So, you’ve finally made the decision to get your hands on your very first TV.
That’s a bold step.
Getting a television feels like a rite of passage, especially if you just moved into a new flat, decorated your dream bachelor pad, or want to swap out that ancient screen your cousin gave you.
Before you start scrolling through those tempting online deals or strutting into a showroom with dazzling big screens, hitting pause makes sense.Here’s something not many people will share with you:
purchasing your first TV in India is far more complicated than it seems. From getting baffled in smart TV traps to screen size confusion, there are some pretty costly mistakes people willingly make.
In this guide, we’ll discuss all the blunders first-time buyers in India tend to make. And how you, my friend, can effortlessly dodge those missteps like a pro. Excited?
1. Purchasing an 85-inch TV Without Considering the Room Size
Let’s kick things off with an all too common goof. Walk into any store and you’ll find an 85-inch TV, sparkling and looking all 4Kish. “This is what I need,” screams your brain.
Well not if you have a living room the size of a TV that big.
So how do you choose the right size screen?
- Simple, the 1.5x to 2x rule.
- With a 55 inch TV, your seating should be at 6.5 to 8 feet PR distance.
- For a 65-inch, it is always better to aim for 8 to 10 feet.
- 75-inch or 85-inch? In this case, 10 feet or more between the screen and sofa is a must.
Less space means not cramming a screen into a small space. A giant TV will bring down the experience and ruin the aesthetic, making your room boxy.
2. Purchasing LED Screens without Knowing What You’re Buying
Not all screens are created equal, and all “LED TVs” surely are not the same.
Most first time buyers think: LED is cheaper, OLED is expensive, and QLED is somewhere in between.
Let’s welcome a new contender in the ring – Mini LED. If you are on the hunt for jaw-dropping visuals that won’t put a dent to your wallet, your search ends here.
Why Mini LED?
- Offers better contrast than standard LED screens
- Brighter than OLED Displays
- Withstands Indian conditions like dust, heat and power outages better
For example, Mini LED range gives crisp contrast and colour depth that high-end TVs offer. But, with better reliability and lower risk of burn-in, it’s the perfect option for Indian households where the TV is likely to run all day.
3. Just Focused on the Resolution
“Bro, it’s 4K!” the favorite selling line of most folks.
Sure, it’s a nice bonus. And yes, it does matter. But it’s part of the whole picture.
What’s actually more important?
- Support for HDR: Look for Dolby Vision or HDR10+. This enables colors to pop.
- Refresh rate: 120Hz or 144Hz for sports and gaming enthusiasts or those who despise motion blur.
- Peak brightness: Crucial for people who enjoy TV during the day or positioned near windows.
For the love of thalis, do not stop at “4K”, as it is as inadequate as reducing a thali to rice.
4. Completely Overlooking Audio
We understand that the picture is important to you. But what about the audio?
It always surprises us how so many first-time buyers select a TV with a brilliant picture and are stunned when the TV sounds like a cheap Bluetooth speaker.
The reality is, the majority of TVs today are slim, and there is a limit to how much sound you can fit into an ultra-slim frame. However, some brands are doing better than others.
Consider the Mini LED series. The TVs have KEF-tuned speakers which makes them powered by KEF. is a British audio company well-known for their precise and clear sound. This implies that the sound is immersive enough not to require a soundbar in mid-sized rooms.
5. Forgetting to Check Out the TV Menu System
The usage of smart TVs skyrocketed in India due to the popularity of OTT programs, YouTube, and phone casting. But the problem is that not all smart TVs are user-friendly.
Some brands use obsolete, sluggish, and clunky operating systems which makes the entire experience of using the TV excruciating.
Your best bet? Google TV.
It is fast, intuitive, and comes with everything from Netflix to SonyLIV pre-loaded. It even suggests what to watch based on your viewing habits.
Most recent models use Google TV, so you won’t have to deal with obsolete interfaces or purchase a separate streaming device later.
6. Going Blind on Connectivity Ports
Let’s play a short game. Count all the potential devices you might connect to your TV.
- DTH or set-top box
- Gaming console
- Laptop
- Chromecast or Fire Stick
- External hard drive
- Soundbar
Now check the TV’s port options.
If it doesn’t have at least 3 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports, you’ll be forced to purchase splitters and adapters that add to the clutter.
Bonus points if it supports HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.0, and optical audio out.
7. Buying a TV Looking Outside the Room
This one’s underrated. Indian homes are bright almost throughout the day. If your TV struggles with ambient light, the picture looks washed out.
Mini LED panels have a massive advantage here. They are brighter than standard LEDs and even OLEDs. If your TV room isn’t blackout dark, Mini LED is the safer, more practical choice.
And if you get one with Dolby Vision IQ, it will dynamically adjust brightness based on the room’s lighting.
8. Falling For Huge Discounts While Ignoring Real Value
Ads during holidays and sales often shout “80% OFF.” Most times, the advertised price is fictitious and the stock is out-of-date.
What should you pay attention to?
- No hidden charges
- 2-year warranties
- Transparent pricing
- Free installation
- Cashback offers
- EMI options without extra cost
For example, India provides up to 20% instant cashback, no-cost EMI for a year, and complete after sales support. These benefits are more valuable than random 40% off sales with no support.
9. Forgetting the Difference Between Wall-Mounted and Tabletop TV
How do you plan to set up the TV? Will it be wall mounted, saving space or stand mounted?
Check if the installation brackets are included or if there is an extra charge for them. Ensure that the back panel enables easy cable access after installation for easy post-installation setup.
And of course, aesthetics matter. A matte finish and slender bezel enhance the room’s ambience.
TVs have a subtle look that complements modern and traditional Indian interiors.
10. Not Paying Attention To The Service Rating For The Brand
While TVs rarely break, when they do, you need a quick response time.
This is when purchasing from well-rated brands known for good service support comes in handy.
- Service centers across India
- Support through WhatsApp
- Fast response times in 2nd tier cities
The cheaper TV with poor after-sales service will end up costing you more in stress than the money saved.
Avoid Buying for Just Today
This TV is not only for the planned family movie night. It is intended for the years to come. For the FIFA finals. For Holi get-togethers. For late-night binge watching and lazy Sundays.
Make the right decision today so that it will save you stress in the future.
Mini LED Picks Are Noticeable
Take a look at this line from India’s Mini LED collection if you want to get the best combination of elegance, functionality, and assurance:
M80F Series 85” Mini LED Google TV (H85M80FUX)
- Dolby Vision + Google TV
- KEF-tuned speakers
- Super bright 4K panel
- Ideal for larger rooms or shared living spaces
75” Mini LED TV (H75M80FUX)
- Dolby Vision
- Premium audio
- A balanced choice for entertainment + gaming
Mini LED with 144Hz refresh (H55M90EUX)
- High refresh rate for gamers
- Compact yet premium
- Perfect for bedrooms or smaller living rooms
All these come with:
- Warranty up to 2 years
- Cashback offers
- Flexibility in EMI payments
- Quick-response customer assistance
Visit shop.haierindia.com for the complete collection.
Final Thoughts
Knowing more means spending less. Buying your first TV doesn’t need to be complicated.
Now that you understand how simple it can be, don’t be left out. Get yourself a TV that matches your home decor, routines, and lifestyle.
Visit Haier India to explore the complete range of mini LED TVs.