10 Best 48-inch TVs: Which One Will Be Yours?

Electronic Hub’s Team Take

• LG dominates the 48-inch TV market with OLED powerhouses like the C2, C3, and C4, which offer stunning picture quality and top-notch features.
• The Samsung QLED XD90 comes next in line for gamers and value seekers, as it provides excellent contrast and smooth motion handling.
• When shopping for a 48-inch TV, you should prioritise features that matter to you. Consider picture quality (OLED vs. LED), refresh rate for gaming, smart TV features, and your budget.

10 Best 48-inch TVs Of 2024

In a world where everyone is always looking for the next big thing like an AI that could help make your job easier, or a bigger camera or a bigger house, some people still appreciate the little things. While we do not know if you would categorise 48 inches as small or big, in this article, we will take you through the best TVs just under that sweet spot of 50 inches, that would not only be a beautiful addition to your home but also give you a surreal viewing experience, making you enjoy your favourite movies and TV shows a lot more than you usually do.

Best 48-inch TVs: How We Test Them

To pick the perfect 48-inch TV for you, we closely examined each model’s design, features, and ease of setup. We then combined these scores into a single rating from 1.0 to 5.0, making it easier to compare.

Best 48inch TVs	Refresh Rate	HDR Modes	Buy Now
LG C3 48-inch TV	120Hz	HDR10, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
Sony XR A90K 48-inch TV	120Hz	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
LG C2 48-inch TV	120Hz	HDR10, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
LG C4	120Hz	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
LG Posé Series	120Hz	HDR10, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
Samsung S90D	120Hz	HDR10+, HLG	Check On Amazon
Westing House Edgeless	120Hz	HDR10, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
Toshiba C350	60Hz	HDR10, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
Hisense U6HF	60Hz	HDR10, Dolby Vision	Check On Amazon
Amazon Fire TV	60Hz	HDR10, HLG	Check On Amazon

Review Of The Best 48-inch TVs

1. LG C3

• Hz Rate: 120Hz
• Product Dimensions: 1″D x 42.2″W x 26.6″H
• Weight: 783
• Special Feature: AI Picture, AI Upscaling, Filmmaker Mode, Picture Processor

A television that delivers excellent picture quality with perfect black levels and stunning contrast is what the C3 stands for. This 4K OLED television from LG comes equipped with LGs a9 Gen6 AI processor which enhances image and sound quality through AI-powered deep learning algorithms. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate that allows for gaming and watching fast-paced action scenes.

Pros:

• AI Picture Pro: Utilizes AI to automatically enhance picture quality in real-time.
• Filmmaker Mode: Preserves the original colours, aspect ratios, and frame rates of movies.
• Gallery Design: Slim profile that looks great mounted on the wall.
• Bluetooth Surround Ready: Easily connects additional Bluetooth speakers.
• G-SYNC Compatible: Reduces screen tearing for a smoother gaming experience.

Cons:

• Expensive Replacement Parts: OLED panels can be costly to repair.
• Heavy: Can be difficult to mount without assistance.

Our Experience

The LG C3 48-inch TV exemplifies OLED brilliance with cutting-edge features.

• Set Up: Setting up the LG C3 was a breeze, taking just about 20 minutes from unboxing to mounting on the wall.
• Picture Quality: The OLED display delivers stunning visuals, with deep blacks and rich, lifelike colours enhanced by the α9 Gen 6 AI Processor.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers love the LG C3 Series TV for its intuitive WebOS interface, exceptional picture quality with vibrant colours and deep contrast, and rich, clear built-in sound. The setup process is straightforward, and its versatility for both entertainment and productivity is highly praised. However, opinions are mixed on the brightness, gaming performance, and remote control functionality.

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2. Sony XR A90K

• Hz Rate: 120Hz
• Product Dimensions: 88″D x 42.13″W x 24.88″H
• Weight: 16.5kgs
• Special Feature: Exclusive features for the PlayStation 5, Google TV with Google Assistant

Sony, a leader in audio and visual technology rolled out the XR A90K to give users a cinematic and immersive experience. With its XR cognitive processor, this 48-inch TV replicates the way humans see and hear. It delivers exceptional contrast and colour accuracy, bringing every scene to life with remarkable details. A 120H refresh rate reduces the input lag and offers a smoother motion.

Pros:

• XR Contrast Booster: Enhances bright areas and deepens blacks for better contrast.
• Wide Viewing Angle: Consistent picture quality from any angle.
• Bravia Core: Exclusive streaming service with high-quality 4K UHD movies.
• IMAX Enhanced: Supports IMAX Enhanced content for an immersive experience.
• Voice Zoom: Enhances dialogue clarity without raising the overall volume.

Cons:

• Complex Settings: Requires some tweaking for optimal performance.
• Reflective Screen: This can be problematic in bright rooms.

Our Experience

The Sony XR A90K 48-inch TV impresses with its powerful processing and captivating visuals.

• Set Up: Setting up the Sony XR A90K was straightforward and took approximately 25 minutes including connecting to Wi-Fi and a few configuring settings.
• Picture Quality: The XR Cognitive Processor ensures exceptional picture quality, with superb contrast and precise colour representation that brings every scene to life.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers admire this TV for its outstanding picture and sound quality, as well as its solid build. They particularly appreciate the deep blacks and vibrant colours the OLED technology provides, along with the impressive audio that feels like it originates from the entire screen.

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3. LG C2

• Hz Rate: 120Hz
• Product Dimensions: 9.1″D x 48.1″W x 29.8″H
• Weight: 14.6 kg
• Special Feature: Nvidia G Sync

A predecessor to the C3, the C2 is powered by LG’s a9 Gen 5 AI processor which enhances both picture and sound quality through advanced AI algorithms. With minimal to almost no motion blur, this 4K OLED TV is perfect for watching sports, movies and even playing video games. It also supports HDR10 and Dolby visual which provides a life-like viewing experience.

Pros:

• NVIDIA G-SYNC And FreeSync: Compatible with both technologies for smooth gaming.
• Game Optimizer: Centralized game settings for a better gaming experience.
• Eye Comfort Display: Reduces blue light for less eye strain.
• Magic Remote: Features point, click, scroll, and voice control.
• Dolby Atmos: Provides immersive, multi-dimensional sound.

Cons:

• Limited Cable Management: This can result in a cluttered setup.
• No ATSC 3.0 Tuner: Missing next-gen broadcast TV support.

Our Experience

Having tested the LG C2 48-inch TV, we were impressed by its stunning OLED display, which consistently delivered vivid colours and deep blacks.

• Set Up: Setting up the LG C2 was efficient, taking around 20 minutes from unboxing to completing the initial setup.
• Picture Quality: Powered by the α9 Gen 5 AI Processor, it delivered outstanding picture clarity and detail, ensuring every scene came to life with remarkable realism.

What Customers Are Saying

The picture quality of this TV is exceptional, especially for high bit-rate content and gaming with its support for up to 120 FPS and variable refresh rates. Users appreciate the true blacks and contrast, though the brightness might not be ideal for very bright rooms. The TV’s speakers are decent, but many use the eARC feature for enhanced sound systems.

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4. LG C4

• Hz Rate: 120Hz
• Product Dimensions: 9.1″D x 42.17″W x 26.57″H
• Weight: 16.7 kg
• Special Feature: Built-In Speaker, Nvidia G Sync, Game Mode, Flat, AMD free sync

Successor to both the C2 and C3, at number four we have yet another product from the innovative house of LG, the C4. While it still has the a9 Gen 6 AI processor like the C3, it manages to further push the boundaries as it comes equipped with a lot of smart features powered by the intuitive webOS platform. It’s brighter, better, a little faster and as always, has a stunning depth and realism giving you a super cinematic experience.

Pros:

• Unmatched Picture Quality: LG OLED delivers stunning visuals with deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent viewing angles.
• Smarter Than Ever: AI Picture Pro automatically analyzes and optimizes content for a flawless viewing experience.
• Bring The Cinema Home: Filmmaker Mode and Dolby Vision/Atmos technologies create a truly immersive cinematic experience.
• Designed To Impress: The sleek gallery design makes a statement in any room.
• Gamers Rejoice: G-Sync compatibility ensures smooth and tear-free gameplay for a competitive edge.

Cons:

• A luxurious Investment: OLED technology comes at a premium price compared to LED TVs.
• Potential For Image Retention: Like all OLED TVs, there’s a slight risk of permanent burn-in if static images are displayed for extended periods.

Our Experience

The LG C4 48-inch TV impressed us with its advanced processor and intuitive webOS platform. It delivers enhanced brightness, speed, and stunning depth.

• Set Up: Setting up the LG C4 was seamless, taking around 20 minutes from unboxing to enjoying its advanced gaming features like Nvidia G Sync and AMD FreeSync.
• Picture Quality: With a 120Hz refresh rate, the LG C4 ensures smooth motion and vibrant colours, providing exceptional clarity for a truly cinematic viewing experience.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers praise this television’s vibrant colours and overall image quality, noting its suitability for various streaming content. However, there are a few concerns about its brightness, especially in brightly lit rooms, and frustration over the inability to disable the auto-dimming feature. Some users also report issues with text clarity when using the TV as a PC monitor despite its other positive features like ease of setup and good sound quality.

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5. LG Pose Series

• Hz Rate: 120Hz
• Product Dimensions: 19.5″D x 42.1″W x 46.1″H
• Weight:  19.11 kg
• Special Feature: Wide Viewing Angle; Pixel Level Dimming; Perfect Black

We hope we’re not boring you with only LG-TVs, but what can we do if they stick to their name and make our (L)ives (G) good? At number 5, we have a TV from the Posè Series that, as always, gives a good viewing experience because of its deep black and vivid colours. With its a7 Gen 4 AI processor, which might not be at par with the other ones, this TV still does an incredible job with its standard 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10 with Dolby Vision and offers a dynamic performance.

Pros:

• Stunning Style: Elevates your living space with a sleek design that complements any décor.
• Ultra-Smooth Gaming: Unleash the full potential of your games with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
• Effortless Voice Control: Enjoy seamless control with your voice. Integrate seamlessly with Alexa or Google Assistant to control your TV, adjust settings, and search for content, all hands-free.

Cons:

• Stand Placement Limitations: While the stand offers a stylish look, it may not have the adjustability needed for optimal viewing angles in all setups.

Our Experience

This TV  impressed us with its elegant design and exceptional picture clarity.

• Set Up: Setting up the LG Pose was a breeze, taking about 15 minutes from unboxing to enjoying its intuitive features.
• Picture Quality: The LG Pose delivers vivid colours and crisp details, enhancing your viewing pleasure whether watching movies or playing games.

What Customers Are Saying

The reviewer praises the TV for its space-saving design with integrated stands and ample built-in speaker strength. They appreciate the included accessory compartment for organising devices like the Switch and Apple TV. However, they seem disappointed due to software issues that affect the input management and sound quality.

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6. Samsung S90D

• Hz Rate: 120Hz
• Product Dimensions: 10.4″D x 43.2″W x 27″H
• Weight: 11.8kgs
• Special Feature: Built-In Speaker, Samsung Health, Multiple Voice Assistance,

At last, a product that’s not LG. Up next, we have the S90D from Samsung which, with its  Quantum Dot Technology, provides a wide range of colours and enhanced brightness for high-quality images. This TV has a 120Hz refresh rate which gives a smooth motion for sports and gaming while the HDR10+ and HLG offer a high range for detailed and vibrant visuals.

Pros:

• Quantum Processor 4K: Upscales content to 4K with AI.
• Dual LED Backlighting: Enhances contrast based on content.
• Adaptive Sound: Automatically adjusts sound settings based on the viewing environment.
• Multi-View: Watch multiple content sources simultaneously.
• Samsung Health: Integrated health and fitness features.

Cons:

• Tizen OS Learning Curve: Interface may take some time to get used to.
• Limited Dolby Vision Support: Not as robust as HDR10+

Our Experience

Exploring the Samsung S90D 48-inch TV was a treat, with its sleek design and cutting-edge features leaving a lasting impression

• Set Up: Getting the Samsung S90D up and running was a straightforward process, taking approximately 20 minutes from unboxing to full setup, including optimizing its advanced functionalities.
• Picture Quality: With FreeSync Premium and AI Upscaling technologies, the Samsung S90D delivers crisp visuals, vibrant colours, and fluid motion, providing an immersive viewing experience across various types of content.

What Customers Are Saying

Unpacking and setting up the TV was straightforward, although it’s advisable to inspect for damage upon delivery due to its ultra-thin design. The initial setup process is smooth and bypasses the need for a Samsung account by connecting directly to Roku. Its bright visuals handle data seamlessly, while the built-in speakers provide impressive sound quality for stock equipment.

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7. Westinghouse Edgeless

• Hz Rate: 60Hz
• Product Dimensions: 12″D x 43.8″W x 28″H
• Weight: 12.6 kg
• Special Feature: Roku Voice Remote, Dolby Audio

This TV from Westinghouse has been made to offer stunning clarity. With a sleek edgeless design, it combines modern aesthetics with vibrant colours and sharp details to elevate your viewing experience. Its built-in WiFi and three HDMI inputs make connecting your favourite devices feel like a piece of cake. So whether you’re binge-watching your favourite shows or gaming with friends, the Westinghouse 48-inch edgeless Roku TV delivers a great performance.

Pros:

• Streaming Simplified: Roku TV integration provides seamless access to your favourite streaming services.
• Perfect For Everyday Viewing: Provides a good experience for casual viewers who don’t require top-tier features.

Cons:

• Picture Quality Can Vary: Reviews suggest inconsistency in picture quality between different units.
• Hiccups In Performance: Some users report issues with apps crashing and the TV unexpectedly turning off.

Our Experience

We experienced a television that offers exceptional picture quality and great value.

• Set Up: Setting up this TV was quick and simple; it took less than 15 minutes to complete the initial setup and connect to Roku.
• Picture Quality: The picture quality is outstanding. It delivers crisp details and vibrant colours that enhance every viewing session.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers consistently praise the television for its outstanding picture quality and excellent value. Reviews highlight its crisp visuals and seamless functionality with Roku features. Some users find the remote’s design a bit inconvenient, particularly the placement of sound buttons, but overall, it’s regarded as a worthwhile purchase offering high quality at a reasonable price.

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8. Toshiba C350

• Hz Rate: 60Hz
• Product Dimensions: ‎9.7 x 44 x 28 inches
• Weight: 8.9 kg
• Special Feature: FireTv, Dolby Vision

This TV from Toshiba is powered by the Regza Engine 4K and with its enhanced colour accuracy and clarity, offers impressive picture quality. Unlike most, the C350 features a 60Hz refresh rate which makes it suitable enough for most types of content, like movies and shows. HDR10 and Dolby Vision only make the performance better providing a high range for richer colours and deeper contrast.

Pros:

• DTS Virtual:X: Provides immersive audio without the need for external speakers.
• Alexa Built-In: Voice control for TV functions and smart home devices.
• Live Colour Remaster: Automatically adjusts colours for more vivid images.
• Auto Low Latency Mode: Optimizes settings for gaming.

Cons:

• Basic Remote Control: Lacks advanced features.
• Limited App Store: Fewer available apps compared to other smart TV platforms

Our Experience

The Toshiba 50-inch TV impressed with its reliable performance and smart features.

• Setup: Setting it up was efficient and took about 25 minutes from unboxing to complete the configuration.
• Picture Quality: The TV delivered good picture quality with decent colour accuracy and detail, enhanced by the Regza Engine 4K, ensuring a satisfying viewing experience.

What Customers Are Saying

This television offers great picture quality and features for its price. It has plenty of inputs for all devices and setup with Amazon Prime feels like a breeze. The sound is decent for the price. While it may not be a QLED, it still has an unbeatable value.

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9. Hisense U6HF

• Hz Rate: 60Hz
• Product Dimensions: ‎3″D x 43.9″W x 25.4″H
• Weight: 11.3 kg
• Special Feature: Quantum Dot, Full Array Local Dimming, 4K, QLED

Probably the first ULED TV on this list, this product from Hisense is a 4K LED television that delivers stunning picture quality and offers enhanced colours, contrast and brightness. It is powered by the Hi-View engine which optimises the picture quality for a more detailed and accurate viewing experience. The TV’s sleek design enhances any living space, while its Dolby Atmos technology delivers an incredible sound quality.

Pros:

• ULED Technology: Enhanced colour, contrast, and brightness.
• Dolby Vision And HDR10: High dynamic range formats for vibrant visuals.
• Game Mode Plus: Reduced input lag for gaming.
• Voice Remote: Easy voice control with integrated Google Assistant.
• Peak Brightness: Reaches up to 700 nits for bright, clear images.

Cons:

• Mediocre Black Levels: It is not as deep as OLED or higher-end LED models.
• Build Quality: Plastic build feels less premium.

Our Experience

 The Hisense TV provided a solid viewing experience with its advanced ULED technology.

• Setup: Setting it up was smooth, taking about 20 minutes, which included quick app installation.
• Picture Quality: The TV displayed impressive picture quality with vibrant colours and sharp details, supported by ULED and Dolby Vision, enhancing the overall viewing enjoyment.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers appreciate the affordability and versatility of this TV. They find the image quality impressive for the price, which makes it suitable for gaming and HD content. However, some users note issues with navigating settings and occasional shadowing in dark scenes, but these drawbacks are generally overlooked given the overall value and functionality of the TV.

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10. Amazon Fire TV

• Hz Rate: 60Hz
• Product Dimensions: ‎44.2” x 25.6” x 3.5”
• Weight: 9.3 kg
• Special Feature: FireTV, Dolby Vision

With the convenience of a built-in Fire TV, this product from the e-commerce giant, Amazon, is a 4K LED television that offers an enhanced colour accuracy and clarity making it suitable for watching movies and TV shows. With built-in Alexa voice control, this device makes it easy to search for content, and control other smart home devices.

Pros:

• Fire TV Built-In: Easy access to a wide range of streaming services.
• 4K UHD Resolution: Sharp and detailed picture quality.
• Alexa Voice Remote: Convenient voice control and smart home integration.
• Multiple Viewing Angles: Consistent picture quality from different angles.
• Parental Controls: Robust settings to manage what kids can watch.

Cons:

• No Advanced HDR Support: Limited to HDR10, missing Dolby Vision.
• Average Sound Quality: May need external speakers for better audio.

Our Experience

 The Amazon Fire TV integrated seamlessly with its Fire TV platform for an easy streaming experience.

• Setup: Setting it up was painless, taking around 20 minutes to complete, including logging into various streaming accounts.
• Picture Quality: It provided clear images and consistent performance across different types of content, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers love this for its impressive picture quality and integrated Fire TV functionality. The 4K UHD resolution delivers sharp, vibrant visuals ideal for movies, shows, and gaming.  Using simple voice commands with the Alexa voice remote makes navigating through streaming services effortless. Its affordability and a wide array of streaming options make this a great choice for entertainment seekers looking for value and convenience.

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48-Inch TV Buying Guide: Key Factors To Look For

A 48-inch TV strikes a balance between screen size and room compatibility, making it ideal for smaller living spaces, bedrooms, or as a secondary TV in larger setups. When choosing the best 48-inch TV, several factors need consideration to ensure it meets your viewing needs and preferences.

Key Points To Consider:

• Display Technology:
  • LED vs. OLED: LED TVs offer excellent brightness and are more budget-friendly, while OLED TVs provide superior contrast, deep blacks, and wider viewing angles.
  • Resolution: Look for TVs with at least Full HD (1080p) resolution or higher (4K Ultra HD) for sharper images and more detailed content.
• HDR Support:
  • High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances picture quality by expanding contrast and colour range. Opt for TVs that support HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG for a more immersive viewing experience.
• Smart TV Capabilities:
  • Ensure the TV has smart features like built-in Wi-Fi, streaming apps (Netflix, Hulu, etc.), and voice control compatibility (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant) for convenient access to content.
• Refresh Rate And Motion Handling:
  • A higher refresh rate (60Hz or higher) ensures smoother motion, ideal for watching sports and action-packed movies without motion blur or judder.
• Audio Quality:
  • Consider the TV’s built-in audio capabilities. While most TVs have basic speakers, some models offer enhanced sound technologies like Dolby Atmos or built-in soundbars for better audio performance.
• Connectivity Options:
  • Check the number and types of ports available (HDMI, USB, Ethernet) to connect external devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems without hassle.
• Design and Aesthetics:
  • Assess the TV’s design, including bezel size, stand configuration, and overall build quality, to ensure it complements your room decor.

Addressing Pain Points:

• Size Considerations: Measure your space to ensure the 48-inch TV fits comfortably without overwhelming the room or being too small for optimal viewing.
• Viewing Angles: LED TVs may have narrower viewing angles compared to OLEDs. Choose a TV with good viewing angles if your seating arrangements are off-centre.
• Audio Quality: For enhanced sound, consider investing in external speakers or soundbars if the built-in audio doesn’t meet your expectations.
• Budget Constraints: Set a budget and prioritise features that matter most to you. Compare prices and read reviews to find the best value within your price range.
• Smart Features: Ensure the smart platform is user-friendly and supports your preferred streaming services. Updates and app availability can vary between manufacturers.

FAQs:

Conclusion

Choosing the best 48-inch TV involves balancing technological features, viewing preferences, and budget considerations. By understanding the key factors outlined in this guide and addressing potential pain points, you can make an informed decision that enhances your entertainment experience and fits seamlessly into your living space.