Vietnamese warm up to supersize TVs

By Bao Lam November 23, 2024 | 08:19 pm PT

An 85-inch Samsung TV. Photo courtesy of Samsung

Televisions over 80 inches diagonally are gaining traction among Vietnamese consumers as their prices have significantly decreased, narrowing the cost gap with smaller models.

Phuong, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, initially planned to replace her broken 55-inch TV with a 65-inch model but ended up purchasing an 85-inch screen for VND37 million (US$1,455).

"At the same price tag there are even options for 98-inch models," she said.

Khuong, who intended to buy a VND26-million 65-inch TV, decided to upgrade to an 85-inch which cost only 15% more. "As long as the brand is reliable, I feel safe to make my purchase."

Four years ago, TVs larger than 80 inches used to cost VND100 million, but now their prices have dropped by two-thirds.

Brands such as TCL and Aqua sell them at around VND40 million, while LG and Samsung offer products in the range of VND50-80 million.

Prices of smaller-size TVs have also plunged by half from five years ago, with 75-inch products starting from VND13 million.

Retailers have noticed a surge in demand. "Several years ago I sold a supersize TV once every three or four days, but now every day I sell at least one," said Hoang An, manager of a household appliance supermarket in Binh Thanh District.

Electronics retail chain CellphoneS has seen large TV sales growing 30% year-on-year. 75-inch TVs or larger account for 5% of sales, compared to 1-2% in the previous years.

"In the last two years supersize TV prices have dropped by at least 25%," said Nguyen Lac Huy, a media representative of the chain. "They are also thinner and account for less space, which entice many customers to upgrade."

While some might consider a home projector for lower maintenance risks, Le Hoang, a technician at an electronics retailer, said that large TVs outperform projectors in terms of sharpness, brightness and smart features.

Prices of supersize TVs and high-end projectors are now comparable, he added.

But industry insiders also said that for low-priced supersize TVs, customers will have to accept a lower build quality and the shortage of some advanced features. Globally, supersize TVs are also becoming more accessible to consumers.

Prices for 98-inch TVs have fallen 53% compared to a year ago, according to data from U.S. research firm Circana as cited by CNN. It added that sales have soared 877% over the past year. The 75-96-inch segment has seen sales growing 19% this year, it said.