Sharp FN2 series review: Great value Android TV

Offering more finesse than you might expect for the price, the Sharp FN2 series is something of a return to form for the long-running TV brand.

It doesn’t push performance boundaries, but that’s not really the point. This is a great value flat screen that combines solid picture quality with a reliable Android TV platform.

With access to Google Play, all major streaming services are available and the usability is good. This Sharp set also comes with a surprisingly powerful Harman Kardon audio system.

Design features

• Thin bezel, wide feet
• Android 11 Smart TV
• Free Reading

The 55in (UK model) tested here has a smart but anonymous look, with a thin bezel and widely placed feet that screw into the base. I had to use a long AV bench to accommodate it, but it looked fine once installed.

Check your furniture first or alternatively you can mount the FN2 on the wall. This TV is a good candidate for that, tipping the scales at just 15.6kg, a consequence of its rather plasticky build.

Steve May / Foundry

Rear connectivity includes four HDMI ports, one with eARC, digital optical audio out, two USB (V2.0) sockets, minijack AV input and Ethernet (if you prefer that over built-in Wi-Fi). An unusual extra addition is an SD card slot, for playing digital snapshots etc.

The set has a Freeview Play terrestrial tuner (in the UK), as well as a satellite alternative, which is useful if you have an unused satellite dish to hand, and a CI card slot.

It comes with a slim remote which is quite easy to use. It stands out with a prominent navigation pad and dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Freeview Play.

Steve May / Foundry

The main feature of the FN2 series is its smart Android TV operating system, here in version 11. This offers a full screen of curated content, via a dedicated channel and service rails, whether from TV services catch-up like iPlayer and ITVX, or like Netflix.

As part of the Android feature-package, you also get built-in Chromecast streaming, as well as Google Assistant voice interaction.

Image quality

• Dolby Vision
• Good average image level
• Limited maximum HDR brightness

When it comes to image quality, there are ups and downs.

The set comes with Eco as the default image setting, and that certainly does the panel a disservice. Once you’re up and running, channels tuned, my advice is to immediately switch to the standard picture preset. This gives a significant and easy-to-appreciate boost to brightness.

I left everything in this mode for most content, as it offers a sweet spot in terms of contrast and dynamics. Other picture options include Movie (which, like Eco, I found rather too quiet for comfortable viewing), Vivid, Sport and User (adjustable).

Another attraction of the set, at least from a home theater perspective, is the provision of Dolby Vision, which when used with Dolby Vision content (standard on Netflix and Disney+ 4K broadcasts) delivers the best possible HDR performance from this panel.

When watching Dolby Vision programs, the presets become Dolby Vision Bright, Dolby Vision Dark, and Dolby Vision Vivid. I found Bright the best option here.

Steve May / Foundry

Reflecting the budget nature of this model, the maximum HDR brightness is limited. I measured it at around 400 nits, with 5% and 10% patches. That’s not enough to lift specular highlights or deliver the kind of image depth that HDR is renowned for.

That said, its average picture level with SDR content is actually quite impressive. It presents an evenly bright image that works well in daylit rooms and dark dens.

Native HD and 4K content looks admirably sharp, thanks to Sharp’s dual-core Ace Pro Ultra picture engine, however, SD channels and older DVDs look blurry and best avoided.

I wasn’t surprised to find that the FN2 series doesn’t support 4K 120Hz gameplay. It’s a standard 60Hz panel and the HDMI ports are v2.0, but there’s a dedicated Game mode. However, the latency is low; I measured input lag at 50.8ms (1080p/60fps) in Game mode.

If fast, competitive shooters are your style, a display with higher input lag would be a better option.

Sound quality

• Harman Kardon sound system
• Virtual DTS: X
• 12W stereo output

While the set’s picture prowess comes with some qualifications, the FN2’s audio offering is above average for the price. You could be forgiven for thinking this TV will seem anemic, but it isn’t.

It’s actually surprisingly full-bodied, thanks to a Harman Kardon-designed stereo system. It has enough volume (12W total) and average weight to do justice to dramas and even action movies, when heard in an average-sized living room.

The set can also stream Dolby Atmos from streaming services to an external soundbar or home theater system, via eARC.

Steve May / Foundry

Although there is only a built-in stereo speaker setup, there is the DTS Virtual:X processing option. This subjectively enlarges the soundstage, for a more cinematic experience.

There’s also Truebass, a low-frequency amplifier, but I found the latter rather heavy and punchy.

Price and availability

The Sharp FN2 series is available in four screen sizes, all available now. Choose from 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch models priced at £329, £369, £399 and £529 respectively.

On my test rig is the 55in version and you will find UK model numbers like FN2KA and FN2KL. You can buy it from Richer Sounds, RGB Direct and Marks Electrical.

The same Sharp range is available in the United States, but with a slight modification of the model number: 43FN2EA, 50FN2EA, 55FN2EA and 65FN2EA. Pricing has yet to be announced.

For more cheap options, check out our chart of the best budget TVs.

Verdict

For a budget 4K flatscreen, the Sharp FN2 series impresses.

Not too much silver will give you a sharp image and a subjectively high average image level.

Sure, maximum HDR brightness is limited, but with Dolby Vision content it still looks cinematic, and the provision of Android TV and (in the UK) Freeview Play, ensures most catch-up services and streaming are available.

The obvious caveat is its poor input lag performance. If gaming is your passion, especially fast-paced games, I suggest you look elsewhere.

That said, if you want a hassle-free TV for the living room or as a second screen in the house, it’s more than enough.

Specifications

• Model tested:
• 55 inches
• LED LCD display technology
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• HDMI: x4
• HDR support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
• Android TV smart platform
• Freeview Play Terrestrial Tuner
• Stereo sound system with DTS Virtual:X
• Dimensions: 1232(w) x 718(h) x 91(d)mm
• Weight: 15.6kg