Sharp FN and FI series: Affordable smart TVs unveiled

Sharp Consumer Electronics has introduced two new series of smart TVs based on Android TV. The Sharp FN series are TVs with 4K UHD resolution, while the FI series focuses on Full HD quality.

Sharp FN and FI series: new smart TVs launch

The new Sharp FN and FI series smart TVs feature a classy design and powerful technology. The FN series positions itself, not least thanks to 4K UHD resolution above the cheaper FI models, which rely on 1080p and Full HD respectively. However, both model series have Android TV as their operating system in common.

The manufacturer relies on an elegant, frameless design and an aluminum stand for the FN series. A speaker system from Harman/Kardon is also installed, which is supposed to deliver an exceptional sound and supports DTS:X codecs and DTS Virtual:X post-processing for an immersive sound experience.

Does anyone even need the affordable 2.0 Sharp HT-SB100 soundbar? Probably yes. The picture technology Dolby Vision, which provides a high dynamic range (HDR), is also part of the package.

The Sharp FN series also wants to convince in terms of brightness, which is supposed to be between 360 and 380 nits depending on the size of the TV. In addition, the FN series has four HDMI 2.1 inputs, two USB ports, a micro SD card reader and certified Wi-Fi for playing multimedia content. 120 Hz with 4K resolution and VRR should thus not be a problem with Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

The Android 11 operating system offers a variety of entertainment options and preloaded app services such as Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV and Prime Video, as well as the Google Play Store and numerous media libraries.

Sharp FI series: similar benefits, lower resolution

In most specifications and also in terms of design, the Sharp FI series approaches the FN sibling models, but the manufacturer only relies on a Full HD resolution here. The integrated HD tuner receives TV programs via cable (DVB-C), antenna (DVB-T/T2) or satellite (DVB-S/S2).

In terms of connections, three HDMI, two USB, one RJ45 LAN and Wi-Fi are available. However, the manufacturer does not provide any information about the HDMI standard. The integrated Chromecast technology enables wireless music or video streaming via smartphone, tablet or laptop, apps like Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV and Prime Video are also preinstalled.

Prices and Availability

Sharp’s FN and FI series smart TVs are available in stores now. The FN series is thereby available in a total of four sizes of 43 inches, 50 inches, 55 inches and 65 inches. It starts at an RRP of 499 euros (43 inches). The other models cost 599 euros (50 inches), 729 euros (55 inches) and 1,099 euros (65 inches).

The FN series, on the other hand, is only offered in 32 inch and 40 inch. Here, the manufacturer’s recommended retail prices are 279 euros and 369 euros, respectively. More information can be found on the Sharp Consumer Electronics website.