TVs have significantly revolutionized the entertainment spaces thanks to the emergence of new TV technologies. Modern TVs have impressive features that enhance viewing. Features like high resolution, high frame rates, large displays, high contrast levels, multiple connection ports, quality sound, and voice assistant integration help create an immersive viewing experience. Most TV brands are now introducing large displays for those who like a big home entertainment setup. However, there are also smaller and mid-sized screens with equally powerful performance.
50-inch TVs are a popular size for most living room viewing. Whether you prefer the high-end OLEDs, the new QLEDs, or budget LCD models, you will be sure to get a 50-inch TV with a display technology of your choice. With so many brands in the market, choosing one 50-inch TV over another can be challenging. This review explores the five best 50-inch TVs on the market to help you make an informed choice.
- Best 50-Inch TV Overall: Samsung QN90A
- Best Budget Option: TCL 4-Series Roku TV (50S435)
- Best 50-Inch TV for Gaming: LG QNED80
- Best 50-Inch TV for Streaming: LG UQ9000
- Best 50-Inch Smart TV: Sony 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series
- SAMSUNG 50-Inch Class Neo QLED QN90A Series - 4K UHD Quantum HDR 24x Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (QN50QN90AAFXZA, 2021 Model)
- Neo Quantum processor upgrades content to 4K using AI-based processing
- Quantum Matrix Technology with Mini LEDs provides impressive color contrast
- Object Tracking Sound+ technology makes the sound from the TV speakers more realistic
- Ultra-wide viewing angle so you can enjoy a comfortable view wherever you are seated
- Runs on Tizen OS, which has advanced options and allows access to tons of apps and streaming channels like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu
- TCL 50-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Roku LED TV - 50S435, 2021 Model
- High color accuracy and a wide color gamut
- HDR10 support provides an immersive viewing experience
- 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rates deliver smooth visuals for streaming and watching movies
- Runs on the user-friendly Roku TV OS
- Access thousands of apps, streaming channels, and gaming consoles from the home screen
- LG QNED80 Series 50-Inch Class QNED Mini-LED Smart TV 50QNED80UQA, 2022 - AI-Powered 4K TV, Alexa Built-In
- Supports FreeSync premium with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to reduce lag and screen tearing for fluid gameplay
- Quantum Dot technology gives you rich, detailed, and accurate colors
- Uses AI Picture Pro, which upgrades the picture quality to 4K resolution
- Features HDR 10 Pro, Filmmaker mode, and local dimming
- Game optimizer dashboard that allows you to adjust your gaming settings from one location
- LG 50-Inch Class UQ9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV (3840 x 2160), 60Hz Refresh Rate, AI-Powered, Cloud Gaming (50UQ9000PUD, 2022)
- A5 Gen5 AI processor recognizes and analyzes displayed content, optimizing picture and sound
- AI Picture Pro, which upgrades the picture quality to 4K resolution
- Access a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more
- Allows integration with smart home devices and easy control through Alexa and Google Assistant
- Features HDR10 technology, which automatically adjusts the colors and contrast
- Sony 50 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series: LED Smart Google TV with Dolby Vision HDR KD50X80K- 2022 Model
- Integrate your smart home devices and control them from a central location using Google Assistant voice controls
- Features a 4K HDR Processor X1
- HDR technology support includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Enhanced gameplay through dedicated game mode, exclusive to the PS5 on this TV
- Uses the Google TV platform, which gives access to tons of apps including Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, Peacock, and more
- Sony's Triluminous Pro enhances color reproduction, creating more natural and realistic colors
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Best 50-Inch TV Overall: Samsung QN90A
Samsung has a reputation for producing high-quality TVs with incredible features, and the Samsung QN90A is no exception. It features a sleek design with ultra-thin bezels. Samsung QN90A uses Samsung’s proprietary Neo Quantum processor that upgrades content to 4K using AI-based processing. This gives you clear and smooth visuals with lifelike images. The Quantum Matrix Technology with Mini LEDs provides impressive color contrast to bring out the required brightness by dimming and brightening when needed. Quantum Dot technology gives you 100% color volume with a billion shades and brilliance.
In addition to the excellent display, this TV offers impressive sound quality through its advanced Object Tracking Sound+ technology, making the sound from the TV speakers more realistic. Its Q-Symphony feature allows TV integration with other Samsung soundbars for an immersive surround sound system. This TV also has an ultra-wide viewing angle, so you can enjoy a comfortable view from whichever corner you sit. Its anti-reflection build also helps you watch the TV with high image clarity, even in brightly lit rooms. This means you can enjoy your favorite movies and sports anytime without interference from sunlight reflections.
Samsung QN90A runs on the intuitive Tizen OS, which has advanced options and allows access to tons of apps and streaming channels like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and many others. It also integrates with voice assistants for easy control of smart home devices. Overall, Samsung QN90A has a wide range of quality features and specs that warrant it being the best overall in this category. Although it is highly priced, its performance gives you value for your buck.
- Neo Quantum processor upgrades content to 4K using AI-based processing
- Quantum Matrix Technology with Mini LEDs provides impressive color contrast
- Object Tracking Sound+ technology makes the sound from the TV speakers more realistic
- Ultra-wide viewing angle so you can enjoy a comfortable view wherever you are seated
- Runs on Tizen OS, which has advanced options and allows access to tons of apps and streaming channels like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu
Best Budget Option: TCL 4-Series Roku TV (50S435)
If you are looking for a budget TV with all the features of modern TVs, TCL 4 Series Roku TV 50S435 is a perfect fit for all sizes. This TV provides high color accuracy and a wide color gamut, along with support for HDR10, which allows an immersive viewing experience. Unlike many TVs in this category, TCL 4 Series does not feature Dolby Vision, which provides the enhanced contrast that gamers require. Therefore if you need a gaming screen with deeper contrasts, this TV may not be a good fit. Nonetheless, its 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rates provide smooth visuals for streaming and watching movies.
TCL 4-Series Roku TV 50S435 runs on Roku TV OS, which is simple and easy to use. You can access thousands of apps, streaming channels, and gaming consoles from the home screen. Its LED display technology provides enhanced picture quality with rich details and clarity. Although the price is excellent, it lacks some key features that its high-end counterparts offer, such as local dimming, AMD FreeSync, high sound quality, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- High color accuracy and a wide color gamut
- HDR10 support provides an immersive viewing experience
- 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rates deliver smooth visuals for streaming and watching movies
- Runs on the user-friendly Roku TV OS
- Access thousands of apps, streaming channels, and gaming consoles from the home screen
Best 50-Inch TV for Gaming: LG QNED80
LG is a renowned TV brand because of its top-in-line TV offering. LG QNED80 is an unrivaled gaming TV with advanced features for an immersive gaming experience. It supports FreeSync premium with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which reduces lag, and screen tearing for fluid gameplay. Quantum Dot technology gives you rich, detailed, and accurate colors. LG uses AI Picture Pro, which upgrades the picture quality to 4K resolution to produce lifelike images.
This TV runs on webOS, an intuitive operating system with advanced features and access to tons of apps, streaming services, and voice assistants for hands-free control. Other features like HDR 10 Pro, Filmmaker mode, and local dimming provide rich color contrasts and retain the original colors as intended by the content producer. Gamers will appreciate the game optimizer dashboard that allows you to adjust your gaming settings from one location.
Additionally, the a7 Processor will automatically adjust the picture and sound quality depending on your viewing content, providing deep colors and contrast. With the magic remote, you can easily access and control apps, soundbar, and Blu-ray players by pointing, scrolling, and clicking.
- Supports FreeSync premium with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to reduce lag and screen tearing for fluid gameplay
- Quantum Dot technology gives you rich, detailed, and accurate colors
- Uses AI Picture Pro, which upgrades the picture quality to 4K resolution
- Features HDR 10 Pro, Filmmaker mode, and local dimming
- Game optimizer dashboard that allows you to adjust your gaming settings from one location
Best 50-Inch TV for Streaming: LG UQ9000
The LG UQ9000 is an exceptional streaming television known for its high-end performance and features. Its A5 Gen5 AI processor allows it to recognize and analyze displayed content, optimizing picture and sound settings for the best possible experience. LG uses AI Picture Pro, which upgrades the picture quality to 4K resolution to produce lifelike images.
This TV is powered by a webOS, an intuitive, user-friendly, and feature-rich smart TV interface with access to a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It also allows integration with smart home devices and easy control through Alexa and Google Assistant. It also works with Apple Airplay and Apple Homekit, enabling you to control your smart home appliances with your iPhone or other Apple devices. As noted, the LG UQ9000 boasts an impressive 4K resolution, which provides stunning clarity and vivid pictures. Its slim, sleek design and thin bezel edges perfectly match the environment, providing an aesthetic appeal. It also features HDR10 technology, which automatically adjusts the colors and contrast of the picture based on what you are watching.
- A5 Gen5 AI processor recognizes and analyzes displayed content, optimizing picture and sound
- AI Picture Pro, which upgrades the picture quality to 4K resolution
- Access a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more
- Allows integration with smart home devices and easy control through Alexa and Google Assistant
- Features HDR10 technology, which automatically adjusts the colors and contrast
Best 50-Inch Smart TV: Sony 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series
Sony 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series is a powerful smart TV with incredible capabilities. It features a 4K HDR Processor X1 that delivers rich colors with deep contrast for a smooth viewing experience. Its wide color gamut reproduces over a billion colors and shades for lifelike and natural pictures. Sony’s Triluminous Pro enhances color reproduction, creating more natural and realistic colors.
The TV uses the Google TV platform, which is intuitive and easy to navigate. Google TV gives access to tons of apps and streaming channels, including Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, Peacock, and many more. You can also integrate your smart home devices and control them from a central location using Google Assistant voice controls. Sony 4K Ultra HD TV X80K Series also supports HDR technology, including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, providing enhanced deep contrasts and improved sound quality. PlayStation 5 users will enjoy enhanced gameplay through the dedicated game mode, exclusive to the PS5 console on this TV.
- Integrate your smart home devices and control them from a central location using Google Assistant voice controls
- Features a 4K HDR Processor X1
- HDR technology support includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Enhanced gameplay through dedicated game mode, exclusive to the PS5 on this TV
- Uses the Google TV platform, which gives access to tons of apps including Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, Peacock, and more
- Sony's Triluminous Pro enhances color reproduction, creating more natural and realistic colors
How to Pick the Best 50-Inch TVs: Step-By-Step
Choosing a TV that suits your need may not be as straightforward as many would think. After identifying the size you want, you will be bombarded with countless options from different brands. While several features are common for most TVs, choosing one TV over the other can be difficult because of their differences in display technology, price, sound quality, HDR compatibility, and connectivity. Let’s examine why each of these factors matters in your choice.
Display Technology
TV displays have significantly evolved from LCD and LED to modern high-end OLED and QLED displays; you will get a range of display qualities depending on your budget. LEDs are self-illuminating, providing a better picture quality than standard LCD TVs, which use fluorescent backlights. Samsung’s proprietary QLED combines quantum dots and mini LED for clear visuals. Other brands like TCL have also incorporated QLED in their recent models.
On the other hand, OLEDs use organic LEDs instead of a backlight. This provides a high level of contrast and color accuracy for richer images. As technology advances and more brands embrace modern display technologies, we can expect high-quality TVs with deeper contrast and clear and lifelike viewing experiences. It is important to note that OLEDs and QLEDs are premium designs with a high price tag; nonetheless, they are worth every buck.
Price
Different brands have different TV models for every budget. The prices vary depending on features, display technology, and specifications. That is why a 50-inch TCL QLED TV will be priced differently from the same size LED from the same company. In the same way, a Samsung 50-inch TV will have a different cost than a 50-inch Sony TV with comparable features. The standard price range for 50-inch TVs is between $300 and $500. Whichever TV you choose, ensure it offers the best performance and fits your budget.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a crucial factor when choosing a TV. Some models have built-in multiple-channel speakers and soundbars, providing an immersive sound. However, you cannot entirely rely on the inbuilt speakers, especially if you want to create a home theater entertainment setup. You will need to invest in a home theater system or soundbars for superior sound quality. Some TVs, like Samsung models, feature Object Tracking Pro+ and Q-Sympony, allowing TV integration with other Samsung soundbars for an immersive surround sound system. Other TVs support Dolby Atmos, which uses the TV as the center channel speaker and connects with other soundbars from the same brand. This provides an immersive surround sound setup.
HDR Compatibility
HDR is a crucial feature to consider if you want rich colors with high accuracy and detail. Most modern 4K UHD TVs come with HDR. This allows for deeper contrasts and high brightness nits for more lifelike picture quality. HDR10 is the standard for most TV sets. However, if you need enhanced color contrast, you will need a TV that supports Dolby Vision, a leading HDR format in color enhancement, for an impressive performance. Most TV brands, including Vizio, Sony, TCL, and LG, support this HDR format in their premium models. Samsung does not support Dolby Vision but has its proprietary format, HDR10+, with similar capabilities.
Connectivity
When buying a TV, you must check its connectivity options for linking to peripheral devices like gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices. Most TVs have HDMI 2.0 and USB connection options. Some TVs have up to four HDMI ports to connect to multiple devices. Modern TVs now support the newer HDMI 2.1, which can deliver 8K and 4K content. Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity are also crucial as they allow you to connect other devices to your TV wirelessly. If you prefer a wired connection, ensure the TV has an Ethernet port to connect to your home network.
What to Know Before Buying the Best 50-Inch TV
Before you purchase a 50-inch TV, you need to ensure that you have sufficient space in your living room to accommodate the minimum viewing distance. In this case, that is about 6.25 feet. This will help protect your eyes from the effects of watching TV up close. You must also ensure the TV has a high refresh rate to eliminate lag. The standard refresh rate is 60Hz; however, some gaming TVs have up to 120Hz for an immersive viewing experience.
Also, consider the brand reputation. Top brands like Sony, LG, and Samsung are known for producing high-performing TV models with superior picture quality. TCL, Hisense, and Vizio are also reputable brands with quality offerings at almost half the price of the premium models. Regardless of the model you choose, ensure it meets your needs and budget.
Using the Best 50-Inch TV: What it’s Like
Your experience depends on the type of features the TV model has. If you use a TV with OLED display technology, you will get better picture quality with clear details and rich colors for a more lifelike viewing experience. Some TV models provide gaming-friendly features like FreeSync premium with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to reduce lag, game modes to prioritize gaming, and Dolby Vision technology, which enhances contrast to provide clear and detailed visuals. Other models offer smart capabilities, giving access to apps and streaming channels and integrating with smart home devices through voice assistants. The experience varies across different models, so the best TV depends on your viewing requirements and budget.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com.
