Is the Pro Series 2025 Still Good in 2026? Long-Term Review

I've been using the Pro Series 2025 for seven months now, and in that time it's become the center of my living room—literally and figuratively. When I unboxed it early last year I was excited by the spec sheet and the marketing images, but what really matters is how a TV performs day-to-day: movies at night, football on Sunday, late-night console sessions, and the dozens of news and streaming apps I open without thinking. In this review I'll walk through my hands-on experience, what surprised me, what disappointed me, and who I think should still consider buying the Pro Series in 2026.

Quick verdict

In my experience, the Pro Series 2025 remains a strong pick in 2026 for people who want a bright, high-refresh 4K TV that handles both movies and gaming well. It isn't perfect—there are trade-offs around blooming, software polish, and speaker performance—but those are the exact kinds of issues I would've accepted when I bought it and still accept now. If you prioritize peak HDR punch and low input lag over absolute black-level perfection or the fanciest smart OS, this TV still makes sense.

What I bought and how I used it

I purchased the 65-inch Pro Series 2025 and installed it on a low stand so the screen sits at eye level from my couch. My usage pattern was mixed: streaming movies (Netflix, Disney+, and a few native 4K releases), daily news and daytime TV, gaming on a next-gen console at 4K/120Hz, and frequent Bluetooth or AirPlay casting from phones and laptops. I calibrated the basic picture settings using an online calibration guide and left the TV in its calibrated mode most of the time. I also connected a soundbar for critical listening but used the TV's internal speakers for background viewing.

Picture quality and panel behavior

What I found was a television that leans toward the bright, vivid side of the spectrum. The Pro Series 2025 uses a high-density backlight array (think mini-LED-style local dimming) rather than perfect self-emissive pixels. In everyday viewing that translates to spectacular HDR highlights: specular reflections, sunbeams, and highlights in VFX-heavy films really pop. I watched a few HDR remasters and was consistently impressed by the "wow" factor in bright scenes.

Black levels are very good for an LED-based set but don't quite match OLED. In dark scenes there's a slight elevated black floor if you look very closely in a dim room—it's most obvious during slow, cinematic pans across shadowy interiors. I noticed some local dimming halos and mild blooming around small bright objects on dark backgrounds (for example, bright subtitles over a dark sky). It wasn't a dealbreaker for me, but it's something that bothered me when I switched back to an OLED friend's TV to compare.

Motion handling has been one of the Pro Series' strong suits. The TV's 120Hz native panel and aggressive motion interpolation modes keep sports and fast-paced gaming smooth. I preferred turning off overly aggressive interpolation for movies since it introduced the soap-opera effect, but for live sports and my console it made a noticeable difference in perceived clarity.

Gaming performance

After testing the Pro Series at 4K/120Hz for months, I can confidently say it's a gamer-friendly set. I was pleasantly surprised by the low input lag in game mode—I measured it subjectively as excellent when switching between first-person shooters and fast racing games. Variable refresh rate support and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) worked reliably with my console, so the TV and console negotiated the best settings with no manual fiddling most of the time.

One small frustration: when switching between HDR and SDR content or between resolutions, the TV occasionally takes a beat to re-optimize tone mapping. That pause is short and harmless, but it felt a little unpolished compared with the instant switching I've seen on higher-tier models.

Smart TV software and ecosystem

In my experience the Pro Series' smart platform is functional but not slick. Apps launch reliably and the streaming quality is generally excellent, but the interface can feel cluttered. I noticed occasional slowdowns when cycling through background-heavy app tiles, and I had to reboot the TV once after an app update caused a temporary freeze.

I appreciated that the TV supports AirPlay and common casting protocols, and the voice assistant built into the remote works well for basic commands. However, power users who depend on frequent app updates, a best-in-class OS, or an app library with every niche streaming service may find it leaves a little to be desired.

Audio performance

One thing that bothered me initially was the internal speaker system. The Pro Series 2025's built-in audio handles dialogue clearly at normal listening levels, and it simulates a wider soundstage using software tricks. But when I pushed volume for movie night or wanted real bass impact, the internal speakers fell short. I installed a compact soundbar and it transformed the experience—movies suddenly had believable depth and gaming footsteps felt more tangible. If you don't plan to use a separate audio system, be prepared for acceptable but not immersive native sound.

Build quality and remote

The bezel is thin and modern, and the unit doesn't feel flimsy—I've had no structural issues mounting or moving it. The included remote is thoughtfully designed with tactile buttons, a dedicated input button, and a backlight. One small complaint: the remote's voice button placement requires a deliberate press, which is great to avoid accidental activations but a slight nuisance when I want to speak frequently.

Software updates and long-term reliability

Over my seven months of ownership, the Pro Series 2025 received two over-the-air firmware updates. One improved HDR tone mapping and reduced occasional app crashes, and the other addressed a small Wi-Fi stability issue. I was impressed that the manufacturer pushed these fixes relatively quickly. Based on this, I feel cautiously optimistic about long-term support, though I can't promise what the company will do in future years.

Real-world annoyances I noticed

• I sometimes saw slightly inconsistent calibration across different picture presets—calibrated mode looked different after an update until I re-selected it.
• The TV's motion smoothing menus are scattered across picture and advanced settings, making it harder than necessary to find my preferred combination of settings.
• Bluetooth pairing works but reconnects slowly after the TV wakes from sleep.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Impressive HDR highlights: Bright, punchy HDR that makes streaming blockbusters look cinematic.
• Great gaming features: 4K/120Hz, low input lag, VRR and ALLM that worked reliably with my console.
• Solid build and design: Thin bezels and a sturdy feel when wall-mounted or on a stand.
• Responsive firmware updates: Manufacturer issued useful updates during my ownership.

Cons

• Blooming/haloing: Local dimming halos are visible in high-contrast scenes.
• Speakers are average: You'll likely want a soundbar for true home-theater sound.
• Smart OS polish: Functional but occasionally slow and cluttered compared to top-tier platforms.
• Minor software quirks: Tone mapping resets and app slowdowns after some updates.

How it compares

To help put the Pro Series 2025 into context, here's a simple comparison table against two broad alternatives: a modern OLED and a budget LED from the same period. These are comparison categories—your priorities will determine which trade-offs make sense.

Buying guide: who should consider the Pro Series 2025 in 2026?

After using this TV for months, here's how I would advise different types of buyers.

For movie lovers

If you mainly watch dark, cinematic films and absolute black levels are top priority, an OLED may still be the better choice. In my experience, the Pro Series delivers huge HDR impact and looks fantastic in brighter living rooms or on sunny afternoons, but it doesn't produce the same inky blacks as self-emissive panels. If you watch a lot of daytime content or HDR spectacles, the Pro Series is an excellent choice.

For gamers

I've been impressed with the Pro Series for gaming. The combination of 4K/120Hz, VRR, and low input lag made it feel snappy and responsive. If you're a console or PC gamer who values high frame-rate play and crisp HDR highlights, the Pro Series 2025 remains a very relevant pick in 2026.

For bright rooms and large windows

Because the TV gets bright and handles highlights well, it's a practical choice for rooms with a lot of ambient light. I noticed the picture remained punchy even during the day, so if your living room gets sunlight, the Pro Series kept images readable and vibrant.

For buyers on a budget

If price is the primary criterion and you only watch basic cable or standard-definition content, you can find cheaper options that will satisfy day-to-day viewing. However, for the balance of HDR performance and gaming features at a mid-to-high price, I think the Pro Series still represents good value in 2026.

Checklist before you buy (my practical tips)

• Decide whether peak HDR brightness or deep black levels matter more to you—this will guide OLED vs. mini-LED choices.
• Confirm HDMI 2.1 ports if you plan to run 4K/120Hz from a console or PC.
• Plan for audio: buy a soundbar or AVR if you want convincing bass and immersive sound.
• Check the manufacturer's firmware update history and policy—my unit received timely fixes, which mattered to me.
• Look at the TV in person if possible to judge blooming and off-axis viewing for your seating arrangement.

Final thoughts and conclusion

Seven months in, the Pro Series 2025 still feels like a modern, capable TV in 2026. What I appreciated most was its balance: strong HDR highlights, robust gaming features, and solid build quality. What I found frustrating at times were the visible blooming in high-contrast scenes, average internal speakers, and occasional software rough edges. None of those issues were enough to make me regret the purchase, but they did push me to pair the set with a soundbar and spend some time tweaking picture settings.

If you're shopping in 2026 and you're drawn to bright HDR performance and modern gaming features without paying OLED-level premiums, the Pro Series 2025 is still worth serious consideration. In my experience it delivers the kind of day-to-day performance that matters: great picture for movies and sports, smooth gaming, and steady reliability with vendor updates. It's not the absolute top-of-the-line in every respect, but for many households—including mine—it's a TV that earns its place on the wall.