Vizio V-Series 50-Inch 4K HDR Smart TV review with Dolby Vision features

Description

Design and Build Quality

The VIZIO V-Series 50” Class (49.5″ Diag.) 4K HDR Smart TV immediately caught my eye with its sleek and modern design. Its slim bezels make it feel more immersive, and the flat-screen design blends seamlessly into any living room setup. I’ve always appreciated TVs that don’t dominate the room but still manage to look premium—and this one does just that. The build feels sturdy, though it’s not the lightest at 9600 grams. Setting it up on the included stand was straightforward, though wall-mounting is definitely an option if you’re going for a minimalist look.

What surprised me was the Full Array LED backlighting, which isn’t something you usually find in budget-friendly TVs. This feature ensures an even distribution of light across the screen, providing uniform brightness and better picture clarity. The 16:9 aspect ratio is standard and works great for movies, TV shows, and gaming alike. While the design isn’t groundbreaking, it’s undeniably practical and well thought out.

Picture Quality and HDR Performance

The 4K Ultra HD resolution on this TV is stunning, offering four times the detail of 1080p. I could see every tiny detail, whether it was the texture on an actor’s face or the intricate designs in animated films. Watching HDR-enabled content was an absolute joy, thanks to its Dolby Vision HDR support. The colors felt vibrant, and the contrast was spot-on, especially in darker scenes. It also supports HDR10 and HLG, so you’re not limited when it comes to compatible formats.

One thing I noticed is that HD content gets automatically upscaled, which surprisingly worked better than I expected. Shows that weren’t even 4K looked sharper and more refined. However, with non-HDR content, the picture quality was just okay—good, but not jaw-dropping. The Octal Core Processor seems to handle everything smoothly, from switching apps to streaming.

Smart Features and Usability

Navigating the Smart TV interface was a breeze with SmartCast 3.0. It’s intuitive and made finding content on platforms like Netflix and Hulu incredibly easy. I even tried using the SmartCast mobile app, which lets you control the TV from your phone or tablet. This feature came in handy when I misplaced the remote (which happens more often than I’d like to admit).

Another standout feature is the Chromecast built-in. I could effortlessly stream content from my phone or laptop to the TV. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, meaning I could change channels or adjust the volume just by speaking. However, I did notice that the voice control sometimes lagged, particularly when switching between apps. This isn’t a deal-breaker but something to keep in mind.

Audio Performance

The TV’s dual speakers provide decent sound quality for casual watching. Dialogue in TV shows and movies was clear, and background music sounded balanced. However, if you’re an audiophile or enjoy a more cinematic experience, you might want to pair it with a soundbar. The built-in speakers lack bass, and during action scenes, they felt a bit underwhelming.

For me, the audio was fine for everyday use like watching the news or sitcoms. But when I streamed an action-packed movie, I definitely missed the depth that external audio systems provide.

Highlights

• 4K Ultra HD resolution ensures crisp and detailed visuals.
• Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 support enhance color and contrast.
• Chromecast built-in allows for seamless streaming from mobile devices.
• SmartCast 3.0 offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, making voice control a convenient option.

Areas for Improvement

• The built-in speakers lack depth and bass, which may not satisfy everyone.
• Occasional lag in voice controls, especially when switching apps.
• Picture quality for non-HDR content is solid but not exceptional.

Competing Products

When I compared this TV to other brands like Samsung and TCL, it held its own in certain areas while falling short in others. For example, Samsung’s mid-range models often come with better audio systems, but they tend to cost more. TCL’s 4K lineup, on the other hand, offers similar features at a comparable price but lacks the Dolby Vision HDR support that this VIZIO TV provides.

Where this TV truly excels is its value-oriented approach. The Full Array LED backlighting and SmartCast 3.0 make it stand out among similarly priced models. However, if sound quality is a priority, you may want to explore other options or invest in a soundbar.

Bang for the Buck

What impressed me most about this TV is its combination of features at a reasonable price. The 4K resolution, Dolby Vision HDR, and SmartCast functionality make it a worthy contender in the budget-friendly category. While it’s not perfect, especially in the audio department, it offers more than enough for casual viewers or anyone upgrading from an older 1080p TV.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4K Smart TV that doesn’t skimp on essential features, this is a solid option. It’s ideal for families, casual gamers, or anyone who values cost-efficiency without sacrificing too much on performance.

Additional information