Amazon Fire TV 50" 4-Series Review: Smart Features on a Budget
Our Verdict
Best smart TV under $300
out of 5
Amazon's Fire TV 4-Series proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a solid 4K smart TV experience. With its excellent Fire TV integration, Alexa voice control, and surprisingly decent picture quality, this budget-friendly option punches above its weight for everyday viewing.
Fire TV Built Right In
The star of the show is Fire TV's seamless integration. Unlike other budget TVs that bolt on a mediocre smart platform, the 4-Series was designed from the ground up around Fire TV. The interface is snappy, apps launch quickly, and everything feels cohesive rather than cobbled together.
All the streaming apps you'd expect are present—Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and more. The Alexa Voice Remote makes finding content as easy as asking, and if you're already in the Amazon ecosystem, the integration with other Alexa devices is seamless.
Picture Quality
Let's set realistic expectations: this is a budget TV, and picture quality reflects that. However, for the price, the 4-Series delivers a perfectly acceptable image. 4K resolution ensures content looks reasonably sharp, and HDR 10 support means compatible content gets a brightness and color boost.
Colors are accurate if not particularly vibrant, and contrast is adequate for typical viewing conditions. It's not the TV for a dedicated home theater, but for casual viewing in a bedroom, office, or kids' room, it does the job admirably.
Alexa Integration
The Alexa Voice Remote is genuinely useful. You can search for content across apps, control playback, adjust volume, and even control smart home devices—all with your voice. It's a feature that makes the TV feel more premium than its price suggests.
What We Liked
- ✓Excellent price for 4K
- ✓Seamless Fire TV integration
- ✓Alexa voice control included
- ✓Quick app performance
What Could Be Better
- ✗Basic picture quality
- ✗Limited HDR impact
- ✗Weak built-in speakers
- ✗60Hz only, no VRR
Final Verdict
The Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is the budget smart TV to beat. Its tight Fire TV integration, Alexa support, and genuine 4K resolution make it an excellent choice for secondary rooms or anyone who prioritizes smart features over picture quality. At this price, it's hard to find a better value.