrunners Samsung and LG with several of its 2024 releases appearing in stores, so expect to see the models released in 2023 available at a significant discount.
Hisense is very careful to highlight that AU at the end of the model code indicates an Australian model and has made it clear that overseas Hisense models from the same series will have different specifications and features. So if you find a Hisense TV with no AU at the end of the product code, it most likely arrived from another market.
Value range (A4NAU and Q6NAU)
Basically, every TV in the 2024 range will end in NAU, with N being the series and AU being the Australian model. The range begins with the A4NAU series available in a 32- and 40-inch display for around $400. The Q6NAU series is the value QLED TV with six display sizes available starting at around $799 for the 43-inch model and up to $2799 for the monster-sized 85-inch display.
Mid range Mini-LED (U6NAU and U7NAU)
The next series is the Mini-LED U6NAU range and the more expensive ULED Mini-LED U7NAU range. Both offer 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch display options with pricing from $1299 for the 55U6NAU and $3999 for the 85-inch 85U7NAU.
Premium models (U8NAU and UXAU)
While still very affordable compared to LG and Samsung, the premium offering from Hisense is the U8NAU range available in three sizes (65-, 75- and 85-inch) costing between $2699 and $4999.
The most important thing to consider when shopping for a Hisense TV in 2024 is that the quality increases with the number (from 4 to 8) and N being in any of the product model names.
Hisense models from previous years (2023, 2022 and 2021)
If the model has HAU at the end of the model name, it's a 2022 Hisense TV. 2023 models have replaced the H with a K, so any model that ends with KAU is an Australian Hisense TV released in 2023.
If it has a G at the end of the model (e.g. 75U90GAU), it's a 2021 TV and if it's older then expect the code to end in either a Q8AU for the premium models or S8AU for the mid range TVs.
Sony continues to be late to the party as far as releasing its TV range for the year and will likely have very few 2024 models available in time for the EOFY sales.
The 2023 Sony models all use a code ending with L and all the 2023 models operate on Android TV, so these are the Sony TVs you'll most likely be seeing in the EOFY sales with some significant bargains to be had. Please note none of the Sony TVs for 2024, 2023 or 2022 can record live TV to an external USB hard drive. If you want to record shows, you'll need a PVR. However, with the popularity of streaming video (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc.) this may not be an issue.
The letter to keep in mind with almost all of the 2024 Sony TVs is R, which is shown as the last letter in any of the TV model codes.
Sony Bravia 9 (Premium range)
The big thing about Sony's top level Bravia 9 is that it's big and bright. Offered in just two display choices – the 75-inch K-75XR90 and 85-inch K-85XR90 – there are no announcements as to the pricing or when they'll be hitting stores. The display technology is Mini LED with a brighter screen and the ability to use the TV speakers when paired with a Sony soundbar.
Bravia 8 OLED series (Premium range)
The premium OLED series is Sony's top TV range with Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ turning the display into one large speaker with positional audio replicating the sound of an object within the scene.
The range starts with the 55-inch K-55XR5580 and up to (we guess) several thousand dollars for the 77-inch K-77XR80 (the price is unavailable and most likely won't be available till later in the year). A 65-inch K-65XR80 model is also available.
The A95L series offers even more features, including a Bravia cam to help optimise video and audio settings, and is available in 55-, 65- and 77-inch displays. The price isn't available yet but expect it to be substantial.
Sony OLED TVs from previous years (2023, 2022, 2021)
OLED models from 2023 include the A80L and A95L series. OLED models from 2022 include the A80K, A90K and A95K series. Two options for 2021 OLED TVs include the A80J and A90J series.
Bravia 7 Mini LED series (Mid range)
The Bravia 7 series offer a good balance of detail and brightness and sits below the Bravia 9 Mini LED and Bravia 8 OLED TV series with display sizes of 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches. Prices start at $2222 for the 55-inch K-55XR70 and go up to around $5495 for the 85-inch K-85XR70.
Sony Full Array LED TVs from previous years (2023 and 2022)
The 2023 range and the one you'll most likely see in the EOFY sales starts at $2995 for the 55-inch XR55X90L model with several of the upscaling and processing features that are on offer in the top-end OLED TVs. Expect to pay around $3500 or less for the 85-inch XR8590L in the EOFY sales, which is a good bargain for a strong performing monster-sized TV.
The 2022 releases include the X90K and X95K series with size choices of 65-, 75- and 85-inch displays. For the price premium you get an upgraded processor, better LED backlighting, and several of the upscaling and processing features that are on offer in the top-end OLED TVs.
Bravia 3 LED TVs (Value range)
As with most TV brands, the most affordable TV range also offers the largest choice in display size. The value range starts with the S30 display sizes include 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches. Starting with the cheapest Sony TV for 2024, the 43-inch K43S30 is $995, while the 85-inch K85S30 is $3495.
Models before 2023
- The 2022 models use a code ending with K (e.g. Sony KD-55X90K or X90K).
- The 2021 models use a code ending with J (e.g.Sony KD-55X80J or X80J).
- The 2020 models use a code ending with H (e.g. Sony KD-55X80H or X80H).
- The 2019 models use a code ending with G (e.g. Sony KD-65X9500G).
- If the code ends with an F (e.g. Sony KD-65X9000F) then it's the latest model for 2018.
- If the code ends with a D (e.g. Sony KD-55X8500D) it's technically an early 2017 model and you should avoid it altogether.
There are no new Panasonic TVs for 2024 and there have been none since 2019.
The following information on product codes is to identify any older models you may see on eBay or Gumtree. Panasonic is not a new TV option.
Panasonic indicates the release year by the first letter after the display size, with G being a 2019 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65GX850A), F being a 2018 model, and E indicating a 2017 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65EX780A).
- The numbers in the series indicate the increase in quality and price, from the lowest 32-inch TH32F400A through to the FS500A series, FX600A series and so on, up to the top-of-the-line 4K FX800 series with all the bells and whistles.
- Panasonic also has a few OLED models that were still around both online and in some stores towards the end of 2020, like the GZ1000U, 55 or 65-inch, as well as two premium priced 65-inch OLED models (TH-65GZ2000 and TH-65GZ1500U). If you can find one of these models for under $1000 as a runout, it may be worth a gamble as they were good TVs – but it's a gamble that will likely be without a warranty or support from Panasonic locally.
- If the Panasonic TV you're looking at has an E after the display size number, tell the salesperson you know it's a 2017 model. They should basically pay you to take it.
- If it has a D after the the display size, it's a 2016 model and must have gotten lost at the back of a storage room.
Tips for your new TV
TVs are getting smarter
One of the biggest changes we're seeing is an improvement not only to smart functionality, but also the ability to add new features to your TV through software updates.
The latest TVs are more likely to interact with other smart devices on your home network, as well as tech like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. They can answer queries about the weather, turn on your air conditioner, talk to your fridge and order more milk, and turn off the lights when you go to bed. But make sure you actually want and need these features before you splash the cash.
Streaming
Keep track of your streaming subscriptions. Signing up for free trials with Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Binge may sound great, but if you don't cancel them, you could easily end up spending close to $100 a month once the free trial period is over.
TVs are getting brighter
There is a push to get the nit levels (screen brightness) up on TVs, with some arguing that the less than ideal TV watching environment in many homes means more brightness is required to see all the content on a TV screen in a brightly lit room. When looking at a TV in a retail store, keep in mind how bright the room is and whether this is in any way comparable to your loungeroom at home.
Don't be swayed by the salesman highlighting the brightness of the TV – look at the picture and decide whether you can see all the detail in the bright and dark areas of the scene, as that's the main aspect to consider.
TV resolutions compared. 8K isn't really in the consumer space right now, but a couple of very expensive TVs with support for 8K are now available.
High-res options
4K, UHD and SUHD are all terms to describe what has become the most common resolution for a new TV: 3440 x 2160 pixels. By contrast, a Full HD TV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and is virtually impossible to buy unless you look for an old 32-inch TV.
What do all these numbers and letters mean?
- SD is the format you're watching when catching old reruns of Friends on TV and DVD movies.
- Full HD is High Definition broadcast TV (TV shows made in the past few years) and Blu-ray movies on disc.
- 4K/UHD (Ultra High Definition) / SUHD (Super UHD) is the format used for the latest blockbuster movies streamed on Netflix or a 4K Blu-ray disc, which look great on a 65-inch or 85-inch display TV and won't be noticed on a 32-inch display TV.
- The arrival of 8K TV is no reason for you to throw out your 4K TV just yet. While it's true that an 8K TV can offer upscaling of 4K content, this feature isn't a big enough reason to move over to the new resolution until more movie and streaming content arrives to take advantage of the higher 7680 × 4320 resolution. After the initial fanfare with TV companies hoping to convince you that you absolutely must have an 8K TV, things have calmed down with only one or two of the highest priced TVs in each brand offering an 8K model.
Is your lounge room big enough for your big TV?
It's not just a question of will it fit – you should also consider the optimum viewing distance, as sitting too close to a big screen can be quite uncomfortable.
- A 127cm (50-inch) TV showing HD video should deliver its best viewing experience when you're sitting around two metres from the screen. If you sit closer, you may see the individual pixels (depending on the quality of your eyesight).
- If your room size forces you to sit closer, or if you really want a larger TV, then a 4K TV may be a good option to avoid that pixelation. Although you'll need to be watching 4K video for the best quality picture (and for now, most content is still in HD or even SD).
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
