This situation is an argument against bundling in too much “smartness” in an expensive TV, whose main cost component is the monitor. It seems like it would make more sense to have a bare-bones monitor, which connects to a separate box which provides the “smarts” and internet access, and which can be separately upgraded when needed.
I have a Roku and a Google TV connected to my “SmartTV.” The Google TV offers the broadest set of functionality, including a fully functional Chrome Browser. I ended up where I am because the SmartTV didn’t have many useful apps. The apps it did have mostly led to subscription services. The Roku was much better but no browser. With the Google TV, I use the browser to stream live sporting events like NFL games not televised in my region.