As technology continues to advance, televisions are becoming a staple in every household. Whether you enjoy watching movies, playing video games, or simply catching up on your favorite TV shows, having a high-quality TV is essential for a great viewing experience.
With the wide array of options available in the market, finding the perfect fit can be quite overwhelming. If you are searching for the best 50-inch smart TV, look no further.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top contenders, comparing their features, picture quality, sound, and overall performance. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and bring home the best 50 inch smart TV that New Zealand has to offer.
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How to Choose the 50 inch Smart TV for You
Choosing the right 50-inch Smart TV involves considering several factors, from the resolution and display technology to the Smart TV platform and additional features. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision:
Resolution:
Full HD (1080p): Once the standard for high-definition TV, it offers a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This might be adequate for smaller screens but for a 50-inch TV, a higher resolution would be more desirable.
4K/Ultra HD (UHD): 4 times the resolution of 1080p, it boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. As of 2022, 4K has become increasingly standard for 50-inch and larger TVs, providing sharper, clearer images.
8K: While not as common, 8K resolution offers 7680×4320 pixels, which is 4 times the resolution of 4K. However, 8K content is still limited.
Display Technology:
LED/LCD: Most common, uses light-emitting diodes to illuminate the LCD screen. It’s generally more energy-efficient and offers bright images.
OLED: Each pixel emits its own light, resulting in better contrast ratios and black levels. They are usually pricier but provide superior image quality compared to LED/LCD.
QLED: Developed by Samsung, it employs quantum dots in conjunction with an LED backlight to produce brighter colors as compared to other LED TVs.
Refresh Rate:
Measured in Hertz (Hz), it indicates how many times per second the image on the screen refreshes. The standard is 60Hz, but in fast-paced scenes or sports, a rate of 120Hz or higher is preferable to reduce motion blur.
HDR (High Dynamic Range):
Improves the contrast and color range of the TV. There are different HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Ensure the TV supports the HDR format available in your content sources.
Connectivity:
HDMI Ports: Ensure the TV has multiple HDMI ports, especially HDMI 2.1 if you’re looking into future-proofing for next-gen gaming consoles or 8K content.
USB Ports: Useful for playing media directly from flash drives.
Wi-Fi & Ethernet: Essential for a Smart TV to connect to the internet.
Smart Features:
Operating System: Popular ones include Roku TV, Google’s Android TV, LG’s webOS, and Samsung’s Tizen. Your choice should align with the ease of use and the apps you frequently access.
Voice Assistants: Many TVs now integrate voice assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple’s Siri for hands-free control.
Audio:
Built-in TV speakers can be underwhelming. Consider the TV’s compatibility with soundbars or look for models featuring Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound experience.
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The Best 50 inch Smart TVs NZ
1. Kogan 50″ QLED 4K Smart Google TV
The Kogan Smart Google TV offers a mesmerising viewing experience, thanks to its Quantum Dot Technology that delivers top-notch colour reproduction. Combined with Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos™, you’re set for a cinema-like immersion right in your living room. Its High Dynamic Range (HDR) further accentuates the contrast, making visuals pop.
Where functionality meets convenience, this TV is powered by Google with built-in Assistant, allowing for easy voice commands. Streamlining your favorite entertainment is a breeze with pre-installed giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Plus, Google Chromecast, seamlessly shifts content from other devices onto the big screen. Additional features such as a diverse array of inputs and connectivity options make it a versatile choice for modern homes.
2. Kogan 50″ UHD LED 4K Smart Google
The Kogan TV truly impresses with its 4K resolution, ensuring that viewers experience images that are both sharp and detailed. Coupled with High-Dynamic Range, it offers brighter highlights and a more distinct contrast, which transforms the visual experience into one that’s rich and realistic.
Dolby Vision & Audio takes this product a step further, crafting an authentic cinema-like feel right in the comfort of your living room. Moreover, with Android TV, you can efficiently utilize voice search and Google Assistant. The integration of Google Play Store and built-in Google Chromecast only amplifies its versatility, allowing for easy streaming and app access. The multiple connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI make it hassle-free to play your preferred media.
3. LG UR80 50 inch 4K Smart UHD TV
This LG offers a truly immersive viewing experience, thanks to its 4K UHD resolution which ensures crisp and vibrant visuals. With a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, every detail springs to life on the screen. The 60Hz native refresh rate guarantees smooth motion, making action-packed scenes a delight to watch. Moreover, the 4K upscaling and dynamic tone mapping enhance the visual depth and clarity of content, even if it’s not originally in 4K.
When it comes to gaming, the Game Optimizer is a welcomed addition, ensuring optimal settings for a lag-free gaming experience. The TV’s full web browser feature lets users conveniently surf the web, while the 20W audio output ensures clear sound, complementing the superb visuals. It’s evident that LG has fused functionality with high-end display technology in the UR80.
4. TCL 50 inch 4K Ultra HD Google
The TCL television impresses with its sharp 4K Ultra HD visuals. Features like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision/Atmos ensure vibrant colors and sound immersion that bring your favorite movies and shows to life. With Google TV, accessing a plethora of content is effortless, and the AIPQ Engine optimizes your viewing for the best experience.
For those who appreciate convenient functionality, the hands-free voice control stands out, making navigation a breeze. Whether you’re more accustomed to Google Assistant or Alexa, this TV has you covered. The ALLM and 100 CMR further enhance the user experience by providing smooth motion during fast-paced scenes. It’s a blend of visual delight and interactive brilliance.
5. TCL 50 inch QLED Smart C645 TV
The TCL QLED Smart Television offers viewers a pristine 4K Ultra HD experience that brings visuals to life with its QLED technology. Its support for Dolby Vision and Atmos ensures a cinematic touch to your favorite movies and shows, delivering audio-visual precision that’s hard to miss. Coupled with the HDR10+, the image quality is outstanding, rendering vibrant colors and sharp details.
Its smart features are an added boon; with Google Assistant and compatibility with Alexa, voice commands make navigation breezy. For gamers, the 100CMR, FreeSync, and ALLM provide smooth, lag-free gameplay. It’s a blend of high-definition viewing and seamless interactivity.
FAQS
Is 50 inches good for a TV?
Yes, 50 inches is a popular size for a TV, offering a balanced viewing experience for medium-sized rooms. It’s large enough for immersive viewing without overwhelming most living spaces.
Is LG better than Samsung?
Both LG and Samsung are reputable brands, each with its strengths. LG is renowned for its OLED TVs, offering superior contrast, while Samsung excels with its QLED TVs, known for vibrant colours.
What size room do I need for a 50 inch TV?
For a 50-inch TV, it’s recommended to sit approximately 6.5 to 10.5 feet away for optimal viewing. Hence, a room that accommodates this distance, considering furniture placement and walking space, would be ideal.