If you’re shopping for the best 50-inch television, there’s a good chance that you’re focused on a display to accommodate a room where you plan on sitting around four feet away from the screen. This gives you plenty of screen size to feel immersed in the viewing experience without feeling overwhelmed or like you’re squinting to see the action.
But there’s a lot to consider when shopping for the best television. While size matters, you’ll need to decide which display is most important. For example, you’ll need to pick between features such as OLED and LED. And you’ll also need to figure out if you want a connected television that allows you to natively connect to streaming app platforms or if you’ll use a third-party device to access those services. And, of course, concerns such as refresh rates, frame rates, and resolution are critical factors as well.
Keep reading our best 50-inch television buying guide to learn more. And if you’ve just started your search, check out our best TV buying guide to help narrow your choices.
Product
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| 1 |  |
| 93 | $1,046.99 $1,300 SAVE $253 | |
| 2 |  |
| 90 | ||
| 3 |  | 89 | $750.00 $1,800 SAVE $1,050 | ||
| 4 |  | 86 | $1,298.00 $1,300 SAVE $2 | ||
| 5 |  | 86 | $947.99 | ||
| 6 |  |
| 85 | $1,087.99 | |
| 7 |  |
| 84 | $1,047.99 $1,198 SAVE $150 |
Top 50-Inch TVs
- Read Full Review → : LG C2 OLED TVLG
LG C2 OLED TV
Best for Computer Monitor
Overall, the LG C2 OLED TV is a good mid-range TV. While there are some uniformity and software concerns, it’s a top-notch choice if you desire outstanding visuals and immersive gaming, though other brands now offer OLED alternatives with more features.
True Score
939412Experts
3928kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
SAVE $253$1,299.99$1,046.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent picture quality
The self-admissive OLED tech provides high-quality visuals and is most beneficial for gaming, but it’s also great for sports HDR content. It also offers a wide 99.36% color gamut, providing rich, vibrant displays.
- Infinite contrast ratio
Delivers deep, true black levels, specifically when viewing HDR content in dark rooms. When tested, the contrast ratio of Inf:1, which is right at the top of the OLED category.
- Effective motion handling
It has a hyper-fast control input and produces virtually no blurriness or tearing during fast-paced scenes, given its tested 2.4 ms input lag and 0.2 ms response time.
Both metrics rank among the top of the OLED TV category.
- Excellent refresh rates
Fast-paced gaming visuals are smooth, given its 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR.
- Wide viewing angles
Provides excellent visuals, even at off-angle viewing, as it boasts 70-degree viewing angles.
Reasons to Avoid
- Weak peak brightness in certain settings
The TV’s brightness works fine for typical viewing, but during very bright scenes, it can appear dimmed in brighter rooms, given it maxes out at 810 nits, which is slightly below average for the OLED category.
- Unimpressive bass performance
Especially at higher volumes, the TV does not produce proper bass levels to match the higher frequencies
- Remote controls can be oversensitive
- Alexa integration can be unreliable and frustrating
- WebOS interface has ads and clutter
Specifications
Backlight Type Direct Lit Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", 83" Smart Platform webOS Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 98.326 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.875 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.875 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 76.26 Color Gamut % (sRGB) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 134.45 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) 88.8 Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 340.62475 HDR Brightness (nits) 793.4 Input Lag (ms) 11.55285714 Response Time (ms) 2.4 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 65 Color Shift (Degrees) 27 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 70 Reflections (%) 1.5 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 80 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 2.29 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 2.87 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.083 All Specs
All Retailers
$1,046.99$1,300Save $253
Our Verdict
LG C2 OLED TV provides a nearly infinite contrast ratio of 1, perfect blacks, and no blooming or haloing, making it ideal for dark room viewing. And with an 820 cd/m² white luminance, it has impressive brightness and reflection handling to suit bright rooms and wide seating arrangements.
Gamers will appreciate the low input lag, a tested blazing 2.4 ms 100% response time, four HDMI 2.1 inputs, and 120Hz gaming capabilities, enhancing the gaming experience.
However, it has flaws. Some users may find the aggressive automatic brightness limiting feature distracting, experience uniformity issues at angles, and face a slight learning curve with the menu settings. The TV’s lack of support for certain high-resolution audio formats could be disappointing for audiophiles.
- Read Full Review → : Sony Bravia A8HSony
Sony Bravia A8H
Best for OLED
The Sony Bravia A8H OLED TV is fantastic, thanks to its excellent black levels, best-in-class contrast, wide viewing angles, and fast response time. However, watch out for the lack of HDMI 2.1 and the risk of burn-in.
True Score
90892Experts
871kCustomers
Absolutely FreshSnapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Deep inky blacks
- Best in class contrast ratio
- Fantastic response time
- Excellent viewing angles
- Judder removal ability from all source
- Low input lag
- Good out of the box color accuracy
- Excellent wide color gamut
- Native 10-bit panel
Reasons to Avoid
- No HDMI 2.1
- It doesn’t have VRR, ALLM, or eARC
- Slight risk of permanent screen burn-in
- No HDR 10+ support
- Low peak brightness
- Some distortion at max volume
- Lack of low and sub-bass
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Yes HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 48", 55", 65" Smart Platform Android TV Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) No Data Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 108.94 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) No Data HDR Brightness (nits) 640 Input Lag (ms) 18 Response Time (ms) No Data Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) No Data Color Shift (Degrees) No Data Brightness Loss (Degrees) No Data Reflections (%) No Data Low-Freq Extension (Hz) No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 70db No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 80db No Data Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db No Data All Specs
All Retailers
Our Verdict
The Sony Bravia A8H OLED TV is a great choice for dark rooms. It’s perfect for streaming movies and TV shows, with its organic LED panel providing excellent black levels, top-notch contrast ratio, wide viewing angles, and fast response time.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have HDMI 2.1, so gamers may want to look elsewhere. And if you’re worried about image burn-in, this TV may not be for you.
Category Snapshot
TVs
- Total Brands/Products Tested
19 Brands, 163 Products
- Top 2 Brands
LG, Hisense
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$400-$2000
- Average True Score
70.76%
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top TV Experts
- Recommended Retailer
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
- Test Methodology
- Read Full Review → : Sony A9S TVSony
Sony A9S TV
The high-end Sony A9S TV is excellent for dark room movies because of its inky blacks, 120 Hz refresh rate, wide viewing angles, and excellent reflection handling. However, the ABL, lack of HDMI 2.1 and VRR, and high input lag aren’t great for gaming.
True Score
89854Experts
24292Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $1,050$1,799.99$750.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impeccable picture quality in the dark
The Sony A9S TV excels for nighttime movie marathons, delivering inky blacks with its inf:1 contrast ratio (which is the best we’ve tested) and incredible black uniformity (0.238% std. deviation).
- Fairly bright
Its tested peak brightness (836 nits) ranks in the top third of all TVs we have tested, and it is suitable for versatile viewing conditions because its glossy display handles reflections effectively. (ref)
- Fast response time and low input lag
Films and games with fast-moving sequences are smooth thanks to the 1.8ms response time. The tested 10.3 ms input lag ranks in the top third of our tested TVs, and casual gamers will find it adequate, but it may not satisfy competitive gamers.(ref)
- 120 Hz refresh rate
At 120 Hz, the refresh rate is ultra-responsive, with reduced motion blur during gaming.
- Great off-center viewing
This TV is perfect for hosting movie nights with friends since it exhibits wide viewing angles, with colors washing out only after 54°.
Reasons to Avoid
- Distracting ABL
Although the TV can get adequately bright, the automatic brightness limiter (ABL) frequently dims the screen, which can be distracting for daytime viewing.
- No HDMI 2.1
Gamers won’t be able to experience 4K at 120fps due to the lack of HDMI 2.1.
- No Variable Refresh Rate
Screen tearing issues could negatively impact your gaming immersion since there is no VRR
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 48" Smart Platform Android TV Sync Technology No VRR No All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 95.07 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 69.72 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 69.72 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 75.8 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 263 HDR Brightness (nits) No Data Input Lag (ms) 18.5 Response Time (ms) 1.8 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 54 Color Shift (Degrees) 32 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 60 Reflections (%) 1.4 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 80 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 3.7 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 3.83 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.683 All Specs
All Retailers
$750.00$1,800Save $1,050
Our Verdict
The Sony A9S TV’s peak brightness (836 nits) doesn’t eliminate glare, and the ABL dims the screen often. No HDMI 2.1 support may deter Xbox and PS5 gamers, but it has four HDMI 2.0 ports.
The TV produces inky black levels (0.238% standard deviation) for dark room screening, and reflection handling is excellent in well-lit spaces.
Although the 1.8ms response time and 120 Hz refresh rate are fantastic for fast motion, the lack of VRR causes some screen tearing. Colors pop with the inf:1 contrast ratio, and bright objects don’t bloom.
The TV upscales DVDs well, and the voice control-enabled remote operates the seamless Android TV OS. While the viewing angles are wide, the tested input lag (10.3ms) is unsatisfactory for competitive gaming.
- Read Full Review → : Sony A90K OLED TVSony
Sony A90K OLED TV
The Sony A90K OLED TV boasts HDMI 2.1, deep blacks, excellent reflection diffusion, and a fast response time, making it excellent for those looking for small-sized TVs to use as a monitor. However, its lack of FreeSync can be a dealbreaker to gamers.
True Score
86857Experts
12494Customers
Absolutely FreshSAVE $2$1,299.99$1,298.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent picture quality
Ideal for TV shows, immersive movies, and casual gaming, this versatile TV boasts vibrant colors with its remarkable color gamut that covers 98.97% on DCI P3 xy. Watching dark scenes is outstanding, too, thanks to its perfect black uniformity (std. deviation of 0.286%).
- High contrast ratio
The TV delivers excellent accuracy for nighttime viewing due to its near-infinite tested contrast ratio, which is among the highest we’ve seen.
- Low-tested response time and input lag
Content appears ultra-smooth thanks to the fast measured 0.3 ms response time, and although the tested 17.5 ms (4K at 60 Hz) input lag is among the bottom third of our tested TVs, it’ll be sufficient for casual gamers.
- Fast refresh rate and VRR support
At 120 Hz, you’ll enjoy lag-free visuals for smooth gaming, and there is no screen tearing with VRR support.
- Wide viewing angles
Visuals remain consistent even when you move far from the center, with colors washing out at 58°, which is ideal for wide seating arrangements.
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited HDR peak brightness
Although the peak brightness reaches 626 nits, which is average compared to the other tested TVs, it frequently fluctuates from scene to scene and isn’t suitable for well-lit spaces.
Specifications
Backlight Type No Display Type OLED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type OLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 42", 48" Smart Platform Google TV Sync Technology No VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 99.375 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.54 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 73.54 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 78.83 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 71.2 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) 238.8616 HDR Brightness (nits) 600 Input Lag (ms) 16.86666667 Response Time (ms) 3 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 58 Color Shift (Degrees) 31 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 61 Reflections (%) 1.8 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 126.99 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 4.02 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 4.58 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.14 All Specs
All Retailers
- $1,298.00$1,300Save $2
$1,299.99
Our Verdict
The Sony A90K OLED TV is a great option for those looking for a high-end TV to use as a bedroom TV or a desktop monitor, as it features a fairly high peak brightness which was tested at 682 nits.
It also has four HDMI ports, two of which support HDMI 2.1. And thanks to its OLED panel with an infinite tested contrast ratio, it can display perfectly deep blacks.
It also sports a semi-gloss matte panel for glare. It has a fast measured response time of 0.3 ms. If you are looking for an outdoor TV, check our SunBriteTV Veranda TV 3 4K Android review.
The Sony A90K OLED TV also boasts a superb upscaling chip for low-res content. But it doesn’t support AMD FreeSync or GSync.
- Read Full Review → : Samsung QN90ASamsung
Samsung QN90A
A favorite among critics and buyers, the Samsung QN90A features outstanding upscaling capabilities and good viewing angles, even if the sound quality is a little bit lacking. But don’t let these few flaws deter you from one of Samsung’s best TVs of the year!
True Score
86875Experts
NR0Customers
Absolutely Fresh$947.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Fantastic Native Contrast Ratio
- Good Viewing Angles
- Magnificently Bright
- Great Upscaling
- Environmentally-Friendly Remote
Reasons to Avoid
- Blooming Around Brighter Objects on Screen
- Pedestal Could Be a Bit Sturdier
- Less Than Stellar Audio
Specifications
Backlight Type Full-Array Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type Neo QLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 50", 55", 65" Smart Platform Tizen Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) No Data Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) No Data Brightness (nits) No Data HDR Brightness (nits) 1225 Input Lag (ms) 9.6 Response Time (ms) No Data Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) No Data Color Shift (Degrees) No Data Brightness Loss (Degrees) No Data Reflections (%) No Data Low-Freq Extension (Hz) No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 70db No Data Freq Response StdDev @ 80db No Data Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db No Data All Specs
All Retailers
- $947.99
Our Verdict
The Samsung QN90A is a great pick for movie buffs, with its upscaling that’ll make non-4K content look like 4K. But it does have some drawbacks, like its sound quality and stand. Don’t let that stop you from getting one of the best Samsung TVs of the year!
- Read Full Review → : Samsung Q80/Q80T QLEDSamsung
Samsung Q80/Q80T QLED
Best for Bright Room
Even without Freeview Play and Dolby Vision support, gamers and PC users will love the Samsung Q80 for its HDR10/HDR10+ support, wide viewing angles, superb sound, and Tizen OS for easy navigability.
True Score
85849Experts
124kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh$1,087.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great black levels
- Superb ultra-wide viewing angles
- Tizen OS is easy to use
- Great contrast and colors
- 4K Quantum image processor
- Very low image lag
- Great upscaling
- Cheapest Samsung TV with local dimming
- Peak brightness at 1500 nits
Reasons to Avoid
- No support for Dolby Vision
- Local dimming is ineffective during Game Mode
- No Freeview Play
Specifications
Backlight Type Full-Array Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format Yes LED Panel Type VA Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 49", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85" Smart Platform Tizen Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 90.19 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 66.17 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 66.17 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 73.79 Color Gamut % (sRGB) No Data Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 99.93 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) No Data Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) 3042 Brightness (nits) 545.5 HDR Brightness (nits) 845.25 Input Lag (ms) 18.41 Response Time (ms) 10.1 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 37 Color Shift (Degrees) 45 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 45 Reflections (%) 1.3 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 71.27 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 3.42 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 3.65 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.122 All Specs
All Retailers
- $1,087.99
- $1,097.99$1,500Save $402
$1,097.99$1,498Save $400- $1,099.99$1,400Save $300
Our Verdict
The Samsung Q80/Q80T QLED is packed with features that would make it fit for mixed-use, but users looking for a gaming or PC monitor will especially be drawn to it.
With HDR10 & HDR10+ support, gamers and ardent movie watchers will enjoy HD viewing in all formats, and its VA panel guarantees ultra-wide viewing angles in large spaces.
In addition, the Q80’s superior Object Tracking Sound feature, super-fast response times, variable refresh rate, 4K Quantum processor, and easy-to-use Tizen OS place it in good stead compared to previous models, but the lack of Dolby Vision and Freeview Play might be an issue to some.
- Read Full Review → : Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TVSamsung
Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV
Best for Seniors
The Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV impresses with stunning brightness, low input lag, and great gaming features, but it’s pricey and lacks Dolby Vision. It’s an excellent choice for cinematic visuals and gaming enthusiasts.
True Score
84879Experts
933kCustomers
Absolutely FreshSAVE $150$1,197.99$1,047.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great picture quality
A peak brightness of 1000 cd/m2 places it in the top third of new 4K TVs and makes it one of the brightest models in its category, helping it stand out for viewing in brightly lit areas.
- Good contrast and local dimming
The QN90B’s local dimming provides a 73,455:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks. This is higher than most TVs in its category.
- Great motion handling for gaming and high-frame-rate content
Input lag is just 5.9 ms, meaning the QN90B is faster than ⅔ of the TVs in its class, and its 144 Hz refresh rate ties for the fastest refresh rate available in a mid-range 4K QLED TV.
- Relatively wide viewing angles
Picture quality remains essentially unchanged up to about 35 degrees off-center, which is better than average for its category, but a few competitors, particularly those with OLED screens, provide wider viewing angles.
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks Dolby Vision support
Missing support for this popular home theater format may limit the TVs appeal for those looking to set up a new home cinema
- Some blooming around bright objects in otherwise dark scenes
Compared to true OLED TVs, this model’s local dimming allows more blooming or “halo effect” around highlights in dark scenes.
- Built-in speaker quality doesn’t match the picture quality
Home cinema users will likely find the built-in speakers inadequate, with their below-average fidelity, sound profile and bass output.
Specifications
Backlight Type Full-Array Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 4 HDR Format HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HomeKit Compatible Yes LED Panel Type Neo QLED Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 Refresh Rate 120 Hz Screen size 43", 50", 55", 65", 75", 85" Smart Platform Tizen Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync VRR Yes All Specs
Test Results
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) 93.37666667 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.76 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) 71.76 Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) 79.68 Color Gamut % (sRGB) 97.4 Color Gamut % (Rec 709) 99.68 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) No Data Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) 76.7 Color Gamut % (BT.709) No Data Contrast Ratio (x:1) 73455 Brightness (nits) 1301.3054 HDR Brightness (nits) 2163 Input Lag (ms) 10.306 Response Time (ms) 7.9 Viewing Angle (Degrees) No Data Color Washout (Degrees) 29 Color Shift (Degrees) 47 Brightness Loss (Degrees) 45 Reflections (%) 1.7 Low-Freq Extension (Hz) 95.14 Freq Response StdDev @ 70db 3.18 Freq Response StdDev @ 80db 3.45 Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db 0.204 All Specs
All Retailers
- $1,047.99$1,198Save $150
Our Verdict
The QN90B offers great brightness, with over 1000 cd/m2 in real viewing. It produces vivid, tonally-balanced HDR scenes. Input options include 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. While it doesn’t match the image quality of OLED TVs, it works well in brightly-lit areas.
The TV’s local dimming provides a 73,455:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks, though some blooming and reflections crop up. Gamers will appreciate its low 5.9ms input lag and tested 144 Hz refresh rate, which reduces screen tearing.
Its downscaling capabilities, sleek remote, Tizen smart interface, and low input lag contribute to its appeal. Quality at wide viewing angles up to 35 degrees off-center is good but not as good as on an OLED TV.
If you can overlook the lack of Dolby Vision and the premium price tag, the QN90B is an excellent choice.
Beginner’s Guide to 50-Inch TVs
What are 50-Inch TVs?
50-inch televisions are simply TVs with a 50-inch screen when measured diagonally. However, don’t be surprised when you find a variety of sizes, including 48-inch and 49-inch televisions, in this size class.
Once considered a large screen, they’ve since been outpaced by 55- and the best 60-inch TVs. Because 50-inch simply refers to the size of the screen, there’s a wide array of features that can be incorporated into a 50-inch television.
For example, you can find QLED, OLED, and traditional LED screen formats. If you only need a simple screen to connect to a traditional cable hookup, then you might find that television that has native streaming support might be excessive. However, others who’ve decided to cut the cord may prefer a 50-inch television that does incorporate direct access to streaming services like Apple+, Netflix, or even Prime Video.
50-Inch TVs vs Other TVs
As mentioned previously, a 50-inch television simply means that the television measures 50 inches diagonally from bezel to bezel. Functionality and features can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and the cost of the television. Check out our mashup of the LG vs Samsung 4K 50″ TVs. Moreover, keep in mind there is no best TV brand, there are just some great brands and some not-so-great brands.
While LED televisions, in general, have a reasonable price thanks to innovations in technology, 50-inch televisions often are pricier than their bigger siblings simply because it’s not a popular size anymore.
And because it’s not as massive a category as in previous eras, don’t be surprised if you find that many 50-inch televisions aren’t as competitive as larger models. However, this isn’t always the case. Aside from price and availability, 50-inch televisions can come with displays and features found on larger and smaller models.
This can include QLED, OLED, and standard LED, as well as 4K display support. As with smaller and larger models, you’ll get a range of ports, allowing you to connect streaming devices and gaming consoles to your television. Usually, you’ll get three or four HDMI ports as well as an auxiliary or optical digital sound output.
While not as popular as the great 40-inch TVs, the best 43-inch TVs, or the larger 55-inch options, 50-inch televisions tend to have an affordable price range of anywhere from $300 to $500. However, it’s possible to find cheaper or more expensive models depending on the features and display quality specifications that you prefer.
How 50-Inch TVs Work
50-inch TVs may no longer be a fan favorite, but a 50-inch LED TV works just like any LED television. LED is the standard TV technology, and the acronym stands for light-emitting diode. This technology allowed for televisions to get thinner, and ultimately less expensive, as the technology progressed.
LED technology shines light through liquid crystals and other internal components to create images that appear on the screen. As time progressed, better display technology was developed, which paved the way for premium options like OLED and QLED.
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) utilizes material that glows when it comes into contact with electricity. Likewise, QLED (quantum dot light-emitting diode) leverages nanoparticles to produce colors instead of white LEDs. Because of these two methods, both OLED and QLED are viewed as superior tech thanks to enhanced color accuracy and wider viewing angles.
Why You Should Buy 50-Inch TVs
Even though 50-inch televisions aren’t the most popular size anymore, they’re still an effective option for people who want to have a television that won’t overwhelm a smaller room.
Are 50-Inch TVs Worth Having?
- You Don’t Want a Huge Television: Even though the tech world makes 50-inch televisions seem like an obsolete size, they’re not. Not everyone wants a television that dominates a wall. If you want a comfortable viewing experience, a 50-inch model might be the perfect size.
- You Don’t Want to Spend Too Much Money: Yes, it’s possible that a 50-inch television can be more than a 55-inch model. However, they’re still fairly affordable, with an average price of $300 to $500, depending on the specifications and features you require.
- You’re Not As Concerned About Premium Features: It’s no secret that the 50-inch niche is a somewhat neglected television subcategory. Not all, but most manufacturers don’t pack this television size full of the features seen on their premium models. But if you’re not someone who needs the latest and greatest model, you may find that this isn’t an issue for you.
Why 50-Inch TVs May Not Be for You
- You Need the Latest Features: As we’ve mentioned previously, because 50-inch televisions aren’t as popular anymore, many television manufacturers don’t stuff them full of premium features like they do their flagship models. For anyone who has to have the best features, this could be a problem.
- You Want a Television for a Larger Room: 50-inch televisions usually are ideal if you plan to have your seating be roughly four feet from the television. However, if you have a larger room and plan to sit farther back, you may find that the television feels too small.
- You Don’t Want a Frustrating Shopping Experience: What can make shopping for a 50-inch television so annoying is that it’s not a large category. So, you may be shocked to find that you’re also looking at smaller televisions like 48- and 49-inch models. Additionally, the 50-inch television segment usually doesn’t come with cutting-edge features. So, if you have your heart set on the latest technology releases, this is not a size you should prioritize.
How Long Will 50-Inch TVs Last?
While planned obsolescence is a thing in the tech world, you usually won’t have to worry about your television dying a few months after you buy it. On average, LED televisions have a lifespan that ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 hours — with some brands promising as much as 100,000. That averages out to about 4.5 years on the low end and almost 7 years at 60,000 hours. And if you manage to get a TV promising 100,000 hours, that’s about 10 years of use before you need to replace it.
On the other hand, the 40 in TV width makes it convenient for many room sizes. Even if you have the smallest of studio apartments or dorm rooms, 40-inch TVs will fit any space. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to save money while still getting a quality product. However, those who want larger screens should look at 45″ and above.
Of course, your individual experience will depend on the quality of the television you picked and user behavior. Because today’s televisions tend to include smart features, this means that they rely on an operating system. So, if you fail to perform a firmware update, you may find that you experience glitches early on. But even if you update regularly, we all know that eventually, a manufacturer will stop supporting updates for older models — meaning that you’ll need to update to a new model.
But user behavior will most definitely impact how long you can go between buying televisions. Avoid setting your television to maximum brightness, as this will significantly reduce your television’s lifespan. Experts recommend picture settings where the backlight is set to 75% or less to maximize efficiency and achieve the promoted top range for performance hours. If efficiency is a concern for you, make sure to check out these great low-wattage TVs as well.
How to Choose 50-Inch TVs
There are quite a few factors to consider beyond size when shopping for a 50-inch television. Along with picking the right display features, also consider factors like bezel size, connectivity, resolution, and contrast, as well as whether streaming functionality is built-in.
Best 50-Inch TVs Factors to Consider
Is the TV 50 inches?
This might seem like an odd question, but the 50-inch television niche is quite small. In some cases, you may find that retailers combine 48- and 49-inch televisions in this subcategory. So, if you have your heart set on a 50-inch television, pay attention to the dimensions.
How large is the bezel?
Not everyone cares about this factor. But some people despise the look of an oversized bezel. Especially if you’re looking to implement a specialized mount where a large bezel will detract from the overall look you’re trying to achieve, look for a slim design with a low-profile, thin bezel.
How will you use the television?
At a minimum, you’ll use your television to watch movies or television shows. But if you’re a gamer, and serious about this activity, you’ll want a television with the right specs to make your gaming experience enjoyable.
For example, you might find that you’ll need a television with HDMI 2.1 ports because they can support a variable refresh rate — ensuring that you can achieve 120 hertz for a smoother gaming experience.
What kind of display do you prefer?
Plasma displays have been obsolete for quite a while. So, these days you’re going to be choosing between LED functionality. A basic LED display works just fine, but you also have the option of OLED and QLED TV. Once feared for a risk of burn-in, OLED technology has come a long way, and you don’t have to worry quite as much unless you leave your television on a static channel for more than a day. A QLED TV uses quantum dot technology for excellent picture quality.
Do you want a connected television?
There’s no right or wrong answer for this. Connected televisions are standard these days, even in the 50-inch television category. If you already used connected devices like Amazon Fire TV sticks or an Apple TV, you might not be as pressed to get a 50-inch version that can natively connect to streaming platforms. But, if you despise attachments on your television, this might be a priority.
Also, note that mirroring, the ability to pair your mobile devices with your television and play content from your device on the TV, is a common feature even for 50-inch TVs.
What is the resolution?
These days, a 50-inch 4K TV is a standard format to find. With that in mind, you’ll want to target companion specs such as 120 hertz, peak brightness around 1,000 nits, and either support for Dolby Vision or HDR10+.
While conversations continue to mention 8K, as of the time of publishing this article, 8K technology isn’t a standard feature for 50-inch TVs. And more importantly, outside of major sporting events like the Tokyo Olympics, there’s not a lot of content available on the market to justify the serious splurge required to own an 8K 50-inch display television.
Do you want voice control?
Depending on how you already access television content, this may or may not be important. Many connected devices already come with remote controls that have voice commands support built into their functionality, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. But if you don’t already subscribe to one of those services, you may find voice assistants a nice value-added option.
