Mastering Black Friday TV Shopping in 2025
As Black Friday approaches, British consumers face both incredible opportunities and potential pitfalls when shopping for new televisions. The annual sales event promises significant discounts on everything from compact smart TVs to premium 65-inch OLED displays, but navigating these deals requires careful strategy and knowledge.
Preparation is crucial for securing genuine bargains rather than falling for marketing gimmicks. Many retailers use Black Friday to clear older inventory, which can work to your advantage if you know what to look for. The key lies in understanding your specific needs and recognising the difference between a true discount and a mediocre product with an attractive price tag.
Essential Considerations Before Buying
Television design matters more than many shoppers realise. Budget models often feature flimsy plastic stands and generic designs that may not complement your living space. If you're not planning to wall-mount your new television, pay close attention to the stand configuration. Central pedestal stands typically offer the most stability and sometimes include useful swivel functions for optimal viewing angles.
Your viewing habits should dictate your choice between OLED and LED technologies. OLED televisions deliver superior performance in dark rooms with their self-emitting pixels creating deep blacks and excellent shadow detail, making them ideal for movie enthusiasts. Meanwhile, LED, QLED, and Mini LED models tend to perform better in brightly lit environments, serving as excellent daytime televisions.
Connectivity represents another critical factor. Entry-level televisions often provide only three HDMI ports, which can quickly become limiting if you plan to connect multiple devices like gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices. For serious gamers, HDMI ports supporting 120Hz refresh rates, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) are essential for maximising performance with current-generation consoles.
Spotting Genuine Value in Black Friday Deals
Don't automatically dismiss previous year's models during Black Friday sales. Television manufacturers frequently offer substantial discounts on older inventory to make room for new releases. A well-reviewed 2024 model often provides better value than a newer but less impressive 2025 television sold at a similar price point.
HDR compatibility requires careful evaluation. While most 4K televisions claim HDR support, entry-level models often lack the brightness necessary to properly display HDR content. These budget options might actually perform better with standard dynamic range programming. Mid-range and premium televisions show dramatic improvements in HDR performance, with formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ offering enhanced viewing experiences.
Audio quality frequently gets overlooked in television purchases. Thin, inexpensive televisions typically produce poor sound quality with minimal bass and distorted audio at higher volumes. However, some manufacturers include innovative sound technologies that might eliminate the need for an immediate soundbar purchase. Samsung's Object Tracking Sound, Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio, and Panasonic's Technics-tuned systems offer surprisingly competent built-in audio solutions.
Standout Black Friday Television Deals for 2025
Several televisions represent exceptional value in this year's Black Friday sales. The Hisense A6Q LED 55-inch television offers impressive features at just £299, including 4K resolution and Dolby Vision support. For gamers seeking premium performance, the Hisense U7Q Pro Mini LED 65-inch model provides 4K/120Hz gaming support and reaches £899 at multiple retailers.
OLED enthusiasts have multiple compelling options. The LG B5 OLED 55-inch enters the market at £899, featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports and comprehensive HDR support. Samsung's S90F QD-OLED combines OLED's perfect blacks with QLED's brightness at £1,395 for the 65-inch version, though it notably lacks Dolby Vision support.
For those seeking larger screens, the TCL C7K QD-Mini LED 65-inch television delivers premium features at £749, including 4K/144Hz gaming support and Bang & Olufsen audio. Meanwhile, last year's LG C4 OLED 77-inch model offers substantial savings at £1,799, maintaining excellent gaming features and picture quality.
Smart shopping during Black Friday requires balancing immediate savings with long-term satisfaction. By understanding your specific needs, recognising genuine value, and focusing on well-reviewed models rather than just the lowest prices, you can secure a television that will provide enjoyment for years to come while avoiding the common pitfalls of impulsive Black Friday purchasing.
