VIZIO 43-inch 4K UHD LED Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and WiFi 6

Description

Vivid Picture and Immersive Sound: A True 4K Experience

Testing the VIZIO 43-inch 4K UHD LED Smart TV (V4K43M-08) has been a genuinely satisfying experience, especially for someone like me who spends plenty of time streaming movies and gaming. The Dolby Vision HDR is a standout feature that immediately catches your attention. The colors? Vibrant and lifelike. Watching action-packed scenes or scenic visuals, I couldn’t help but notice the contrast details and depth were leagues better than my older TV. While the HDR10+ and HLG support complement this further, it’s the Dolby Vision Bright+ that delivers that punch of dynamic brightness in dark or shadowy scenes.

The sound quality is decent for a TV this size, but if you’re a stickler for audio like me, pairing it with a soundbar or speaker system might be a good idea. Still, the built-in speakers hold their own, especially when streaming free channels via the VIZIO OS.

Seamless Connectivity and Smart Features

One of the key benefits of this model is its connectivity options. It’s equipped with WiFi 6, a noticeable upgrade for households where multiple devices are connected simultaneously. As someone who’s perpetually streaming, it made a real difference in reducing buffering issues. No more staring at a loading circle mid-episode!

The built-in VIZIO OS is one of the most intuitive smart platforms I’ve used. I could instantly access major streaming apps, and the WatchFree+ app was a pleasant surprise with its hundreds of free channels and on-demand titles. Setting up my Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast was a breeze, and these features allowed me to mirror my phone’s screen effortlessly. It’s also worth noting that the voice assistance integration made navigation a lot more convenient, especially when searching for specific shows or genres.

Gaming Like Never Before

As someone who games regularly, I was curious about how this TV would handle in-game visuals. The Dolby Vision HDR Gaming feature didn’t disappoint. Plugging in my console, the TV automatically enabled the Auto Low Latency Mode, which reduced lag significantly. It’s not marketed as a gaming TV, but it sure feels like one when you’re in the middle of a fast-paced multiplayer match. The colors, detail, and smooth frame rates all contributed to an immersive gaming experience.

Design and Build Quality

The sleek black finish and minimalist design fit seamlessly into my living room. With dimensions of 9.37 x 37.68 x 24.21 inches and a 43-inch screen size, this TV strikes the perfect balance between compact and cinematic. It’s lightweight too, at 22 pounds, which made wall mounting a manageable task. However, I did notice the bezels are slightly thicker than some of the ultra-slim models on the market. Still, it’s not a dealbreaker and doesn’t distract from the viewing experience.

Good Aspects

• Incredible 4K picture quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
• WiFi 6 ensures smooth streaming and gaming, even in high-traffic networks.
• Intuitive VIZIO OS with a vast array of apps and free content.
• Dolby Vision HDR Gaming enhances the gameplay experience.

Areas for Improvement

• Audio output could be more robust; an additional sound system may be needed for optimal sound.
• Bezels are slightly thicker compared to newer ultra-thin models.
• Requires a VIZIO Account to access full smart TV functionalities, which might feel restrictive for some users.

Product Rivals

When comparing this TV to competitors, a few points stand out. For instance, Samsung’s 4K Crystal UHD series offers comparable picture quality, but their interface doesn’t feel as user-friendly as the VIZIO OS. On the other hand, LG’s NanoCell TVs boast superior color accuracy, but they come at a noticeably higher price point.

Where this model excels is its gaming-friendly features, thanks to the Auto Low Latency Mode and Dolby Vision HDR Gaming. Other TVs in this price range often lack such niche gaming enhancements. However, brands like TCL offer slightly thinner bezels and more refined sound quality, making them a strong contender.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of price performance, this TV delivers great value. For a mid-range 4K Smart TV, it’s packed with features that make it feel premium. The inclusion of WiFi 6, AirPlay, and Google Cast add significant functionality, justifying the investment. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the performance and features easily outweigh the slightly higher cost compared to budget models. If you’re looking for an all-rounder that doesn’t break the bank, this one is worth considering.

Additional information