Samsung TVs aren’t exactly cheap.
So if you own one…
You’ll want to hold on to it as long as possible.
But just how long does a Samsung TV typically last?
3 years? 5 years?
Well, I won’t keep you guessing.
I have just the exact answer for you.
Continue reading to find out:
- How long Samsung TVs generally last.
- 7 surprising facts about a Samsung TV’s lifespan.
- How to easily know if your Samsung TV already needs a replacement.
- And a lot more…
How long do Samsung TVs last?
Samsung TVs last around 4 to 7 years. And it could be even longer depending on how well you maintain your TV. Samsung TVs are also generally more durable compared to cheaper brands. This is because the manufacturer only uses high-quality parts. So this brand doesn’t break down as easily as others.
Samsung TV lifespan – 7 surprising facts
#1: Samsung TVs last longer than cheaper TVs
Samsung TVs typically last about 4 to 7 years. This is the average. But it can be much shorter or longer depending on how you use your TV.
It also doesn’t matter whether it’s an entry-level or a high-end variant you own.
The average lifespan of all Samsung TV models is similar.
And when you compare that to cheaper TV brands like Walmart’s Onn…
Samsung TVs last longer by an average of about 2 to 3 years.
“Why is that?”
Well, for one, Samsung never skimps when it comes to TV parts.
This South Korean manufacturer only uses the highest-quality materials for its TVs.
Of course, one consequence of that is Samsung TVs are more expensive than others.
But when you consider that they last longer…
It makes their generally costlier price tag well worth it.
Furthermore, in the long run, it’ll end up saving you money.
And that’s mainly because you won’t have to replace your Samsung TV every 2 or 3 years, unlike other brands.
#2: Turning off your Samsung TV daily can add years to its lifespan
So I just mentioned that Samsung TVs last around 4 to 7 years.
But you can easily add to those years by simply turning off your TV when not in use.
In an era where more people are now able to work from home…
I know many who leave their TV on as background noise. And some even keep their TV running 24/7.
Those aren’t good practices. And doing so will only speed up your TV’s eventual breakdown.
So instead, just turn off your TV when you’re not actively watching. And if it’s convenient to unplug it, please do so.
You allow your TV’s components to rest when you do those things regularly.
In turn, this helps avoid or at least delay the effects of wear and tear. And that means your TV should last much longer than average.
#3: Backlights are usually the first to go in Samsung LED TVs
When it comes to LED TVs, backlights are normally the first to fail.
And if you’re not sure what those are, let me try to explain.
You see, your Samsung LED TV actually uses an LCD display.
And directly at the back of the display are many strips. And in each strip, several small LED lights are attached.
Those LED lights are your TV’s backlights. And their purpose is to illuminate your screen to create a vibrant and clear image.
But some of those lights usually start failing sooner than other TV parts.
You’d know your TV has a defective backlight when half of your screen is darker. Or when you see white spots on the display.
“So what causes those backlights to fail?”
Well, it’s mainly due to overheating. And it happens when your TV’s backlight level is consistently high.
“What can I do to prolong my TV backlight’s lifespan?”
The best way to extend your TV’s backlights is to enable Eco Mode.
It’s a feature that automatically controls your TV’s backlights. So it’s always set at the optimal level.
The Eco Mode will lower the backlight level when there’s already enough lighting in a room.
And it’ll only turn up the level when it’s dark.
All Samsung smart TVs have this feature.
But if you’re not sure how to enable Eco Mode, just follow these steps:
- Click your remote’s Home button.
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Power and Energy Saving.
- Click Brightness Optimization to enable it.
If you’d like to learn more about backlights and what they actually look like…
You may check out this video:
#4: Screen damage is the most common defect of Samsung OLED TVs
Now, let’s talk about Samsung’s OLED TVs.
Unlike LED TVs, OLED models actually don’t have backlights.
Instead, each pixel in this display illuminates on its own. So the LED lights aren’t necessary at all.
And with this type of Samsung TV…
The first thing to get damaged is normally the screen itself.
OLED TVs are prone to what’s called screen burns. Those are smoke-like dark spots that you may see on an OLED panel. And those spots are the result of dead pixels.
“How do pixels end up dying on an OLED TV?”
Well, it usually happens when you frequently pause a video you’re watching.
The pixels are supposed to be moving or turning on and off at all times. And pausing your screen for an extended period stops them from doing so.
Hence, some of them eventually die off.
So how do you extend your OLED TV screen’s lifespan?
Just refrain from pausing it for more than a few minutes.
And if you’re going to take an extended break from watching…
You should just turn the TV off instead.
#5: TCON board damage is another common cause of TV failure
Another common reason why a Samsung TV breaks down is a defective TCON board.
“Wait, what exactly is a TCON board?”
Good question. A TCON board is short for Time Controller board.
And it controls each of the thousands of pixels that make up your LCD or LED TV screen. This board adjusts the color and the contrast of your display.
You’d know it’s damaged when you see horizontal lines on your screen.
Another indicator of its failure is when the tint of your TV changes. You may see your screen turn pink, blue, or green.
So what causes a TCON board to fail?
Wear and tear are the usual cause of that. But it can also be damaged due to a power surge. It’s when your TV suddenly receives an increased voltage from the outlet.
Now, to prolong your Samsung TV’s TCON board…
It’s best to plug your TV into a surge protector to save it from power surge damage.
And as I mentioned, limit the use of your TV to delay the effects of wear and tear.
#6: Regularly updating the TV’s firmware is good for its lifespan
Another good practice to prolong your TV’s lifespan is regularly updating its firmware.
All smart TVs like Samsung have a built-in operating system software.
And when that software is outdated, your TV won’t function properly. It won’t run at the optimal level.
As a result, it’ll lead to damage to other components of your device.
That’s why you must ensure that your Samsung TV’s firmware is always up to date.
You may choose to receive updates automatically. But you may also do it manually. Either option should be fine.
And if you’re unsure how to do it, let me walk you through the steps.
How to manually update your Samsung TV
- Press Home on your remote.
- Navigate to Settings and then select it.
- Scroll down and click Support.
- Select Software Update.
- Select Update Now.
Your Samsung TV should then start downloading and installing the updates. It normally takes a few minutes to finish. So just keep your TV on to ensure that the updates install correctly.
How to automatically receive updates for your Samsung TV
- Click the Home button on your remote.
- Click the gear icon to launch Settings.
- Navigate to Support and select it.
- Select Software Update.
- Highlight the Auto Update option and toggle it on.
With this option on, your Samsung TV will constantly look for updates in the background. You’ll then be notified whenever there are available ones.
#7: The type of display is a determining factor in a TV’s lifespan
When I said Samsung TVs last 4 to 7 years…
I’m referring to LED and OLED TVs. That’s the average lifespan of those types.
But did you know that LED and OLED displays aren’t the most durable?
No, they’re definitely not.
As a matter of fact, plasma displays are much more durable compared to those 2.
And that’s why Plasma TVs typically last over a decade on average.
It’s just that Samsung has stopped producing that TV type since 2014.
How do I know if my Samsung TV needs a replacement?
You’d know if your Samsung TV needs a replacement if even a technician couldn’t fix it. Problems with components like backlights and TCON board are repairable. But if your TV’s still not working even after replacing damaged parts, it’s likely reached the end of its lifespan.
When deciding whether to replace your Samsung TV or not…
You should always consider the repair cost.
Without a warranty, you may have to spend anywhere from $65 to over $300 to fix your TV.
And as a rule of thumb…
If the repair cost is more than half the price of a brand new set…
You might as well buy a new one.
For example, you bought your Samsung TV for $500.
It’s now damaged. And you found out that a repair will cost $350, which is more than half of $500.
Well, consider just buying a new $500 TV set. The price difference between cost and repair isn’t that big, anyway.