Choosing the right size TV kind of feels like taking a step backward as to how fantastic your new television will be based on its visual aspects. Well, you’d be looking at some of the larger high-visibility sizes, like 50 vs 55 inch TV vanilla beasts in home systems. Even though it may not seem like 5 inches make a great deal of difference when you view them side by side in the shop (and they are), that could result in something impactful depending on your viewing environment and habits. Oh yeah….your budget too!
In this guide, we will define every part of it—particularly the technical specifications, the best suitable room layouts, the real experiences audio-lover has after using these rooms, and budget options. Well, by the end of it, you should know exactly what TV to choose between 50″ and a more commonly recommended size like 55″.
1. The Technical Difference: 50 vs 55 inch TV
First, we need a little technical information before we get into what you like to see. Knowing the specific size differences between a 50-inch TV and one that is only 55 inches can make you understand why those five extra inches aren’t as small as they may seem.
- Diagonal Size: TV sizes are measured diagonally from corner to corner. While a 50-inch TV measures 50 inches diagonally, a 55-inch TV measures 55 inches. This results in a roughly 9% increase in diagonal size.
- Screen Area: More importantly, the screen’s surface area increases significantly. A 55-inch TV has approximately 17% more screen area than a 50-inch model. This increase means more screen space for watching your favorite shows, movies, and games.
Let’s look at it more visually:
- A 50-inch TV typically measures around 43.6 inches wide and 24.5 inches tall.
- A 55-inch TV typically measures around 47.9 inches wide and 27 inches tall.
This means that while it might only seem like 5 inches diagonally, you’re getting a bigger display in width and height. This difference can be very noticeable in larger rooms or when sitting further away from the TV.
2. Viewing Distance: The Key to Choosing the Right TV Size
For this reason, distance matters when it comes to television screen size. The layout of your room and where you plan to sit can make all the difference between a set that feels way too big or increasingly minuscule when it comes time to hit play.
Recommended Viewing Distances
The ideal distance from your TV depends on its size, and experts recommend a specific range for both 50-inch and 55-inch TVs.
- 50-Inch TV:
- Optimal viewing distance: 6.25 feet (1.9 meters) away from the screen.
- Best for: smaller living rooms, bedrooms, or spaces where you sit closer to the TV.
- 55-Inch TV:
- Optimal viewing distance: 6.9 feet (2.1 meters) away from the screen.
- Best for: medium-to-large living rooms or areas where you can sit further back.
Why does viewing distance matter?
- Be careful not to sit too near a TV, as this will make the picture look pixelated or pressured, especially if it is not 4K.
- Distance too far can make the TV feel smaller and less immersive.
If your living room or bedroom is on the small side, a 50-inch TV might be the better choice; conversely, if you have more space and can sit further back from the screen (or want to be truly immersed in all its glory), then go for that larger size, typically around 55 inches. Think about the layout of your room first.
Editors’ Recommendations
3. Room Size and Space Considerations
Where you plan to place the TV matters just as much as your budget and viewing preferences. Let’s explore how room size impacts your decision:
50-Inch TV: Best for Compact Spaces
A 50-inch TV is perfect for:
- Small living rooms: If you have limited wall space or a more compact area, a 50-inch TV will fit comfortably and provide plenty of TV viewing without being too overly enthusiastic.
- Bedrooms: For people who like to watch TV from their bedroom, I would say 50 inches for having it at the foot of your bed or wall type.
- Offices or kitchens: A 50-inch TV makes sense in a secondary space where it’s desired but not central to the room.
55-Inch TV: Ideal for Larger Rooms
A 55-inch TV is a better choice for:
- Larger living rooms: If you have a larger room with a viewing distance from the TV far away, then 55-inch will offer an immersive experience.
- Home theaters: If you’re building a sweet house-scale movie palace in your pad, that is where the bigger screen will count.
- Open-plan areas: For homes with open-concept living spaces, a larger TV can be viewed from different angles or from farther across the room.
Tip: Make sure you measure the available space on your wall or TV stand before purchasing, and consider any furniture or decorations around the TV.
4. Price Comparison: Is Bigger Always Better for Your Budget?
Price is a major factor in deciding between the 50- and 55-inch. Depending on the size you choose, they are usually more expensive, but is shelling out 5 inches worth a larger check? Typically, what are the differences in price?
50-Inch TV Price Range:
- Entry-level models: $300–$500
- Mid-range models (4K, smart features): $500–$700
- Premium models (OLED, QLED, high-end features): $800+
55-Inch TV Price Range:
- Entry-level models: $400–$600
- Mid-range models (4K, smart features): $600–$900
- Premium models (OLED, QLED, high-end features): $1,000+
Are you getting better value with a 55-inch TV?
- Depending on where and when you buy, the step up from a 50-inch TV to a similar-performing 55-inch TV can be relatively small (such as during Black Friday sales events or Prime Day/Holiday promotions). The higher-end models will be a little more, and the mid-range might vary less than $100–$200.
- Value for the money: To have a more complete view of the image, if you can use it in a larger room, investing a little extra money on this 55-inch TV is worth so much, especially for those who like to watch movies on streaming services, watching sports, or some competing games.
5. Performance Considerations: Picture Quality and Features
Size isn’t the only factor you should consider. Picture quality and performance features are crucial in determining whether you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.
Resolution and Picture Quality
Both 50-inch and 55-inch TVs are commonly available in the following resolutions:
- 4K Ultra HD (UHD): 3840×2160 resolution, which is 4 times the pixels of Full HD.
- 8K UHD: Some high-end models offer 8K resolution, but this is rare at both 50 and 55 inches, and the content for 8K is still limited.
In the present market, 4K resolution is an ideal option for both 50-inch and 55-inch TVs. But for 50-inch and up, noticeability of the difference between 4K and Full HD will certainly matter more at larger screen sizes—the bigger you go in size ranges where both resolutions are offered side by side—and that has a lot to do with how image scaling factors into visual perception.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Both 50- and 55-inch TVs often come with HDR features. HDR enhances the contrast and colors of your TV display, providing deeper blacks and brighter whites.
- HDR10: The most common HDR standard, found on most mid-range TVs.
- Dolby Vision: A premium HDR format, typically found in higher-end models. If you’re opting for a premium TV, consider whether Dolby Vision support is important to you.
6. Use Cases: Which TV Size Fits Your Needs?
The type of content you watch can also influence which size is best. Let’s look at different use cases:
Movies and Streaming
- If you’re a movie buff, the 55-inch TV will provide a more cinematic experience, especially in a room where you can sit back and take in the full screen. This makes it ideal for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite shows.
- A 50-inch TV can still deliver a fantastic viewing experience for streaming but may feel a bit smaller in larger spaces.
Gaming
- While smaller 49-inch and 50-inch screens will look great, larger open-world games will deliver more of a wrap-around feel at this screen size for gamer types.
- Both the sizes need to support gaming features like 120Hz refresh rates, low input lag, etc. for the best experience with modern gaming consoles such as PS5 and Xbox Series X so they should at least include HDMI 2.1 (BRING IT BACK SONY!)
Sports Viewing
- A 55-inch TV can really excel for anyone planning to sink into a big sports weekend (or anything that moves fast, frankly; football and basketball fans are sure to see the gains).
- A 50-inch TV size still gives you a good image quality, and following the action becomes more transparent, but if you are used to having your friends join for these sports games, then definitely a bigger screen is usually liked by many on those watch parties.
7. Real-World User Experiences: What Are People Saying?
Reddit Opinions
Many users on platforms like Reddit and AVS Forum share their real-life experiences upgrading from 50 to 55 inches. Here’s a common theme:
- Reddit User Feedback: Several users mention that while 50-inch TVs are great, the move to 55-inch feels like a substantial improvement in terms of screen presence and immersion.
- AVS Forum: In technical forums, many tech-savvy users claim that 55 inches is a sweet spot for most living rooms, providing the best balance between screen size and room proportions.
Verdict: Most people who upgrade to a 55-inch TV don’t regret the purchase, particularly when watching movies, sports, or gaming. The extra size adds a more immersive and engaging experience.
Conclusion: Which TV Size Should You Choose?
In the end, choosing between a 50-inch and a 55-inch TV just depends largely on your room size and will mean forking out some cash alongside how you are going to be using it. To work out which process is right for you, here’s a quick recap.
- Choose a 50-inch TV if:
- You have a smaller room with a limited viewing distance.
- You have a limited budget and want the most bang for your buck.
- If you stick the TV in a second space, like an extra bedroom or your home office.
- Choose a 55-inch TV if:
- You have a larger living room or home theater with more space.
- You want a more immersive experience for movies, gaming, or sports.
- You can afford the slight price increase for the additional screen size.
Remember, the best way to decide is to visit a store and see both sizes in person. Many users find that comparing TVs side by side helps them visualize the difference and make a final decision.
Still have questions? Drop a comment below or check out our TV buying guide for more detailed information on choosing the perfect TV size.
FAQs:
Is the 55-inch TV too big for a small room?
For example, a 55-inch TV may feel too big in smaller rooms (less than half the viewing distance). A 50-inch TV would be a better size if your room is on the smaller side.
How much more expensive is a 55-inch TV compared to a 50-inch?
The average price to step up from a 50-inch TV to a bigger model is around $100-$200, seen here in the blue columns representing three brands for two months apiece. That said, 55-inch TVs can be found for around the same price as their smaller siblings during doorbuster sales.
Can I mount either a 50-inch or 55-inch TV on the wall?
Yes, you can mount a 50-inch and 55-inch television on the wall, but ensure that it is done correctly with an appropriate-sized TV bracket. First measure your wall space and make sure you can install something that is safe to hold wine bottles.
