50-inch and 48-inch TVs have not been the most popular in recent years, but demand is far from negligible. If you are looking for a television in these formats, we have selected for you the best models in the category in 2023.
As 4K has become a standard, audiences are getting used to bigger and bigger TVs. And most users no longer backtrack after stepping up. But while 65-inch and 55-inch TVs are much more common these days, models from 48 to 50 inches still have many followers.
If you don’t have a lot of space or are looking for a secondary TV for the bedroom or for gaming, these sizes should be right up your alley. Keep in mind that brands no longer systematically offer 50-inch versions (or less) for all their models, especially their most advanced TVs. However, we still find Samsung, LG, TCL or at sony many quality models that will meet your expectations.
LG OLED Evo C3 – 48-inch TV
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Baker
1690€
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Rakuten
1690€
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Amazon
1690€
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Fnac
1699€
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Darty
1699€
After the LG OLED C2 which was part of our selection of the best OLED TVs of last year, LG has just launched the new Evo C3 which takes over with some improvements under the hood. The Korean manufacturer offers it in several sizes ranging from 43 to 83 inches. A 48-inch version is notably available.
Like its predecessor, this reference is the most balanced of LG’s OLED TV range. Less high-end than the LG OLED G3, this TV offers excellent image quality, good colorimetry and the depth of contrast specific to OLED televisions. The 48-inch version benefits from the same characteristics as the larger sizes, with the exception of the brightness peak which is a little behind. The TV also embeds the new α9 Gen6 AI processor. The latter improves the image processing and overall performance of the TV.
The LG OLED C3 is aimed at both movie buffs and gamers. It offers technology Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, but also with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for the audio part. And for gamers, this TV has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. It is notably compatible with VRR, G-Sync and FreeSync and allows you to play in 4K up to 120 Hz. The LG OLED C3 is powered by the brand new interface Web OS 23. It is available at a price of €1699 in its 48-inch version.
Samsung QLED 50Q60C 2023 – 50 inch TV
50 inch Samsung QLED Q60C TV
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Samsung
899€
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Baker
899€
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Rakuten
899€
The reference Q60C represents Samsung’s entry-level QLED TV in 2023. It comes in multiple sizes, including a 50-inch 4K model. This TV uses the Dual-LED for the backlight. This technology introduced by Samsung in 2020 improves color fidelity by using two different LEDs (hot and cold) depending on the images to be displayed.
In combination with quantum filters (Quantum Dots), the backlight thus produces brighter colors. The Samsung Q60C is also compatible with the HDR10+, but like all its televisions, Samsung prefers to do without Dolby Vision. This model isn’t quite as bright as the brand’s top QLED models, but it offers what’s needed for comfortable day-to-day viewing.
This 50-inch TV has HDMI 2.0 ports, with a refresh rate limited to 50 Hz. It is therefore not particularly aimed at gamers. Its price: 899 €.
Samsung QLED 50Q80C 2023 – 50 inch TV
50 inch Samsung QLED 50Q80C TV
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Baker
1190€
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Rakuten
1190€
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Fnac
1199€
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Samsung
1199€
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Darty
1199€
If the Q60C model seems light to you, the Samsung Q80C is a much more evolved reference. Still in QLED and 4K definition, this 50-inch TV uses a backlight Full LED Local Dimming for deep contrasts, in addition to providing good brightness. These characteristics allow it to make ideal use of HDR. The sound part is compatible with the Dolby Atmos wireless format.
Everything is powered by the new Neo Quantum Processor 4K chip. It is faster and improves the processing of images in 4K UHD thanks to artificial intelligence. Finally, the Samsung 50Q80C is a good TV if you have a PS5 or an Xbox Series X. 4 HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K at 120 Hz and one for very low input lag.
In 50 inches, this television is available at the price of 1199 €. And if you are looking for an even higher-end model, the Samsung Neo QLED Q90C uses miniLED technology whose contrast is close to OLED TVs. Count 300 € more, or 1499 € for the 50-inch format.
TCL QLED 50C645 2023 – 50 inch TV
TCL 50C645 2023 50-inch QLED TV
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Rakuten
515.44€
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Darty
549.99€
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Baker
599€
In the TCL 2023 line-up, the C645 QLED TV unlike the C845 and C745 is offered in a 50-inch version. This 4K television offers good brightness of 1000 nits coupled with excellent contrast in addition to being compatible with all HDR formats and Dolby Vision. What to enjoy a great cinema experience in your sofa.
As for video games, if this TV has 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, it is mainly for the ALLM functionality (very low latency in game). Its native refresh rate is limited to 50 Hz, which does not make it possible to exploit the full potential of this generation of HDMI. However, fluidity may increase up to 120 Hz in Full HD thanks to new technology TCL Game Accelerator which doubles the refresh rate.
Finally, this 50-inch TV runs on Android-TV with interface GoogleTV. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Count 599 € to offer you the TCL C645 in its 50-inch version.
SONY XR-48A90K OLED – 48 inch TV
Sony Bravia A90K 48-inch OLED TV
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Rakuten
1758.26€
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Baker
1890€
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Fnac
1899€
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Darty
1899€
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Shopping street
1995.19€
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Amazon
2138.63€
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Cdiscount
2311.51€
More offers
The Sony A90K TV is an OLED model that plays in the same category as the LG OLED C2 and C3. Their designs and features are pretty close, but Sony’s TV costs a bit more. Count 1899 € for the 48-inch version. It offers the same characteristics as versions of 55 inches and more, with the exception of QD-OLED technology which makes it possible to associate Quantum Dots filters with OLED on certain recent models from Sony and Samsung.
However, the brand manages to offer good color reproduction thanks to the functionality XR OLED Contrast Pro. This makes it possible to energize the colors and the contrast in the bright areas. The Sony A90K is compatible with all HDR formats, including Dolby Vision. It has 4 HDMI ports including two of generation 2.1. Ideal for next generation consoles. For the “software” part, this 48-inch TV is animated by Android with Google TV interface.
50-inch TV: is it the right size for you?
While a size between 48 and 50 inches was considered imposing a few years ago, it tends to become the minimum acceptable with the democratization of 4K televisions. But 50 inches is still relatively large (127 centimeters diagonally), especially if you have a small room.
This should therefore be enough to enjoy good viewing comfort if you have a space problem. In addition, the 4K definition allows you to enjoy a good level of detail, even at a distance close to the television. This is why most users are turning to larger and larger formats.
What to expect from a 50 or 48 inch TV?
These formats take advantage of the latest developments in the television market. No matter what type of backlight you are looking for, you will find LED, QLED, MiniLED or even OLED TVs between 48 and 50 inches. But it must be said that these formats are not systematically offered by manufacturers for all their references, in particular those of the highest range.
This is the case, for example, with the LG OLED G3 which is available from 55 inches or certain models from Samsung’s Neo QLED range which are also available from 55 inches. And when available, the 50-inch (or 48-inch) format does not always benefit from the same characteristics as the larger versions, especially with regard to the peak brightness which is generally lower.
