50 vs. 55 Inch TV: Which is Better?
Does an addition of merely a few inches make that big of an impact amongst its viewers? This article is going to walk you through the factors that make a 55 inch TV smarter and better than its 50 inch contender and at the end you’ll be able to make an informed decision on choosing the model that ideally suits your needs and preference.
Quick Info
| Factors | 50 vs. 55 Inch TV | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 55 inch TV covers at least 20% more area as compared to a 50 inch model | 55 Inch TV |
| Viewing Experience | 55 inch TV provides a larger and more immersive screen for a better viewing experience | 55 Inch TV |
| Room Size and Viewing Distance | While 55 inch TVs are better for larger rooms (7.7 ft optimal), 50 inch TVs are better for rooms that are smaller in size. | Tie |
| Price Difference | The price difference between the two sizes is relatively small, making the 55-inch TV a better investment for a larger screen. | 55 Inch TV |
| Other Features | Both sizes offer similar built-in features, resolutions, and connectivity options, making them equivalent in terms of content and source quality. | Tie |
| Overall Winner | Because 55 Inch TVs are more practical over 50 inch, it is crystal clear that 55 inch is a overall winner | 55 Inch TV |
Ever since time immemorial, humans have been attracted to the term “ bigger is better”. Be it any utensils or any experience, we as humans always prefer the larger cut.
Our visual tendencies tend to go down this road as well. We want, nay we need, to experience a visual immersive experience that is as large as it gets, provided we can afford it as well. In this regard, we shall be comparing 50 vs. 55 Inch TV.
To be brutally honest, 50 or 55 inch TVs are not the most popular sizes these days. The 65 inch TVs have created a virtual storm in a teacup recently and are quite the rage. However, the limitation to this trend is affordability, and this is where the standard 50 vs. 55 comes in.
The first element to cover is that most people assume that a 50 inch TV is 50 inches wide and a 55 inch TV is correspondingly 55 inches wide. However, this is wrong. It is unknown to many that TV is usually measured diagonally rather than horizontally, which leads us to the fact that a 50 inch TV is around 44.25 inches wide while a 55 inch TV is 48.9 inches in width.
The Total Viewing Area is defined as the surface area covered by the TV screens, which is 1,112 square inches for 50 inches and 1,363 square inches for 55 inches, which concludes that a 55 inch TV covers at least 20% more area as compared to a 50 inch model.
In short, 55-inch TVs are 2.80″ taller and 4.36″ wider than 50-inch, hence 55-inch TV offers a larger screen for a more immersive experience that delivers cinematic feel and is great for spacious living rooms, but the 50-inch is a versatile choice for cozier settings with more practical in smaller spaces.
Mable Cyndi (my neighbor) says “Deciding between a 50-inch and a 55-inch TV is like choosing between a comfortable sedan and a spacious SUV. The 50-inch offers a great viewing experience, while the 55-inch takes it to the next level, enveloping you in a cinematic world.”
50 vs. 55 Inch TV
To wage a war on 50 vs. 55-inch TV would be technically inaccurate since a measly difference of 5 inches doesn’t make much of the difference. After conducting detailed research I’ve compiled several parameters that make a 50 inch TV distinct from a 55 inch one.
Screen Size
If you had gone through the entire introduction in detail then you’d know that screen size is not the width or the height but rather the diagonal length which is 50 and 55 inches respectively. But if measured horizontally, a 50 inch TV measures 44.25 inches while a 55 inch is roughly 48.9 inches wide. The measured height is 25 inches for a 50 inch TV and 27.8 inches for a 55 inches.
Hence;
| TV Size (Inches) | Width (Inches) | Height (Inches) | Diagonal (Inches) | Screen Area (Square Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-Inch TV | 44.25 | 25 | 50 | 1,106 |
| 55-Inch TV | 48.9 | 27.8 | 55 | 1,359 |
| Difference | 4.36 | 2.80 | 5 | 12.21 |
Dimensions of 50 inch TV
Dimensions of 55 inch TV
Viewing Experience
A 55 inch TV under its broad dimensions gives a more immersive and submersible viewing experience than a 50 Inch set.
A bigger screen not only means increased size, but it also tags along new and improved technologies that a 50 inch TV might not have. A 55 inch TV also provides a wide field of view which is significantly respected when watching a sci fi or action movie or playing games that support the TV with these dimensions.
Room Size and Viewing Distance
An Optimal Viewing Distance is the distance between the TV and its viewer that provides optimum immersive visuals to its user. Optimal Viewing Distance depends on two parameters, namely the size of the display and the resolution of the TV. For a 50 inch TV, the optimal viewing distance is supposed to be 7 feet but for 55 inch TV, this distance should be 7.7 feet.
This leads us to the conclusion that a 50-inch TV may be more suitable for smaller rooms, while a 55-inch TV complements larger spaces.
Price Difference
Price is not a defining point in choosing a 50 or 55 inch TV, while most manufacturing companies avoid designing a TV equipped with the same feature in two different dimensions, they keep a very little to negligible price difference between a 50 inch and a 55 inch TV.
Let’s take Samsung as an example, the price for its 2023 model CU8000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV 50 inch is around $430 while 55 inch is around $500, which makes a meager difference of $70 between the two sets which in my opinion is not a bad investment to make when going for a larger size since you’ll be offered more feature only at the difference of $70.
Tho keep in mind that this price difference is just between 50 and 55 inch TVs, because TVs that are sized above 60 inches are more expensive even with the same features such as the same SAMSUNG Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 but in 65-inch cost at $630, the main reason behind it according to my research is that 65 inch or above TVs are more fashioned so yeah demand and supply play the role here.
Room Layout and Placement
Not everyone is blessed to live in a mansion with huge rooms extending over many square feet of area. Most people have compact bedrooms with a more spaced-out living room. If a 65 inch TV complements the interior of your living room then you’re good to go, but such a size will give a cramped up ambiance in the bedroom.
Both 50 or 55 inch TV is mostly preferred in the bedroom since they conveniently complements the dimensions of the room and also has an optimum viewing angle. A 50 or 55 inch TV can be mounted on the wall or placed on a console in the living room as well provided the dimension of the room doesn’t make it look small and insignificant.
Content and Source Quality
This goes without saying that most of the best features are found in the 55 inch TVs as compared to its 50 inch counterpart. But in the context of SmartTVs, both 50 or 55 inch TVs offer the same built-in features. Android, Google Assistant, Alexa, and other standard features like Chromecast and Netflix.
Both TVs also have the same number of HDMI, Audio/Video, and Ethernet Ports. The same goes for the Resolution as both 50 and 55 inch support 4K resolution, you won’t be getting a UHD in these sizes nor an 8K resolution, since it only supports larger screens such as from 65 inches or above.
There might be some difference in the offered screen type as a 50 inch screen limits you to a QLED panel while a 55 inch screen befits an OLED panel.
Another feature that holds high for the 55 inch is that these sized TVs usually work best with gaming consoles. A 55 inch TV mostly has an HDMI 2.1 port that supports 4K gaming at 120 fps, something that a 50 inch TV lacks and makes it a misfit to play Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 on them.
Hence, the winner is a 55-inch TV because of so many plus-points and that too with little price difference
Should I get a 50 inch or 55 inch TV?
When caught in between the dilemma of which size of TV to buy, if affordability is not an issue then it’s better to opt for a 55 inch TV since it provides much better and advanced picture and sound quality with more gaming features alongside an extra added screen space.
You’ll get a bigger screen pace and better features only at a difference of a few bucks. Mentioned above are the other features that might help you in deciding which article to purchase as per your preference.
Advantages of Big-Sized TV
People usually tend to incline towards a big sized TVs, especially when its small screen contender is available only at a difference of a few dollars as above explained.
This is how the consumer market works, with the size selling itself. Mentioned below are a few of the advantages that will support your argument the next time you’re hopping in to burn your credit card for a big screen.
Immersive Viewing Experience
A bigger TV means more immersion, and when seated at an optimal viewing distance little to no swinging of the head sideways. Hence minimizing fatigue, and eye strain and providing you with a great viewing experience.
Enhanced Detail and Clarity
Bigger-sized TVs are usually equipped with either 4K or 8K resolution, both of which provide enhanced sharpness and viewing details. Furthermore, a bigger size also promises more elaborated pixels.
Wider Field of View
The size of the TV is directly proportional to the field of view, the bigger the size, the more magnanimous will be your field of view. This provides you with authentic home theater effects and also improves the chances of winning in games by giving it a competitive edge.
But to stamp more benefits out of it and avoid the neck sprain, it is recommended to be seated at the desired viewing distance designated for each size
Suitable for Larger Rooms
Interior designers such as Mark Antonio believe that a “TV shouldn’t be the center of focus in your living room, neither too small nor too big. It should easily complement the layout of your room.”
So consequently bigger sized TVs are better suited for large halls and living rooms.
Multi-Purpose Use
Tech giants coming up with big-screen TVs usually make sure that their design is equipped with all the latest technologies as well. So a big screen TV, apart from from serving the purpose of watching movies, TV shows, and streaming content can also be used for playing highly competitive PC and console games
Impactful Visuals
Bigger size leads to a higher resolution, usually, big screen TVs can support a 4K or an 8K resolution. This ultimately improves the pixel quality, color production, sharpness, and brightness of the picture. A huge screen with highly intense visuals, a match made in heaven, eh?
How far can you sit from a 50 inch TV?
Based on the data collected from the recommended viewing distance for each size of TV, the distance between your couch and a 50 inch TV should be 75 inches / 6.25 feet / 1.9 meters to ensure maximum immersion.
This also helps to decrease the chances of eye strain, neck pain, and easy fatigability since at this optimum distance you wouldn’t have to move your neck sideways to view the entire screen at a time
FAQs
Is a 50 inch TV big enough?
No, a 50 inch TV is a medium-sized TV, given the aesthetic rule of thumb that a TV should not be the entire focal point in your room, it can be an appropriate choice for a big living room or even a home theater. But when it comes to the bedroom I would not suggest it since it will make the room look crowded and hard for you to achieve the optimum viewing angle as well.
Is a 50 inch TV good for the living room?
This depends upon the size and layout of your living room. If it is large enough and the placement of a 50 inch tv doesn’t make it a focal point in your room and given the ideal viewing distance between the viewer and the tv that is between 6-10 feet is made possible then a 50 inch tv would be a perfect addition to your living room.
How do I choose the right size TV?
Choosing the right size TV depends upon two important factors, your budget and the viewing distance from your sitting area. The viewing distance determines the kind of immersion you require and reduces the chances of eye strain caused by being too close to the TV as well.
There is also a formula that helps you to decide which size to choose.
Viewing distance (in inches)/2 = Recommended TV size
Where viewing distance is the approximate distance between your sitting area and the presumed location for the tv
What is the most popular TV size for the living room?
The most popular TV size for the living room is 55 inches since it maintains the optimal viewing angle that is 7 feet for its viewers all the while complementing the layout of a standard living room interior.
What is the best TV height for the living room?
Regardless of the size of the tv, or the mode of its attachment which could either be mounted on the wall or placed on a console, the best height of the tv for a living room should be at the eye level of its viewer which is generally a distance of 42 inches between the floor and the center of the tv
Does 4K depend on screen size?
The picture quality on every screen size having a 4k resolution would most likely be the same. However, the parameter that would be changed is the viewing distance. For a larger screen, you ought to sit at a much greater distance than as compared to while viewing 4k resolution on a smaller screen.
What size is good for 4K?
Experts claim that a screen size ranging from 27 to 43 inches is ideal for supporting a 4K resolution all the while staying true to its authentic sharpness and displayed pixels
End Note
Despite not being distinctly apart in the proposed features and specifications, a meager difference of just 5 inches and some slightly added benefits have rendered the 55-inch TV a BRIGHT VICTOR in this 50 vs. 55 inch combat.
Most of the manufacturing powerhouses like Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic are slowly limiting the production of their 50 inch TV variants owing to their insignificant utility that could easily get replaced and covered by the much bigger and much better 55 inch version (source).
Hopefully, this write-up has loaded you up with all the good and the bad about 50 inches and 55 inch TVs, so next time when you’re on a shopping spree, confused about what to get for your room, remember all you have to consider is that which size will do justice to your living room and match your preference more accurately.
