If you’re hunting for a 40 inch TV in Ireland, you’ve probably noticed the sweet spot: big enough to feel immersive, compact enough for a bedroom or smaller living room. Retailers like Currys and Harvey Norman keep stocking them, but expert reviewers like RTINGS are nudging buyers toward 42–43 inch models instead. So what’s actually worth buying right now, and should you even bother with a true 40-inch screen?

4 related posts

Typical screen range: 39-45 inches ·
Popular retailers Ireland: Currys, DID, PowerCity ·
Key features: Smart, 4K, WiFi ·
Review source: RTINGS.com top picks ·
Size category: Small TVs

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Full phase-out timeline for 40-inch models
  • Which specific 2026 RTINGS picks are in stock at Irish retailers
  • Long-term availability from major brands
3Timeline signal
  • Samsung UE40H5500 released in 2014 (AVForums)
  • RTINGS updated best 40-43 inch list for 2026 (RTINGS.com)
4What’s next
  • Shift toward 43-inch standard at retailers
  • Samsung and LG continuing 40-42 inch OLED options
  • Budget segment staying with 39-40 inch HD models

Key specifications for 40-inch TVs available in Ireland.

Specification Value
Screen diagonal 40 inches
Common range 39-45 inches
Retailers Currys.ie, DID.ie, PowerCity.ie
Review site RTINGS.com
Brands Samsung, LG, Nordmende

What’s the best 40 inch TV to buy?

RTINGS.com publishes annual rankings for the 40-43 inch category, and their 2026 picks offer a clear hierarchy for Irish buyers. The LG C5 OLED takes the top spot as the best 42-inch TV overall, praised for its picture quality and smart features (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)). For those wanting a premium 43-inch experience, the Samsung QN90F earned RTINGS’ recommendation as the best 43-inch option for 2026 (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)).

Top picks from RTINGS and Empire

Hisense answers the budget question directly: the QD6QF series is ranked as the best cheap 43-inch TV for 2026 (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)). TechRadar corroborates this approach, selecting budget and OLED models across the 40-43 inch range for buyers who want 4K without overspending (TechRadar (consumer electronics editorial)).

The upshot

RTINGS picks are US-focused, so confirm Irish stock before driving to Currys. The LG C5 and Samsung QN90F represent premium choices; the Hisense QD6QF fills the budget gap reliably.

Ireland options from Currys and DID

Currys Ireland stocks the 40D3453DB, a Smart 40-inch LED TV with a built-in DVD player (Feefo Currys Reviews (verified buyer feedback)). However, user reviews flag consistent issues: one reviewer noted “picture good quality” but criticized “tinny sound” and a “remote doesn’t work very well” (Feefo Currys Reviews (verified buyer feedback)). Another reviewer bluntly rated it “substandard” for value for money (Feefo Currys Reviews (verified buyer feedback)).

Why this matters

Currys’ own 40-inch model carries mixed reviews at best. If you see it discounted heavily, the built-in DVD player might justify it for specific use cases—but RTINGS-rated alternatives elsewhere likely offer better picture quality per euro spent.

Harvey Norman Ireland presents an alternative: the Finlux 40-inch Full HD Smart Tivo TV at €299, with financing available from €74.75 per month over four payments (Harvey Norman Ireland (Irish retailer pricing)). The Finlux carries a 4.4 rating at Harvey Norman, suggesting better customer satisfaction than the Currys option (Harvey Norman Ireland (Irish retailer pricing)).

Are 40 inch TVs being phased out?

The short answer: not completely, but the industry is nudging buyers upward. Samsung models frequently top 40-inch rankings across RTINGS and YouTube, suggesting sustained demand (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)). Meanwhile, RTINGS explicitly focuses recommendations on the 40-43 inch range for smaller spaces, acknowledging the category’s relevance for compact rooms (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)).

Current availability in Ireland

Ireland retailers like Currys and Harvey Norman continue stocking Full HD Smart TVs around 40 inches (Harvey Norman Ireland (Irish retailer pricing)). Budget 40-inch TVs under €300 remain available, particularly at Harvey Norman (Harvey Norman Ireland (Irish retailer pricing)). This suggests retailers see continued Irish demand, at least through 2026.

Shift to 43-inch models

Samsung QN90F earning RTINGS’ best 43-inch TV title for 2026 illustrates where premium attention has shifted (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)). TechRadar emphasizes 4K TVs in the 40-43 inch range for “cinematic experience in small rooms,” positioning the 43-inch as the sweet spot for buyers wanting modern resolution without dominating a space (TechRadar (consumer electronics editorial)).

The pattern

Expert reviewers favor 42-43 inch screens for their test bench, while budget and mid-range manufacturers continue offering true 40-inch models. Irish retailers bridge both categories—but premium buyers face a narrower true-40 selection.

Is a 40 inch TV too small?

It depends on your room and expectations. RTINGS focuses its recommendations on the 40-43 inch range specifically for smaller spaces, which suggests the category serves a legitimate purpose (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)). A 40 inch TV works well for bedrooms, guest rooms, kitchens, or smaller living rooms where seating is closer and wall space is limited.

For living rooms vs bedrooms

For a main living room with seating 2-3 meters away, a 40 inch TV can feel underwhelming. RTINGS and TechRadar both recommend stepping up to 50+ inches for primary viewing spaces. But for secondary rooms or apartments with limited depth, 40 inches delivers a proportionate picture at a comfortable viewing distance.

Best Buy room size guide

Industry guidance typically suggests: bedrooms and small rooms suit 32-43 inches; primary living rooms benefit from 50-65 inches; home theaters go 75 inches and up. A 40 inch TV sits comfortably in the “bedroom and small room” camp.

The trade-off

Choosing a 40 inch TV means accepting a smaller picture in exchange for space efficiency and typically lower price. For Irish buyers in apartments or terraced houses with smaller living rooms, this trade-off often makes sense.

How big is a 40 inch TV actually?

A 40 inch TV measures 40 inches diagonally across the screen. The actual screen dimensions depend on aspect ratio (16:9 for virtually all modern TVs), which translates to approximately 88cm wide and 49cm tall. The “common range” of 39-45 inches covers slight variations in marketing rounding and slight bezel differences between manufacturers.

Dimensions and comparisons

For reference: a 40 inch TV screen is roughly the width of a standard single bed. A 43 inch screen adds about 3-4cm on each side. This difference sounds minimal but becomes noticeable when mounted. Currys and other Irish retailers group 39-45 inch models in the same product category, reflecting their similar footprint.

39-45 inch range details

The 39-45 inch range includes true 40 inch models, 42 inch screens (increasingly common as OLED premium), and 43 inch screens (the new mainstream minimum). RTINGS explicitly tests across this range together, noting that the performance differences often matter more than the size differences (RTINGS.com (lab testing authority)).

What this means

Irish buyers comparing screens should focus less on the “40 inch” label and more on what’s actually available at retailers. A 42 inch OLED from LG might cost the same as a 40 inch LCD from Samsung—size isn’t the only variable.

How far should I sit away from a 40-inch TV?

The optimal viewing distance for a 40 inch TV depends on resolution. For 1080p Full HD, sitting 1.5-2.5 meters away provides a balanced experience. For 4K Ultra HD, you can sit closer—around 1-1.8 meters—because your eyes can perceive more detail at closer range without seeing individual pixels.

RTINGS calculator science

RTINGS uses viewing angle calculations based on THX recommendations: the ideal viewing angle is about 40 degrees from center for an immersive experience. For a 40 inch 16:9 screen, this translates to approximately 1.3-1.5 meters for 4K content. Their testing methodology accounts for real-world viewing conditions rather than theoretical pixel density.

Optimal viewing distance

Practical guide for Irish living spaces: in a standard bedroom (3m x 3m), a 40 inch TV works well at foot-of-bed or opposite-wall placement. In a small living room, positioning your sofa 1.5-2 meters from the screen suits most 4K content. For 1080p content, add roughly 50cm more distance to avoid seeing pixel structure.

The catch

Sitting too close to a 40 inch 1080p TV reveals visible pixels, defeating the purpose of a larger screen. If your room allows only 1 meter of viewing distance, consider stepping down to 32 inches or ensuring your TV is 4K capable.

40 inch TV Comparison

Three categories define the current Irish 40-43 inch market: premium OLED from LG, QLED from Samsung, and budget LCD from Hisense and lesser-known brands.

Model Category Key Feature Source
LG C5 OLED Premium 42-inch Best overall pick 2026 RTINGS.com
Samsung QN90F Premium 43-inch Best 43-inch pick 2026 RTINGS.com
Hisense QD6QF Budget 43-inch Best cheap pick 2026 RTINGS.com
Finlux 40-inch Budget 40-inch €299 at Harvey Norman Harvey Norman Ireland

The table shows how RTINGS premium picks (LG, Samsung, Hisense) differ from the budget Finlux available at Irish retailers.

Upsides

  • 40 inch TVs are typically cheaper than larger sizes
  • Fit comfortably in bedrooms and smaller living spaces
  • Wide availability at Irish retailers (Currys, Harvey Norman, PowerCity)
  • Full HD and 4K options available across price ranges
  • Built-in smart features standard on most new models

Downsides

  • Premium picks (OLED, QLED) increasingly focused on 42-43 inch
  • Limited stock of high-end true 40 inch models
  • Some budget models receive poor user reviews (Currys 40D3453DB)
  • May feel small as a primary living room TV for larger families
  • 1080p models show pixel structure at close viewing distances

40 inch TV Specifications

Four specification categories matter most when evaluating 40 inch TVs: resolution, panel type, smart features, and connectivity.

Specification Standard Range Notes
Resolution 1920×1080 (FHD) to 3840×2160 (4K) 4K becoming standard on new models
Panel type LCD/LED, QLED, OLED OLED limited to 42+ inch premium
Smart platform Tizen, webOS, Fire TV, Android TV Varies by brand
Refresh rate 50-60Hz (budget) to 120Hz (gaming) JVC LT-40CF700: 60Hz (AVForums community review)
HDMI ports 2-4 ports typical AVForums users seek 3 HDMI minimum
WiFi Built-in on most smart TVs Standard feature
Tuner Freeview HD (Ireland/UK) Required for Irish digital TV
USB playback Supported on most models For media files and PVR

The specification table shows typical ranges—actual models vary, so check product specs before purchase.

“Picture good quality Improvement Points: Sound quality is terrible. Tinny sound. Remote doesn’t work very well.”

— Currys Customer Review (Feefo Currys Reviews)

“Value for money: Substandard.”

— AVForums Community Member (AVForums)

Related reading: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs and review · YouTube Premium Australia pricing

For viewers preferring screens just above 40 inches, top 42-inch smart TV picks offer excellent 2024 options bridging compact design with smart features for Irish homes.

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Frequently asked questions

What brands make 40 inch TVs?

Samsung, LG, Hisense, Finlux, Nordmende, JVC, Insignia, and TCL all produce 40 inch TVs. Samsung and LG lead for premium and OLED options; Hisense and Finlux serve the budget segment. RTINGS’ 2026 rankings feature Samsung prominently across categories (RTINGS.com).

What is QLED vs 4K?

4K refers to resolution (3840×2160 pixels), while QLED is a display technology using quantum dots for enhanced colour and brightness. A “4K QLED TV” combines both. Samsung QN90F represents the premium QLED tier; standard LCD TVs offer 4K without quantum dot enhancement. RTINGS tests show QLED performs better in bright rooms, while OLED excels in contrast (RTINGS.com).

Are there 40 inch TVs at Tesco Ireland?

Tesco Ireland stocks limited TV inventory compared to specialist retailers. For the widest 40 inch selection in Ireland, Currys, Harvey Norman, and PowerCity remain the primary destinations. Harvey Norman currently offers the Finlux 40-inch Smart Tivo at €299 with financing options (Harvey Norman Ireland).

What is the price range for 40 inch TVs?

Budget 40 inch TVs start around €250-300 (Finlux at Harvey Norman: €299). Mid-range models with 4K and better smart features run €350-500. Premium OLED and QLED options in the 42-43 inch range cost €700-1200+. RTINGS names the Hisense QD6QF as the best budget option for 2026 (RTINGS.com).

Is 40 inch good for gaming?

A 40 inch TV works for casual gaming, but serious gamers should check refresh rate and input lag. Budget models like the JVC LT-40CF700 offer 60Hz refresh (AVForums community review), which suits console gaming. For 120Hz gaming with PS5 or Xbox Series X, look at Samsung or LG premium 42-43 inch models.

Samsung 40 inch TV features?

Samsung 40 inch TVs typically include Tizen smart platform, built-in WiFi, HDR support, and multiple HDMI ports. The Samsung 40-Inch F6000 Full HD Smart TV ranked first in 2026 YouTube best 40-inch TV rankings (YouTube tech review). Samsung models consistently appear in RTINGS’ top rankings for the category (RTINGS.com).

Difference between 40 and 43 inch?

The 3 inch diagonal difference translates to roughly 6-8cm additional width and 4-5cm additional height. The 43 inch screen offers about 15% more viewing area. RTINGS and TechRadar both favor 43 inch as the modern baseline, but 40 inch remains relevant for tighter spaces and budget buyers. Samsung QN90F earned RTINGS’ best 43-inch title for 2026, illustrating where premium attention has shifted (RTINGS.com).

For Irish buyers weighing a 40 inch TV purchase, the decision hinges on room size and budget. RTINGS pushes toward 42-43 inch premium options, but true 40 inch models remain practical for smaller spaces—and more affordable at €250-350. The key is matching your viewing distance to resolution: 4K lets you sit closer; 1080p demands more distance. Harvey Norman’s Finlux at €299 with a 4.4 rating represents solid value, while those wanting OLED-level picture quality should budget for a 42 inch LG C5 and accept the slight size step-up.