As someone who recently had to make the decision between a 50-inch and a 70-inch TV, I know how confusing and frustrating it can be. After doing a lot of research and testing out both sizes, I’ve come to the conclusion that it really depends on what you need and what your budget is.
In this blog post, I’m going to share my experience and the solutions I’ve discovered so that you can make an informed decision about which size is best for you.
| Tips | Considerations/Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Understand screen size and viewing distance | Optimal viewing distance varies depending on screen size |
| Choosing the right size | Consider TV resolution, room size and TV position when selecting size |
| Calculating the best TV size | Use formula: viewing distance (in inches) divided by two = recommended TV size |
| Ensure comfortable viewing position | Manually adjust TV height for comfortable viewing position |
| Recommended TV sizes | 50-inch TVs for larger sitting distances, 70-inch TVs for shorter distances |
| Avoid sitting at sharp angles on a 50-inch | Picture will appear distorted unless you have a 70-inch TV |
Table of Contents
50 vs. 70-Inch TV: All You Need to Know
Larger screens are often perceived as better, but that doesn’t mean you need one!
Large screens always come with exorbitant pricing, so be sure you have enough room for it, or else you’ll end up spending a few extra bucks on renovating your room.
Below are the factors you should consider in choosing the right TV size for you as well as your room, needs, and budget.
Understanding Screen Size
TV screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner. In most cases, people prefer larger screens as they’re more immersive and easier to watch.
The optimal viewing distance is proportional to the size of the screen. 70-inch screens are best viewed from a distance between 6 and 11.5 feet, whereas 50-inch TVs are best placed at a distance between 4 and 6.5 feet.
With these viewing distances, it’s safe to say that you won’t experience unwanted distortions and color issues from sitting too close or too far.
In essence, if you want the best and most cinematic experience, stick to the lower end of the viewing distance. This will depend on the available space in your room, though.
Consider the TV Resolution
Apart from screen size, the TV’s resolution must be considered too. Today’s TVs come in three resolutions: 1080p, 4K, and 8K.
The higher the resolution, the closer you can sit to the TV before noticing motion blur. This means you can sit closer to a 4K TV than a 1080p.
FHD (1080p) is ideal for small screens, but for anything larger than 50 inches, a 4K screen is more suitable.
On the other hand, UHD TVs are considered to be the current standard for most smart TVs. Screen sizes of 50 and 70 inches are best suited for 4K since it’s more immersive and the images are crisp. Obviously, in this case, 70-inch screens win.
Then, there’s 8K resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixels, commonly referred to as UHD, too, so don’t be confused.
With the lack of 8K content today, this is not a recommended resolution for TV screens between 50 and 70 inches.
Room Size and TV Position
Another thing you need to consider is the spot where you’ll put the TV.
You can opt to have a 70-inch TV as long as the surrounding furniture isn’t permanently attached to the floor. A 50-inch TV is your best option if the space in your living room is limited.
Using a TV rack is also a scenario to be considered. Setting the TV on a rack brings it closer to the viewer, shortening the viewing distance. Usually, a 70-inch TV with the stand attached and placed over a rack will extend nearly 9 inches back.
On the other hand, mounting the TV on the wall can increase the viewing distance by a foot or more. This makes a significant viewing difference between a 50-inch and a 70-inch model.
Calculating the Best TV Size for Your Room
Most TVs today offer finer detail, allowing you to sit closer to the TV than ever before. However, sitting too close might cause eye fatigue.
Eye strain can be avoided if you use this simple formula which can be a good starting point:
Viewing distance (in inches) divided by two = recommended TV size
For example, if you normally sit 11 and a half feet (138 inches) away from the television, that’s 138/2 = 69.
The recommended screen size for you is 69. But you can go as big as a 70-inch TV.
The same goes if your sitting distance is 8 and a half. That’s 102 (or 8.5 ft x 12 inches)/2, which will give you a screen size of exactly 51. We can consider this calculation if you prefer to get the 50-inch TV.
Comfortable Viewing Position
Viewing angles also play a huge role when purchasing a TV. Your TV should be placed parallel to your eyes. It should be no more than 40 degrees to the right or left, and it should be no more than 15 degrees up or down.
The key to comfort is trial and error. Manually adjusting the TV height will do the trick. Just sit in your favorite spot while someone slowly raises the TV up and down till it feels good to you.
At the end of the day, the goal is to be comfortable looking at your TV for hours while enjoying your favorite show with popcorn breaks, of course!
Pros and Cons of a 50-inch TV
Pros:- Affordable price point
- Smaller size is ideal for smaller rooms
- Easier to move
- Better viewing angle
- Lower resolution
- Not ideal for a larger room
- Picture quality may be distorted when viewed from an angle
Pros and Cons of a 70-inch TV
Pros:- Large size for an immersive viewing experience
- Higher resolution for a better picture quality
- Ideal for larger rooms
- Higher price point
- Heavier, making it difficult to move
- Not ideal for short distances
The Bottom Line
The results are fairly square in this 50 vs 70-inch TV comparison. Both support UHD, making them a strong contender in the market.
If the sitting distance is more than 6 feet from the TV, a 50-inch screen is recommended. On the other hand, a 70-inch screen is good within 6 to 11.5 feet. This will give you the ideal viewing angle, making movie nights on a larger screen more thrilling.
Finally, you should note that unless you have a 70-inch TV, sitting at a sharp angle on a 50-inch TV will cause the picture to appear distorted.
Read more: 55 vs 65 inch TV
