The annual Black Friday shopping event has arrived, bringing with it some of the most significant television discounts of the year. For UK consumers considering upgrading their home entertainment setup, this period offers unprecedented opportunities to secure premium technology at substantially reduced prices.
Top Television Bargains Across Every Budget
This year's Black Friday sales feature impressive discounts across all television categories, from budget-friendly options to premium OLED displays. The Hisense U7Q Pro Mini LED, originally priced at £999, has seen a dramatic reduction to just £429 at Amazon. This 55-inch model boasts a remarkably bright Mini LED panel and supports 4K/144Hz gaming with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology.
Amazon's own television range presents compelling options, with the Fire Omni QLED 50-inch model dropping from £649 to £299. While its gaming capabilities are limited to 60Hz, it offers comprehensive HDR support including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, making it an excellent choice for general viewing.
For those seeking exceptional value, TCL continues to impress with feature-rich televisions at accessible price points. The TCL C6KS QD-Mini LED, available for £349 at both Argos and Amazon, incorporates Mini LED technology with 160 dimming zones and supports an impressive range of HDR formats including HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
Premium Television Options at Reduced Prices
The OLED market presents particularly attractive opportunities during this year's Black Friday period. LG's entry-level B5 OLED, part of their 2025 lineup, is available for £686.99 at AO including membership cost. This model features four HDMI 2.1 ports with full 4K/120Hz support and incorporates LG's refined webOS operating system.
Samsung's S90F OLED represents the brand's QD-OLED technology, combining the deep blacks of OLED with enhanced brightness. Currently priced at £1,395 at Amazon, this 65-inch television offers four HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K/120Hz gaming and up to 144Hz for PC gaming.
At the premium end, Sony's Bravia 8 II QD-OLED demonstrates cutting-edge television technology with a panel claimed to be 25% brighter than its predecessor. While commanding £2,199 at both John Lewis and Currys, this television features Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ system and includes a dedicated PS5 optimisation mode.
Essential Considerations for Smart Television Purchases
When navigating Black Friday television deals, several crucial factors warrant careful consideration. Design elements significantly impact both aesthetics and functionality, with central pedestal stands generally proving more practical than edge-positioned feet, particularly for larger screen sizes.
Understanding your primary viewing requirements is essential. OLED televisions typically excel in dark room environments, delivering superior black levels and shadow detail ideal for cinematic content. Conversely, LED-based models including QLED and Mini LED variants often perform better in brightly lit rooms, making them suitable for daytime viewing.
Connectivity represents another vital consideration. Budget televisions frequently offer only three HDMI inputs, which may prove limiting for households with multiple devices. Gaming enthusiasts should specifically seek televisions supporting 120Hz refresh rates, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for optimal performance with modern consoles.
Navigating Potential Pitfalls in Television Sales
Not all Black Friday television deals represent genuine value. Entry-level televisions priced around £200 often lack the necessary brightness to properly display HDR content, potentially resulting in unnaturally dark images during HDR playback. These models are generally better suited to standard dynamic range content.
Consumers should remain aware that HDR compatibility varies significantly between models. While most 4K televisions claim HDR support, performance differs dramatically across price ranges. Dolby Vision support is particularly valued by film enthusiasts, though notably absent from Samsung's television lineup.
Audio quality frequently suffers in slim, budget-conscious televisions. However, certain manufacturers incorporate enhanced audio technologies that may reduce or eliminate the need for additional sound systems. Samsung's Object Tracking Sound, Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio, and Panasonic's Technics-tuned systems represent notable examples worth considering.
Strategic Approaches to Black Friday Television Shopping
Previous year's television models often present exceptional value during Black Friday sales as retailers clear inventory. Well-reviewed older models typically outperform newer, untested televisions designed specifically for high-volume sales periods. The price difference between current and previous generation models can be substantial without significant performance compromises.
For consumers not requiring immediate audio upgrades, verifying Dolby Atmos signal passthrough capability via e-ARC HDMI connections provides future flexibility. This allows for the addition of compatible soundbars during subsequent sales events, potentially resulting in significant savings.
The most successful Black Friday television purchases result from careful planning and realistic assessment of viewing requirements. Rather than succumbing to impulse purchases, consumers should establish clear requirements regarding screen size, feature priorities, and budget constraints before engaging with Black Friday offers.
