The best 50-inch TVs offer exceptional picture quality and full streaming features without costing too much
There was a time when a 48 or 50 inch TV would have been considered huge, but times have changed and many of us now consider this size to be the minimum to start when it comes to choosing a TV. The first Samsung QLED of this size was only recently unveiled and the first OLEDs of this size were announced (and, as you will see later, they are great too!).
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If a 55-inch or 65-inch TV doesn’t fit in your living room or bedroom, then a 50-inch TV may be for you! If on the one hand, you may have to give up the idea of having a gigantic latest generation TV, on the other you are in a very fertile territory because the best-selling TVs are precisely those of this size, and therefore the competition is more fierce than never. What does all this mean? Well, those 48, 49, and 50 inch TVs are the ones that offer the best value for money.
As for picture quality: Almost all models of this size are now 4K and there’s no need to look for Full HD models because 4K TVs are pretty cheap too.
The features are generally great in all respects, which means you can expect to find streaming apps like Prime Video, Disney +, Netflix, YouTube, and more on the way. You may also find HDR, at least in the HDR10 form, but often also in HLG, Dolby Vision, and/or HDR10 + for stunning 4K images. Read on to find out which in our opinion are the best 48, 49 and 50 inch TVs and which one to buy!
1. Sony KD-48A9
Sony’s first 48-inch OLED TV is superb
Screen size: 48 inches | Panel technology: OLED | Backlight: not present because it is OLED | Resolution: 4K | Supported HDR formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Tuner: DVB-T1 and DVB-T2 digital terrestrial + DVB-S2 satellite | Smart TV OS: Android TV | HDMI inputs: 4 | ARC / eARC: eARC | Optical Out: Yes | Curved: No | Dimensions (HxWxD, without the base): 62 x 107 x 5.8 cm
Pros: amazing images; bold sound; excellent choice of applications
Cons: a little expensive; it does not have the latest generation HDMI functions
Click HERE now to see it on Sony
It’s official: 48 inches is the new 50 inches! At one time there was no OLED TV under 55 inches, but then LG launched the first 48-inch OLED TV on the market: later Sony also produced one of its own and this is currently the best TV of this size on the market.
Sony has also moved on to producing smaller TVs, making the KD-48A9 (also known in some countries as XBR-48A9S) as small as possible, thanks to its slim bezel and minimal, space-saving pedestal. The rear is a little more protruding than other TVs to comfortably hold the speakers, hardware, and connection ports, but you only notice this when looking at it in profile.
Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor renders images nothing short of stunning, dark image details are brought out incredibly, and you can take advantage of almost any streaming app out there. Motion control (or motion control) is still the industry leader, and in terms of sharpness and detail, there is no better TV than this in this size. If you can afford it, this TV is a superb choice – arguably the best 48-inch in our opinion.
2. Samsung UE50TU8500
The best 50-inch TV for those on a budget
Screen size: 50 inch (43, 55 and 65 inch also available) | Panel technology: LCD | Backlight: edge LED | Resolution: 4K | Supported HDR formats: HDR10, HLG, HDR10 + | Tuner: DVB-T1 and DVB-T2 digital terrestrial | Smart TV operating system: Tizen | HDMI inputs: 3 | ARC / eARC: eARC | Optical Out: Yes | Curved: No | Measurements (HxLxP, without the base): 69.6 x 112.6 x 20.5 cm
Pros: deep and detailed blacks; excellent images in 4K; the selection of available apps is more than satisfactory.
Cons: Color balance turns slightly to red.
Click HERE now to see it on Amazon
Without a doubt the best 50-inch TV for those on a budget. Despite the price, the functions of this TV are impressive, with features like ALLM, eARC, 4K, and three HDR formats supported to ensure the best possible picture quality. The Tizen OS is the same one that Samsung uses for its top TVs, which means a great user interface and loads of applications.
It comes with Samsung’s standard remote, plus its One Remote, which is more ergonomic and has essential buttons (i.e. all the necessary ones you use most often). Voice controls work via Amazon’s Alexa, Samsung’s Bixby, and Google Assistant.
As for the visuals, it dwarfs most products in the similarly priced category, thanks to deep blacks and bright whites. The movements are fluid, clean, and natural, and he manages to bring out a lot of details. In our opinion, there is nothing better at this price!
3. Sony KD-49XH9505
In our opinion, the best 49-inch TV on the market
Panel Technology: Direct LED Backlit LCD | Screen size: 49 inches | Resolution: 4K | HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | Tuner: DVB-T1 and DVB-T2 digital terrestrial | HDMI: 4 | Curved: No | Dimensions (HxWxD, without the base): 62.9 x 109.3 x 6.9 cm
Pros: rich and detailed images; significantly improved sound; great user experience.
Cons: same design as other older models; some problems with the backlight during dark scenes.
Click HERE now to see it on Sony
This 49-inch TV is really hard to beat! The Sony XH might look very similar to last year’s model, but its performance is far better.
It possesses the new X1 Ultimate chip, which aims to improve definition and contrast and provide a faster experience in the Android TV interface. It offers all the applications one would expect from such a device, such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, and Netflix, as well as support for AirPlay 2, Dolby Vision, and HDR10.
When it comes to image rendering, expect rich, punchy colors, excellent handling of fast motion, and deep, detailed blacks.
4. Sony KD-49XH8596
A 49-inch TV with similar characteristics to larger TVs
Panel technology: LCD with direct LED backlight | Screen size: 49 inches | Resolution: 4K | HDR Support: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Tuner: DVB-T1 and DVB-T2 digital terrestrial + DVB-S2 satellite | HDMI inputs: 4 | Curved: No | Measurements (HxLxP, with the base): 77.6 x 118.8 x 14.8 cm
Pros: crisp images and incredible sound; bright colors; fluid movements.
Cons: Blacks could be improved.
Click HERE now to see it on Amazon
Sony’s KD-49XH8596 possesses most of the features of Sony’s larger high-end TVs and, for its size and price, offers excellent images.
The Android TV operating system, while not keeping up with alternatives like Samsung and LG, is constantly improving and boasts all the streaming apps you need.
Colors are natural and brilliantly balanced; Super sharp details and edges combine to deliver an excellent and nearly equal image whatever the source you choose. You don’t have to juggle settings to get the most out of this TV – it’s great on its own. A great alternative to the best 50-inch TVs listed above.