TOP 15 Best TVs 50 inches in quality and reliability

We decided to choose the best models based on the test results and expert reviews, the emphasis is on the reliability of the equipment and the price-quality ratio. We tried to compile the most honest rating of 50-inch TVs in 2020 and 2021. In a selection of 15 devices, Vyacheslav Bykov, an electronics store specialist, helped.

Today, the standard can already be called 50-inch TVs. Screens of this size are best suited for games, watching movies, sports broadcasts. Hundreds of models from different manufacturers are exhibited on store shelves, and it is difficult for an inexperienced buyer to figure out what is the difference between them. Therefore, for convenience, we figured out which TV to buy in 2021.

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Which TV is better to buy?

Brightness - the peak level of white light that the device can display. Changes in cd / m² or nit. Brightness in the region of 400-600 nits is considered a good choice.

Contrast - the difference in brightness between the lightest and darkest areas. It is indicated as a ratio, for example: 1000: 1 - the darkest area is three orders of magnitude darker from the lightest. It is reflected in the detail of the picture, its richness.

Color rendering - depends on the color depth (screen bit) and indicates the number of colors reproduced by the screen. Determines the fidelity of color reproduction.

Local dimming Is an important characteristic. Local display backlight technology, when a part of the LEDs can be turned off addressably in order to achieve a deep black display. If the backlight is Edge LED (side), then the local dimming does not look very nice, it can even enrage. But if the backlight is all over the screen (Direck LED), that's a completely different matter.

Metadata - additional information on how to render the scene. It can concern both individual frames and their sections. They make the movie live, realistic.

HDR - format with a high dynamic range of color saturation and image brightness. It makes it more vivid, attractive, realistic, increases the detail of light and dark areas of the scene, makes the black color deeper and more pronounced. Choose HDR TV.

SDR Is a term used to describe the quality of the picture displayed by a TV. It stands for Standard Dynamic Range. Offers a compressed, low quality picture with a narrow color palette - up to 20-30% of the colors perceived by the human eye. Significantly different from the one conceived by the author.

LG Technologies

Each manufacturer tries to stand out from competitors not only with marketing chips, but also with technological achievements.

NANO Cell

LG proposes Nano Cell innovation - nanocells. They make the color reproduction "more correct", corresponding to the one conceived by the author, even when viewed from an angle. Consists in absorbing excess light radiation, which prevents color distortion and a number of negative effects that reduce brightness and color accuracy.

Nano Cell TVs have 1 nm cells. They display sharper, more detailed images, reproduce color more accurately and increase the viewing angle.A special thin-film coating on top of the matrix absorbs a certain glow, increasing color accuracy. To increase the viewing angle, Nano Cells is combined with IPS matrices, where there is virtually no color degradation at any glance.

Unfortunately, this technology falls short of OLED. In fact, it is just a filter with an IPS matrix. Remember that an IPS matrix is ​​darker than a VA * matrix. And some micro areas in dark scenes may not be displayed. Better to come to the store and find out if you like the picture or not.

OLED (with self-illuminating pixels)

The technology consists in eliminating the use of a filter through which the backlight is transmitted. As a result, pixels can emit light individually, guaranteeing a rich color palette, enviable contrast and highly visible textures.

If you want a premium picture, welcome to OLED.

HDR - what it is, what it gives

Most TVs support HDR. To implement the technology, you need "double brightness" - from 1000 nits and a 10-bit matrix with local illumination. Gen 2a HDMI is required to receive the corresponding content.

Cheap modules are equipped with an improved 8-bit matrix 8bit + FRC and a typical brightness around 400 nits. Such devices support HDR is only "on paper", the effect of such an implementation is negligible, and the inscription on the box or in the specifications is a marketing ploy.

A single HDR standard has not been developed, there are TVs that support:

• HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) is an SDR and HDR compatible signal. Supported by all SDR receivers. There is very little relevant content yet.
• Advanced HDR - A range of Technicolor-created formats that are backward compatible with SDR. There is also almost no content yet.
• Dolby Vision is the most technologically advanced format, using 12-bit color depth with 70 billion shades. Due to the presence of a license, it is found in premium TV receivers.
• HDR10 is the leading open source technology. Shows 1 billion shades at 10-bit color. Disadvantage - static metadata, advantage - over 95% of content is HDR
• HDR10 + is a licensing-free 10-bit alternative to Dolby Vision. Applies dynamic metadata.

As a result, HDR is an expanded color space, increased brightness (in the region of two times compared to SDR) and picture detail.

What are QLED TVs

QLED is a technology that has made it possible to achieve the highest brightness through the use of so-called quantum dots - tiny spherical semiconductors that emit different wavelengths (colors) depending on size. They increase the quality of color reproduction, guarantee high brightness and realism of the picture. These tiny balls do not have persistence - displaying a static image after changing it (the channel logo is visible even after turning off the TV) and burnout - a decrease in the brightness of the pixel glow.

What are Cristal UHD TVs

Samsung Crystal UHD is a budget TV panel made without the use of quantum dots. They have an 8-bit matrix with UHD-resolution, support for fast switching off and on the backlight (dithering) - 8 bit + FRC.

Screen refresh rate

The market was occupied by models with a refresh rate of 50/60 Hz and 100/120 Hz. The very fact of the doubled frequency is a reason for speculation by marketers. The 100 / 120Hz screen demonstrates a smoother picture, without blurring, ghosting, loops, which is especially important in dynamic scenes and video games.

Ports

TVs are equipped with both promising and outdated interfaces for receiving signals.

• HDMI - a pair of interfaces is required in any receiver that you plan to use as a monitor, screen for a game console. To transmit 4K at 60 frames per second, HDMI second generation is required.
• USB - used to connect portable storage devices for playback or recording of content on them.To watch 4K movies, you need USB0.
• S / PDIF - needed for pairing with speakers.
• LAN (Ethernet) - needed for a wired connection to the router (Internet, home network).
• Wi-Fi module is a way to play content from the Internet or network storage.
• Bluetooth - used for switching peripherals: mouse, gamepad, keyboard.

How to Pick a Good TV

Before making a purchase, there are a few things to consider:

• price. Basically, a good large TV can be bought relatively inexpensively. There will be no "super technologies" in it, but they are not required to enjoy watching movies. But if you are interested in additional functions, for example, the ability to access the Internet directly from the TV, you will have to pay extra for this;
• dimensions of equipment. For example, in a small bedroom, a huge panel will not look the best. It is also worth considering the method of installing the TV: on a special cabinet or wall mounting using a bracket;
• the matrix. New TVs are equipped with LED, OLED or QLED-matrix. In budget models - LCD LED (screen backlight with LEDs). If you want to see the most natural picture, choose OLED, where the matrix displays really black color.

If you plan to connect gadgets to the TV, choose the model that will have all the necessary ports.

Best budget 50-inch TVs

When 4K TVs came along, Full HD models were already seen as obsolete. And the HD format was almost written off at all. A budget 50-inch TV is not a myth, but a reality, the main thing is to carefully study the technical characteristics.

4K-model LCD TV with high-quality picture from Samsung, where the powerful Crystal graphics processor is responsible for image scaling. It is also worth adding the PurColour and HDR technologies: the former provides a rich color gamut, and from the latter, dynamic scenes will look even better.

Affordable TV with a diagonal of 50. The model has an elegant frameless design - this is the new standard for TV. This way you are less distracted from what is happening on the screen.

Features:

• wireless technologies. The TV has a Smart TV function, which means that it can be connected to a Wi-Fi network. TV with the Internet is convenient. Now you don't have to run around with flash drives. If you like a movie, you find it on the net and watch it online. And to select interesting content, there is a Smart Hub control panel;
• Game Mode. It reduces input lag, which is necessary for better control of actions in any game situation;
• hidden wire system. The connecting cables are simply hidden in the stand;
• AirPlay This function is for those who have Apple devices. The user can literally in 2 clicks send a video, photo or any other content to the big screen.

Inexpensive modern 4K TV from a well-known brand, with webOS 4.5, Smart TV, IPS display and HDR10 Pro. 2019 model, though released in 2020.

This panel “understands” 1 billion colors, which is paired with HDR10 Pro and HLG technologies to provide a high-contrast picture with colors close to real. As for the display, it is an IPS-matrix with a frequency of 50 Hz and direct backlighting with Direct LED. 50 Hz seems small, but it is enough - scenes with sharp movements look smooth, harmonious. If desired, you can upscale SD / HD content up to 4K. But the contrast is not enough here, which is especially noticeable if you watch a movie with the lights off (the dark areas will not be black, but grayish).

An acoustic system with a total power of 20 watts is responsible for the sound. This is enough for dialogues, but lovers of low frequencies and bass are better off buying an external audio panel.

The LG 49UM7020 is a good 4K TV, especially considering the price-performance ratio.

One of the 4K smart TVs with a good price-performance ratio. It has all the demanded functions that are found in new TV panels. Features of the model:

• accurate colors. These are a wide range of color shades (10-bit color depth) and advanced built-in algorithms responsible for reproducing accurate, natural colors;
• Dolby Vision HDR. Light areas become 40 times brighter, dark areas 10 times darker. As a result - a realistic picture;
• Ultra Dimming. The technology adapts the image so that the dark and light areas look even better;
• Depth Enhancer. The technology adjusts dynamic contrast, and also applies layers to backgrounds to sharpen the picture;
• UHD AI Upscaler. Full HD content adaptation for 4K resolution;
• DTS Virtual: X. Sound processing technology (dialog sounds even clearer). And Dolby Audio is responsible for the sound quality;
• VIDAA OS. Smart, intuitive platform.

50 "Ultra High Definition 4K TV with a metal design. Considering the price at which this model is being sold, it has quite good characteristics. Yes, brightness is not enough, only 270 nits, but there is high contrast and wide viewing angles. Blacks are displayed correctly, but not as deep as in flagship TVs from leading brands. The graphics processor Mali-470 × 3 is responsible for image processing, and it copes with its task confidently. There is an HDR10 + mode that activates local dimming. 1080p content can be easily stretched to 4K.

The OS running the TV is Android TV, version 9.0. Pros: remote control with microphone for entering voice commands, support for voice assistants Alexa and Google Assistant, pre-installed streaming services.

For sound, 2 speakers of 8 W each and a Dolby Digital decoder are responsible. Overall, this model is an entry-level 4K TV.

The budget 4K LCD TV is crafted in silver, with gracefully curved stand feet to complement your room. The back panel material is a thin steel sheet with a matte black finish. Connectors for connection are located in 2 niches: some look down, others to the side.

The package includes 2 remote controls at once: a large one that works via IR, and a small one - via Bluetooth. Their functionality is similar. There are virtual keys, mouse emulation mode.

A few words about the characteristics: resolution - 4K UHD, support for HDR10, Smart TV, backlight - LED, sweep - 60 Hz, brightness - 250 nits. The response time is 8ms, so this model is suitable for games. Smart TV OS - Android 9.0. 2 speakers with a total power of 16 watts are responsible for the sound. There is an audio decoder - Dolby Digital. For the money, this is a good Ultra HD model.

Best 4K TVs with a diagonal of 50 inches price-quality

More expensive models in which manufacturers focus on image quality, which has been achieved with advanced technologies. There are several 4K TVs on the list of "best", and each has something to please the buyer.

Superb QLED TV from Samsung. The Serif is a line designed to redefine TVs. What's interesting about the model:

• design. Now TV is not just a device for playing video - it is a piece of art. Wherever it is installed in the room, it will ideally fit into the environment and complement the interior;
• 2 installation options. It is not necessary to hang it on the wall, you can install it on a special removable metal stand or legs (in which the cables are also hidden);
• NFC. New technology is now on TVs. Just place your phone on TV to start playing music;
• QLED screen. It is a quantum dot technology that provides natural colors and 100% color volume.At the same time, any source image is adapted to 4K format;
• Ambient mode. If you turn off a regular TV, its screen will turn black. The Sherif also has 2 exclusive patterns that will delight the eye, even if no one is using the TV;
• AirPlay 2, SmartThings. Technologies that make it easy to connect a smartphone to the panel;
• Multi View. With this mode, the screen can be divided into 2 parts;
• active sound amplifier. The TV itself will adjust the volume, focusing on extraneous noise.

TV model with ultra clear picture and fast smart TV. Features of this TV model:

• realistic image. This TV is equipped with a Quantum 4K processor, which, together with artificial intelligence, optimizes the picture and improves the parameters of the content being played;
• contrast even for small details. The 8x backlit QLED screen relies on content. This gives each scene an individual color contrast. QLEDs are also popular for providing true black;
• 4K AI upscaling. The processor analyzes the input video signal and converts the content to Ultra HD format;
• adaptive image mode. Brightness adjusts itself based on lighting conditions;
• Object Tracking Sound. An interesting technology, which consists in the following - the sound seems to follow the object. And thanks to the built-in additional speakers, you get three-dimensional sound;
• Real Game Enhancer +. Game mode with a clear transmission of movements;
• Quantum HDR12x. Even deeper contrast and high brightness;
• Ambient +. Interior mode as in The Serif model;
• Active Voice Amplifier. Speech amplifier;
• Q-Symphony. Technology that provides full surround sound around your TV.

LG's popular NanoCell TV features a minimalist design with thin bezels and a durable plastic center leg. Color - metallic silver, which will fit into any interior.

With proprietary NanoCell technology, color reproduction just got better. Still, for those looking for a truly black color, it is better to take a closer look at OLED technology. What technologies improve the picture in this model: active noise reduction, color and sharpness enhancer, True Color Accuracy Pro. NanoCell is a technology that uses tiny nanoparticles to filter out dull hues, purify colors, and enhance the purity of the RGB range. This TV also has a backlight control function to create deeper blacks.

The sound in this model is surround, which is provided by WiSA and Dolby Atmos technologies. The sound comes from exactly where it should be, which creates an immersive effect.

The powerful Alpha 7 processor is responsible for processing and optimizing the input content. This 4K TV is also suitable for games due to its low input lag. Another interesting technology is Dolby Vision IQ. The TV has built-in sensors that monitor the level of illumination, and based on this, the contrast and brightness are automatically adjusted.

The TV panel looks standard, apart from the thin frames around the screen. All entrances are located on the side, which is convenient. Stand in the form of Y-shaped legs (the distance between them is adjustable).

As for the picture quality, it is average here. Dolby Vision is there, but there is no local dimming, which means the black color will not be uniform. Frame Dimming slightly corrects this situation. The color reproduction of the TV is good, as the Triluminos screen and Live Color technology are responsible for this. Overall, if absolute blacks aren't all that important, this TV lives up to expectations.

Of the possibilities:

• Smart TV with Android OS 9.0 Pie. The updated version has a store with Google Play Store applications;
• 16 GB of internal memory;
• ChromeCast. This is the ability to share media from a smartphone;
• Compatible with Alexa and Google smart home.

2 speakers of 10 W each are responsible for the sound.There is Clear Audio + technology, but it is relevant if a home theater will be connected to the TV.

TV from the Perfomance series with a good price-quality ratio. There is a high-quality picture, beautiful design, surround sound, voice control and Ambilight effect. More about the features:

• Philips Ambilight. Along the edges of the screen are LEDs that react to what is happening and change color, which creates a serious immersive effect;
• Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos. Maximum contrast, brightness, realistic color rendition coupled with surround, clear and deep sound;
• Philips P processor Powerful chip is able to reproduce content with the quality of the source;
• HDR10 +. Deeper shadows, more detail in highlights, more realistic colors;
• voice control. The TV runs on Android OS and supports Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants;
• DTS Play-Fi. Ability to connect to wireless audio systems;
• central stand with a hinge. The panel can be installed in any convenient place, even if it is the corner of the room.

50 "LCD TV in elegant gray. The stable stand is detachable, which is convenient if you want to hang the unit on the wall. Features:

• intelligent platform. The TV will easily become part of the smart home. There are voice search functions, Alexa and Google Assistant support;
• Wide Color Gamut. The technology increases brightness and makes colors more realistic, and the image itself is deeper;
• HDR10 +. With this standard, the color gamut has become even wider and the contrast is greater. Deep shadows, bright light colors are what make up a realistic picture;
• Micro Dimming. 30% more brightness and other screen parameters;
• Bluetooth. You can now connect devices wirelessly.

4K TV with slim, bezel-less design, tabletop stand (or wall-mountable) and hidden wiring system. The model is equipped with a powerful Crystal 4K chip, which will allow you to look at video content in a new way. The colors are close to natural, which provides a depth of 8 bits paired with FRC technology. There's HDR to appreciate every little detail, even against dark backgrounds.

Speaker output power is 20W. This is enough to listen to the news. For music lovers, it is better to buy a separate audio system.

In general, the functionality and applied technologies are similar to the TU7090 model, which is in this rating.

The resolution of this model is not 4K, but 1920 x 1080 pixels, that is, Full HD. There is HDR mode, frame refresh rate - 50 Hz. The screen backlight is Direct LED (LEDs are located at the bottom of the matrix), which gives uniform brightness and no glare. Although it is an FHD-TV, but with a really high-quality image. The X-Reality PRO technology is responsible for this, which increases the resolution of each individual pixel. There is an option like AI Upscaling, but it is called Clear Resolution Enhancer - it increases the quality of content to FHD resolution. Motionflow technology is responsible for the absence of blur when broadcasting dynamic scenes, which creates additional frames between the original ones.

Sound power is not enough - 10 watts. But it sounds clean, even and natural (S-Force Front Surround, Dolby Digital Plus, Digital Sound Enhancement Engine).

Option for those who want to get all modern "chips" at a reasonable price. This 4K TV is equipped with an IPS-matrix, which produces a picture in maximum resolution.The color range of content is easily expanded, but video recording with HDR is required. Thanks to the direct backlighting, there is no glare at the edges of the display. The built-in processor scales any content up to 4K, along with it removes noise, improves colors and increases brightness.

There is Filmmaker Mode, with which films and other content will be shown as their creators intended (original parameters are preserved). Also, HDR 10 Pro and HLG Pro technologies are responsible for the picture quality. Due to the low latency, the TV can be classified as a gaming TV. The panel works on webOS - it has everything that an inexperienced viewer needs, that is, YouTube, Netflix and other services. Add voice support here and you can plunge into the world of video content.

Speaker power - 20 watts. The two mounted diffusers create a surround sound experience.

A flagship device with a bezel-less slim design, sleek monolithic foot and high-quality assembly. The body, like the leg, is made of metal. An interesting 4K model with a competent price-quality ratio.

Manufacturers classify this TV's screen as ULED. This is an LCD panel, but with improved characteristics (scaling algorithms, Hi-View processor operation). A feature of this model is full-matrix local dimming, that is, black really looks black. The maximum brightness here is 700 nits, the working one is 400, but even this is enough to appreciate the advantages that Dolby Vision technology gives. But the problem with the viewing angles.

Hisense is proud of the upscaling technology that can "pull up" any content to 4K, and it will look great. You can also play games on this good TV, which makes it possible to make a special mode that turns off post-processing and reduces latency.