LG 50 4K UHD TV (50UQ8050): Review & Features

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LG 50" 4K UHD TV (50UQ8050): Review & Features

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the LG 50-inch 4K UHD TV (model 50UQ8050). If you're looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup without breaking the bank, this TV might just be the ticket. We'll explore its key features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

When you first unbox the LG 50UQ8050, you'll notice its sleek and modern design. The slim bezels surrounding the screen give it a contemporary look that will blend seamlessly into most living rooms. The build quality feels solid, although it's primarily made of plastic – which is expected at this price point. The stand is easy to attach, and it provides adequate stability. However, if you prefer a more streamlined look or want to save space, the TV is also VESA mount compatible, allowing you to easily mount it on the wall.

From a design perspective, LG has kept things simple and understated, which is a good thing. There are no distracting logos or flashy elements, just a clean and minimalist aesthetic that puts the focus squarely on the screen. The back panel is well-organized, with all the essential ports readily accessible. Overall, the design and build quality of the LG 50UQ8050 are commendable for its class, offering a premium look without the premium price tag. The TV's lightweight construction also makes it easy to move around, which is a plus if you frequently rearrange your living space or need to transport it to another room.

Picture Quality: 4K UHD and HDR Performance

The most important aspect of any TV is, of course, its picture quality. The LG 50UQ8050 boasts a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, which means you'll get incredibly sharp and detailed images, especially when watching native 4K content. The TV also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances the contrast and color accuracy, making the visuals more vibrant and lifelike.

In practice, the picture quality is quite impressive for a TV in this price range. Colors are generally accurate and well-saturated, although they might not be as nuanced as on higher-end models. The contrast ratio is decent, providing good black levels and bright highlights, but don't expect the deep blacks you'd find on an OLED TV. The viewing angles are also reasonably wide, so you can comfortably watch from different positions in the room without significant color distortion. One area where the LG 50UQ8050 excels is upscaling. It does a great job of taking lower-resolution content (like 1080p Blu-rays or streaming videos) and making it look sharper and more detailed on the 4K screen. This is particularly useful if you have a lot of non-4K content in your library. However, it's worth noting that the TV's processing power isn't as strong as on higher-end models, so you might notice some occasional motion blur during fast-paced action scenes or sports. Nevertheless, for everyday viewing and casual gaming, the picture quality of the LG 50UQ8050 is more than adequate and delivers a satisfying visual experience.

Smart Features: webOS and Connectivity

The LG 50UQ8050 comes equipped with LG's webOS smart TV platform, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. webOS is known for its intuitive interface, smooth performance, and extensive app selection. You'll find all the popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube pre-installed, and you can easily download more from the LG Content Store.

Navigating the webOS interface is a breeze, thanks to the Magic Remote, which uses a point-and-click system similar to a computer mouse. This makes it much easier to type in search queries and browse through menus compared to traditional remote controls. The TV also supports voice control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control the TV and other smart home devices with your voice. In terms of connectivity, the LG 50UQ8050 offers a generous selection of ports, including three HDMI ports (one with HDMI 2.0 support for 4K/60Hz gaming), two USB ports, an Ethernet port, and an optical audio output. This should be more than enough to connect all your devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, and streaming sticks. Overall, the smart features and connectivity options of the LG 50UQ8050 are excellent, providing a seamless and convenient user experience. The inclusion of webOS, the Magic Remote, and voice control support make this TV a smart choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich and user-friendly entertainment hub.

Audio Performance: Sound Quality and Features

The audio performance of the LG 50UQ8050 is decent for a TV in its class, but it's not its strongest point. The TV features two 10W speakers, which provide adequate sound for everyday viewing. The audio is clear and understandable, but it lacks bass and dynamic range. If you're watching action movies or listening to music, you'll likely want to invest in a soundbar or external speaker system to enhance the audio experience. The TV does support various audio codecs, including Dolby Digital and DTS, which can improve the sound quality when paired with compatible external devices. It also has several sound modes, such as Standard, Cinema, Music, and Game, which allow you to customize the audio to suit your preferences. One notable feature is LG's AI Sound technology, which analyzes the audio content and optimizes the sound settings in real-time. This can help to improve the clarity and intelligibility of dialogue, especially in noisy environments. While the built-in speakers are sufficient for casual viewing, serious audiophiles will definitely want to consider upgrading to a dedicated audio system to get the most out of their entertainment experience. However, for everyday use, the audio performance of the LG 50UQ8050 is acceptable and provides a satisfactory listening experience.

Gaming Performance: Input Lag and Features

For gamers, the input lag is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a TV. The LG 50UQ8050 performs admirably in this regard, with an input lag of around 12ms in Game Mode. This is low enough to provide a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience, even for fast-paced action games. The TV also supports AMD FreeSync, which helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering when gaming on compatible PCs or consoles. This results in smoother and more fluid gameplay, especially in graphically demanding titles. The inclusion of HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to connect your gaming consoles and PCs and enjoy 4K gaming at 60Hz. However, it's worth noting that the TV does not support HDMI 2.1, which means it cannot handle 4K gaming at 120Hz. This might be a deal-breaker for some hardcore gamers who want the absolute best performance. Nevertheless, for casual and even moderately serious gamers, the LG 50UQ8050 offers a solid gaming experience with its low input lag, AMD FreeSync support, and 4K/60Hz compatibility. The Game Mode also optimizes the picture settings for gaming, reducing motion blur and improving visibility in dark areas. Overall, the gaming performance of the LG 50UQ8050 is impressive for its price range, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget.

Value for Money: Is It Worth Buying?

So, the big question: is the LG 50UQ8050 worth buying? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. This TV offers an excellent combination of features, performance, and affordability. You get a sharp 4K UHD display with HDR support, a user-friendly smart TV platform with webOS, low input lag for gaming, and a sleek design that will complement any living room. While the audio performance and processing power aren't top-of-the-line, they're more than adequate for most users. The LG 50UQ8050 is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade to a 4K TV without spending a fortune. It's also a great option for smaller living spaces or bedrooms where a larger screen might be overwhelming. The TV's versatility and comprehensive feature set make it a fantastic value for money, offering a premium experience at a budget-friendly price. Whether you're a movie buff, a gamer, or just someone who enjoys watching TV, the LG 50UQ8050 is sure to impress. So, if you're in the market for a new TV, be sure to give this one a serious look. You won't be disappointed!

Pros and Cons

To give you a quick overview, here's a summary of the pros and cons of the LG 50UQ8050:

Pros:

  • Sharp 4K UHD display with HDR support
  • User-friendly webOS smart TV platform
  • Low input lag for gaming
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Excellent value for money

Cons:

  • Mediocre audio performance
  • Limited processing power
  • No HDMI 2.1 support

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the LG 50UQ8050 is a fantastic 4K UHD TV that offers a great balance of features, performance, and affordability. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup without breaking the bank. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you're in the market for a new TV, I highly recommend giving the LG 50UQ8050 a serious look. You won't be disappointed!