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.
