Broadcasting3.06.2025

Best and most expensive TVs in South Africa — with a new R300,000 king

Hisense recently unveiled its 110-inch UX ULED X Mini LED TV, and at R300,000, the massive, locally produced unit is now the most expensive TV you can buy through traditional channels in South Africa.

While prices for high-resolution TVs have generally decreased as display technology has evolved, some manufacturers are still breaking new ground in the TV hardware space.

It should be noted that Samsung sells some TVs in its MicroLED range with price tags as high as R3 million.

However, these are designed for “super-premium” customers and aren’t listed on traditional channels.

Hisense unveiled its 110UX ULED X Mini LED TV in early May 2025, saying its most ambitious innovation yet offers a cinematic, stadium-worthy experience at home.

Its price includes a four-year guarantee, free delivery, expert installation, and premium after-sales support.

According to Hisense South Africa deputy general manager Luna Nortje, the TV is manufactured at the company’s Atlantis factory in Cape Town, “by South Africans, for South Africans”.

Regarding specs, the company said the 110UX features next-generation Mini LED technology and an ultra-high-definition, 4K resolution.

“Mini LED X takes Mini LED technology to the next level, offering even more precise control over backlighting for ultra-realistic picture quality,” says Hisense.

“This advanced technology offers exceptional contrast, vibrant colours, and stunning detail.”

The TV also packs Hisense’s 8K Hi-View Engine X, which the company said offers improved visual processing through advanced AI algorithms.

While the TV has a 120Hz native refresh rate panel, gaming fans will be pleased to know that Hisense’s Game Mode Pro uses some software trickery to boost frame rates to 144Hz while gaming.

The Hisense 110UX features a slew of AI enhancements, including an AI picture upscaler, scenario optimiser for different types of content, and AI sound for improved dialogue clarity.

Samsung dethroned

Samsung’s 98-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN90D)

Samsung’s QN90D 98-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV used to be the most expensive TV in the country, with a price tag of around R149,999.

The big-screen TV features a 4K resolution, Samsung’s NeoSlim design, object-tracking sound, Quantum Matrix Technology, and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 144Hz.

The TV boasts Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen2 4K processor, with AI upscaling and HDR support.

“Samsung’s AI-powered 4K processor creates one of the best 4K experiences. Our 4K AI Upscaling technology, powered by 20 AI neural networks, transforms content into near 4K picture quality,” it said.

“Our NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor optimises both picture and sound to deliver a 4K experience whether you are streaming OTT services, playing your favourite video games or watching live sports.”

Samsung said its Quantum Matrix Technology precisely controls the company’s proprietary Quantum mini LEDs.

“Such accurate ultra-fine light control brings out great detail in both the darkest and brightest scenes,” it added.

While the TV has a native 100Hz panel, Samsung’s gaming-oriented Motion Xcelerator helps boost frame rates to 144Hz at 4K resolution.

Another competitor for the best and most expensive TVs you can buy at general retail in South Africa is LG’s 83-inch OLED Evo C4 4K Smart TV, priced at R149,999.

It should be noted that LG South Africa currently lists the TV at a promotional price of R129,999. However, it is currently out of stock on the manufacturer’s website.

The TV is powered by LG’s Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen7, which the company said adds “transformative, yet lifelike detail”.

Compared with LG’s Alpha 5 AI Processor, the Alpha 9 offers 1.5 times faster AI performance, 4.5 times improved graphics, and 2.2 times faster processing speeds.

The LG OLED Evo C4 TV features a native 120Hz panel with a 4K resolution. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync for gamers and offers a 144Hz gaming mode.

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