It's no secret that finding a quality budget TV has become a tougher task over recent years. Where once industry giants like Samsung delivered exceptional, feature-rich TVs without breaking the bank, their recent offerings haven't quite hit the mark, rarely reaching beyond a four-star evaluation.

Enter Amazon, an unexpected champion in the realm of high-quality, affordable televisions. Before we explored the 65-inch Amazon Omni QLED, expectations were set for a device brimming with specs and functionalities for an attractive price tag, yet possibly lacking in the cinematic experience department. To our pleasant surprise, what we found was a television that didn't just tick boxes for functionality and impressive specifications, but also delivered on picture quality more than we anticipated. It came ever so close to achieving top marks, restrained only by minor shadow detail inconsistencies and a smattering of motion blur.

This led us to conduct an in-depth analysis of its smaller, 50-inch counterpart - the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED. Remarkably, this version achieved what its larger sibling could not, garnering that elusive fifth star and rounding out an exceptional review.

The Perfect Blend of Quality and Affordability

Imagine getting your hands on a top-tier 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED for an official sticker price of £650 / $530 (approximately AU$1250). This price point is a testament to the unbeatable value it presents, considering its rich features and outstanding performance.

But here's where it gets even more interesting. Amazon doesn't shy away from offering hefty discounts on this gem, making it an even more irresistible deal. Picture scooping up this cutting-edge TV for as low as £400 / $350. At such attractive discounts, it's no wonder this TV is considered an unbeatable bargain. For anyone looking to elevate their viewing experience without breaking the bank, snagging this TV for anything under £500 / $500 is a brilliant move.

Discover the Sleek Design of Advanced Viewing

Step into the future with the 50-inch version of the Omni QLED television. Though it adopts a more straightforward aesthetic than its larger counterparts, featuring functional black plastic instead of sleek silver metal, this model maintains a modern vibe. The design includes strategically positioned feet that, despite creating a broad base, contribute to its contemporary look. Its slim bezels frame the captivating display, offering a nearly unobstructed view of your favorite content.

The Omni QLED isn't just about looks; it's also about smart functionality. Beneath its surface lies a world of technology designed to enhance your viewing experience. It packs sensors and microphones for innovative features like the Ambient Experience, enabling the TV to spring to life in your presence. Imagine the convenience of a screen that wakes up when you enter the room, ready to immerse you in its vibrant display.

But there's more. The Omni QLED integrates Alexa directly into its functionality, allowing voice control over its many features. Whether you wish to dim the lights for a movie night, play your favorite tunes, or manage other Alexa-compatible devices, this TV obeys your voice commands without the screen needing to be on. This integration offers both innovation and convenience at your fingertips.

Prefer traditional methods? No problem. The TV comes with a remote control for those who find comfort in the familiar. Plus, for added privacy, there's a physical switch to disable the microphones, complete with a red indicator light for peace of mind. The Omni QLED respects your preferences, ensuring a user experience that's both cutting-edge and comfortably familiar.

Features

Stepping into the spotlight with Alexa and Fire TV's smart platform, the Omni QLED TV is a standout. Its user-friendly interface and robust app support, despite promoting Amazon's content, make it a top choice among smart TVs. Its third-party app accessibility is commendable, ensuring users have the best of entertainment at their fingertips.

The Omni QLED doesn't disappoint when it comes to app support, featuring heavyweights like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and Prime Video, not to mention diverse regional offerings and all major UK catch-up apps. Its Freeview tuner further endears it to live TV enthusiasts.

Leaping beyond even its high-end competitors, the Omni QLED boasts unparalleled support for all current HDR standards, including HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, with Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive enhancing viewing experiences by adjusting to ambient light. Its QLED technology promises vibrant colors beyond the typical LCD TV's capabilities, backed by direct LED backlighting for increased brightness and local dimming for superior contrast.

For gamers, the Omni QLED exceeds expectations with specifications that outpace the standard budget TV offering. Its support for VRR and ALLM across all HDMI ports, coupled with an eARC-enabled port for Dolby Atmos, ensures a premium gaming experience, despite its 60Hz panel.

Discover the Visual Delight: Omni QLED's Artistry in Every Frame

Delving into the world of home entertainment, the Omni QLED emerges as a remarkable testament to the balance between affordability and quality performance. Far from just a budget-friendly option, this television surprises with its thoughtful approach to delivering a genuinely captivating viewing experience.

Embarking on an adventure through Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, viewers are introduced to the subtle elegance of Dolby Vision Bright mode. Unlike its darker counterpart, this setting harmoniously blends deep blacks with spirited highlights, not aiming to overwhelm but to present a balanced, authentic visual feast that keeps you immersed in the action without second-guessing the picture's integrity.

The Omni QLED doesn't shy away from color finesse, striking an impressive chord between vibrancy and nuance. Skin tones radiate with natural warmth, steering clear of the artificiality often seen in lower-tier models. Details, from the rugged charm of Harrison Ford’s character features to the intricate textures of the cinematic world, are portrayed with commendable clarity.

As our heroes navigate through dimly lit caverns, the TV proves its mettle, showcasing commendable black levels for a backlit display. While not perfect, the minor disparities in black consistency are easily overlooked, thanks to an overall uniform backlighting and minimal blooming.

Addressing the slight shortcomings of its larger counterpart, the 50-inch Omni QLED demonstrates improved shadow detail and color uniformity in subdued lighting, ensuring that none of the suspenseful cave explorations lose their visual allure.

Motion handling, though not flawless, shows a marked improvement in this model. A minute blur in quick movements may be discerned by the keenest of eyes, but it hardly detracts from enjoying a relaxing evening of cinematic wonder.

Transitioning to the lush visuals of Pan in HDR10, it's evident that while the Omni QLED may not reach the pinnacle of brightness seen in higher-end models, it skillfully adapts, presenting a well-adjusted image that caters to its strengths.

Revisiting classics like 1991’s The Fisher King in HD, the TV’s handling of upscaling becomes apparent. Though it may not rival the prowess of industry-leading brands, it provides a balanced, pleasing picture that makes older content shine anew, albeit with a touch more grace in noise suppression being desirable.

In the realm of accessible, quality home entertainment, the Omni QLED stands out as a beacon of value and performance, making it a smart choice for those seeking a rich visual experience without venturing into the high-end price bracket.

Sound Excellence Without Complexity

When it comes to the Omni QLED, its charm lies in embracing its strengths and steering clear of overreaching – a smart move often overlooked in budget TVs. This approach rings true for its sound quality as well.

Without the complexities of Dolby Atmos or deep bass attempts, the Omni QLED skips the spacious and hefty audio experience top-tier TVs are known for. Instead, it opts for a crystal-clear delivery, evading the common pitfall of low-end distortion plaguing even the most premium sets.

While its audio might not dazzle with detail or dynamic shifts, it holds its ground with a pleasant, non-intrusive experience – a commendable feature in this price range.

Enhancing your cinematic experience is a breeze with a modest investment in a budget soundbar. It's an upgrade we strongly advise, making a significant impact on your viewing pleasure without breaking the bank.

Verdict

The bar for budget TVs may seem like it's been lowered recently, but that doesn't dim the spotlight on the Omni QLED's performance. It shines brightly with a quality that's both confident and surprisingly cinematic, setting a new standard for affordability and excellence in today's market.

While the Amazon Omni QLED may not rival the latest OLED models in terms of hardware, it stands out as an outstanding alternative. Offering a genuinely cinematic experience without breaking the bank, it's a shining example of how quality entertainment can be accessible to everyone.