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50 vs. 60 Inch TV

As a homeowner looking to upgrade my living room entertainment, I was recently weighing the pros and cons between a 50 inch and a 60 inch TV. I was looking for the best combination of image quality, price, and size. After much research, I wanted to share what I found in my comparison of a 50 vs. 60 inch TV. In this blog post, I will go into detail on the features of both sizes, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and ultimately which one I decided to buy. Whether you’re in the market for a new TV or just curious, I hope my insights on this topic will be helpful.

Factors50-Inch TVs60-Inch TVs
Size43.58 inches wide, 24.51 inches tall52.29 inches wide, 29.42 inches tall
AvailabilityRelatively rare on the marketMore widely available than 50-inch TVs
Viewing DistanceRecommended: 6-7 feetRecommended: 7.5-8.5 feet
PriceGenerally more affordable than larger modelsTypically more expensive than 50-inch models
Pros– Easier to fit in most living rooms– Larger viewing space
– More affordable– Wider recommended viewing distance
– Suitable for smaller spaces– More features and options available
Cons– Rare on the market– More expensive
– Smaller viewing space– Difficult to find compatible spare parts
– May lack features found in larger models– May require a larger living room

Sizing Up Your TV

The first thing you think of when buying a new TV is screen size. Still, few people know how to correctly calculate the scale of a TV screen.

In short, the dimensions you see on the box refer to the diagonal length of the device. For example, if you buy a 50-inch screen, the distance between two opposite edges is 50 inches.

50-Inch TVs

To help you make a more informed decision, let’s take a closer look at 50-inch TV screens.

Size

In order to fully understand the size of your screen, start by looking at the dimensions. For example, 50-inch TVs feature screens that are typically 43.58 inches wide and 24.51 inches tall.

Every brand comes with a different border design for the border. So, there are a lot of size variations. Still, you can check the exact proportions in the product details of the device.

Availability

Unfortunately, 50-inch screens are pretty rare on the market. This is because companies are now more into producing 55-inch TVs instead. Both devices offer the same services at a similar price point, which is why most consumers tend to favor the larger option.

Since few people are after 50-inch screens, they aren’t as profitable as other sizes. Yet, this doesn’t mean you can’t find the smaller version, but you may need to do a bit of digging.

Viewing Distance

To get the best viewing experience and protect your eyesight, you must be seated a certain distance from the TV. For 50-inch screens, the recommended seating distance from the screen should be about 6–7 feet away.

Moving further away from the screen can result in a slightly blurry image. Alternatively, if you get a little closer, you won’t be able to see the full breadth of the device.

Price

TV prices depend on a few factors, such as the brand and features of the device.

Usually, a 50-inch screen can run you a few hundred dollars. Yet, with additional accessories, add-ons, and other features, some TVs can end up costing much more.

60-Inch TVs

Now, let’s read about the specifications of 60-inch screens.

Size

60-inch screens are commonly 52.29 inches wide and 29.42 inches high

In fact, the overall area of a 60-inch screen is 44% larger than a 50-inch. That means you get almost one and a half times the viewing space.

This can come in especially handy if you plan on displaying the TV in an open area.

Availability

Even though 60-inch screens are a little more popular than the 50-inch models, they’re also quite hard to find. This is because the most selling screen size worldwide is the 65-inch TV.

For that reason, companies spend most of their resources on products that bring in more revenue. 

You can still find a few 60-inch screens if you look hard enough. Yet, the real challenge is finding compatible spare parts. Unfortunately, those are much harder to come by.

Viewing Distance

For the majority of 60-inch TVs, the perfect viewing distance should be about 7.5–8.5 feet. This is more than one and a half feet longer than the 50-inch model.

That means you can draw a wider radius around the TV and fit more of your friends and family. On top of that, 60-inch devices tend to offer higher resolution options.

Price

Sadly, a 60-inch TV can cost quite a pretty penny. The average price of the screen can vary greatly. This even before you include any extra features or accessories. 

Generally, the 60-inch is more expensive than the smaller screen. In addition, spare parts for these TVs can be pricey.

Pros and Cons of 50-inch TVs

Pros
  • Smaller size makes it easier to fit in most living rooms.
  • More affordable than larger models.
  • Recommended viewing distance of 6-7 feet.
Cons
  • Relatively rare on the market.
  • Smaller viewing space than larger models.
  • May not have the same features as larger models.

Pros and Cons of 60-inch TVs

Pros
  • Much larger viewing space than 50-inch models.
  • Recommended viewing distance of 7.5-8.5 feet.
  • More widely available on the market.
Cons
  • Much more expensive than 50-inch models.
  • More difficult to find compatible spare parts.
  • May require a larger living room.

Wrapping Up

You should consider a few factors when debating between 50 vs. 60-inch TV screens. The most important is the size of the screen, with the 60-inch TV being over 40% larger than the 50-inch model.

Next, you should factor in the viewing distance. With one and a half extra feet, the 60-inch is ideal for large viewing spaces.

After reading our guide, you’re now ready to go out and pick out the right TV for you!

Read more: 65 vs 70 inch TV