Sharp FN2 Series TV review

Providing extra finesse than you would possibly count on for the value, the Sharp FN2 Collection is one thing of a return to type for the long-serving TV model.

It doesn’t push the envelope in efficiency, however that’s probably not the purpose. It is a high-value flatscreen that mixes strong image high quality, with a dependable Android TV platform.

With entry to Google Play, all streaming providers of notice can be found, and value is sweet. This Sharp set additionally comes with a surprisingly potent Harman Kardon sound system.

Design & Options

• Skinny bezel, large toes 
• Android 11 sensible TV 
• Freeview Play 

The 55-incher (UK mannequin) on take a look at right here has a wise however nameless look, with a skinny bezel and broadly positioned toes that screw into the bottom. I had to make use of a protracted AV bench to accommodate it, nevertheless it regarded nice as soon as put in. 

Examine your furnishings first or, alternatively, you’ll be able to wall mount the FN2. This TV is an efficient candidate for that, tipping the scales at simply 15.6kg, a consequence of its quite plasticky construct. 

Rear connectivity contains 4 HDMI ports, one with eARC, a digital optical audio output, twin USB (V2.0) jacks, an AV minijack enter, and Ethernet (should you want that over built-in Wi-Fi). One uncommon additional addition is an SD card slot, for taking part in again digital snaps and the like. 

The set has a Freeview Play terrestrial tuner (within the UK), in addition to a satellite tv for pc different, which is beneficial should you occur to have an unused dish feed at hand, and CI card slot.  

It comes with a slim distant management that’s straightforward sufficient to make use of. It’s distinguished by a outstanding navigational pad and devoted buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Freeview Play. 

Steve Could / Foundry

The important thing characteristic of the FN2 Collection is its Android TV sensible OS, right here in model 11 guise. This gives a full display screen of curated content material, through devoted channel and repair rails, be it from catch-up TV providers like iPlayer and ITVX, or the likes of Netflix. 

As a part of the Android characteristic bouquet, you additionally get Chromecast streaming built-in, in addition to Google Assistant voice interplay. 

Image High quality

• Dolby Imaginative and prescient 
• Good Common Image Degree 
• Restricted peak HDR brightness 

Relating to picture high quality, there are highs and there are lows.

The set ships with Eco as its default image setting, and this definitely doesn’t do the panel any favours. When you’re up and operating, channels tuned in, my recommendation is to instantly change to the Customary image preset. This offers a big, and simple to understand, increase to brightness. 

I left the set on this mode for many content material, because it gives a candy spot by way of distinction and dynamics. Different image choices embody Film (which like Eco I discovered quite too muted for snug viewing), Vivid, Sport and Person (adjustable). 

One other attraction of the set, no less than from a house cinema standpoint, is the supply of Dolby Imaginative and prescient, which when used with Dolby Imaginative and prescient content material (customary on Netflix and Disney+ 4K reveals), delivers the absolute best HDR efficiency from this panel.  

When watching Dolby Imaginative and prescient programmes, the presets alter to Dolby Imaginative and prescient Shiny, Dolby Imaginative and prescient Darkish and Dolby Imaginative and prescient Vivid.  I discovered Shiny the best choice right here. 

Steve Could / Foundry

See also  Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review

Reflecting this mannequin’s price range nature, peak HDR brightness is restricted. I measured it at round 400 nits, with each 5% and 10% patches. This isn’t sufficient to carry specular highlights, or ship the type of picture depth that HDR is famous for.  

That mentioned, its common image degree with SDR content material is definitely fairly spectacular. It presents a uniformly shiny picture that works nicely each in daylit rooms and darkened dens.

HD and native 4K content material seem admirably sharp, courtesy of Sharp’s dual-core Ace Professional Extremely image engine, nevertheless, SD channels and previous DVDs look fuzzy and are finest averted. 

I wasn’t stunned to find that the FN2 Collection doesn’t assist 4K 120Hz gameplay. It’s a normal 60Hz panel, and the HDMI ports are v2.0 – however there’s a devoted Sport mode. Nonetheless, latency is poor; I measured enter lag at 50.8ms (1080p/60fps) in Sport mode.

If fast-moving, aggressive shooters are your type, then a display screen with superior enter lag can be a greater possibility. 

Sound High quality  

• Harman Kardon sound system 
• DTS Digital: X 
• 12W stereo output 

Whereas the set’s image prowess comes with some {qualifications}, the FN2’s audio providing is above common for the value level. You could be forgiven for pondering this TV will sound anemic, however that’s not the case. 

It’s really surprisingly full-bodied, courtesy of a stereo system designed by Harman Kardon. It has enough quantity (12W whole) and mid-range weight to do justice to dramas and even motion motion pictures, when heard in an average-sized lounge.  

The set also can bitstream Dolby Atmos from streaming providers out to an exterior soundbar or residence cinema system, over eARC. 

Steve Could / Foundry

Whereas there might solely be a stereo speaker configuration built-in, there may be the choice of DTS Digital:X processing. This subjectively enlarges the soundstage, for a extra cinematic expertise.

There’s additionally Truebass, a low-frequency enhancer, however I discovered the latter quite heavy handed and boomy. 

Value & Availability

The Sharp FN2 Collection is accessible in 4 display screen sizes, all obtainable now. Select from 43-, 50-, 55- and 65in fashions priced at £329, £369, £399 and £529 respectively.  

On my take a look at bench is the 55in model and also you’ll discover mannequin numbers within the UK as FN2KA and FN2KL. You should buy it from the likes of Richer Sounds, RGB Direct and Marks Electrical.

The identical Sharp vary is accessible within the US, albeit with a slight mannequin quantity tweak: 43FN2EA, 50FN2EA, 55FN2EA and 65FN2EA. Value is but to be introduced.

For extra low-cost choices, take a look at our greatest price range TVs chart.

Verdict  

For a budget-friendly 4K flatscreen, the Sharp FN2 Collection impresses.

Not an excessive amount of money will get you a razor-sharp picture and a subjectively excessive common image degree.  

Certain, peak HDR brightness is restricted, however with Dolby Imaginative and prescient content material, it nonetheless seems cinematic, and the supply of Android TV and (within the UK) Freeview Play, ensures that almost all all catch-up and streaming providers can be found. 

The plain caveat is its poor enter lag efficiency. If gaming is your ardour, particularly fast-paced video games, then I recommend you look elsewhere.  

That mentioned, if you would like a no-fuss telly for the lounge or as a second display screen in the home, it’s greater than as much as the job. 

Specs

• Mannequin examined:
• 55in 
• LED LCD show know-how  
• Decision: 3840 x 2160  
• HDMI: x4  
• HDR assist: HDR10, HLG,  Dolby Imaginative and prescient 
• Android TV sensible platform  
• Freeview Play terrestrial tuner 
• Stereo sound system with DTS Digital: X 
• Dimensions: 1232(w) x 718(h) x 91(d)mm    
• Weight: 15.6kg