The Insignia NS-55F301NA25 55-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV offers a compelling balance between affordability and performance. Positioned within the growing market for 4K TVs, this model comes with several standout features, including 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR10 support, Alexa voice control, and integration with Fire TV for access to an extensive library of streaming apps.
In this review, we’ll break down its key features and performance across multiple categories to assess how it stacks up for home entertainment.
Reasons to Buy Insignia 55″ Class F30 Series
- Affordable 4K Resolution: This TV offers 4K Ultra HD (2160p) resolution at a competitive price
- HDR10 for Enhanced Picture Quality: With High Dynamic Range (HDR10) support, this TV delivers better contrast, improved brightness, and a wider range of colors.
- Integrated Fire TV for Streaming: The Fire TV platform is built-in, offering easy access to over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes from popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+
- Alexa Voice Control: The Alexa Voice Remote allows you to control your TV and other compatible devices hands-free.
- DTS Surround Sound for immersive audio.
Pros
- 4K Resolution
- HDR10 Support
- Fire TV Built-in
- DTS Studio Sound
- Immersive sound
Cons
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- Limited Brightness
- Not ENERGY STAR certified
- Lacks features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which are useful for gamers
Specification of Insignia 55″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NS-55F301NA25 |
| Display Type | LED |
| Resolution | 4K (2160p) |
| Screen Size Class | 55 inches |
| High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Yes |
| High Dynamic Range Format | HDR 10 |
| LED Panel Type | Standard LED |
| Backlight Type | Direct Lit |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Smart Platform | Fire TV |
| Featured Streaming Services | Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube, Max, Spotify, Peacock, ESPN+ |
| Number of HDMI Inputs | 3 |
| TV Tuner Type | ATSC, Clear QAM |
| Works With | Amazon Alexa |
| Voice Assistant Built-in | Amazon Alexa |
| Product Name | 55″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV |
| Brand | Insignia™ |
| Model Number | NS-55F301NA25 |
| Series | F30 Series |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Color | Black |
| Color Category | Black |
Display Technology
One of the standout features of the Insignia F30 Series TV is its 4K Ultra HD resolution. Boasting a resolution of 2160p, the TV delivers crisp, clear images with significantly improved detail over standard 1080p displays. For a screen of this size (55 inches), 4K resolution enhances viewing experiences, particularly when watching content optimized for HDR10.
The High Dynamic Range (HDR10) feature further improves the overall viewing experience by expanding the color range and increasing contrast levels. With HDR10, the Insignia F30 displays more vibrant and true-to-life images, bringing out subtle details in both the brightest and darkest parts of the screen. Whether you’re watching blockbuster movies or nature documentaries, the result is more dynamic imagery with deeper blacks and brighter whites.
However, it’s worth noting that the refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, which may limit the smoothness of motion during fast-paced scenes, such as sports or action films. For the average user, this won’t detract much from the overall experience, but those looking for ultra-smooth motion may want to look elsewhere.
Sound Quality
Audio quality is often overlooked in affordable 4K TVs, but the Insignia F30 makes an effort with DTS Studio Sound. The TV comes equipped with two downward-firing 10W speakers, which deliver stereo sound with some level of depth and spatial enhancement. DTS Studio Sound creates a more immersive experience by enhancing the audio’s breadth and ambiance.
For general viewing, the built-in speakers are sufficient, but the sound can feel somewhat flat, especially in larger rooms. If you’re an audiophile or prefer cinematic sound, pairing the TV with a soundbar or external speakers via the HDMI ARC or optical audio output is recommended.
Design and Build: Simple and Functional
Design-wise, the Insignia F30 Series follows a minimalist approach. The TV has a black bezel surrounding the display, and its VESA-compatible mount (200 × 200) allows for easy wall-mounting if you prefer a clutter-free setup. Without the stand, the TV is slim at 3.3 inches in depth, making it suitable for both wall mounts and media centers.
The stand itself is basic but stable, although the width may be too large for narrow TV consoles. Weighing 30 pounds with the stand, it’s relatively easy to move or mount with minimal help.
Smart TV Features
The Fire TV integration is one of the key selling points of the Insignia F30 Series. This feature opens up access to over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes through popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more. The Fire TV interface is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate between streaming services and apps.
Additionally, the TV comes with an Alexa Voice Remote, allowing you to control the TV using voice commands. This is a practical feature for those who prefer hands-free operation. You can search for specific shows, adjust the volume, switch inputs, and even control other smart home devices integrated with Alexa, all by speaking into the remote. For example, saying “Alexa, play The Mandalorian” will instantly launch Disney+ and start streaming the show.
However, users should be aware that some streaming services require separate subscriptions, and a high-speed internet connection is necessary for smooth streaming of 4K content.
Connectivity
The Insignia F30 offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to connect external devices and peripherals. The TV is equipped with:
- 3 HDMI inputs for connecting gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or streaming devices.
- 1 USB port for plugging in external storage devices.
- Composite and coaxial jacks for legacy devices like older DVD players or cable boxes.
- Optical audio output for connecting to sound systems.
- HDMI ARC and eARC support, which simplifies audio setups by sending audio directly to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver through the HDMI port.
The HDMI ARC and eARC support are particularly useful for maintaining clean setups, eliminating the need for extra cables when setting up external audio systems.
Picture and Display Performance
As an LED, the Insignia F30 uses direct-lit LED backlighting. This is a cost-effective method for providing consistent illumination across the screen. While the direct-lit LED is reliable and offers decent contrast, it doesn’t offer the same deep black levels or high brightness levels found in more expensive OLED or QLED panels.
For most casual viewers, the picture quality is solid, with decent color accuracy and brightness. The TV works well for watching movies, TV shows, and even gaming, provided you’re not expecting top-tier visual performance.
Fire TV and Alexa
The built-in Fire TV platform brings convenience by centralizing all your streaming services, apps, and TV channels in one place. With apps like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+ pre-installed it’s easy to jump into your favorite shows without additional setup.
The real advantage lies in its Alexa integration, allowing for voice control of both the TV and other smart devices in your home. From dimming the lights to controlling a thermostat, Alexa turns this TV into a hub for smart home integration, making it more than just an entertainment device.
Parental Controls and Extra Features
For households with children, the built-in parental control features provide peace of mind by allowing parents to restrict content based on ratings or block certain channels entirely. Once enabled, accessing restricted content requires a PIN code, ensuring that children are not exposed to inappropriate material.
Lack of Energy Efficiency Rating
In terms of energy efficiency, the Insignia F30 is not ENERGY STAR certified, but its annual operating cost is relatively low at $27 with an estimated 224 kWh of electricity used per year. This should be adequate for most users who watch a moderate amount of TV daily.
Additionally, Insignia takes steps towards sustainability by using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified packaging, which ensures that the product’s outer packaging comes from responsibly managed forests.
Conclusion
The Insignia 55-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV delivers good value for its price range. Its 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 support, and Fire TV integration make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable smart TV. While the audio quality and 60Hz refresh rate may not satisfy high-end users, it meets the needs of casual viewers and cord-cutters alike.
For those looking for a large screen with comprehensive streaming options and basic smart home functionality, the Insignia F30 Series is a solid, budget-friendly choice. However, serious gamers or audiophiles may want to look at higher-end models for enhanced performance in those areas.
Related Article: Insignia 42″ Class F20 Series LED Full HD Smart Fire TV Review