Top 4K televisions reviewed

The article reviews the top 3 4K televisions of 50 inches, including the Haier H50S80GUX priced at 399,000 euros from Boulanger, the LG OLED48G6 priced at 1,390,000 euros from Son-Vidéo.com, and the Samsung 50QN90F priced at 799,000 euros from Materiel.net.

Smaller television sizes for smaller spaces

While 55 and 65-inch televisions are more common in French living rooms, 50-inch and 48-inch models may be more suitable for smaller spaces. A 48-inch television has a diagonal of 122 cm, while 50-inch models reach 127 cm. These smaller sizes are also generally less expensive.

OLED technology's growing dominance

OLED technology is now becoming dominant, offering superior image quality and contrast compared to LED screens. Based on extensive testing of 4K televisions, the article selects the best small 50-inch and 48-inch televisions from manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, and Sony.

LG OLEDG6 as the top pick

The LG OLEDG6 in the 48-inch version is considered the best television available in this size range. It has a premium design with a stable central stand and meets the VESA standard for wall mounting. The screen uses an OLED Evo panel with an additional fourth layer called Primary RGB Tandem.

Performance and features of the LG OLEDG6

However, the pixel arrangement is slightly different in the 48-inch model, resulting in lower brightness. Nevertheless, the viewing angles remain exceptional, as do the deep blacks. The measured brightness is good with vibrant colors, and the input lag measured at 9.2 ms is ideal for gaming.

WebOS operating system and pricing

The WebOS operating system is very performant, with clear menus and a wide range of available applications. The 48-inch version of the LG OLEDG6 is priced at 1,799 euros and is recommended by the article.

LG OLED C series value for money

The LG OLED C series offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio. The OLED C5 continues the design of previous generations, with a high-quality OLED panel from LG. The viewing angles are very wide, and the blacks are deep. The television is compatible with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Gaming and connectivity features

For gaming, features such as ALLM, G-Sync, and FreeSync are also available. The WebOS operating system manages the animation, allowing users to adjust their consumption according to their needs. The 48-inch model has a more accessible purchase price. A review of the LG OLED C6 is available for further information.

Samsung QN90F with Mini-LED technology

The Samsung QN90F series offers Mini-LED technology and Neo QLED. Its premium design is paired with a premium finish that can fit in any room. The connectivity is complete. A Neo QLED panel is combined with Mini-LED technology and a 4K definition.

Display performance and price

A glare-free coating is in place, reducing unwanted reflections. In terms of display, you have several image modes: Standard, Dynamic, Cinema, Filmmaker Mode, and a dedicated Game mode. The article's series of measurements were carried out in Filmmaker mode. It recorded an average Delta E of 4.55 and a color temperature of 8228 K, indicating less faithful colorimetry than most devices available on the market.

Gaming performance and TizenOS

It also recorded a peak of 2477 cd/m². In Game mode, the article measured a display lag of 9.8 ms. In terms of overall animation, TizenOS manages the television. This OS is distinguished by its multimedia offer and the simplicity of its menus. The 50-inch version of the QN90F is available at 1,499 euros.

Haier H50S80GUX for budget buyers

The Haier H50S80GUX is a 50-inch QLED television priced at 400 euros, which prioritizes color accuracy over brightness. With Google TV, this model impressed with its color accuracy in the Film and User modes without requiring prior adjustment.

Limitations and gaming features

Its brightness remains perfectly stable in the absence of zoned backlighting. However, this approach has its limitations compared to the competition: the brightness peak is limited to only 320 cd/m². In terms of gaming, the presence of two HDMI 2.1 ports compatible with 120 Hz via DLG is appreciated, but the default latency is very high and requires manual adjustment of the settings.

Audio and target audience

The audio system lacks bass, so it is recommended to add a soundbar. It remains a relevant choice for cinema enthusiasts seeking a natural rendering at an affordable price.

Sony Bravia 3 II with XR processor

The Sony Bravia 3 II impresses with its excellent image processing powered by the XR processor, which guarantees high-level upscaling. For a mid-range television, it has good specs, including four HDMI 2.1 ports with a native 120 Hz panel.

Gaming and viewing conditions

This is a major asset for console gamers, who also benefit from a very low display lag. Its Google TV system, boosted by the Gemini assistant, offers smooth navigation. The addition of an effective anti-reflective treatment also helps compensate for its somewhat disappointing brightness in a well-lit room.

Limitations in dark environments

However, the panel's design with direct LED backlighting lacks local dimming, resulting in blacks that lean towards gray and a lack of depth in the dark, which can make watching movies in the dark disappointing. Nevertheless, this model remains a relevant choice for watching sports, TV, or gaming during the day.

Optimal viewing distance for 50-inch TVs

The article also provides guidance on the optimal viewing distance for a 50-inch television, which has a diagonal of 127 cm. A simple rule for estimating the distance is 4.5 cm per inch, which means 2.25 meters for a 50-inch television. This distance allows for immersion in the image while minimizing eye fatigue.

Reasons for limited small OLED TVs

However, this distance can be adjusted based on personal preferences or the constraints of the interior. There are several reasons why there are not many small OLED televisions. Economically, there is less demand for smaller sizes, as people who seek the best image quality want to fully enjoy their content and thus prefer larger screens.

Technical challenges in producing small OLED panels

Technically, the production of small OLED panels is challenging due to the way screens are manufactured, making it difficult to design small panels at a reasonable cost due to low demand for these sizes. However, this depends on the brand, as LG has been selling 48-inch OLED panels since 2020.

Future of small OLED and LED usage

For these reasons, 50-inch televisions will more likely use LED technology.