HDR10+ is a rival format to Dolby Vision. Created by Samsung, it also uses dynamic metadata but, whereas Dolby Vision is licensed, HDR10+ is a free, open format that any company can deploy as it sees fit. If you're buying a TV below 32 inches and can save a lot of money on a Full HD model, by all means go for it (4K won't be a huge benefit at that sort of size anyway), but otherwise 4K is both worthwhile and, in all likelihood, your only option. Should you buy an HDR TV? QLED panels are a Samsung property that replaces Liquid Crystals (found in LCD) with Quantum dots. Samsung believes these produce much more vibrant and bright colours and sharper images. Thankfully, some of the best QLED TVs are now quite affordable compared to even a year ago. Freeview Play The What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years experience of reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics.

Many smart TVs come with a feature called something similar to ‘Screen Mirror’ or ‘Wireless Display’. This pairs with a smartphone via an installed app. This then shows your phone screen on the TV, which is great for viewing photos, videos or video chats. It depends on the TV brand and model, phone brand and model, and available screen-mirroring apps. Not to mention the availability of Bluetooth connections. However, as technology improves, more and more smart TVs are capable of being paired with a smartphone.Other apps that are less common but potentially worth looking out for include BT Sport, Now, Britbox, and music apps such as Spotify and Tidal. Should you buy an OLED, QLED or LCD TV?

This question is pretty much moot now, as the vast majority of TVs are now 4K. It's actually rather hard to find Full HD (1080p) models, even at sizes 50-inches and smaller. Like the 50-inch television available instore in Asda, the 50-inch Sharp TV supports HDR and 4K Ultra HD. Unlike the TV from Asda, the Sharp set is powered by Android TV, which is developed by Google and is compatible with a huge number of streaming apps and games.

Dolby Vision™ - cinema-inspired HDR

Featuring Dolby Vision HDR for cinematic detail and Smart TV by Roku, the Sharp 50FJ2K has a top spec at a bargain price. The thing is, manufacturers don't always put the same effort into TVs this size as they do those that measure 55 inches or bigger, which is why you have to take extra care when making your purchasing decision. Believe us when we say that we've reviewed lots of 50-inch TVs that you definitely should not buy. If you are a gamer, it's also worth considering the next-gen gaming features of your prospective new TV. Xbox Series X and PS5 gamers can gain a competitive advantage on certain games if their TV supports 4K 120Hz, while VRR support can result in a smoother gameplay experience. ALLM, meanwhile, simply ensures that you automatically get the best visual experience from both games and movies / TV shows. If you are a more casual gamer or not a gamer at all, you can pretty much disregard these features, and it's likely that doing so will save you a lot of cash. Should you buy a 4K or Full HD TV?

Testing a TV is a long and complex process because a modern TV simply does so much. Not only does it need to handle a variety of content resolutions – standard-def, 1080p, 4K and sometimes 8K – and both standard dynamic range and high dynamic range (the latter in a number of formats), all of which need to be specifically tested, it also has a sound system with various advanced settings and a full smart platform. A TV is an all-in-one device in the best sense, but that also makes it a challenging review proposition.

HD Tuner DVB-T/T2 (MPEG4 + 10-bit HEVC/H.265)

So, if you're wondering whether you should take the plunge and opt for one of the best 50-inch smart TVs, you're not alone. With a marketplace flooded with options, some smart - others not so much, it can seem like a buyer's minefield. And what is a smart TV anyway? Thankfully, there's a handy buyer's guide, FAQs and some jargon explained at the end of the article to help. Where the A90K is almost flawless is its picture quality. We have never before tested a TV this size that’s this good, so if can live without the extra gaming facilities of the LG C3 and don't mind stretching your budget quite a bit further, the Sony A90K is a great option. Whatever you go for, you’re going to love all that extra screen space. So, whether you're settling down with the family to watch Disney's Encanto, or gearing up to binge-watch HBO's The Last of Us, our experts have found the best 50-inch smart TVs to suit all budgets, up next. Best 50-inch smart TVs of 2023 at a glance: