Which 50-inch TV to Buy in 2025? Ranking and Buying Guide

Some time ago we prepared a shopping guide “Which 43-inch TV to buy?”. Now we will take a look at models with a slightly larger diagonal – namely, 50-inch TVs. 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 smaller models, manufacturers do not always expand their product lines in this size, which makes choosing the right device quite a challenge. Although the situation is better than with smaller TVs, it is still not the easiest segment. It is worth noting right from the start – if you have space for a 55-inch and are not restricted, it is often better to opt for a larger model, as manufacturers often offer better TVs in that size – practically at the same price. However, if for various reasons the choice of a 50-inch TV is optimal for you, this guide will help you make the best decision.

Which 50-inch TV to buy?

Choosing a TV is no small challenge – there are plenty of models available on the market, differing in image quality, operating system, and additional features. However, price is often the most important criterion for buyers. Not everyone wants or can afford the top models, which is why we have prepared this guide, dividing it into popular price ranges. This way, you will find it easier to locate a TV that meets your expectations, regardless of your budget.

Which 50-inch TV for 500 €?

Within a budget of 500 €, it is difficult to find a TV that offers everything that top models have – there is a lack of local dimming, high HDR brightness, or a 120 Hz panel. Nevertheless, we managed to find a few interesting options that have some of these features, offering decent picture quality, Smart TV capabilities, and solid performance.

TCL C69B / C655

The cheapest option in this comparison, but it still has some interesting features. Google TV provides access to a huge number of applications, which streaming service fans will appreciate. The VA panel offers quite a good contrast, although the lack of local dimming means that the blacks are not as deep as in more expensive models. For gamers, it's a pretty good option – it features VRR and ALLM, which improve the smoothness of gameplay on a 60Hz panel. Dolby Vision also contributes – thanks to it, HDR looks better as the brightness of the television (350 nits) is not the pinnacle of technology.

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 perfect
❌ Low HDR brightness (350 nits) – the effect is limited in bright scenes

Hisense U6NQ

This is one of the few Mini LED televisions at 50 inches, and definitely the best at this price. For less than 600 €, 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 make HDR look decent, which is rare in this price range. The TV can also be an interesting option for gamers – despite the 60 Hz panel, it supports 120 Hz at Full HD (1080p). This is a great alternative for consoles, where many games do not run at 4K 120 Hz anyway, so you can take advantage of smoother images at a lower resolution. Additionally, it stands out for USB recording, which we won’t find in TCL. However, while the Vidaa system is fast and responsive, it does not offer as many apps as Google TV – for example, popular music players are missing. Furthermore, although local dimming improves contrast, we cannot count on the advanced algorithms found in more expensive Mini LED televisions.

Pros:

✅ 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

Cons:

❌ Vidaa system – fewer apps 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 TV to choose for up to 500 €?

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

However, this does not mean that the TCL C69B / C655 does not have its advantages. If you are looking for a 50-inch TV with Android TV, it is worth considering this model. Google TV offers a much wider choice 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 will be satisfied with the standard library of the Vidaa system, the Hisense U6NQ wins almost in every respect – it has better contrast, a brighter screen, and more advanced features for gamers.

What 50-inch TV for up to 650 €?

To be honest, in the price range of up to 650 € the aforementioned models (Hisense U6NQ and TCL C69B/C655) are still great options and you can confidently order them without major concerns. However, if you really want to allocate a spare budget for the TV, it's worth considering professional image calibration, which will allow you to bring out even better colors and contrast from the screen.

Returning to the topic of televisions – models with better specifications can be found in a similar price range. It is worth considering increasing the budget by 50–800 €, as in this amount, devices with higher brightness, better dimming algorithms, and more advanced features for gamers are available.

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, the blacks are much deeper, and the contrast is better than in standard LCD televisions. However, it is 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 base of applications, but we will not 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 – performs well in games
✅ Tizen – stable and rich in applications

Disadvantages:

❌ 60 Hz panel
❌ No USB recording feature 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 is complemented by a convenient Magic Remote control that allows for intuitive navigation. The television also allows for USB recording from its built-in tuners. The biggest downside is the lack of support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, so HDR will always be played back statically. Another issue is the edge lighting, which creates quite a bit of confusion – many people may even want to turn it off because it can work unnaturally and irritate the eyes.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

❌ No Dolby Vision and HDR10+
❌ Local dimming is really edge lighting

Sharp GR8

This is a television that 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 selection, this is a definite plus. However, there are some compromises – the brightness is not as high as in Samsung or LG (however, we find Dolby Vision here, which compensates for this to some extent), 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 greatest selection of applications
✅ Dolby Vision

Disadvantages:

❌ Lower brightness than competitors
❌ Lack of AirPlay support

Comparison: Samsung Q80D vs LG QNED87T6B vs Sharp GR8

Which 50-inch TV to choose for up to 800 €?

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 among all models in this budget, so it will perform well even in a bright room. Additionally, local dimming and decent algorithms make black 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 crucial in gaming. Which one to choose? That’s a matter of which system suits you better. Sharp runs on Google TV, so if you like to use YouTube, Netflix, or other applications and want as many as possible, it would be a good choice. LG, on the other hand, has a convenient Magic Remote, making navigation through the menu faster and more intuitive, plus it has the ability to record traditional TV from built-in tuners.

There is also the TCL 50C809 – a model from 2023, which can still be found in selected stores. 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 aforementioned models. Nevertheless, it seems to be an interesting proposition.

What 49-inch TV to buy?

If you are considering buying a 49-inch TV, we have some bad 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’s worth looking at slightly larger options. The difference of one inch is nearly imperceptible, and the selection of models in the 50-inch segment is much larger.

However, if every millimeter matters to you, all is not lost. It’s worth paying attention to 48-inch OLEDs. OLED technology offers the best contrast, perfect black, and incredible picture quality, so if the budget allows, it’s a great alternative. However, it should be noted that you won't find low-budget options here, as is the case with LCD TVs.

Which 48-inch TV to choose? Which small OLED is the best?

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

In this size, we have several strong options worth considering. Each of them offers excellent picture quality, but they differ in operating system, gaming features, and other details. If you are looking for a compact premium TV, 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 excellent color reproduction, making movies and series look truly impressive. For gamers, a huge advantage is the 144 Hz refresh rate and full support for gaming functions. The webOS system operates smoothly and provides a wide range of applications, and the Magic Remote control makes operating the television exceptionally convenient. The LG C4 supports Dolby Vision, which means that movies and series in this format look significantly better since 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 of static screen elements. Of course, you really have to make an effort for this to happen—the television has built-in protections, and normal usage should not pose a problem. Nevertheless, if someone plans to use the television mainly for watching static content (e.g., news channels with scrolling text at the bottom of the screen), it is worth keeping this in mind.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

❌ Risk of image burn-in – although you have to really try hard for this to happen, it is worth keeping in mind

Samsung S90D / S94D

The Samsung S90D is a television very similar to the LG C4 – the same WOLED, infinite contrast, 144 Hz, and a full package of gaming features. Differences? The Tizen system works 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 movies on Netflix or Disney+ will be played in regular HDR (though for the average user, this should not be a major issue). On the plus side, it features an excellent motion smoother, which adds frames in games and makes animations look even smoother. And like any OLED, it can be susceptible to burn-in, although in normal use this should not be a problem.

Pros:

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

Cons:

❌ Lack of Dolby Vision – films in this format are played in regular HDR
❌ Risk of image burn-in – like in any OLED

Philips OLED809

It is also worth mentioning the Philips OLED809, which is technically very similar to the LG C4 and Samsung S90D. It features a WOLED panel, 144 Hz refresh rate, excellent blacks, and a full package of gaming features, all complemented by Dolby Vision support. It stands out from the competition by operating on Google TV. If we care about a huge number of applications, in this regard it is the best option. But… its value for money is quite poor. The price is often 1.5 to 2 thousand zlotys higher than that of the LG C4 and Samsung S90D, and the TV itself does not offer anything significantly better. On the contrary – the OLED809 has problems with the smoothness of tonal transitions, which means that in some scenes, unsightly color connections are visible.

However, there is one argument that may be crucial for some – Ambilight. This is undoubtedly a great addition – it creates an atmospheric glow that adjusts to the image and makes a really cool impression. However, it must be admitted that it significantly drives up the price of the TV for such a "gimmick".

Advantages:

✅ WOLED panel – excellent blacks and contrast
✅ 144 Hz – high image fluidity
✅ Google TV – abundance of applications
✅ Ambilight – a key asset for many

Disadvantages:

❌ Definitely more expensive than LG C4 and S90D
❌ Problems with the smoothness of tonal transitions – visible color connections
❌ Risk of image burn-in – like in every OLED

Comparison of OLEDs

Which 48-inch OLED to choose?

Here, price plays a key role. As of the writing of this article (25.02.2025), the Samsung S90D is significantly cheaper than the LG C4 and definitely cheaper than the Philips OLED809. Despite lacking Dolby Vision, at this price it is a fantastic choice - it offers everything one can expect from an OLED and does not cost a fortune.

The LG C4 is worth considering if we are looking for a no-compromise television, however, its current price is quite high - even higher than the 55-inch version, which is hard to deem a reasonable purchase. It's a great television, but it needs to cost significantly less to actually be a worthwhile option.

Finally, we have the Philips OLED809 - a television that, in terms of price and specifications, does not look the best against the competition. If its compromises and high price are not a problem for you, and Ambilight is a key asset for you, then it can be considered.

Alternative – Samsung QN90D, or Mini LED for Those Who Don't Want OLED

If you don't want or can't have an OLED – for example, you're afraid of burn-in – it's worth paying attention to the Samsung QN90D. It's one of the few advanced Mini LED TVs in 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's a great TV – it has a VA panel with an additional QLED filter that enhances color accuracy. It also supports 144 Hz, so motion fluidity is very high. The contrast is very good, although it does not match OLEDs in terms of black depth.

However, the price issue comes up again – the 50-inch variant costs as much as a 48-inch OLED (or even more), and at this price, it's better to opt for an OLED if the potential risk of burn-in and lower brightness aren't an issue for us.

Advantages:

✅ Very high brightness – great for bright rooms
✅ No risk of burn-in – a safe choice for those worried about OLED
✅ 144 Hz – excellent motion fluidity, ideal for gaming
✅ VA panel with miniLED backlight – very good contrast

Disadvantages:

❌ Doesn't match OLEDs in terms of contrast and black depth
❌ Price similar to OLED, while image quality is still worse

Which 50-inch TV to choose? It depends on you

Choosing a television is always a matter of priorities. For some, the best image quality matters, for others, a low price, and yet someone else will 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 single, universal choice – it all depends on how and where you will use the TV. If you often watch movies in a dark room, go for a model with good contrast. If the TV will be placed in a bright living room, high brightness will be important. And if it is meant for gaming, it is worth paying attention to image smoothness 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 different model should be included in this ranking, let us know. We would love to hear your opinion!