The first quarter of 2025 was quite interesting, to say the least. We were lucky to review six smart TVs this quarter, which ranged from 43-inch budget devices that offer impressive value to massive 75-inch flagship TVs that are pushing technologies to new heights. Not only that, but we also saw some brands experimenting with new services and giving buyers more options when it comes to their purchases.
This included Thomson’s new 43-inch QLED TV that is the first to come with Jio Tele OS. The new OS aims to offer a fast, premium and content-rich smart TV platform that uses AI to make content discovery simple and seamless. Thanks to the sheer amount of content on offer, it makes for a compelling option for buyers.
There was also Dor 43-inch QLED TV from Streambox Media that offers the TV as part of a subscription-based model. Buyers pay a low upfront cost for getting the TV, and then have to pay a monthly subscription to continue using the service. It’s an interesting option for those with an extremely tight budget to get their hands on a very decent TV.
Anyway, let’s get down to it and take a quick look at the TVs we reviewed this quarter. Note that these are listed in no particular order.
Table of Contents
Thomson Jio 43-inch QLED TV
Verdict
If you are on a tight budget and looking for a 43-inch TV under 20K, then you can consider the Thomson 43-inch QLED TV. It has the Jio Tele OS, which, despite a few bugs, works quite well. The 400 free channels are a big plus. The picture quality is good for everyday content consumption. It has ample connectivity options as well. The speakers aren’t the best for mixed content like action movies, but they get the job done quite well for everyday TV viewing.
You can read the review here!
Infinix 40Y1V 40-inch QLED TV
Verdict
The Infinix 40Y1V is a good TV for streaming FHD content with decent audio. The healthy selection of ports could mean more entertainment avenues. But, as mentioned in the beginning, Infinix has made some interesting choices for a budget TV. The biggest of them is its software – Coolita OS, which is lightweight and responsive but severely limited in app availability, lacking Netflix and advanced customisations. The absence of voice control and a dedicated settings button on the remote further impacts usability.
These trade-offs would have made more sense at its introductory price of Rs 13,999. But now, at the current retail price of Rs 21,999, you have more options. Infinix’s own 43-inch 4K QLED TV is available for less, though its display quality remains untested. There are also competitors with more value or versatility on offer. For starters, you could get Android/Google TV with better app support, device assistance, and personalisation. However, if a quick and simple UI and decent audiovisual experience are all you care about, you can consider this Infinix 40-inch QLED TV.
You can read the review here!
JVC 55-inch AI Vision Series QLED TV
Verdict
For about 35K, the JVC TV faces competition from brands like Black+Decker, VU, TCL, Acer, redmi and many more. Each of the brands mentioned offers competition in terms of picture quality, UI, audio and more, making it a tough choice for consumers. What the JVC has going for it is a good UI, decent picture quality, good build and ample connectivity options. Where it lacks is the sound output for mixed audio and underwhelming HDR performance. If you are looking for a budget TV for a second room in your house or for basic content consumption, then you can consider it.
You can read the review here!
Sony Bravia 9 TV
Verdict
The 75-inch Bravia 9 is priced at approximately Rs. 4.2 lakhs, while the 85-inch variant costs around Rs. 5.5 lakhs. While this is undoubtedly a premium price, it offers stunning visuals, immersive audio, and cutting-edge features that cater to both casual viewers and tech enthusiasts. Mini LED technology, paired with Sony’s advanced processing, provides double the brightness of OLEDs and similar black levels, making it a compelling alternative. If you’re looking for a premium TV that excels in movies, gaming, and everything in between, the Sony Bravia 9 is definitely worth considering.
Of course, the Bravia 9 isn’t the only premium TV on the market. You can consider the LG G4, which when compared to the Sony Bravia 9, excels with its OLED panel. It also offers a comparatively bigger display, going up to 97-inches compared to Sony’s 85-inch. Then again, it’s even more expensive, and you’ll have a hard time finding stock for the bigger models. The Samsung S90 is another flagship TV that offers an OLED panel, coupled with a super-sleek design and responsive hardware. That too, however, fetches a premium price tag. Finally, Sony’s own Bravia 7 is still an excellent buy. However, if you want to experience Mini LED without spending a fortune, you can opt for the Hisense U7K series of Mini LED TVs, which are quite competitively priced.
You can read the review here!
Acer Super Series 43-inch 4K QLED TV
Verdict
The Acer Super Series 43-inch 4K QLED TV is an impressive offering that balances premium features with a budget-friendly price of Rs 35,999 (on Amazon). Its sleek design, sturdy aluminium build, and minimal bezels make it a stylish addition to any room. The vibrant QLED panel provides excellent colour reproduction, though its limited brightness slightly hampers HDR performance.
The inclusion of Google TV with Android 14 ensures a smooth and intuitive software experience, while the robust port selection, including HDMI 2.1, caters to gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Audio quality is a standout feature, delivering rich, immersive sound that outperforms its competition.
That said, there are a few downsides. The remote’s build quality could be improved, and the limited brightness in HDR content might leave some users wanting more. Despite these shortcomings, the pros of this TV far outweigh the cons, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup during the festive season.
If you’re in the market for a new television, the Acer Super Series 43-inch QLED TV is well worth considering, especially for its excellent sound, sturdy design, and gamer-friendly features.
You can read the review here!
Dor TV
Verdict
Streambox Dor TV’s subscription model presents a mixed bag. On the one hand, it offers a low upfront cost (Rs 10,799), a discounted OTT app bundle (at Rs 799 for the first 12 months and then starting at Rs 299), and decent display and audio hardware, making it appealing to budget-conscious users. However, the absence of Netflix and Google Play Store, and limited 4K experience with the included OTT apps may leave some users feeling they’re paying more for less. Furthermore, concerns around the first-gen product’s after-sales support and restrictive terms of use could further limit its appeal.
Whether Dor TV solves subscription fatigue or adds to it ultimately depends on your viewing habits and preferences. While the initiative is appreciated as a novel attempt, its value may vary from user to user.
You can read the review here!
