Looking for a big screen TV that won’t break the bank? We recently spent some time with the Amazon Fire TV 50″ and were impressed with what it brings to the table.
This 4K smart TV offers a crisp, clear picture that makes movies and shows pop. We noticed right away how the HDR 10 support brings out details in dark scenes that would be lost on lesser screens. It’s definitely a step up from standard HD TVs.
Setup was quick and painless. The Alexa Voice Remote made searching for content super easy – just press and ask for what you want to watch. No more typing with directional buttons! We found ourselves streaming from Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video without any hassle.
One thing we really liked was the number of ports. With four HDMI inputs, we connected our game console, sound bar, and cable box with room to spare. The 60Hz refresh rate is good enough for casual gaming, though hardcore gamers might want something faster.
Overview of the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series
The picture quality on this TV really impressed us for its price point. We’ve been testing the Fire TV 4-Series for a few weeks now, and it delivers excellent 4K Ultra HD images with HDR 10 support that makes colors pop compared to standard HD TVs. The 50-inch screen size works perfectly in our medium-sized living room without overwhelming the space.
Setup was quick – we had it running in about 15 minutes. The built-in Fire TV system means no need for extra streaming devices. We found the Alexa Voice Remote particularly useful for finding shows without endless typing. Just press and ask!
The TV includes 4 HDMI ports, which gave us plenty of options for connecting our gaming console, soundbar, and cable box. Sound quality is decent from the built-in speakers, though serious audio fans might want to add a soundbar.
While not perfect (the menu can occasionally lag), we think this TV offers tremendous value. For everyday streaming and gaming, it’s hard to beat at this price point.
Vivid 4K Ultra HD and HDR Visuals
The picture quality on this TV truly impressed us during testing. Colors pop off the screen in a way that makes movie night feel special. The 4K Ultra HD resolution paired with HDR 10 and HLG support creates images that are noticeably sharper and more colorful than standard HD TVs.
We watched several action movies and nature documentaries to test the display. Dark scenes showed good detail without getting too murky, while bright outdoor scenes appeared vivid without washing out. The Fire TV handles contrast well, making both shadows and highlights look natural.
Some content really showcases what this display can do. When streaming HDR content from Prime Video, we noticed richer colors and better brightness compared to non-HDR shows. Sports fans will appreciate how the crisp visuals make it easy to follow fast-moving action.
The only minor issue we found was occasional glare in very bright rooms, but adjusting the TV’s position solved this problem. For the price point, we’re genuinely impressed with the visual experience the Fire TV 4-Series delivers.
Voice Control with Alexa
Controlling this TV with just your voice makes life so much easier. We found the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced to be incredibly responsive when asking it to find shows, adjust volume, or switch inputs. No more endless scrolling through menus! We simply pressed the Alexa button and said “play Stranger Things” or “switch to HDMI 2,” and the Fire TV responded instantly.
The voice control works with all major streaming apps, which saved us tons of time. We especially liked asking Alexa about the weather or sports scores without interrupting our viewing. The TV also connects with other smart home devices if you have them.
While most voice commands work perfectly, occasionally Alexa misunderstood more complex requests. But for everyday use, the voice features are reliable and genuinely useful. It’s particularly helpful when you can’t find the remote buried in the couch cushions!
Diverse Content Streaming Options
Streaming on this TV is a breeze. We found the Fire TV 4-Series offers access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes. Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ are all available, though you’ll need subscriptions for most premium services.
The live TV options impressed us during testing. You can watch free channels without a cable subscription, which is great for cutting costs. We enjoyed streaming music through various apps too.
Fire TV’s interface makes finding content simple. The system keeps getting better with new Alexa skills and features added regularly. We appreciated being able to ask Alexa to find specific shows rather than typing with the remote.
One thing to note: some apps might not be available in all areas. But overall, the Fire TV’s streaming options offer plenty of entertainment choices for most viewers.
Connectivity and Ports
When setting up your home entertainment system, having the right connections makes all the difference. The Fire TV 50″ comes well-equipped with everything we needed. The back panel features three HDMI 2.0 ports plus one HDMI 2.1 port with eARC support—perfect for connecting our gaming console, Blu-ray player, and soundbar simultaneously.
We appreciate the included Ethernet port for stable streaming when Wi-Fi gets spotty. There’s also a USB port that came in handy for viewing photos from our thumb drive. For audio enthusiasts, the digital optical audio output lets us connect to older sound systems that don’t support HDMI.
The TV supports Bluetooth 5.0, which we used to connect wireless headphones for late-night viewing without disturbing others. Overall, the connection options are sufficient for most setups, though we wish it had one more USB port for connecting multiple devices.
Design and Build
I was genuinely impressed with how sleek this Fire TV looks in our living room. The thin bezels create a modern feel that doesn’t distract from what’s on screen. At just under 11mm, the black frame practically disappears when you’re watching your favorite shows.
We found the setup incredibly straightforward. The TV comes with two sturdy legs that are easy to attach with the included screws. If you prefer wall mounting, it’s compatible with a standard 300 x 300mm VESA mount.
Despite its affordable price point, the Fire TV doesn’t feel cheap. The plastic construction is solid, though not as premium as some higher-end models. At about 20.6 pounds without the stand, it’s lightweight enough to move around if needed.
The included Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced feels comfortable in hand and includes all the buttons you need. We especially like that it can control other IR devices like soundbars, which means fewer remotes cluttering the coffee table.
Pros and Cons
After spending a few weeks testing this Fire TV, we’ve gathered our thoughts on what works well and what doesn’t. The value proposition is clear, but there are some considerations to keep in mind before making your purchase.
Pros
- Excellent price point for a 50-inch 4K smart TV
- Sharp 4K picture quality with HDR 10 support that makes colors pop
- Seamless Alexa integration makes finding content quick and effortless
- Four HDMI ports give plenty of connection options for gaming consoles and sound systems
- User-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate even for tech novices
- Built-in streaming eliminates the need for separate streaming devices
- Regular updates keep adding new features and improving performance
Cons
- Sound quality is adequate but not impressive – you might want a soundbar
- Occasional lag when navigating menus during heavy processing
- Ads on the home screen can be distracting
- Dynamic brightness settings need adjustment out of the box for optimal viewing
- Remote lacks backlit buttons, making it challenging to use in dark rooms
- Some streaming apps perform better than others on the Fire TV platform
We found the Fire TV offers tremendous value, especially when on sale. The built-in streaming features work well for everyday viewing, though serious cinephiles might notice some picture quality limitations compared to higher-end models. Overall, it strikes a good balance between affordability and functionality for most home entertainment needs.
Customer Reviews
Real buyers love this Fire TV. Looking at hundreds of reviews, most people give it high marks. We noticed many comments about the great value for a 50-inch 4K TV, especially when purchased during sales (some got it for just $249!).
Several users mentioned how easy setup was using their phones and Alexa. The picture quality consistently impresses owners, with many saying it exceeded their expectations for the price point. Some initially had HDR issues that were fixed by adjusting settings.
The built-in Fire TV system is a big hit, making external streaming devices unnecessary. Many reviewers already owned other Amazon devices (Echo, security cameras, Fire tablets) and appreciated how well everything works together.
A few mentioned connecting via Ethernet cable for better performance instead of WiFi. Sound quality seems adequate for most users, though some might want to add a soundbar for a fuller experience.
We found the Fire TV offers excellent value with very few complaints from actual owners.
Accessibility and Support
Getting help with the Fire TV is pretty easy. We found the customer service team to be responsive when we had questions about connecting our game console. The TV comes with a simple manual that covers basic setup, but the on-screen guides are actually more helpful.
The Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced is a big plus for accessibility. We were able to search for shows, adjust volume, and switch inputs just by speaking. This is great for anyone with mobility issues or those who find traditional remotes frustrating.
Amazon provides regular software updates that have fixed bugs we noticed early on. When we called about a streaming app issue, the wait time was under 10 minutes. The Fire TV also has some basic accessibility features like closed captioning and text-to-speech, though they’re not as extensive as some competing smart TVs.
The support section on Amazon’s website has helpful troubleshooting guides and videos that solved our HDMI connection problem without needing to call.
Conclusion
After testing the Fire TV 50″ 4-Series for several weeks, we’re happy with what it offers for the price point. This 4K smart TV delivers good picture quality for everyday viewing, and the built-in Fire TV system means no extra streaming devices needed. We found the Alexa Voice Remote handy for quick searches and controlling other smart home devices. While the sound is decent for casual watching, you might want a soundbar for movie nights. The setup process was straightforward, taking just minutes with a smartphone.
For around $250 (when on sale), this TV presents excellent value. It’s not perfect—the HDR performance could be better, and some might notice minor lag when navigating menus. But considering the crisp 4K resolution, smart features, and reasonable price tag, the Fire TV 4-Series is a solid choice for most living rooms, bedrooms, or even RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart TVs have transformed how we watch entertainment, and the Fire TV 50″ 4-Series has become quite popular in many homes. After testing it for several weeks, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions buyers ask about this affordable 4K option.
How does the Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV’s performance compare to similar smart TVs?
The Fire TV 4-Series holds its own against other TVs in its price range. Its picture quality is comparable to entry-level Samsung and LG models, though it doesn’t quite match their premium QLED or OLED offerings. We found the 4K resolution crisp and clear for streaming content, but noticed it performs better in moderately lit rooms than very bright spaces.
When comparing refresh rates, the Fire TV sticks with a standard 60Hz, while some competitors offer 120Hz at higher price points. For casual viewing and most streaming, this difference is barely noticeable. The HDR10 support brings decent color improvement, though it’s not as dramatic as what you’d see on more expensive models.
Can you list the key features and specifications of the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV?
Key Specifications:
- 50-inch display (49.5″ viewable area)
- 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160)
- HDR10 and HLG support
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Direct LED backlight
- Fire TV OS built-in
- Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced included
Connectivity:
- 3 HDMI 2.0 ports
- 1 HDMI 2.1 port with eARC
- 1 USB port
- 1 Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Digital Optical Audio Output
Audio:
- 16W total output (8W + 8W)
- Dolby Digital Plus support
What are the main benefits of choosing the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV over other brands?
The biggest advantage we found is the seamless integration with the Amazon ecosystem. If you use other Amazon devices or services, everything works together smoothly. The built-in Fire TV experience means no extra streaming devices needed—saving both money and HDMI ports.
The Alexa Voice Remote is genuinely useful, letting us search for shows, control smart home devices, and adjust volume without pressing buttons. We also appreciate that this TV receives guaranteed security updates for at least four years.
Price is a major benefit too. The Fire TV 4-Series delivers solid 4K performance at a lower cost than many competitors. The setup process is quick, taking just minutes with the mobile app.
Are there any notable downsides to using the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV?
The Fire TV isn’t without shortcomings. The picture quality, while good for the price, doesn’t match higher-end models in bright rooms. We noticed some inconsistent backlight distribution in very dark scenes.
The interface sometimes shows sponsored content and ads that can’t be removed. This makes the menu feel a bit cluttered compared to other smart TV platforms.
Audio quality is adequate but not impressive. For a truly immersive experience, you’ll want to add a soundbar.
Some apps occasionally load slowly or stutter, especially when first turning on the TV. While not a dealbreaker, it can be frustrating when you just want to quickly watch something.
What has consumer feedback been like for the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV?
Consumer feedback has been largely positive, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 40,000 reviews. Many buyers praise its value, noting they got excellent features for the price paid.
Several users mention how the TV made their streaming devices unnecessary. The picture quality receives consistent compliments, especially from those upgrading from older 1080p TVs.
Some reviewers note initial issues with HDR settings causing darkness in certain content, but most found adjusting the settings resolved this problem. Sound quality receives mixed feedback, with many suggesting a soundbar for enhancement.
Setup simplicity and Alexa integration earn frequent praise, particularly from those already using Echo devices or other Amazon products.
How user-friendly is the interface of the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV?
The Fire TV interface is straightforward enough for most users. The home screen organizes content by apps and recommendations, with your most-used apps appearing prominently. Voice search through Alexa works well for finding specific shows or movies without tedious typing.
Navigation feels responsive overall, though not as snappy as some premium models. The settings menu is logically organized, making it easy to adjust picture and sound settings.
We found the remote comfortable and intuitive, with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services. The voice control feature is genuinely useful for searching across apps or controlling playback.
One minor frustration is that Amazon content does receive preferential placement in menus and recommendations. However, content from other services like Netflix and Disney+ is still easily accessible.
