Top 3 Worst Rated TV Models in Kenya
When shopping for a television in Kenya, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, especially when budgets are tight. However, some ultra-budget TV brands have earned notorious reputations for poor quality, unreliable performance, and frustrating user experiences. Based on consumer feedback and expert reviews, here are the three worst-rated TV brands you should avoid in the Kenyan market.
1. Royal TV
Royal TV consistently ranks as the absolute worst TV brand available in Kenya. Despite their suspiciously low prices, these televisions come with a host of problems that make them a terrible investment.
The most glaring issues with Royal TVs are their terrible contrast and motion handling. Watching fast-moving content like sports or action movies becomes an unpleasant experience due to poor image processing. But the problems don’t stop there—the software is incredibly problematic. Many pre-installed apps simply don’t work, throwing errors with no available fixes. Even basic streaming apps like Netflix struggle to function properly on Royal TVs.
The hardware issues are equally frustrating. The controls are poorly designed, HDMI ports frequently malfunction, and you can’t install essential TV apps like DStv. The Bluetooth functionality is essentially useless, failing to connect reliably with external devices. These cumulative problems explain why nobody in the tech community recommends Royal TVs, despite their attractive price tags. Retailers often try to sweeten the deal with free gifts, which should serve as a red flag about the product’s actual quality.
For consumers on a tight budget, it’s far better to save a bit more and purchase an entry-level model from established brands like Hisense, TCL, Samsung, or LG. The extra investment will save you from countless headaches and the need to replace your TV within months.
2. Skyworth TV
Skyworth TVs occupy a complicated position in the Kenyan market. While the brand offers some decent models at competitive prices, their overall reliability falls below average, making them a risky purchase.
The main problem with Skyworth televisions lies in the software performance. While the hardware, particularly the display panel, is generally solid, the software experience is severely compromised by poor optimization and weak chipsets. Users frequently report sluggish performance, with the interface lagging during basic operations. This creates a frustrating viewing experience, especially when trying to navigate between apps or adjust settings.
The picture quality, while decent, could be significantly better. When you compare Skyworth TVs to similarly priced models from brands like Samsung or Hisense, the difference in real-world performance becomes apparent. Although Skyworth TVs often cost about half as much as premium brands and feature impressive specifications on paper, the actual user experience doesn’t live up to the promise.
Many Kenyan consumers have reported durability issues with Skyworth TVs, with some models developing problems within the first two years of ownership. The picture may go out unexpectedly, sound issues may develop, or the remote control may fail prematurely. These reliability concerns make Skyworth a questionable choice, even for budget-conscious buyers.
3. Infinix TV
Infinix, primarily known for their smartphones, has entered the television market in Kenya with mixed results. Their TVs are undeniably affordable and packed with features, but they’re ultimately a hit-or-miss proposition that many consumers regret.
The most common complaints about Infinix TVs revolve around performance issues. Like other budget brands, Infinix televisions tend to be sluggish, with pre-installed bloatware slowing down the system significantly. This becomes particularly noticeable when switching between apps or trying to multiples tasks on the smart TV interface.
Software updates are sparse, leaving users stuck with outdated operating systems and unpatched security vulnerabilities. The overall user experience lacks the smoothness and polish of more established brands. Picture quality can be average at best, and some users have reported concerns about long-term durability.
While Infinix TVs target budget-conscious consumers who want smart TV functionality without breaking the bank, the reality is that the low price comes with significant trade-offs in performance and reliability.
The Better Alternative
Rather than gambling on these problematic brands, Kenyan consumers should consider spending slightly more on entry-level models from reputable manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Hisense, or TCL. These established brands offer better picture quality, more reliable software, regular updates, and superior customer support. The small additional investment upfront can save you from frustration and the cost of premature replacement.
Remember, when it comes to televisions, you generally get what you pay for. The cheapest option is rarely the best value in the long run.