Best 48 in tv: The best 48, 49, 50-inch TVs 2023 for every budget

The best 48-to-50-inch TVs 2023: perfect 48in and 50in TVs for all budgets

By Mike Lowe

last updated 9 June 2023

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The best 48-inch to 50-inch TVs are the perfect size for your home cinema setting. You’ll be surprised at how these TVs can fit into most average sized homes without looking to chunky. Typically they’ll cost less than the best 55-inch TVs too!

These 48, 49, and 50-inch TV options provide a lot more screen surface area than the best 43-inch TVs, so will hit the ideal sweet spot for many buyers. There’s all kinds of quality in this list, too, from the best OLED TVs to some of the more premium best TVs in small form-factor. 

And if gaming is your thing, then these 48-inch and 50-inch TVs give you some great features, but to be more specific, check out our guide to the best gaming TVs too, if that’s something that matters to you. 

Best 48, 49, 50-inch TVs 2023: Top 3

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The best 48-inch TV for most people is the LG OLED C2. This OLED delivers stunning images, and while it’s less bright at 48-inch than its larger panels, it’s an ideal option if you want quality.

The best premium 48-inch TV is the Sony A90K. Sony’s premium OLED only comes in 42- and 48-inch sizes, designed for AV nerds who want the best possible image quality at such a scale.  

The best affordable 50-inch TV is the Hisense A7H. Looking to spend less? Hisense’s A7G and A7H models bring 50-inch scale without the big price tag, and perform well too. 

Today’s best LG OLED48C2, Sony XR-48A90K and Hisense 50A7HQTUK deals

Sony XR-48A90K

£1,499

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Hisense 50A7HQTUK

See all prices

(Image credit: LG)

1. LG OLED C2

The best 48-inch TV for most people

Specifications

Panel type: OLED

Screen sizes: 48in / 55in / 65in / 77in / 83in

High dynamic range (HDR): HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG

HDMI: 4 total (2x HDMI 2.1)

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Great picture

+

Works amazingly well with games

+

Plenty of connectivity

Reasons to avoid

–

No HDR10+

–

Middling sound quality

–

Less bright than larger models

The LG C2 is the TV that keeps on giving: it appears in all manner of best-of guides because it’s a great OLED panel, it’s great for gaming (thanks to HDMI 2. 1) too, and cinema fans love it for the super quality. It’s also available in this 48-inch size, delivering for a whole other market who aren’t after a massive panel. 

As said in our LG OLED C2 review: “this is the best OLED TV for most people”. LG is the king of all OLED (literally, it makes the panels for other brands) and so knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to delivering top-tier quality. It’s less bright than the larger options also available in the range, and if you can find an LG A2 for less then that’s also worth considering.

(Image credit: Sony)

2. Sony A90K

The best premium 48-inch TV

Specifications

Panel type: OLED

Screen size: 42in / 48in

HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG

HDMI : 4x HDMI 2.1

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Accomplished and convincing images

+

Good gaming feature-set (4x HDMI 2.1)

Reasons to avoid

–

Lacks outright brightness

–

Startlingly expensive

If you’re a cinema superfan and want the best possible image quality, but at a not-giant scale, then Sony has a refreshing tonic for your consideration, as its X90K OLED TV only comes in 42-inch and 48-inch formats. Its target is clear: to deliver the best quality from a smaller TV panel.

It’s not cheap though, which may be a hurdle for some. As we said in our A90K review: “you have to get beyond the asking price… when you do, you’re left with a tiny OLED TV that’s capable of big image quality.” It’s also adept for gamers, thanks to four HDMI 2.1 ports, whereas most competitors only offer two with that spec. 

(Image credit: Hisense)

3. Hisense A7G

The best value 50-inch TV

Specifications

Panel type: LCD (QLED)

Other sizes available: 43in / 50in / 55in / 58in / 65in / 75in

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG

HDMI : 3x HDMI 2.0

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Superb picture quality for the price

+

HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

+

Good smart TV features

Reasons to avoid

–

HDR brightness isn’t class-leading

–

Sound could be improved

If you want a modest panel at a modest price then Hisense has a great LCD option. As said in our review: “the Hisense A7G is a 4K QLED TV that goes above and beyond its mid-range price tag.”

There are some compromises, of course, such as the HDMI ports only being 2.0 designation, meaning no top-tier gaming features (no 120Hz, no VRR, no ALLM). But for 4K viewing of TV and movies that’s no problem at all, plus there’s HDMI eARC for audio passthrough should you want to add one of the best soundbars to beef audio up. 

Best 48, 49 and 50-inch TVs: Best of the rest

(Image credit: Philips)

4. Philips OLED 907

The best 48-inch TV for extra immersion

Specifications

Panel type: OLED

Screen sizes: 48in / 55in / 65in

HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG

HDMI : 4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Poised, accomplished images from any source

+

Ambilight is always a treat

Reasons to avoid

–

Not cheap considering OLED competition

–

Needs tinkering to get its best

Philips’ OLED TVs never fail to impress thanks to Ambilight, whereby the picture is ‘projected’ in real-time beyond the TV’s frame. That’s what makes the Philips 907 so special, plus it sounds way better than many of its competitors, which is why its asking price begins to seem all the more reasonable.

As said in our Philips 907 review: “it doesn’t look any kind of bargain on paper, but once you realise there’s no need for further spending on a soundbar the Philips OLED 907 starts to seem better value. Then you see the picture quality of which it’s capable, and add in the unique effect of its three-sided Ambilight, and the price suddenly seems absolutely fair enough. This is a TV superstar.”

(Image credit: Samsung)

5. Samsung BU8500

The best budget 50-inch Samsung TV

Specifications

Panel type: LCD

Screen sizes: 43in / 50in / 55in / 65in / 75in

HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG

HDMI: 3x HDMI 2.0

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Superb 4K picture quality

+

Good looks for the money

Reasons to avoid

–

Sound could be better

–

Only HDMI 2. 0, so not great for gamers

If the Hisense further up page doesn’t take your fancy then one of the best budget Samsung TVs is this one. As said in our Samsung BU8500 review: “Samsung has an ability to hit a price point without compromising all that obviously or in too many areas. It’s good quality and good value if you don’t want to fork out masses of cash on a top-tier telly.

No, you don’t get top-tier gaming features and, no, you won’t get OLED levels of precision from this LCD panel. But even so, what’s so impressive about the BU8500 is just how mild its shortcomings are by comparison. There are lots of size options for low prices, too, so if you were to consider something larger than 50-inch but still for under £1000 then Samsung has got your back. 

(Image credit: Samsung / Future)

6. Samsung Q80B

A great 4K QLED TV for gamers

Specifications

Panel type: Neo QLED (Mini LED)

Available sizes: 50in / 55in / 65in / 75in / 85in

High dynamic range (HDR): HDR10, HDR10+, HLG

HDMI: 4x HDMI 2. 1

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Impressive high dynamic range (HDR) performance

+

4K 120Hz HDMI support for new-gen gaming

Reasons to avoid

–

No Dolby Vision HDR format

–

Blooming evident on some content

As said in our review: the Samsung Q80B is an impressive option if your budget won’t stretch to Samsung’s higher-numbered Neo QLED Mini LED models. The Q80B’s vibrant picture performance is easy to like, there’s high frame rate gaming support, plus a solid smart platform with plenty of streaming options.

So what’s the downside? Samsung doesn’t support Dolby Vision, and in this Q80B model you’re going to get some backlight blooming because it’s not got as many dimming zones as the higher-end models in Samsung’s range. No biggie, though, as it’s well balanced for picture quality to asking price. 

(Image credit: Panasonic)

7. Panasonic LZ980

An excellent 48-inch OLED option

Specifications

Panel type: OLED

Panel sizes: 42in / 48in / 55in / 65in

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG

HDMI: 4 total (2x HDMI 2. 1)

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Effortlessly believable and properly refined images

+

Thorough HDR support

Reasons to avoid

–

‘Only’ two full HDMI 2.1 sockets

–

Not particularly bright

When we reviewed the Panasonic LZ980 in its smaller 42-inch format, we didn’t think it was much to look at, as it’s a bit overly thick for a small TV, but its images are “extraordinarily accomplished and enjoyable watch.” There’s a full raft of HDR support, plus gamers will be content with the HDMI 2.1 ports to enable faster refresh rates. 

Panasonic is sometimes seen as the underdog, as it doesn’t release commercial TVs in the USA, but it makes really great options for the UK market. So if you’re looking for an OLED option that delivers big on image quality, and find it at the right price, then this is a very safe option indeed. It sounds a bit wheezy, though, so consider adding a decent soundbar too. 

(Image credit: Samsung)

8.

Samsung The Frame

The best 50-inch TV for low reflection

Specifications

Panel type: LCD (QLED)

Panel sizes: 32in / 43in / 50in / 55in / 65in / 75in / 85in

HDR: HDR10+, HLG

HDMI: 3x HDMI 2.0

Today’s Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Displays art when it’s powered down

+

Minimal reflection 

Reasons to avoid

–

Art Store requires subscription

–

Nothing for gamers here

If you want something innocuous that you barely even notice as a TV then Samsung’s The Frame is a superb option because 1. it displays art when it’s ‘off’ and 2. its minimal reflection panel is so convincing that you’ll think you’re looking at actual paintings, not a television. 

That matte screen does mean less pop for movies and such like, plus there’s nothing here for gamers given the lower refresh rate and HDMI 2.0 type, but for TV and streaming you’re not going to notice that at all. 

As we said in our The Frame review: “even when it’s switched off it will add life to your living room by displaying your favourite artworks or family photos. While the sound won’t knock you off your feet, the picture is something to behold and there are loads of other useful features to discover as well.”

Best 50-inch TV: Is this the right size for you?

While 43 inches remains the most popular screen size, a 50-inch 4K TV is perfect for today’s living spaces if you want a big upgrade to your visual oomph. As homes have gone more open-plan, so the demand for a bigger screen you can see from a greater distance has increased. In general, a 48- to 50-inch Smart TV can be viewed well from 10 feet away or more, though if you’re a little close, you’ll get a a good eyeful of that 4K detail.

Best 50-inch TV: What to look for

At this screen size you should be looking for 50-inch LCD TVs that are fully-specified. That means you can expect a direct LED backlight and local dimming in higher-end models, which will give you more vibrant colours and brighter highlights plus greater contrast for dark scenes in moves. 

To really elevate those parts of movies, you’ll also want extensive HDR format support – particularly Dolby Vision and HDR10+ where possible (though most TVs will limit you to one or the other).

Here in 2021, we’re also looking for AI-enhanced image processing, which improves the ability to upscale from SD or HD to fill the 4K screen. And we expect Dolby Atmos support, comprehensive smart systems, and additional gaming features from more expensive sets.

How to Buy a TV: Spring 2023 Edition

This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.

The seasonal TV replacement cycle is cyclical, with new TVs announced in January and hitting stores in the spring and summer. The price of those TVs starts to drop like leaves in the fall, before reaching rock bottom for Black Friday. We’re already starting to see 2023 TVs hitting the shelves, but you can still get a good TV deal by sticking with a discounted 2022 model. They aren’t significantly different from their more recent counterparts and are the best way to save money this spring. 

Think of this guide as an oasis in the vast desert of information about TVs. We strive to provide you with easy-to-understand information to help you select a new television. It won’t answer every question, and when you read it, it won’t tell you “the perfect TV for you” at the end. But we hope it can provide you with the basic tools you need to feel confident when you buy that new set.

Read more: Best TV for 2023

Which TV should I buy right now?

If you just want to skip all the details and buy a great television, we have a few go-to choices among the TVs available right now.

When is the best time to buy a TV?

The best time to buy a TV is on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s because TV prices go down as the year progresses until they typically hit bottom on the biggest shopping days of the year. Those Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are best known for absurd, doorbuster pricing on no-name televisions, but the fact is that just about every TV gets a holiday price cut.

Right now, we’re at the high point of the buying cycle. New 2023 TVs were announced in January and are just now dropping into stores at their full retail prices. This trend will continue throughout the spring and into the summer, as manufacturers release their 2023 offerings. 

That said, there are still some 2022 models available at a discount. Those will start to disappear as the year progresses and more 2023 TVs take up space on the shelves. Generally, we tell people to wait until the fall to get a new TV, as that’s when you’ll save the most money. But if you need a new one right now and don’t want to pay for all the newest tech, grab a 2022 model while you still can. 

Wondering exactly how to figure out the TV for you? Here’s some advice.

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

What TV specifications matter most?

As a rule of thumb, the main purpose of a TV’s specification sheet is to bombard you with confusing terms and numbers in an attempt to get you to “step up” and buy the more expensive version. Just about the only worthwhile numbers are found under Inputs and Weight/Dimensions.

Rather than rely on the spec sheet to provide hints on which TV will perform better than another, our advice is to simply ignore it. The sheet can help when trying to differentiate a TV based on features, such as whether it has HDR, smart TV capability or a fancy remote, but it’s close to useless when used as a tool for divining picture quality.

How big a TV should I buy?

We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV — and 65 inches or larger is best.

In fact, more than any other “feature,” stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we’ve heard is from people who didn’t go big enough. And we almost never hear people complain that their TV is too large.

If you want to fit an existing entertainment center, make sure you have at least an inch on the sides and top of the TV cavity to allow for ventilation. Or just junk that old furniture and get a bigger TV.

Read more: Why You Can (Probably) Get a Bigger TV Than You Think

Trust us, bigger is better.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Do I need 4K and HDR?

TVs with 4K resolution, also known as Ultra High Definition TVs, have four times as many pixels as standard 1080p resolution TVs. That sounds like a big improvement, but in reality it’s very difficult to tell the difference in sharpness between a 4K TV and a good old-fashioned HDTV.

On the other hand, 4K TVs are easy for manufacturers to produce, so they’re basically standard now. Just about every TV 50 inches or larger has 4K resolution, and many smaller sets are 4K, too. Aside from the smallest sizes, 1080p and lower-resolution models are quickly becoming resigned to the bargain bin.

Read more: Best 75-Inch TVs

Many streaming services offer 4K HDR TV shows and movies.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Most of the 4K TVs have HDR compatibility as well. HDR delivers better contrast and color, so unlike 4K, chances are you’ll actually be able to see an improvement compared with normal HDTV. How big of an improvement (if any) depends on the TV, however, and just like with 4K, you’ll need to be watching actual HDR content. And just because a TV is HDR-compatible doesn’t mean it actually performs better, with or without an HDR source.

Streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and HBO Max offer both 4K and HDR, but not on every title (although most original series and movies on both services are in 4K HDR). Actual 4K or HDR TV channels are largely nonexistent in the US, but certain special events (like the Olympics) are sometimes shown in 4K HDR.

Bottom line? All of the best TVs are 4K TVs with HDR. If you’re shopping for a medium-size or larger TV, you’ll probably end up with a 4K one anyway, and chances are it’ll do HDR, too.

Read more: Why All HDR on TVs Isn’t the Same

Every CNET TV review is conducted as a side-by-side comparison with other TVs.

David Katzmaier/CNET

What TVs have the best picture quality?

We consider the best picture quality for the money a sort of holy grail in the quest for a new TV. It’s still consistently the No. 1 thing TV shoppers cite as important to their buying decision.

If you don’t place as high a priority on PQ, you’ll get the best value by simply sorting a list of TVs by price along with the screen size you want, choosing the cheapest from a brand you trust and calling it a day. Or at least skip to the next section of this guide.

After nearly 20 years reviewing TVs, we feel comfortable conveying some generalizations we’ve observed about picture quality:

• OLED TVs have the best picture quality available, but they’re still quite expensive.
• QD-OLED brings quantum dot technology to the OLED display. This should result in deep blacks and higher brightness, with better color in bright areas. We haven’t been able to review them in person yet, but the first Sony and Samsung TVs featuring a new OLED panel by Samsung Display are going to be expensive, and we probably won’t recommend most people buy them over more affordable OLEDs like the C2.
• Nearly every TV, including Samsung’s QLED, uses LED LCD technology, which (despite the “LED” similarity) is very different from OLED.
• LED LCD TVs with local dimming often outperform those without. LCD also has other tech, like quantum dots and mini-LED, that help improve its image quality.
• The ability to produce a deep shade of black — which translates into high contrast — is the most important ingredient in a good picture.
• For HDR, image brightness and local dimming are essential for the best performance.
• Color saturation, which is directly influenced by contrast/black level, is second most important, followed by color accuracy.
• In a bright room, matte screens are the best overall at reducing reflections. The best glossy screens preserve black levels well.
• Less important factors include color gamut, video processing and display resolution.
• Many people don’t realize they’re watching the soap opera effect and might like their TV’s picture quality better if they turned it off.
• Poor picture settings on a good TV will usually look worse than calibrated picture settings on a crappy TV.

In sum, picture quality is more complex than just counting pixels or reading a spec sheet, and your best bet is to read reviews, such as those at CNET. Hopefully you can also get the chance to see a good TV in person along with someone who can explain why it’s good.

Read more: How We Test TVs at CNET

Considerations beyond size, price and picture quality

Those are the “big three” of TV buying, but a few other things are worth knowing about. 

8K is here, but don’t worry about it

A TV with 8K resolution has twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of 4K, for a whopping 7,680×4,320 and 33,177,600 total pixels. Not only is that four times the total pixel count of 4K, that’s an incredible 16 times more pixels than 1080p.

A few TVs with 8K resolution are available today, but we don’t recommend them. They’re expensive and there’s nothing in 8K to watch today. Moreover, from what we’ve seen they don’t provide much, if any, picture quality improvement compared to 4K TVs.

In the future 8K TVs will surely get cheaper and more mainstream, but it will be years before they’re worth considering for all but the richest TV buyers.

Read more: What You Need to Know About 8K TV

Voice control, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

Another big trend in gadgets, including TVs, is the ability to be controlled by voice commands. Many TV remotes have built-in mics and “push to talk” functionality, for example to search for TV shows and movies, and many work with one or both of the two major voice assistants, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. A handful of newer TVs even have built-in mics that allow them to respond to a “Hey, Google” or “Alexa” wake word, much like a Google Nest or Echo speaker. And numerous models work with existing Alexa or Google speakers too.

Voice control makes some tasks easier than hitting buttons on a remote. You can not only search for TV shows and movies, but order pizza, play trivia games and music, and control lights and other smart home devices. Other activities, however, are still easier using the remote.

Many TVs can be controlled hands-free with Google Home and Alexa speakers.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

HDMI connections

TV connectivity has gotten less complex as important inputs have dwindled to one kind: HDMI. Just count the number of devices you’ll want to connect, and make sure your TV has at least that many HDMI ports (or one or two extra if you’ll be expanding). 

USB inputs are nice for displaying photos, but hardly necessary. You only need to worry about the analog ports if you have an older device to connect; the Nintendo Wii is the classic HDMI-free offender. And of course you’ll need an antenna input (standard on nearly every TV) if you’re cutting the cord and want free over-the-air TV.

Nearly every new 4K TV has enough robust HDMI connections (version 2.0, 2.0a or 2.0b, with HDCP copy protection) to work with a range of the latest 4K and HDR gear. The latest HDMI 2.1 standard is available on many newer TVs, but for now it’s mainly useful for gamers who have a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X and want to maximize their graphics capabilities. And yes, you should just buy the cheap HDMI cables.

Read more: Best HDMI Cables for Your New 4K and HDR TV

Newer TVs with HDMI 2.1 often have “4K/120Hz” or gaming labels near the applicable inputs.

David Katzmaier/CNET

Smart TV

Since you can connect an inexpensive Roku or Amazon Fire TV stick or box to make any TV “smart” — in the sense that you get access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and the rest — the “apps” on TVs are often redundant. Even so, your next TV will likely have smart apps whether you use them or not.

One advantage of built-in apps is that they’re likely 4K and HDR if your TV supports those formats, whereas the cheapest external streamers are not. On the other hand, you can get a great 4K HDR streamer for less than $50, and often the experience will be much better than on the TV.

Read more: Best Streaming Device

Roku TVs are cord-cutter-friendly, with scads of streaming apps and great antenna support.

Sarah Tew/CNET

TV antenna tuner

If you’re planning on cutting the cable TV cord, or you have already, you might want to make sure the TV you get has a built-in over-the-air tuner. It will allow you to watch free local TV broadcasts, usually in higher quality than cable, satellite or streaming.

Some new TVs like Roku TVs and Amazon Fire TV Edition sets are particularly tuner-friendly, with full grid-style program guides for antenna TV shows.

Read more: Best TV Antenna

Remote controls

We prefer simple TV remotes without a lot of buttons.

David Katzmaier/CNET

If you aren’t planning to use a universal model or the remote that came with your cable box, pay attention to the TV’s included clicker. It’s nice when it can command other gear directly so you can ditch those extra remotes. We prefer smaller, simple remotes with just a few buttons that consign most of the action to the screen.

Read more: Best Universal Remote

High-end styling, hidden wiring

Since TVs are basically furniture, manufacturers have concentrated on making their sets look nicer. Many TVs today look like almost all picture from the front, and when seen from the side or hung on a wall, the thin cabinets almost disappear. Other innovations include channels to hide wiring and, in the case of high-end Samsung TVs, a separate input box to further reduce clutter.

Some TVs have channels behind the TV for hiding wires.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best TV brand?

We don’t have a favorite brand; instead we try to judge the TVs I test on their individual merits, largely ignoring brand cachet or reputation. We don’t test TVs over the long term, but from what we know all of the major brands are more or less equally reliable. Some brands do perform more consistently better than others in my tests, or deliver remotes, smart TV systems or designs we prefer over competitors, but these can change on a fairly regular basis.

Another way to answer that question is to check out our current list of best TVs.

What’s the best TV for gaming? What about sports?

Trick question! We believe the best TVs for watching pretty much anything are the TVs with the best black level, color and other standard performance characteristics (not to mention the biggest screen). Motion resolution isn’t a major concern since most blurring on TV sporting events is inherent in the source, and input lag, which we measure for every TV review, can often be improved by specialized gaming modes common on most TVs.

The exception, as mentioned above, is for gamers with next-generation consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X who want features like 4K/120Hz and variable refresh rate. Those are only found on newer, more expensive TVs.

Read more: Best Gaming TVs

Input lag is measured for every TV we review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

What about all those picture settings? Should I pay for a calibration?

Properly adjusting the picture is very important to getting the most out of your TV. That said, simply selecting the “Movie,” “Cinema” or “Calibrated” preset will get you the most accurate picture on most TVs. If you want to go deeper, or perhaps bring in a professional to help, check out our picture settings tips and professional calibration explainer.

What accessories should I buy?

Let me reiterate: All HDMI cables are the same. If you want better audio, we recommend starting with a soundbar or investing in a home theater system. And if the built-in smart TV system on your set isn’t up to par, check out a streaming device.

How long will my new TV last?

The short answer is “it should last a very long time. ” Here’s the longer version.

Can I use my TV as a computer monitor?

Yes you can, and it should work very well, whether you use HDMI or go wireless. 

How come you never mention rear-projection or plasma TV?

Because rear-projection TVs are no longer on sale as of 2012, and the last plasma TVs were manufactured in 2014. They’re sadly missed.

OK, what about projectors?

Unlike dinosaur rear projectors, we think front projectors are really cool. Here’s our favorite home theater projectors and portable projectors.

Sarah Tew/CNET

What happened to 3D TV?

Once a futuristic add-on filled with promise — remember the original Avatar? — 3D TV is now basically dead. The last two major brands to support 3D, Sony and LG, dropped support entirely in 2017, joining Samsung, Vizio and most other brands. All of the TV makers we asked cited lack of interest from consumers.

Which HDR format is better, HDR10 or Dolby Vision? What about HLG and HDR10 Plus?

Neither one has proven better in our tests yet, and it mostly depends on the TV. For more info, check out our guide to HDR formats and an in-depth look at HDR10 Plus.

Where can I find the latest TV reviews again?

Right here.

9 Best 48 inch TVs – Ranking 2023

Author Admin Reading 35 min Views 2.3k. Posted by 01/01/2023

To find a 48″ TV that fully meets your personal preferences, requirements for functionality and ease of use. In the absence of technical knowledge and current offers on the electronics market, it is extremely difficult to do this. It will take a lot of time to select a really worthy TV, and no one will guarantee that a number of mistakes will not be made. For example, it might not include the right port, a picture setting option, support for smart features, or the ability to install the right apps. As a result, the purchased first TV that comes across will not bring anything but negative emotions, and most likely it will not be possible to use it comfortably.

Therefore, a reasonable solution would be to use the information from the expert rating of the best TVs, which was compiled this year and includes the most worthy models. It includes functional and reliable TVs that provide maximum opportunities for their price, are ergonomic and have excellent build quality. With a thoughtful approach, weighing each decision made, any errors will be excluded.

Contents

1. Sony KD-48A9
2. LG OLED48C2RLA
3. Samsung UE48JU6690U
4. LG OLED48A1RLA
5. Samsung UE49MU8000U
6. Sony KD-49XG7096
7. LG OLED48A2RLA

900 13 Samsung UE49N5570AU

8. Sony KD-49XH8596

Sony KD-48A9

TV Sony KD-48A9 It is made in a thin-framed case, has a minimalist design style, thanks to which it can easily harmonize with the interior of any type of room. Due to the powerful and reliable metal frame, a number of problems associated with the movement or installation of the TV are eliminated. An OLED matrix is ​​installed, which is able to form a clear and detailed picture with an impressive level of realism. Ports for connecting external devices are located on the left end and bottom parts, access to them is convenient. The standard stand has a massive thin base that provides a stable position of the panel and does not affect the attractiveness of the appearance.

This model has a modern X1 Ultimate image processor installed, which completely eliminates situations with slowdowns or the appearance of artifacts in dynamic scenes. Deinterlacing and upscaling functions are implemented in real time without delay. When watching TV broadcasts, the scrolling line is displayed very smoothly and the text is clearly visible, which is not always well implemented even for high-end TVs.

4K native resolution 60Hz sensor;

Dolby Vision and HDR10 surround enhancement features;

The Android TV 9 operating system is installed with a high level of compatibility with most of the software presented in the Google Play Market;

Integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;

Connectable to Apple HomeKit or Google Home smart home system;

Built-in high quality 25W stereo speakers with Acoustic Surface technology;

3-port USB hub;

CI/CI+ access card slot;

Optimal OS performance with 4-core Cortex-A73, 2. 5 GB RAM, 16 GB storage;

Color depth 10 bit;

Support for automatic sound leveling.

The response of programs is average, delays are noticeable when performing a number of tasks;

Slight glare visible at the corners of the screen.

Appearance

10/10

Picture

10/10

Sound

9/10

Functionality

10/10

Total

9.8

Excellent functional TV, made in a minimalist style, equipped with a high-quality high-speed screen, as well as good stereo speakers . The level of ergonomics is optimal, since access to the ports is provided in any installation method. The performance of the operating system is sufficient for comfortable everyday use of familiar functions.

LG OLED48C2RLA

The LG OLED48C2RLA Smart TV runs on the WebOS operating system, providing an excellent level of functionality out of the box. Equipped with an OLED screen with a diagonal of 48″ and native support for a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels at a screen refresh rate of 120 Hz. The picture looks realistic thanks to rich colors and a good level of brightness. The presence of a light sensor allows you to automatically adjust the image quality to ensure high comfort when watching movies or TV shows. To improve surround perception, Dolby Vision, HDR 10 Pro is supported.

The TV set has a minimalist design but is very attractive. Frameless design allows you to fully immerse yourself in movie scenes and enjoy watching. For fixing on a horizontal surface, a standard stand with a wide base is provided. It is also possible to mount the panel on the wall using a bracket. On the back side there are USB, HDMI, RS-232 (technological), RJ-45 ports.

Excellent operating system performance;

Stylish modern design, thin bezel design;

Cinema HDR support;

40W quality 2.2 speaker system delivering Dolby Atmos surround sound;

Built-in 3 port USB hub;

Self-illuminating pixel sensor for realistic and vivid picture;

Color depth 10 bit;

Airplay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;

Innovative image processor that delivers superb picture quality regardless of frame size;

Pixel Dimming backlight control technology;

Support for 9 picture modes;

Compatible with LG Smart ThinQ smart home system;

178° wide viewing angle sensor with 120 Hz refresh rate;

G-Sync and FreeSync adaptive sync technologies;

Smartphone audio streaming to TV, Bluetooth Surround supported.

Poor implementation of dynamic contrast;

There is a color shift effect when viewing the screen from an angle;

The webOS operating system supports a small number of programs.

Appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

9/10

Functionality

10 /10

Total

9.8

high-quality matrix, speakers with a decent level of power, as well as all the necessary ports for connecting external devices. For the money, a great option for organizing a home theater.

Samsung UE48JU6690U

The Samsung UE48JU6690U TV is based on the proprietary Tizen operating system, which provides excellent functionality out of the box. A universal SVA matrix is ​​installed with support for a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The native resolution of 3840×2160 pixels is optimal for the diagonal of the matrix, the picture is detailed, rich and bright. Color depth 8 bit. The dynamic contrast ratio is 1M:1, Frame rate control is supported, making the picture look smooth and realistic. The surface of the matrix is ​​coated with a glossy anti-reflective coating, which copes well with the appearance of reflections of interior items, which ensures a high level of comfort when watching movies and TV shows.

Stylish modern case design, thin bezel design;

Sturdy TV stand with original shape and attractive appearance;

20W quality speaker system with Dolby Digital Plus surround sound reproduction, DTS Premium Sound 5.1 and auto leveling;

Built-in USB hub for connecting external drives;

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless modules;

Slot for access cards to paid channels CI/CI+;

Minimum power consumption;

VESA brackets;

Universal tuner for analogue and digital channels;

High Tizen OS performance with 4-core Hawk-M processor;

Proprietary technologies Auto Motion Plus, PurColor to improve picture quality.

Slight backlight visible at the corners of the screen;

The Tizen operating system supports a limited number of applications.

Appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

9/ 10

Total

9.8

just high-quality, but a great picture, as well as a stylish modern design and built-in acoustics with optimal parameters. On board there are all the necessary ports for connecting external devices, access to which is convenient. For the money, a great option for organizing a home theater.

LG OLED48A1RLA

The LG OLED48A1RLA TV is one of the most affordable TVs with a 48″ OLED screen and support for native 4K resolution. It runs on the webOS 6.0 operating system, which has excellent performance and a high degree of security when connected to the Internet. There are no problems with providing the required functionality, since all the necessary applications are available. The TV is made in a stylish plastic case with a frameless design. On the rear end there are all the necessary ports for connecting external devices: USB, HDMI, RJ-45. Airplay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Miracast wireless connections are supported.

Discount of the day!

Although the TV is thin, the sound quality from the built-in 20W speakers is decent. There are no extraneous noises, the entire range of sound frequencies is perfectly audible clearly.

OLED panel with decent image performance and optimal performance;

Color depth 10 bit;

Implemented game mode for connecting consoles, supports VRR and ALLM;

Image quality enhancement technologies Dolby Vision, HLG;

Intelligent upscaling technology;

Universal digital tuner capable of receiving cable, terrestrial and satellite TV channels;

CI+ slot for pay TV access cards;

Can be used in conjunction with smart home systems from Apple, LG, Yandex;

Good quality built-in speakers.

Unreliable standard TV stands;

Bluetooth headphone connection not supported;

Insufficient brightness level for full implementation of HDR;

Limited number of applications that are installed on webOS.

Appearance

9/10

Picture

9/10

Sound

9/10

Functionality

10/1 0

Total

9.3

Good TV, excellent functionality, easy to use use, reliable, has excellent build quality. A matrix is ​​installed with good color reproduction and support for an extended dynamic range of contrast, acoustics with decent reproduction of the entire range of audio frequencies. Despite the installed webOS, there are no restrictions on the use of the necessary applications.

Samsung UE49MU8000U

Samsung UE49MU8000U TV is positioned by the manufacturer in the premium segment, so users can be sure that they will get an excellent level of functionality, an excellent clear picture with impressive detail and built-in acoustics with high-quality volume sound. A VA-type matrix with a native resolution of 3840×2160 pixels performs well when displaying static and dynamic scenes. The level of realism is high, the color quality is 10 bits. To view a video signal with a lower resolution, upscaling technology is implemented, thanks to an interpolation index of 2600, there is no color distortion or detail. Viewing angles maximum 178°.

Stylish case design, slim frame design with convenient connectors for connecting external devices;

Optimum sensor performance with 100Hz frame rate and <8ms response time;

Local Dimming, Mega Contrast, Dynamic Crystal Color for image enhancement;

3 USB ports available;

Bluetooth, WiDi, Wi-Fi wireless technologies;

CI/CI+ access card slot;

Excellent quality built-in acoustics due to the presence of 2 full-range speakers and a subwoofer;

Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround, DTS support;

Bright, even backlighting of the Edge LED screen;

Glossy anti-reflective coating that prevents reflections of interior items on the screen;

Tizen smart platform that provides great functionality out of the box.

UHD video may experience stuttering or frame drops;

Non-critical artifacts may be present in dynamic scenes;

Not very convenient and intuitive operating system interface; Unreliable standard stand;

The remote control is uncomfortable, poorly made of cheap plastic.

Appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

9 /10

Total

9.8

A very decent TV for comfortable watching TV and movies on a wide screen with high realism of color reproduction and detailing of objects. Due to the use of Tizen OS, it is necessary to know in advance whether the required function is implemented. In general, there are no significant complaints about this model; it is quite worthy to take pride of place in the living room or bedroom.

Sony KD-49XG7096

The Sony KD-49XG7096 TV is equipped with an IPS panel capable of displaying a realistic picture with a high level of clarity, brightness and contrast. The viewing angles of the display are 178 °, there are no color distortions in the entire range. Although the screen refresh rate is 50 Hz, when displaying dynamic scenes, frames are not torn, the geometry of objects is preserved. This setting is optimal for viewing most types of video formats by ensuring smooth frame transitions. Thanks to Motionflow XR interpolation technology, there is no graininess, the detailing of objects is at an optimal level. The image processing speed is at a high level due to the installed powerful 4-core processor. The brightness level is an impressive 450 nits, providing maximum comfort when watching TV in any room light intensity. Static contrast ratio is typical 1000:1.

Dual band Wi-Fi;

The matrix is ​​made using the unique Triluminos technology, supports native 4K resolution;

The operating system uses Linux, providing a wide range of user options and an excellent level of configurability to personal preferences;

Availability of digital and analog video for connecting external devices;

Built-in 3 port USB hub;

CI/CI+ slot for pay-per-view cards;

High-quality built-in speaker system, supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Bass Reflex;

Stylish bezelless body with excellent ergonomics and classic form factor;

Powerful 4K X-Reality Pro GPU;

Extended contrast dynamic range support;

Built-in media player capable of playing all modern video file formats from external drives.

Insufficient black depth;

High-frequency noise is heard from the built-in power supply, which is clearly audible at night;

Light sensor missing;

Application store to enhance the TV functionality is not supported.

Appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

9 /10

Total

9.8

the level of detail of objects, has a stylish appearance, and also provides users with an optimal level of functionality. Suitable for installation in living rooms, bedrooms and children’s rooms, as it will be in perfect harmony with the environment.

LG OLED48A2RLA

The LG OLED48A2RLA TV is made in a stylish thin frame case, has a laconic strict look due to the minimalist design style. A 10-bit color matrix is ​​installed, the natively supported resolution is 3840×2160 pixels, which is optimal for a 48″ diagonal. With wide 178° viewing angles, the whole family can sit in front of the TV and enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows in comfort. The matrix is ​​fast due to the response time of only 1 ms, which will allow you to easily connect game consoles to HDMI and enjoy the gameplay without distortion of the geometry of objects or artifacts. The refresh rate is 120Hz, so dynamic scenes look very natural. HDR 10 Pro dynamic contrast ratio has been implemented to improve the depth of perception of the picture.

This model runs on WebOS, which provides the required level of functionality. Although the number of supported applications is limited, there will be no problems with a number of popular streaming services and information programs.

Advanced Alfa7 Gen 5 AI Processor capable of processing and enhancing image quality in real time;

Stylish body design, minimalist design, frameless design;

Availability of all necessary ports for connecting video signal sources, as well as drives;

Wireless support via Airplay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;

Ability to connect to the “smart home” system;

Built-in 20W stereo speakers provide optimum sound quality without background noise or distortion;

HDR 10 Pro dynamic contrast support;

Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital surround sound enhancement technologies;

Fast sensor with 120Hz high refresh rate is installed.

Not supported by VRR;

Unevenly lit areas may be visible on the image sensor.

Appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

9/10

Functionality

9/ 10

Total

9.5

, therefore, provides users with excellent image quality, wide possibilities for connecting external devices, as well as excellent functionality thanks to the webOS smart platform. Despite the high cost, due to the high level of performance and manufacturability, it will fully meet all expectations, since the technical characteristics are impressive.

Samsung UE49N5570AU

Samsung UE49N5570AU is a budget TV that does not produce strong positive emotions by modern standards, but nevertheless allows you to get a 48″ wide screen for minimal money. A resolution of 1920×1080 pixels is supported, which is clearly insufficient for such a matrix, however, the picture quality is quite acceptable when placing viewers at a distance of at least 1. 5 m from the TV. Otherwise, pixelation will be noticeable. The frame refresh rate is 50 Hz, while watching regular TV broadcasts the picture is clear, detailed, there are no distortions, but if it is 60 Hz from the signal source, slight flickering may be noticeable with peripheral vision. To improve the perception of the picture implemented dynamic contrast HDR. Thanks to the Edge LED backlight, the matrix is ​​evenly illuminated without glare.

Wide viewing angle sensor with eye-pleasing color reproduction;

Strict thin-frame body design, decent level of ergonomics, easy access to connection ports;

Stereo loudspeakers reproduce the sound without distortion, the function of auto-leveling of the volume is perfectly realized, as well as the surround sound of Dolby Digital, Surround Sound;

Excellent color reproduction with PurColor technology;

Micro Dimming Pro, capable of improving image detail, as well as fine-tuning brightness and color temperature;

Airplay, Wi-Fi, Miracast wireless technologies;

CI/CI+ slot for pay TV access cards;

Ability to interact with the “smart home” Yandex;

Alice voice assistant support.

Unstable standard stand, with slight mechanical impact, the TV starts to sway a little;

Outdated remote control design;

Screen refresh rate is 50 Hz.

Appearance 9Total

8.8

video streams over the Internet, as well as video files from external drives. Although the resolution of the Full HD matrix, the picture looks decent, the color reproduction and detail is excellent.

Sony KD-49XH8596

Smart TV Sony KD-49XH8596 runs on the Android TV operating system, supports the installation of applications from the Google Play Market, so there will be no problems with the functionality. A universal VA matrix with a diagonal of 48.5″ and a native resolution of 3840×2160 pixels is installed. Thanks to proprietary Triluminos technology, the image quality due to the excellent color reproduction is impressive. Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 is implemented to ensure complete immersion in virtual movie scenes. There are no complaints about the accuracy of the displayed colors, however, slight uneven backlighting may be noticeable, which in general does not spoil the positive impression of this TV. The screen refresh rate is 100 Hz, so there is no flicker, dynamic scenes look realistic and detailed.

Native 4K fast sensor;

Stylish case design, simple design;

Android TV smart platform with good support for modern applications;

Connectable to Apple Home Kit;

Built-in 20W stereo speakers with good sound quality;

Dynamic contrast formats Dolby Vision, HDR10;

Optimal embedded application performance: no freezes or stuttering;

Maximum screen viewing angles 178°;

Built-in 3 port USB hub;

CI/CI+ connector;

Optimum internal storage capacity 16 GB.

The build quality of the case leaves much to be desired, since gaps are visible at the joints, the plastic creaks under slight mechanical stress;

Uneven screen backlight, especially noticeable against a dark background;

Unsteady unreliable standard stands;

The remote control has an outdated design.

Appearance

9/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/ 10

Total

9.8

Good TV for home use with solid average technical characteristics and affordable price. Made in a frameless case, has excellent ergonomics, allows you to install various applications from the Google Play Market. The picture quality is excellent, there are no complaints about it.

This rating includes only the best TVs with screens whose diagonals are 48 °. Models from various price categories are presented with an excellent level of functionality, equipment, design, equipment, as well as technical characteristics. All of them are reliable, have an attractive appearance and good ergonomics, so they can last at least 5 years. However, due to the fact that each buyer has his own personal preferences, requirements for technical and software equipment, it is recommended to independently choose the optimal model from the list presented. Only with a competent approach, after a thorough study of information about the advantages and disadvantages, as well as a personal examination of the model of interest, the likelihood of making various mistakes will be reduced to zero. The lack of haste when buying a TV will have a positive effect on the ease of use of a precisely matched model.

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Pingtwitter – the best 48-, 49- and 50-inch TVs: cinematic 4K TVs that don’t take up the whole room

The best 48-inch, 49- inch and 50″ TVs are where you can experience the wonderful world of entertainment on the big screen. They are still small enough for most living rooms in the UK and cramped apartments around the world, but represent a big leap in floor space. compared to the best 43-inch TVs, giving you a cinematic experience close to what the world’s best TVs give you.0005

• PS5 pre-orders – check in before you miss out!

You’ll find that our list of the best 50″ TVs is dominated by 4K LCD panels because until recently, you had to upgrade to the best 55″ TVs before you could buy an OLED TV – although this will change in 2020 year with some of the best OLED TVs being released in 48-inch versions for the first time.

Generally, picture quality on 43″ TVs with these larger LCD panels improves significantly, especially when it comes to HDR performance – bigger screens mean more room for brighter backlights in LCD models, which means brighter colors, especially from panel technologies such as QLED.

• OLED vs QLED : what are they and what is right for you content to make the most of the extra pixels.

  Our selection covers a wide range of prices, and we’ve made sure to list the specific areas each TV specializes in, so you can choose the set that perfectly matches your priorities.

  • Best TVs under £1000 in all sizes
  • best-tv-2020-worlds-best-4k-under-500 in all sizes
  • Best gaming TVs in all sizes – for PS5 and Xbox Series X

  Best 50″ TV. Is this size right for you?

  While 43 inches remains the most popular screen size, the 50-inch 4K TV is ideal for modern living spaces if you want to greatly enhance visual appeal. As homes became more open-plan, there was a growing need for larger screens that could be seen from a greater distance. In general, a 48-50-inch Smart TV can be viewed well from 10 feet or more, although if you get a little closer you can get a good look at 4K detail.

  The best 50-inch TV: what to look for

  With this screen size, you should be looking for 50-inch fully equipped LCD TVs. This means you can look forward to direct LED backlighting and local dimming in higher-end models, giving you brighter colors and brighter highlights, as well as more contrast for dark scenes in motion.

  To really enhance these parts of the movies, you’ll also need advanced support for the HDR format, especially Dolby Vision. and HDR10+ where possible (although many TVs limit you to one or the other).

  Here in 2020, we are also looking for AI-enhanced image processing that improves the ability to scale from SD or HD to fill a 4K screen. And we expect support for Dolby Atmos, comprehensive smart systems, and additional gaming features – some of the sets here are in our pick of the best gaming TVs.

  Top 48, 49 & 50 Inch TVs List

  (Image credit: LG)

  1. LG OLED48CX

  Best 48″ OLED TV and best choice in every way

  Reasons to buy

  + Stunning OLED contrast + Fantastic detail and zoom + Best gaming TV on the market planet

  Reasons to avoid

  -NO HDR10 + TODAY’S BEST OFFERS Check out Amazon

  • Read our full LG CX review

  4K screen quality level produced by LG (and LG is one of the best in the department), but at a price that makes it one of the most affordable OLED TVs out there. .

  This year, LG (or anyone else, for that matter) created a 48-inch OLED 4K TV for the first time this year, and it’s a truly amazing TV: the nuances it can reproduce in high-contrast scenes are far superior to what Here you can get by with LCD TVs. Moody’s scenes have a realism much closer to what the eye can perceive, and OLED’s ability to have bright highlights next to dark areas with no see-through in between gives this level of dazzle nothing else on this list can match – and we’re is really like the TVs on this list.

  LG’s processing does a great job of taking regular HD material and bringing it closer to true 4K, which is great since many of the streaming services are still in HD. But with native 4K and Dolby Vision HDR, the set really loosened up the hair… and gosh, that hair is crisp and well-textured.

  In addition to unsurpassed picture quality, it also has a truly user-friendly and intuitive Smart TV platform with excellent application support. And it’s loaded with cutting-edge technology features, including all four HDMI connectors, supporting all the latest PS5 and Xbox Series X special features, including 4K video at 120fps, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). ).

  (Image credit: Sony)

  2. Sony KD-49XH9505 / XBR-49X950H

  Best 50″ LED TV for overall picture quality

  Reasons to buy

  + Excellent image processing + Dolby Vision support + Good built-in audio

  Reasons to avoid

  -No HDR10+ -Lack of latest gaming features TODAY’S BEST OFFERS Check out Amazon

  • Read our full Sony XH9 review5 / X950H

  The Sony XH95 (or X95H in the US) is the company’s flagship 4K LED TV for 2020, and it’s put a lot of effort into packing tons of high-quality picture technology into a more compact size. The result is truly impressive performance for a 49-inch 4K TV – the panel features full-array direct LED backlighting with local dimming, as well as a plethora of imaging features.

  These include the Sony X1 Ultimate processor for top-notch processing (nobody does better than Sony, and it’s Sony’s elite level chip) for upscaling from HD to 4K, making SDR more like HDR, and combining it with X-Motion Clarity technology for the smoothest and most precise movement.

  Because of this, the XH95 is the perfect 50-inch smart TV for sports fans, but no less for movie lovers, thanks to its great HDR performance and excellent contrast control. Images are bright, detailed and colorful, and exceptional motion processing means you won’t miss out on any of the action. Our review lists this TV as “best in class” at this price point. It combines loud sound with images that are really beautiful most of the time.”

  Even the sound is good enough that you don’t have to add a soundbar right away!

  The Android TV operating system includes a built-in Google Assistant but also works with Amazon Alexa, and while the choice of streaming services isn’t as extensive as LG’s or Samsung’s, the XH95 remains an excellent 49-inch smart TV.

  The only real downside is that it lacks the latest and greatest PS5/Xbox Series X gaming features like 4K@120fps and VRR, but if you don’t like the latest gaming features this won’t be a problem at all .

  (Image credit: Panasonic)

  3. Panasonic TX-50HX800

  Best value for money 50″ TV, perfect for gaming

  Reasons to buy

  + Superb picture fidelity + Dolby Vision and HD support R10++ Dolby Atmos

  Reasons to avoid

  -Smart system is the foundation TODAY’S BEST OFFERS Check out Amazon

  • Read our full Panasonic HX800 Review

  In terms of performance and features, the Panasonic HX800 is a 50-inch 4K TV that is worth surpassing. This model utilizes Panasonic’s extensive imaging know-how to produce stunning images with remarkable detail and accuracy.

  The HCX processor makes the most of every source using the latest scaling and noise reduction technologies, while a rich LCD panel and local dimming deliver superior HDR performance. Best of all, the HX800 supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, so you can enjoy both dynamic HDR formats.

  The emphasis may be on picture quality – Panasonic is renowned for tuning their TVs for cinematic fidelity – but gaming performance is top notch here too, with incredibly low latency.

  The My Home Screen smart platform is quite simple, but includes basic video streamers as well as Freeview Play and also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you want to add more apps, check out one of the best 4K media streamers that starts around £40/$40.

  Add to that an attractive design and an equally attractive price, and you have a 50-inch HDR TV with the best value for money.

  (Image credit: Samsung)

  4. Samsung QE49Q80T

  Great 49″ TV for HDR and gaming

  Reasons to buy

  + Superior HDR performance + Comprehensive smart platform + Excellent gaming features 9000 5

  Reasons to avoid

  -No Dolby Vision or Atmos Best Deals TODAY Check Amazon

  • Read our full Samsung Q80T review

  The Q80T is a great balance of Samsung’s lineup, bringing together all the major features the brand brings in 2020, including a QLED 4K local dimming panel, as well as better processing and Smart technology TV, as well as the latest gaming features – in a 49-inch set. The result is particularly impressive HDR with beautiful colors, lots of shadow detail and dazzling specular highlights.

  By incorporating a quantum processor with AI-enhanced upscaling and image processing, you get a 50-inch HDR TV that can deliver an impressive picture no matter what you’re watching.

  It’s a winner as an all-rounder for visual quality – QLED colors make movies lush, upscaling is an easy way to convert HD shows to take advantage of resolution, and it’s very well suited to motion. For the price, there are no major downsides here.

  Samsung even made some notable efforts to improve the sound by placing the speakers on the edges of the display, which should have added some height and width to the process. They do a solid job, although the actual quality isn’t amazing, and the lack of support for Dolby Atmos makes you wonder if they could do it even better if it was included.

  Q80T includes Samsung’s complete smart system, which means a full suite of video streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+ and catch-up services in the UK. The Samsung system is one of the best in terms of ease of use and the features it includes, which include support for Alexa and Google Assistant.

  The Q80T is also great for gaming thanks to its low input lag. However, unlike larger versions of this model, this 49-inch version does not support 120Hz or variable refresh rate.

  (Image credit: LG)

  5. LG 49SM8500

  Best 50-inch Smart TV

  Reasons to buy

  + Impressive picture quality + Dolby Vision and Atmos + AI-enhanced processor + Awesome smart platform

  Reasons avoid

  -No HDR10+ Supports TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon

  The LG SM85 is a great example of a versatile 50-inch 4K TV, even if it’s actually a 49-inch screen. It uses LG’s NanoCell technology, which basically means an LED backlit LCD TV capable of displaying more colors and brighter images.

  It also includes an advanced AI processor & alpha; 7 which is designed to upscale content at a lower resolution resulting in cleaner and more detailed images. This 50-inch HDR TV also includes Dolby Vision, although as with all LG TVs, HDR10+ is out – the latter being the less common of the two enhanced HDR formats (mostly used by Amazon Prime Video), so we can live with that.

  The SM85 boasts a decent sound system and support for immersive Dolby Atmos audio, but it’s a smart platform that really impresses. Powered by the revolutionary webOS operating system, it is responsive, intuitive and full featured smart assistant with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

  A comprehensive set of video streamers that includes Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+ and UK catch-up services makes the SM85 the smartest 50-inch TV you can buy.

  (Image credit: Philips)

  6. Philips 50PUS6814

  Best 50″ TV for HDR

  Reasons to buy

  + Dolby Vision and HDR10 ++ Dolby Atmos support + Great Am lighting bilight

  Reasons to avoid

  -Smart -the system is the foundation TODAY’S BEST OFFERS Check out the Amazon

  The Philips 6814 is one of the best 50-inch 4K TVs when it comes to HDR and is nearly inferior to the Panasonic GX800 in terms of performance and features.