CHOICE TV testing is underway for 2023 and while new models were announced in February, they only started arriving on retail shelves in late April right up to June. This late arrival of 2023 models means there are some great discounts to be found on 2022 TVs as we head into the end of financial year (EOFY) sales.
Knowing model numbers and codes for TV models will help you walk into the store with confidence, especially if you're looking to negotiate a better price.
On this page:
When are new model TVs on sale?
Some of the latest 2023 Samsung and LG TVs were released in April and May in very limited models and ranges, with many online retailers still showing 'coming soon' banners for 2023 models as the EOFY sales start to appear.
Sony continues to be late to the party when it comes to 2023 releases, with no official release dates from Sony Australia (although there are one or two models appearing). But we do at least know what models are expected to arrive. This means you can expect some great deals on Sony TVs that were released in 2022 from now until Christmas.
Not only does a TV's product code tell you its size and specifications, it also contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it
If you see a Panasonic TV for sale, avoid it regardless of the seemingly great price. Panasonic stopped selling TVs in Australia just before COVID-19 broke out in early 2020. TCL has released information on some of its latest models for 2023, but availability according to our CHOICE buyers has been sporadic.
Hisense on the other hand seems to have some of its models in the store before the announcement from Hisense, so there should be a good selection of Hisense TV models around leading up to the sales period and through the rest of the year.
How to get the best deal on a TV
With retailers back to regular operating hours throughout the country it's easier to talk to someone on the shop floor and let them know that you won't be tricked into buying last year's TV without some serious discounting.
Some retailers are offering some valuable indicators as to what year the TV was released, giving you some bargaining power when looking for a better deal.
Make sure the salesperson knows that the TV they're selling you may be the greatest, but it's not the latest.
Ordering online could be an issue when it comes to driving a bargain, but if you're armed with the right information on model numbers, you can quickly carry out searches on multiple sites and recognise the difference between a great buy and a good price for ageing stock.
The trick is to know which TVs are 2023 releases and which ones are from 2022 or earlier.
Using CHOICE reviews
In addition to new releases, our TV reviews also feature older models that are listed as discontinued (just make sure you've ticked the box in the 'Related products' field on the left-hand side to see them).
Sometimes these models suddenly reappear in the EOFY sales at a drastically reduced price and with production and shipping shortages continuing, as well as chip shortages, you might find a 2022 model suddenly appears out of nowhere for a crazy good price and disappears just as quickly.
So if you have a particular brand and budget in mind, click on the brand name in the top filter and select the price range to narrow down your options.
When shopping for a TV online, make sure your searches include the exact model name that's in our review as well as the size so you can determine the online retailer with the best price. Also make sure you don't simply click on a retailer on the first page of the search as shops that appear in the first few results often pay for the privilege of appearing at the top.
Using a TV's product code
Major retailers will be promoting very good deals from now through to August and beyond, but most of the bargain TVs will be 2022 models with some very specific markdowns on 2023 TVs (mainly with the most expensive models).
How do you find out the age of a TV? The secret is in the product code. Not only does it tell you the size and specifications of the TV, it also contains information on the year of release – if you know how to read it.
New models can also be heavily discounted, with this 2023 75-inch Samsung QA75QN85CAWXXY available for more than $1000 less than the recommended retail price.
Brand-by-brand guide to TV product codes
LG has over 30 TV models to choose from in their 2023 range but really only three options: OLED, QNED and LG's value-priced UR8050 series.
The premium OLED TVs come in a few iterations and several sizes from $3000 for the 55-inch OLED55B3 up to $10,000 for the 83-inch OLED83G3. The mid to high range QNED series starts with the 43-inch 43QNED at around $1000 up to $6000 for the 86-inch 86QNED86.
The value UR8050 series is sure to be the LG TV in most Australian homes, ranging from just $899 for the 43-inch 43UR8050 up to to a relatively cheap $3000 for the 86-inch 86UR8050.
All LG TVs offer 4K (UHD) picture resolution, with the increase in price based on the quality of the screen, the size of the display and finally the power of the the processor.
LG OLED TVs (Premium range)
How do you tell which LG OLED is a 2023 TV?
The OLED series of LG TVs offers various levels of performance with the price mainly determined by display size, a faster processor and additional support for various video and audio technologies. The big sell for LG OLED TVs for 2023 is increased brightness, bringing them closer to the brightness levels of the latest QLED and Mini LED LCD TVs.
The most important thing to look for to find the right LG OLED TV for your budget is a combination of the number 3 and letters G, C, or B. The number following OLED in the model code indicates the display size, and the letter indicates its position in the range. For example, the 65-inch OLED65G3, is more expensive than the OLED65C3 which is more expensive than the OLED65B3.
All three OLED series TVs offer a 55-inch, 65-inch and 77-inch display option, with the C series also providing models at smaller sizes (48 and 42-inch display). The C and G series also have an 83-inch option if you can part with $9000 or more.
LG OLED TVs from previous years (2022, 2021 or 2020)
The naming and numbering convention follows the same path as for 2023 so you can quickly determine if the OLED TV is from 2022 or 2021.
For 2022 the C series is the mid range and the A is the most affordable OLED LG TV range, and the number for 2022 to look out for is (not surprisingly) 2. For example, the OLED65C2PSA or OLED65A2PSA are both 65-inch OLED TVs released in in 2022.
If it has a 1 in the model code, it's a 2021 OLED model (e.g. OLED65C1).
The 2020 models are a bit different in that an X appears as the year indication. So if it has an X in the TV model code, it's a 2020 model (e.g. OLED65GX)
QNED LG TVs (Mid-priced range)
How do you tell which LG QNED is a 2023 TV?
The QNED series probably delivers the best performance in terms of screen size and features for the price. Models in this range cover sizes from 43 inches up to 86 inches with an entry level range (QNED75), mid range (QNED81) and premium range (QNED86). The mid range QNED81 series is the first to arrive, with the QNED75 and QNED86 models not available until July or later.
Working out which year an LG QNED TV was released is not as easy as the OLED coding. If the number following the model code QNED isn't 75, 81 or 86, then it's not a 2023 QNED TV.
QNED models from previous years (2022, 2021)
If the number following the model code QNED is 80 (e.g 55QNED80) it's a 2022 model with the other models to look out for being QNED85, QNED95 and QNED99. QNED TVs for 2021 will include either QNED96 or QNED91 in the product code.
UHD (4K) UR8050 (Value range)
How do you tell which LG UHD (4K) is a 2023 TV?
LG has made things a bit easier to follow in 2023 with a single 'value' TV option. The UR8050 series is available in six display sizes (43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 86 inches) with prices ranging from $899 for the 43-inch 43UR8050 up to $2999 for the 86-inch 86UR8050.
UHD (4K) models from previous years (2022, 2021)
If the model name has NANO in the product code, it could be a 2020, 2021 or 2022 LG TV. This range is no longer available in 2023. If it has UQ9000 in the the model code, it's one of LG's entry-level range TVs for 2022 with the letter Q being the code for a 2022 TV.
The second letter in the product code indicates the release date. So for the LG 55UP8000, P indicates a 2021 model.
Avoid codes with the letters N, M, K, J, H, F or G (unless the TVs are being given away) as these are from 2020 or older.
CHOICE tip: Expect to see some substantial LG OLED bargains for the 2022 range as 2023 models are still scarce. There's already evidence that thousands of dollars are being taken off premium OLED TVs that were the latest and greatest only a few months ago.
The Samsung TV offerings for 2023 are well targeted and include a revamp of the Neo QLED TV range (which is Samsung's premium TV option) and additional picture frame or lifestyle TVs that are meant to be hung on the wall like a work of art when you've finished watching a movie. Models available in various sizes include The Frame, The Serif and even a TV that can be rotated to portrait mode (The Sero) to show content like it's from a mobile phone.
The Samsung website provides a very good model rundown showing the 2023 and 2022 models on offer, making it much easier to create your bargain hunting shopping list.
Neo QLED 4K and 8K series (Premium range)
How do you tell which Neo QLED is a 2023 TV?
The Neo QLED range sits above the standard QLED range and also above the Samsung OLED models. The big difference for Neo QLED is the introduction of a Quantum Mini LED, which Samsung claims will deliver better light control for better colour and detail in both light and dark areas compared to the standard QLED offerings.
The 8K models for Samsung in 2023 are the Q900C series and the letter to keep an eye out for is the C. Available in three sizes (65, 75 and 85 inches), prices range from $6499 for the 65-inch QA65QN900CWXXY model up to the huge 85-inch QA85QN900CWXXY for $10,999, which is a thousand dollars less than the previous year. There seems to be instant discounting on some 2023 models as soon as they're released.
If you're looking for a 2023 Neo QLED TV in a 4K resolution then your options include the QN90C series in six display sizes (from 43 inches up to 85 inches) and the QN85C series in 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch displays.
Neo QLED from previous years (2022, 2021)
The 8K models for Samsung in 2022 were the Q900B and Q800B series starting with the 65-inch QA65QN800BWXXY right up to the 85-inch QA85QN900BWXXY. The 2021 Neo QLED model will show a model code as QA65QN800AWXXY.
If you wanted a 2022 Neo QLED in 4K, then the options include a Q85B, Q90B or Q95B, with prices starting at the 50-inch QA50QN90BAWXXY and going up to the 85-inch QA90QN85BAWXXY.
OLED 4K series (Premium range)
How do you tell which OLED is a 2023 TV?
Samsung has released their second series of OLED TVs in 2023 and is the only company other than LG to produce its own OLED panels. Two series are available for 2023, starting with the S90C series with a 55 and 65-inch display on offer, and the S95C series with three display options (adding a 77-inch model to the mix).
OLED TVs from previous years (2022)
Samsung only started selling OLED TVs in 2022 with one series (S95B) available in 55 and 65-inch display options. Expect to see these models showing up at the EOFY sales with big reductions in price.
QLED 4K series (Mid range)
How do you tell which QLED is a 2023 TV?
Samsung has consolidated this range with just the single Q60C series available in four display sizes from the 55-inch QA55Q60CAWXXY up to the 85-inch QA85Q60CAWXXY.
QLED TVs from previous years (2022,2021)
There are a few series to choose from among the 2022 range. Each QLED series (Q60B, Q70B and Q80B) is available in 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch models. For example, look out for the letter B in the mid range 65-inch QA65Q70BAWXXY.
As with last year's models, the product code for Samsung QLED TVs should show a QA followed by the display size of the TV then two numbers indicating their position within the range followed by a C to indicate a 2023 QLED model (compared to a B for the 2022 model or an A for a 2021 model).
Crystal CU8000 UHD series (Value range)
How do you tell which Crystal UHD is a 2023 TV?
The volume-selling LCD display TV for Samsung is the Crystal UHD series, with 2023 models using the code CU8000 and 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch display sizes available. The range starts with the UA43CU8000WXXY for around $699, and goes up to $2499 for the 85-inch version (UA85CU8000WXXY).
Crystal UHD TVs from previous years (2022, 2021)
The 2022 models use the code BU8000 and are available in 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85-inch display sizes. The 2021 standard Samsung LCD range is shown as the AU8000 series while the 2020 LCD range is shown as the TU8000 series. 2019 models generally have an R after the display size indication (e.g. Samsung UA65RU8000WXXY) while 2018 models generally have an N after the display size number (e.g. Samsung UA55NU7000).
Hisense continues to compete with Sony for a minor placing against the two frontrunners Samsung and LG. But its 2023 releases are appearing slowly, so expect to see the models released in 2022 available for most of 2023.
Hisense is very careful to highlight that AU at the end of the model code indicates an Australian model and has made it clear that overseas Hisense models from the same series will have different specifications and features.
The number and letter combinations for Hisense TVs continue to be fairly clear. If the model has HAU at the end of the model name, it's a 2022 Hisense TV. 2023 models have replaced the H with a K, so any model that ends with KAU is an Australian Hisense TV released in 2023.
There's a range of other Hisense models that may or may not be available throughout the rest of the year including an OLED range (X9HAU and Z8HAU) and Mini-LED range (U9HAU and U8HAU) but there is no word on when these TVs will be discontinued.
A7KAU and A6KAU (Value range)
The A7KAU and A6KAU are the only models available for 2023 at the moment and would be considered more of a mid-priced TV with most of the features you'd expect to find in a smart TV for 2023.
The A7KAU range starts with the 43-inch 43A7KAU with 50, 55, 65 and 75-inch models, as well as the monster 85-inch 85A7KAU for only $2799. There's also a 58-inch (50A6KAU) for $899 and 70-inch (58A6KAU) model available for $1199.
Models before 2022
If it has a G at the end of the model (e.g. 75U90G), it's a 2021 TV.
The Hisense code for 2020 is reasonably simple to work out with the premium Q series range at the top with the 85Q8, an 85-inch QLED display TV, down to the 55Q8 55-inch display. The mid range S series has displays from the large 85-inch 85S8 all the way down to the 43-inch 43S8 display. Hisense also has an entry level series called the S4 series with 32, 40 and 49-inch displays available.
The Hisense range for 2019 generally has the letter R but there are exceptions.
As with previous years, many of the Sony releases for 2023 won't appear till much later in the season, so don't expect to see 2023 Sony TVs on the shop floor during this EOFY sales period. The 2023 Sony models all use a code ending with L and all the 2023 models operate on Android TV.
This also means that none of the Sony TVs for 2023 or 2022 can record live TV to an external USB hard drive. If you want to record shows, you'll need a PVR. However, with the popularity of streaming video (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc.) this may not be an issue.
The easiest way to work out which Sony model you're looking at is the last letter in the model code. L means 2023, K means 2022 and J means 2021.
Sony A80L and A95L OLED series (Premium range)
The premium OLED series is Sony's top TV range with Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ turning the display into one large speaker with positional audio replicating the sound of an object within the scene.
Prices start at around $3499 for the 55-inch XR55A80L and up to (we guess) several thousand dollars for the 83-inch XR83A80L (the price is unavailable and most likely won't be available till later in the year). A 65-inch and 77-inch model is also available.
The A95L series offers even more features including a Bravia cam to help optimise video and audio settings and is available in 55, 65 and 77-inch displays. The price isn't available yet but expect it to be substantial.
Sony OLED TVs from previous years (2022, 2021)
OLED models from 2022 include the A80K, A90K and A95K series. Two options for 2021 OLED TVs include the A80J and A90J series.
Sony Full Array LED series (Mid range)
Full Array LED LCD TVs offer a good balance of detail and brightness and sit between the higher OLED TV series and the value range (X85L and X90L) with size choices of 55, 65, 75, 85 and massive 98-inch displays. For the price premium ($2495 for the 55-inch model) you get an upgraded processor, better LED backlighting, and several of the upscaling and processing features that are on offer in the top-end OLED TVs.
Sony Full Array LED TVs from previous years (2022)
The 2022 releases include the X90K and X95K series with size choices of 65, 75 and 85-inch displays. For the price premium you get an upgraded processor, better LED backlighting, and several of the upscaling and processing features that are on offer in the top-end OLED TVs.
Sony LED TVs (Value range)
The value range starts with the X80L and display size choices include 43, 50, 55, 65 and 75 inches.
Models before 2022
- The 2021 models use a code ending with J (e.g.Sony KD55X80J or X80J).
- The 2020 models use a code ending with H (e.g. Sony KD-55X80H or X80H).
- The 2019 models use a code ending with G (e.g. Sony KD-65X9500G).
- If the code ends with an F (e.g. Sony KD-65X9000F) then it's the latest model for 2018.
- If the code ends with a D (e.g. Sony KD-55X8500D) it's technically an early 2017 model and you should avoid it altogether.
There are no new Panasonic TVs for 2023 and there have been none since 2019.
The following information on product codes is to identify any older models you may see on eBay or Gumtree. Panasonic is not a new TV option.
Panasonic indicates the release year by the first letter after the display size, with G being a 2019 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65GX850A), F being a 2018 model, and E indicating a 2017 model (e.g. Panasonic TH-65EX780A).
- The numbers in the series indicate the increase in quality and price, from the lowest 32-inch TH32F400A through to the FS500A series, FX600A series and so on, up to the top-of-the-line 4K FX800 series with all the bells and whistles.
- Panasonic also has a few OLED models that were still around both online and in some stores towards the end of 2020, like the GZ1000U, 55 or 65-inch, as well as two premium priced 65-inch OLED models (TH-65GZ2000 and TH-65GZ1500U). If you can find one of these models for under $1000 as a runout, it may be worth a gamble as they were good TVs – but it's a gamble that will likely be without a warranty or support from Panasonic locally.
- If the Panasonic TV you're looking at has an E after the display size number, tell the salesperson you know it's a 2017 model. They should basically pay you to take it.
- If it has a D after the the display size, it's a 2016 model and must have fallen off the back of a truck.
Tips for your new TV
TVs are getting smarter
One of the biggest changes we're seeing is an improvement not only to smart functionality, but also the ability to add new features to your TV through software updates.
The latest TVs are more likely to interact with other smart devices on your home network, as well as using voice assistants like Google or Amazon Alexa. They can answer queries about the weather, turn on your air conditioner, talk to your fridge and order more milk, and turn off the lights when you go to bed. But make sure you actually want and need these features before you splash the cash.
Streaming
Keep track of your streaming subscriptions. Signing up for free trials with Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Binge may sound great, but if you don't cancel them, you could easily end up spending close to $100 a month once the free trial period is over.
TV resolutions compared. 8K isn't really in the consumer space right now, but a couple of very expensive TVs with support for 8K are now available.
High-res options
4K, UHD and SUHD are all terms to describe what has become the most common resolution for a new TV: 3440 x 2160 pixels. By contrast, a Full HD TV has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and virtually impossible to buy unless you look for an old 32-inch TV.
What do all these numbers and letters mean?
- SD is the format you're watching when catching old reruns of Friends on TV and DVD movies.
- Full HD is High Definition broadcast TV (TV shows made in the last few years) and Blu-ray movies on disc.
- 4K/UHD (Ultra High Definition) / SUHD (Super UHD) is the format used for the latest blockbuster movies streamed on Netflix or a 4K Blu-ray disc, which look great on a 65-inch or 85-inch display TV and won't be noticed on a 32-inch display TV.
- The arrival of 8K TV is no reason for you to throw out your 4K TV just yet. While it's true that an 8K TV can offer upscaling of 4K content, this feature isn't a big enough reason to move over to the new resolution until more movie and streaming content arrives to take advantage of the higher 7680 × 4320 resolution. After the initial fanfare with TV companies hoping to convince you that you absolutely must have an 8K TV, things have calmed down with only one or two of the highest priced TVs in each brand offering an 8K model.
Is your lounge room big enough for your big TV?
It's not just a question of will it fit – you should also consider the optimum viewing distance, as sitting too close to a big screen can be quite uncomfortable.
- A 127cm (50-inch) TV showing HD video should deliver its best viewing experience when you're sitting around two metres from the screen. If you sit closer, you may see the individual pixels (depending on the quality of your eyesight).
- If your room size forces you to sit closer, or if you really want a larger TV, then a 4K TV may be a good option to avoid that pixilation. Although you'll need to be watching 4K video for the best quality picture (and for now, most content is still in HD or even SD).
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
