In 2021, Samsung sold 42 million TVs.
And that makes you think…
“What do Samsung TVs have that other brands don’t?”
“Is it the ‘smartness’ of their TV?”
Wait…
“Are they even Smart TVs?”
There are too many questions.
But I’m here to gladly answer all of them and more.
Keep on reading to know:
- 3 ways to check if your TV is smart.
- 4 easy steps to make your regular TV smart.
- 5 things you need to know about Samsung Smart TVs.
- Top Samsung Smart TV recommendations if you plan to buy one.
- And much, much more…
Is Samsung TV a Smart TV?
A Samsung TV is a Smart TV if it runs on an operating system. Plus, it should have internet connectivity options, whether wired or wireless. Moreover, a Samsung TV is smart if it has an app store. That gives you access to games, social media, and streaming apps.
5 things you need to know about Samsung and Smart TVs
#1: Internet connectivity
Samsung Smart TVs are internet dependent.
In a nutshell, a smart TV is a TV that directly connects you to the internet.
It allows you to access and view online streaming apps.
And even video games.
As long as you have an internet plan, you can enjoy unlimited browsing.
To connect your Samsung Smart TV to your home network, follow these simple steps:
- Click the Menu button on your remote.
- Select Settings, then choose the Open Network Settings.
- Select Wireless so that your Wifi network name will appear.
- Connect it to your Wifi network name and enter your password.
If you need a visual guide, you can watch this video:
#2: Quality and trusted brand
Did you know that Samsung started making TVs in 1970?
They developed its first black and white TV model known as the P-3202.
Since then, the company has become one of the top brands in the TV industry.
What’s impressive is that…
They’re also among the first few companies to develop a smart TV.
And that was in 2011 when they released the first batch, namely:
- Smart TV D800.
- Smart TV F8000.
- Smart TV ES800.
#3: Top-tier Operating System
An operating system powers a Smart TV.
Think of it as the brain of your TV.
Without it, your TV won’t be “smart” anymore.
It’s just like Android or iOS.
However, with Samsung Smart TV, the operating system is Tizen OS.
Tizen
Did you know?
Tizen OS is used in smartwatches, cameras, phones, and even in some cars?
What’s more incredible is that they’re the leading TV device for streaming platforms worldwide.
How?
Well, Tizen is known for its easy connectivity and device convergence.
In other words, you can interconnect all devices with Tizen.
#4: Smart Hub
If Tizen OS is the brain of your smart TV that can give commands…
Then Smart Hub is the heart that can perform all those orders.
What does this mean?
You see, Smart Hub gives you access to all functions.
You can browse the internet, install apps, view photos and videos, or listen to music.
And here’s a step-by-step guide on how to launch your Smart Hub automatically:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Navigate to Settings > General > Smart Features > Autorun Smart Hub.
As simple as that.
Smart Hub can also perform more exciting functions.
1 is the voice assistant known as:
Bixby
Let me introduce you to Bixby…
The intelligent assistant of Samsung.
Its mission is to enhance your entertainment experience. And it also lessens your time spent navigating menus.
But take note…
Bixby was first released in 2018.
So if your TV was manufactured before this year…
Expect that you won’t have the Bixby feature.
On the other hand, if you have a TV released in 2018 and above…
Then you can try activating this.
Just say “Hi, Bixby,” and the icon will automatically appear at the bottom of your TV screen.
If this method doesn’t work. Then try to manually activate Bixby with these steps:
- Press the microphone button on your remote.
- Select Explore Now > Settings > Voice Wake-up.
Now you can command Bixby to open Netflix.
Simply say, “Open Netflix.”
Easy peasy.
#5: Long-term great TV experience
Smart TVs are far superior to any other TV.
Why do I say so?
Well, first, Smart TVs have a longer capacity than any regular TV.
LED TVs have a lifespan of about 4 to 6 years, while Smart TVs can live up to 7 years and above.
You can also update Smart TVs from time to time while regular TVs deteriorate as they age. That is because Smart TVs are made out of the latest technologies. Meaning they can adapt to our modern needs every day.
That being said, you can experience more features.
However, if you want to prolong the life of your Smart TV more, follow these basic steps:
- Keep your TV clean.
- Give it enough space.
- Turn it off when not in use.
- Make sure it’s well ventilated.
- Don’t expose it directly to the sun.
How do I know if my Samsung TV is smart?
You’ll know if your Samsung TV is smart if it has software installed. And if you can download apps from the app store, then it’s smart. Moreover, a smart TV should have an ethernet cable port to connect to a Wifi network.
Check if it has an OS
Some features separate a smart TV from a regular one.
If you want to know if your TV has such features…
Then keep reading to learn ways to tell if your Samsung TV is smart.
With that said…
Allow me to start with the most guaranteed method.
And that’s to check if your TV has an operating system.
You already know that Samsung’s operating system is Tizen.
Fun fact: Over 190 million people in 197 countries worldwide are using Tizen.
Here are easy steps you can follow to see if your Samsung TV has a Tizen OS:
- Go to Menu.
- Select Support.
- Highlight Software Update using the Arrow keys.
Note: Don’t press the OK / Enter button as that will update your TV.
If you see “Tizen” as its OS, your Samsung TV is smart.
Check if your TV has apps
The following method is to check if your TV can install and run applications.
Most Smart TVs have extra buttons such as “Netflix” on their remote.
If you see this, then your TV is definitely a smart TV.
Another method is to install an app. Here’s how:
- Press the “Home” button.
- Go to the “Apps” section on the ribbon menu.
- Choose the application you want to install on your TV.
- Press the “Center” button on your directional pad and click “Install.”
Note: Repeat the same process for all the apps you want to install.
If you’re able to install apps, that means your Samsung TV is smart.
Check ethernet cable port
The next method you can try is to…
Locate your TV’s ethernet port.
As you know, the internet is a must for Smart TVs.
And one way to connect your Wifi to the TV is through the ethernet cable port.
If your Samsung TV has an ethernet port, you have a Smart TV.
Here’s how you can connect it to the internet through a cable:
- Use a cable to connect the Wifi router and TV port.
- Press Menu on the remote and click Network Settings.
- Select the Enable Wired Internet and type your Wi-Fi password.
Fun fact: Wired internet is faster than wireless internet. That’s because a wired internet won’t be interfered with by any outside traffic since it’s connected physically, unlike wireless internet.
How can I make my non-smart TV smart?
You can make your non-smart TV smart by connecting to a streaming device. Some examples are Apple TV or an Amazon Fire TV stick. You can also connect to a gaming console or your PC.
There are streaming devices you can use to upgrade your regular TV.
And it actually works just the same.
What it does to your TV is…
It allows you to stream your favorite platforms.
The first one is…
#1: Amazon’s Fire TV stick
Amazon Fire Stick is among the top streaming devices today.
You can watch movies from online services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, etc.
And what’s more interesting is that…
Amazon’s Fire Stick comes with an Alexa-enabled voice remote when you purchase it.
The remote has a built-in microphone.
So you can use Alexa’s voice commands and control your TV’s power and volume.
How to set up your Amazon Fire TV strick:
- Gather the items to install.
- Find the HDMI port and plug them in.
- Turn on your TV and pair the remote to the TV.
- Sign in to your Amazon account and install your streaming apps.
Learn more: 3 Steps To Connect Amazon Fire Stick To Normal TV
#2: Apple TV 4K
If you’re an Apple subscriber, you can opt for Apple TV 4K.
With this device, you can enjoy high dynamic range (HDR) video.
So, to get started with your Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Gather the items to install.
- Find the HDMI port and plug them in.
- Choose your language, and turn on Siri.
- Continue setup manually or with your iOS device.
- Sign in to your TV provider and install your streaming apps.
#3: Gaming console
You may think that video game consoles are singularly made for gaming.
Well, you may be surprised to know that you can also use this as another streaming device.
Some of the best gaming consoles are:
Setting up is also not a problem.
In fact, here are easy steps to connect your TV and gaming console:
- Get an HDMI cable.
- Plug it into both devices: HDMI in for TV while HDMI out for gaming console.
- Turn on both devices.
- Connect them by pressing Input repeatedly to select the device.
#4: Connect PC
“I don’t have any streaming device.”
Don’t worry.
Just use your PC if you have one.
And you only need an HDMI cable and adapters.
So here’s how to connect your PC and TV:
- Plug in the HDMI cable to the HDMI port.
- Plug the other end of the cable into your PC’s HDMI port.
- Make sure the TV and the computer are both powered on.
- Set the TV to the HDMI Input port that the computer is connected to.
Why you should get a Samsung Smart TV
You should get a Samsung Smart TV because it has various content. It allows you to enjoy more streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, and Spotify. It also has a Quick Search feature. Moreover, it gives you convenient usability and easy connectivity.
#1: It has various content
By now, you know that the Samsung Smart TV lets you enjoy online services. I’m talking about Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, and Spotify.
And what do you need?
Only an internet connection and subscription to such apps.
#2: A quick search feature
One of the advantages of a Samsung Smart TV is its reliable recommendation engine.
You might have an experience of not knowing what and where to go. And it’s often daunting and time-consuming.
But with Samsung’s built-in search engine, it’ll “guide” you on what movie or series you might want to watch.
It can also give you recommendations by this line…
“You might like…” or “Top picks for you..” and something like, “What to watch next…”
Simply turn on your Samsung Smart TV, and it’ll do the rest for you.
#3: Convenient usability for users
Gone are the days when you still need an antenna to search for a good channel.
Because with Samsung Smart TV, you only need a remote to check the best channels in the broadcast.
You can even use Voice Assitant like Bixby to search.
That’s how convenient Samsung Smart TV is.
#4: Easy connectivity
Smart Mirroring is also another good feature that Samsung Smart TV has.
It allows you to display your mobile phone’s screen on the TV.
I assure you that pictures and videos from your phone will feel totally different on a big screen.
Simply pair your phone and your TV.
Also, you can use this as an alternative projector at school or your office.
Or whenever you need a bigger screen in general.
With that said, let me give you a list of good-quality Samsung Smart TVs if you plan to buy one in the future.