The LG C6 emerges as the most versatile 4K smart TV of 2026, while Samsung’s S90H and brighter Mini-LED rivals target gamers and bright-room viewers.
The 4K smart TV market remains crowded in 2026, with buyers choosing between OLED, Mini-LED and QLED panels, along with competing smart platforms, gaming features and price points. The result is a category where the “best” set depends less on headline specifications alone and more on room lighting, screen size, console or PC use, and how much weight is placed on picture accuracy versus peak brightness or sound quality. TechRadar’s latest OLED rankings reinforce that the strongest models now combine better brightness with deep blacks, improved motion handling and increasingly serious gaming support.
Among OLED sets, the LG C6 stands out as the most rounded option for most buyers. According to TechRadar, it leads the class because it combines vivid and accurate images with improved brightness, while RTINGS highlights its 165Hz native refresh rate, FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility. What Hi-Fi? adds that the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor improves brightness, colour richness, contrast and shadow detail, while also helping the set deliver stronger sound than earlier C-series models. For gamers, the attraction is clear: 4K at 165Hz, VRR support and four HDMI 2.1 ports make it unusually well equipped for both consoles and high-end PCs.
Samsung’s S90H is the most direct rival for viewers who want a premium OLED with strong gaming credentials. Samsung says the set uses a glare-free OLED panel, the NQ4 AI Gen3 processor and 165Hz Motion Xcelerator support, while also offering HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10+ Gaming and HDR10+ Advanced compatibility. SamMobile reports that the TV also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Auto Low-Latency Mode, which broadens its appeal for competitive gaming. The combination of self-illuminating pixels, ultra-wide viewing angles and Samsung’s Tizen platform makes it a strong alternative to the LG, particularly for buyers already invested in Samsung’s ecosystem.
For those who prefer brighter non-OLED panels, the TCL QM8L and Hisense U8QG represent the strongest Mini-LED options in the group. TCL’s model pairs an SQD-Mini LED backlight with a 144Hz panel and support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision IQ, which should suit users who watch in bright rooms and want high output without moving to OLED. Hisense’s U8QG pushes the refresh rate to 165Hz and adds anti-reflection coating, but the trade-off is a more limited port selection, with only three HDMI inputs. Sony’s Bravia 7 sits at the premium end of the Mini-LED segment, with XR Triluminos Pro for colour reproduction and PlayStation 5-specific functions such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, making it the most obvious choice for console players who want a television tuned for Sony hardware.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
