Which 50-inch TV should I buy in 2025? Ranking and buying guide

Some time ago, we prepared a purchasing guide for you titled “Which 43-inch TV to Buy?”. Now, we will take a look at models with a slightly larger diagonal – namely, 50 inches. Which 50-inch TV to Buy? This question often arises in the context of choosing new equipment, just like with 43-inch televisions.

Similar to the smaller models, manufacturers do not always expand their product lines in this size, which makes the choice of the right device quite a challenge. Although the situation is better than with smaller televisions, it is still not the easiest segment. It is worth noting from the outset – if you have space for a 55-inch and are not limited, it is often better to opt for a larger model, as manufacturers frequently offer better televisions there – practically at the same price. However, if for various reasons choosing a 50-inch TV is optimal for you, this guide will help you make the best decision.

Which 50-inch television to buy?

Choosing a television is quite a challenge – there are numerous models available on the market, differing in picture quality, operating system, or additional features. However, price is often the most important criterion for buyers. Not everyone wants to or can afford top models, which is why we have prepared this guide, dividing it into popular price ranges. This way, you will find it easier to choose a television that meets your expectations, regardless of your budget.

What 50-inch television for 2000 zł?

With a budget of up to 2000 zł, it is difficult to find a television that offers everything that top models have – local dimming, high HDR brightness, or a 120 Hz panel are all missing. Nevertheless, we managed to find a few interesting suggestions that feature some of these functions, providing decent image quality, Smart TV, and solid operational smoothness.

TCL C69B / C655

The cheapest option in this comparison, but despite this, it has several interesting features. Google TV provides access to a vast number of applications, which streaming service fans will appreciate. The VA panel offers quite decent contrast, although the lack of local dimming means that blacks are not as deep as in more expensive models. For gamers, it’s a pretty good option – it includes VRR and ALLM, which improve gameplay fluidity on the 60Hz panel. Dolby Vision also plays its part – thanks to it, HDR looks better, as the brightness of the television (350 nits) is not cutting-edge.

Advantages:
✅ Google TV – a convenient system with many applications
✅ VA panel – good contrast for this price
✅ Dolby Vision – improves HDR quality despite low brightness
✅ VRR and ALLM – suitable for occasional gaming

Disadvantages:
❌ Lack of local dimming – blacks are not ideal
❌ Low HDR brightness (350 nits) – the effect is limited in bright scenes

Hisense U6NQ

This is one of the few Mini LED televisions available in 50 inches, and definitely the best in this price range. For less than 2000 zł, we get Mini LED backlighting (which means more and smaller diodes behind the VA panel), resulting in better contrast and deeper blacks. Dolby Vision and a brightness level of 450 nits ensure that HDR looks decent, which is a rarity in this price category. The television may also be an interesting option for gamers – despite the 60 Hz panel, it supports 120 Hz in Full HD (1080p). This is a great alternative for consoles, where many games do not run at 4K 120 Hz anyway, so one can benefit from smoother visuals at a lower resolution. It also stands out for its USB recording feature, which we won't find in TCL. However, the Vidaa system, although quick and responsive, does not offer as many applications as Google TV – for instance, it lacks popular music players. Furthermore, although local dimming improves contrast, we cannot expect the advanced algorithms found in more expensive Mini LED televisions.

Advantages:

✅ Mini LED + VA panel – very good contrast for this price
✅ Dolby Vision and 450 nits brightness – decent HDR in the budget class
✅ 120 Hz support in 1080p – an alternative for console gamers
✅ USB recording – additional functionality

Disadvantages:

❌ Vidaa system – fewer applications than on Google TV
❌ Local dimming works, but not at the level of more expensive Mini LEDs

Comparison of TCL C69B vs Hisense U6NQ

Which 50-inch television under 2000 zł should you choose?

In our opinion, the Hisense U6NQ is definitely the better choice in this price category. For the same price, we get better picture quality thanks to Mini LED backlighting, higher HDR brightness, and 120 Hz support at 1080p, which can be a significant advantage for gamers. Additionally, the television supports USB recording, which we do not find in the TCL model.

However, that does not mean that the TCL C69B / C655 does not have its advantages. If you are looking for a 50-inch television with Android TV, it is worth considering this model. Google TV offers a much wider selection of applications and better integration with the Google ecosystem, which can be crucial for some users.

However, if you do not care about access to thousands of applications and are content with the standard Vidaa system library, the Hisense U6NQ wins almost in every regard – it has better contrast, a brighter screen, and more advanced features for gamers.

Which 50-inch TV for 2500 zł?

To be honest, within the price range of 2500 zł, the previously mentioned models (Hisense U6NQ and TCL C69B/C655) are still excellent options and can be confidently ordered without major concerns. However, if you definitely want to allocate some extra budget for the TV, it is worth considering professional image calibration, which will allow for even better colours and contrast to be extracted from the screen.

Returning to the subject of televisions – in a similar price range, you can find models with better specifications. It is worth considering increasing the budget by 200–300 PLN, as devices with higher brightness, better dimming algorithms, and more advanced features for gamers are available in this price range.

Samsung Q80D

One of the brightest options in this budget – in HDR mode it reaches up to 1000 nits, which makes a huge difference compared to models that are several hundred zlotys cheaper. Thanks to local dimming, blacks are significantly deeper, and contrast is better than in standard LCD televisions. However… it's worth knowing that in the 50-inch variant, a 60 Hz panel has been used. Nevertheless, Samsung compensates with an excellent motion smoother – AutoMotion Game Plus, which makes games look smoother than they actually are. Tizen is another advantage – the system offers great compatibility with IoT devices, as well as a large application base, but we won’t find classic television functions on it (such as recording from built-in tuners).

Advantages:

✅ High HDR brightness (1000 nits) – great for bright rooms
✅ Local dimming – improves contrast and black depth
✅ AutoMotion Game Plus – works well in games
✅ Tizen – stable and rich in applications

Disadvantages:

❌ 60 Hz panel
❌ No recording function to USB from built-in tuners.

LG QNED87T6B

This model offers native 120 Hz in the 50-inch variant. As a result, the fluidity of the image in sports and games is noticeably better. Additionally, this size is equipped with a VA panel, which improves contrast compared to the larger versions we tested earlier. The webOS system operates smoothly, has all the key applications, and comes with the convenient Magic Remote control that allows for intuitive operation. The television also enables USB recording from built-in tuners. The biggest downside is the lack of support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, meaning HDR will always be played back statically. Another issue is the edge backlighting, which causes quite a bit of confusion – many people may even want to turn it off, as it can act unnaturally and irritate the eyes.

Advantages:

✅ VA panel – high contrast
✅ 120 Hz refresh rate – ideal for sports and gaming
✅ webOS – great control thanks to the "Magic" remote
✅ USB recording function from built-in tuners

Disadvantages:

❌ No Dolby Vision or HDR10+
❌ Local dimming is actually edge backlighting

Sharp GR8

This television will primarily appeal to gamers. The 144 Hz panel is a rarity in this segment, and combined with the good contrast of the VA panel, it allows for an exceptionally smooth image. An additional advantage is Google TV, which offers the widest access to applications among all Smart TV systems. For those who like to have a large choice, this is a definite plus. However, there are some compromises – the brightness is not as high as with Samsung or LG (although we do find Dolby Vision here, which somewhat compensates for that), and the lack of AirPlay may be disappointing for Apple users.

Advantages:

✅ VA panel – high contrast
✅ 144 Hz refresh rate – ideal for sports and gaming
✅ Google TV – the largest selection of applications
✅ Dolby Vision

Disadvantages:

❌ Lower brightness than competitors
❌ No support for AirPlay

Comparison: Samsung Q80D vs LG QNED87T6B vs Sharp GR8

Which 50-inch television should you choose for up to 3000 zł?

If you are looking for a television mainly for movies and series, the Samsung Q80D will be the best choice. It has the highest brightness of all models in this budget, so it performs well even in a bright room. Additionally, local dimming and decent algorithms make the blacks look good. The end result? Movies just look the best.

If, on the other hand, you play on a console or PC, a better choice would be the LG QNED87 or Sharp GR8. Both offer smoother images, which is extremely important in gaming. Which one to choose? It really depends on which system suits you better. Sharp runs on Google TV, so if you like using YouTube, Netflix or other apps and want to have as many as possible, this will be a good choice. LG, on the other hand, has a convenient Magic Remote control, which makes navigating the menu quicker and more intuitive, and it also offers the possibility to record traditional television from built-in tuners.

There is also the TCL 50C809 – a model from 2023, which can still be found in selected shops. On paper, it looks promising thanks to mini-LED backlighting and high image fluidity. However, we have not had the opportunity to test it, so it is difficult to compare it fairly with the previously mentioned models. Nevertheless, it seems like an interesting proposition.

Which 49-inch television to buy?

If you are considering purchasing a 49-inch television, we have some unfortunate news for you – this size has practically disappeared from the market. Manufacturers have completely replaced it with 50-inch models, so if you are specifically looking for something in this size, it is worth considering slightly larger options. The difference of one inch is almost imperceptible, and the selection of models in the 50-inch segment is significantly larger.

However, if every millimetre matters to you, all is not lost. It is worth paying attention to 48-inch OLEDs. OLED technology offers the best contrast, perfect black levels, and incredible picture quality, so if the budget allows, it is a great alternative. However, it should be noted that you will not find any budget options here, as is the case with LCD televisions.

Which 48-inch television should you choose? Which small OLED is the best?

If you care about the best picture quality in a small size, then 48-inch OLEDs are definitely the best choice. They offer perfect black, infinite contrast, and excellent colours, making them suitable for both movies and gaming.

In this size, we have several strong proposals worth considering. Each of them offers great picture quality, but they differ in operating system, gaming features, and other details. If you are looking for a compact premium television, below you will find the best options.

LG C4

LG C4 is one of the best 48-inch OLEDs on the market. It offers perfect black, infinite contrast and superb colour reproduction, making films and series look truly impressive. For gamers, a huge advantage is the 144 Hz refresh rate and full support for gaming features. The webOS system runs smoothly and offers a wide selection of applications, while the Magic Remote makes operating the television exceptionally convenient. The LG C4 supports Dolby Vision, which means that films and series in this format look significantly better, as the television can dynamically adjust brightness and contrast for each scene.

However, it is worth remembering that like any OLED, the LG C4 is susceptible to burn-in from static screen elements. Of course, you really have to try hard for this to happen – the television has built-in protections, and normal usage should not cause any issues. Nevertheless, if someone plans to primarily use the television for watching static content (e.g., news channels with banners at the bottom of the screen), it's worth keeping this in mind.

Advantages:

✅ WOLED panel – infinite contrast, perfect black
✅ 144 Hz – exceptional image fluidity, great for gamers
✅ Dolby Vision – support for dynamic metadata in films and series
✅ webOS + Magic Remote – convenient operation and a wide application base
✅ VRR, G-Sync, FreeSync – full support for gaming technologies

Disadvantages:

❌ Risk of image burn-in – while you really have to try hard, it’s worth keeping this in mind

Samsung S90D / S94D

Samsung S90D is a television very similar to the LG C4 – the same WOLED, infinite contrast, 144 Hz, and a full set of gaming features. Differences? The Tizen system operates smoothly and integrates well with other Samsung devices, but does not offer as convenient control as webOS. The biggest downside is the lack of Dolby Vision – instead, we have HDR10+, which is less popular, so some films on Netflix or Disney+ will be played in regular HDR (though for the average user, this should not be a significant issue). On the plus side, it features an excellent motion smoothing system that adds frames in games and makes animations look even smoother. And like every OLED, it can be susceptible to burn-in, although under normal usage, this should not be a problem.

Advantages:

✅ WOLED panel – excellent black levels and contrast
✅ 144 Hz – great motion clarity, ideal for gaming
✅ Very good motion smoothing – games look smoother
✅ Tizen system – stable and works well with Samsung devices
✅ Full support for gamers – VRR, G-Sync, FreeSync

Disadvantages:

❌ No Dolby Vision – films in this format are played in regular HDR
❌ Risk of image burn-in – as with every OLED

Philips OLED809

It is also worth mentioning the Philips OLED809, which in terms of technical parameters is very similar to the LG C4 and Samsung S90D. We have a WOLED panel, 144 Hz refresh rate, excellent black levels, and a complete set of gaming features, all complemented by Dolby Vision support. It stands out from the competition by running on Google TV. If we care about a vast number of applications, then in this regard, it is the best option. However… its value for money is significantly lacking. The price is often 1,500 – 2,000 zlotys higher than that of the LG C4 and Samsung S90D, and the television itself does not offer anything significantly better. Quite the opposite – the OLED809 has issues with smooth tonal transitions, meaning that in some scenes, unsightly colour banding is visible.

There is, however, one argument that may be crucial for some – Ambilight. This is undoubtedly a great addition – it creates an atmospheric glow that adapts to the image and makes a really cool impression. However, let’s not hide the fact that it significantly increases the price of the television, given such a "gimmick".

Advantages:

✅ WOLED panel – excellent black levels and contrast
✅ 144 Hz – high image smoothness
✅ Google TV – multitude of applications
✅ Ambilight – a key asset for many

Disadvantages:

❌ Definitely more expensive than the LG C4 and S90D
❌ Issues with the smoothness of tonal transitions – visible colour banding
❌ Risk of image burn-in – as with any OLED

Comparison of OLEDs

Which 48-inch OLED to choose?

Here, the key factor is price. As of the writing of this article (25.02.2025), the Samsung S90D is significantly cheaper than the LG C4 and considerably cheaper than the Philips OLED809. Despite lacking Dolby Vision, at this price it is an excellent choice – it offers everything you can expect from an OLED and doesn't cost a fortune.

The LG C4 is worth considering if you are looking for a television without compromises; however, its current price is quite high – even higher than the 55-inch version, which is hard to justify as a sensible purchase. It’s a great television, but it needs to cost significantly less to truly be a worthwhile option.

Lastly, we have the Philips OLED809 – a television that doesn't look the best in terms of price and specifications compared to the competition. If its compromises and high price are not an issue for you, and Ambilight is a key feature for you, then it can be considered.

Alternative – Samsung QN90D, or Mini LED for those who do not want an OLED

If you do not want or cannot have an OLED – for example, you are concerned about burn-in – it is worth paying attention to the Samsung QN90D. It is one of the few advanced Mini LED televisions of this size. It offers very high brightness, excellent contrast, and no risk of burn-in, which can be a key argument for some users. It is a great television – it has a VA panel with an additional QLED filter that improves colour reproduction. It also supports 144 Hz, so the smoothness of the image is at a very high level. The contrast is very good, although of course, it does not match OLEDs in terms of black depth.

However, the issue of price arises again – the 50-inch variant costs as much as a 48-inch OLED (if not more), and at this price, it is better to choose an OLED if we do not mind the potential risk of burn-in and lower brightness.

Advantages:

✅ Very high brightness – performs excellently in bright rooms
✅ No risk of burn-in – a safe choice for those fearing OLED
✅ 144 Hz – excellent image smoothness, ideal for gaming
✅ VA panel with miniLED backlighting – very good contrast

Disadvantages:

❌ Does not match OLEDs in terms of contrast and black level
❌ Price similar to OLEDs, but image quality is still inferior

Which 50-inch television should you choose? It depends on you

Choosing a television is always a matter of priorities. For some, the best possible picture quality is essential, for others, a low price is key, and someone else may pay attention to features for gamers or the operating system. In every price category, you can find something sensible, but you always have to reckon with certain compromises. There is no one universal choice – it all depends on how and where you will be using the television. If you often watch films in a dark room, opt for a model with good contrast. If the television is going to be in a bright living room, high brightness will be important. And if it is meant for gaming, it's worth paying attention to the smoothness of the image and low input lag.

The most important thing is to be satisfied with what you have chosen after the purchase. If you have other suggestions or believe that a specific model should be included in this selection, let us know. We would love to hear your opinion!