Smart TV Basics: What Actually Makes a TV “Smart”—and Why It Matters

Shopping for a smart TV should be exciting. However, the challenge of fitting the TV into your budget and all the tech terms can make the experience feel overwhelming. As you browse retailers in the Acima Leasing app, keep these key smart TV features in mind. This article is your bigger roadmap: it breaks down what makes a TV "smart" and gives you a five‑point checklist to help you narrow down your options while shopping.  

Ready to pick a screen that fits your life and budget? Here’s how to get started. 

Why Smart TVs Are Great 

Smart TVs offer many ways to watch (1).  

These include: 

• Paid apps 

• Free options with ads 

• Live-TV style apps that feel like traditional cable 

They can also suggest shows based on what you already like. Everyone in your house can have their profile for personalized recommendations. 

Some smart TVs can also work with other smart devices. You can check who’s at the door or turn off the lights, all from your TV. This convenience could also change how often we rely on screens to stay comfortable and entertained. (2) 

How to Pick the Right Smart TV 

Instant streaming now comes standard on most smart TVs; the features that shape everyday viewing quality lie deeper in the spec sheet. The following checklist can help you separate meaningful capabilities from non-essential features and shop more confidently. 

Consider each section below and decide whether a particular set aligns with your needs and room setups. 

1. Connectivity: Essential Network Capabilities 

A smart TV’s most fundamental feature is its ability to connect to the internet and other devices (3). Built-in connections allow the TV to stream content, access apps, and receive software updates without extra equipment. 

• Wi‑Fi is easy to set up and doesn’t require cables, while Ethernet provides a more stable and often faster connection. 

• Bluetooth supports wireless pairing with headphones, speakers, or game controllers. (4) 

Why it matters: A smart TV can’t use its main features without internet access. A strong connection ensures access to content, updates, and connected devices. 

2. Operating System: How Smart TVs Work 

The OS is the software layer you interact with daily. It manages menus, voice commands and content recommendations. (5)(6) 

• Text‑to‑speech menus read on‑screen text aloud for visually impaired users. 

• Large‑font and high‑contrast modes improve readability for low‑vision viewers. 

• Voice‑assistant integration allows hands‑free search and helps with accessibility. 

Why it matters: A well‑maintained OS feels responsive now and remains secure over time. (3) 

3. Processing Hardware: Performance Components 

Smart features rely on integrated chips, particularly the system‑on‑chip (SoC)—a single component that combines the CPU, GPU, and AI processing units. These SoCs handle everything from display rendering to real-time voice control. (7) 

• Multicore CPUs keep apps running and manage background tasks. 

• GPUs handle graphics, including video upscaling and interface animations. 

• AI processors or neural accelerators enable voice command recognition and dynamic content adjustments. (8) 

Why it matters: SoCs power most of the core functions in a smart TV. A more capable processor often results in a faster and more responsive experience when switching apps or navigating menus. 

4. Smart‑Home and Voice Integration 

Modern TVs often act as control panels for thermostats, cameras, and lights. (9) 

• Home‑control overlays let you check a doorbell feed without leaving a video stream. 

• Universal voice actions enable commands such as “dim the lights” during a film. 

• Smart-hub features let your TV manage lights, cameras, thermostats, and more—all from one place. 

Why it matters: Having your smart devices accessible through your TV makes it a practical control center for your home. 

5. Gaming & Fast‑Action Performance 

Fast games and sports need quick response and smooth motion. (10) 

• Low‑input‑lag or Game Mode: Reduces the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action. 

• 120 Hz & Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Keeps motion smooth for new consoles and fast‑moving shows. 

• HDMI 2.1 ports: Support 4K resolution at 120 Hz and enable advanced gaming features recommended for smooth, next-gen gaming experiences (11).  

Why it matters: Lower lag and cleaner motion give a better experience in competitive games and action‑packed videos. 

How Acima Leasing Can Help 

Found a smart TV that checks your boxes? Acima Leasing can help simplify the shopping process of taking it home with lease renewal payment options that work with your payday. Choose a screen that fits your space, use this checklist to shop confidently, and let Acima Leasing help you stay within your budget, without using credit*. 

 

 

Sources: 

1. Wirecutter. The 3 best media streaming devices of 2025. 

2. CNET. The smart home could make connected couch potatoes of us all. 

3. Tom’s Guide. Smart TV FAQ: What you need to know. 

4. Bluetooth SIG. Bluetooth Market Update 2023: Forecasts and trends. 

5. TechTarget. What is smart TV?. 

6. TechTarget. What is assistive technology (adaptive technology)?. 

7. Sony Pro. Sony BRAVIA iRevo: Getting granular with system-on-a-chip displays. 

8. TechRadar. AI is taking over your smart TV: Here’s why that’s important. 

9. How-To Geek. I made my TV the center of my smart home: Here are all the cool ways I use it. 

10. What Hi-Fi?. What is input lag and why it is important for gaming. 

11. Tom’s Guide. The best HDMI 2.1 TVs.