South Africans Are Going Bigger on TVs, but Are They Choosing the Right Size?

When it comes to buying a new television, bigger often feels better. But according to leading global consumer electronics brand TCL South Africa, understanding what “TV inches” actually measure could be the difference between creating the perfect home cinema experience, or ending up with a screen that overwhelms your space. With demand for 65-inch and larger screens accelerating, TCL is encouraging consumers to think beyond “bigger is better” and instead focus on choosing the right size for their space, viewing distance and lifestyle. “Choosing the right TV size is about creating an immersive, comfortable viewing experience tailored to your space and lifestyle,” says Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa. “In 2026, we’re seeing a clear industry trend toward larger screens, driven by consumers’ desire for that true cinematic feel, whether it’s cheering on the Vodacom Bulls, binge-watching series, or hosting family movie nights. Consumers want a screen that fits seamlessly without overwhelming the room.” As more South Africans upgrade to larger screens, TCL is helping consumers make smarter decisions by demystifying one of the most misunderstood aspects of TV buying: screen size. What TV Inches Really Measure  When a television is labelled as 55 inches, 65 inches or 75 inches, that number refers to the diagonal measurement of the screen from corner to corner, not the width. This common misconception often leads to purchasing errors, where the TV doesn’t fit a media console or appears disproportionate on a wall.  For modern 16:9 widescreen TVs, this translates to practical dimensions: a slim-bezel 55-inch model is roughly 48 inches wide and 27 inches tall, ideal for standard media consoles, while a 75-inch stretches to about 66 inches wide and 37 inches tall, perfect for open living rooms or wall mounting. Matching Screen Size to Viewing Distance  Beyond fitting the TV into your room, viewing comfort is just as important. Larger screens create a more immersive field of view, ideal for sport, gaming and blockbuster films, but they must match your seating distance.  TCL recommends the following viewing distances for optimal comfort with 4K resolution: 

• 65-inch TV → approximately 1.8–2 metres 
• 75-inch TV → approximately 2.3 metres 
• 85-inch TV → approximately 2.6 metres 
• 98-inch TV → approximately 3 metres 
• 115-inch TV → approximately 3.5 metres 

“As screen technology improves, particularly with 4K and Mini LED innovations, viewers can sit closer without losing clarity,” says Chen. “The key is balancing immersion with comfort. A screen that’s too large for a small bedroom can cause visual fatigue, while a screen that’s too small for a large living room won’t deliver the cinematic impact consumers expect.” The Sweet Spot for South African Living Rooms According to TCL, the ideal screen size depends on viewing distance. For a sofa positioned about 2.5 metres from the TV, a 65-inch screen is typically the sweet spot. That’s where the TCL C6K comes in. As a standout in TCL’s current range, the C6K delivers premium QD-Mini LED performance in screen sizes perfectly suited to modern South African living rooms. TVs like the TCL C6K combine advanced Mini LED backlight control, high brightness levels and refined picture contrast with screen sizes that align with the most common local viewing distances, particularly the 65-inch and 75-inch range. “The C6K offers the ideal balance of size, performance and value,” says Chen. “It’s large enough to feel cinematic, powerful enough to showcase next-generation picture quality, yet proportioned perfectly for most living rooms.” A Structural Shift Toward Large-Format Viewing Industry trends show consumers are no longer upgrading TVs purely on impulse. Screen size selection has become a considered technical decision, influenced by room layout, mounting preferences and picture technology. “We’re seeing a clear move toward intentional home entertainment design,” Chen concludes. “Consumers aren’t just buying bigger screens, they’re investing in better viewing experiences. The C6K represents that evolution: intelligent sizing, advanced Mini LED precision and premium performance, all in one cohesive platform.” For more information, visit https://www.tcl.com/southafrica/en.