TCL Tv - 4 series review

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TCL Technology, commonly known as TCL, is a Chinese multinational electronics company that specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of a wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances. Founded in 1981 as "TCL Group," the company has grown into one of the largest and most recognized electronics brands globally, known particularly for its televisions, smartphones, and home appliances.

TCL is one of the largest TV manufacturers in the world, known for offering affordable yet high-quality LED, QLED, and Mini-LED televisions. The brand has gained significant recognition in the smart TV space, thanks to its partnerships with Google (Android TV) and Roku, offering streaming capabilities and an intuitive user interface.


Different models of TCL Tv
TCL offers a wide range of TV models across various series, catering to different consumer needs, from budget-friendly options to high-end, premium models with advanced features. These models are typically categorized by series, with different variations based on screen size, resolution, display technology, and smart TV features. Here's a breakdown of the different TCL TV models available in the market:
1. TCL 4-Series (Budget Line)
  • Display Type: LED
  • Resolution: 1080p Full HD or 4K UHD (depending on model)
  • Smart Features: Roku TV (integrated), voice control via Roku
  • Sizes: Typically available from 43-inch to 75-inch
  • Key Features:
    • Affordable option with good picture quality.
    • Built-in Roku platform for streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
    • Simple, no-frills TV ideal for casual viewing.
2. TCL 5-Series (Mid-Range Line)
  • Display Type: LED, QLED (available in newer models)
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Smart Features: Roku TV (integrated), voice control via Roku, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa support
  • Sizes: Typically available in sizes ranging from 50-inch to 75-inch
  • Key Features:
    • Improved color performance and picture quality with Quantum Dot (QLED) technology.
    • Enhanced HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for better contrast and brightness.
    • Excellent value for the price, offering good picture quality and smart features.
3. TCL 6-Series (Premium Mid-Range)
  • Display Type: Mini-LED, QLED
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Smart Features: Roku TV (integrated), voice control via Roku, Google Assistant, or Alexa
  • Sizes: Available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch
  • Key Features:
    • Uses Mini-LED technology for better contrast and brightness.
    • Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for a more dynamic viewing experience.
    • Excellent color accuracy with Quantum Dot (QLED).
    • Great for gaming, with a low input lag and support for HDMI 2.1 features.
    • Top-tier performance for a mid-range price.
4. TCL 8-Series (Premium Line)
  • Display Type: QLED with Mini-LED
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Smart Features: Roku TV (integrated), voice control, support for Google Assistant and Alexa
  • Sizes: Available in 65-inch and 75-inch
  • Key Features:
    • Mini-LED technology offers precise local dimming and high contrast ratios.
    • Quantum Dot (QLED) for vibrant colors and wide color gamut.
    • Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support for advanced HDR performance.
    • High-end picture quality suitable for cinephiles and gamers alike.
5. TCL 10-Series (High-End / Luxury Line)
  • Display Type: QLED
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Smart Features: Android TV or Roku TV, Google Assistant built-in, voice control
  • Sizes: Generally available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch models
  • Key Features:
    • Premium picture quality with QLED technology.
    • Android TV OS offers access to Google Play Store, Google Assistant, and a wide range of apps.
    • High-end design, often with slim bezels and premium build.
    • Enhanced sound system with Dolby Atmos in some models.
6. TCL S-Series (Affordable Smart TVs)
  • Display Type: LED
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Smart Features: Roku TV (integrated), voice control via Roku
  • Sizes: Typically available in 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch sizes
  • Key Features:
    • Budget-friendly option with decent 4K resolution and smart features.
    • Ideal for customers looking for an affordable 4K smart TV with basic functionality.
7. TCL 6-Series with Google TV (Updated Models)
  • Display Type: Mini-LED, QLED
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Smart Features: Google TV (integrated), Google Assistant, voice control
  • Sizes: Available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch
  • Key Features:
    • Transition from Roku TV to Google TV platform for a more refined smart experience.
    • Support for Google Assistant and a more personalized, AI-driven interface.
    • Mini-LED and QLED for high-quality image performance.
8. TCL 4K UHD with Roku TV (General Models)
  • Display Type: LED
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Smart Features: Roku TV, voice control via Roku, built-in streaming apps
  • Sizes: From 43-inch to 75-inch
  • Key Features:
    • Great entry-level 4K UHD model with all the smart features provided by Roku.
    • Suitable for budget-conscious consumers looking for a good 4K TV with streaming capabilities.
9. TCL 8K TVs (Ultra Premium Series)
  • Display Type: Mini-LED, QLED
  • Resolution: 8K UHD (upscaled)
  • Smart Features: Roku TV, Google Assistant, advanced voice control
  • Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, and above
  • Key Features:
    • Ultra-high-definition 8K resolution for the best possible viewing experience.
    • Built with Mini-LED and QLED technologies to enhance color accuracy and contrast.
    • Perfect for users looking for the cutting edge of display technology.

TCL 4-Series TV - Product Description
The TCL 4-Series is a budget-friendly line of LED Smart TVs designed for consumers who want an affordable TV with solid performance and streaming capabilities. The 4-Series offers an entry-level experience with essential features, making it a great option for casual viewers or those who are new to smart TVs. With a focus on value for money, the TCL 4-Series combines Full HD or 4K UHD resolution (depending on the model) with Roku TV's easy-to-use interface.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the TCL 4-Series TV




Key Features:
Display and Resolution:
Resolution: Available in both 1080p Full HD and 4K UHD (depending on the specific model or screen size).
Full HD (1080p): Ideal for smaller screen sizes (usually under 50 inches) for everyday use.
4K UHD: Available in larger screen sizes (43-inch and up), providing four times the resolution of Full HD for sharper, more detailed images.
Display Type: LED (provides solid color and brightness performance for a budget TV).
Picture Quality: While not as advanced as higher-end models, the TCL 4-Series still delivers decent image quality for everyday TV watching, with good brightness and clarity for the price.

Smart TV Features:
Roku TV: The 4-Series is equipped with Roku TV, offering a simple, user-friendly interface with quick access to streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.
Roku Channel: Free access to The Roku Channel, which offers a variety of movies, TV shows, and live channels at no extra cost.
Streaming: Easy access to more than 4,000 channels, including most major streaming platforms, and a wide range of entertainment options.
Voice Control: Compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control the TV using voice commands (e.g., changing channels, adjusting volume, launching apps).
AirPlay 2: With Apple AirPlay 2 support, you can stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the TV.

Design and Build:
Slim Profile: The TCL 4-Series has a slim and simple design, fitting well into most living rooms and bedrooms.
Bezels: The bezels are relatively slim, providing a modern look, although they are not as thin as higher-end models.
Stand: The TV comes with a central, minimalist stand, which is sturdy and provides a clean aesthetic.

 Audio:
Audio Output: The 4-Series provides stereo audio through built-in speakers, which is adequate for most casual viewing. However, for a richer sound experience, many users opt for a soundbar or external audio system.
Volume Modes: Some models feature volume leveling and automatic volume adjustment to improve audio consistency during commercials or channel switching.

Connectivity:
HDMI Ports: The TCL 4-Series includes multiple HDMI ports (usually 3 HDMI inputs), one of which typically supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) for connecting external audio systems like soundbars.
USB Ports: A USB port for connecting external storage devices (e.g., USB drives, external hard drives) to play media files such as videos and music.
Wi-Fi: Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows for seamless streaming without the need for additional cables. Wired Ethernet connections are typically supported for more stable internet access.
Bluetooth: Limited Bluetooth support on some models for connecting to wireless headphones, soundbars, or other devices.

Remote Control:
  • Simple Roku Remote: The TV comes with a Roku remote that is easy to use, featuring simple buttons for navigation, volume control, and one-touch buttons for popular streaming services.
  • Voice Remote: Some TCL 4-Series models come with an upgraded remote that supports voice commands, enabling hands-free control of the TV.
Gaming:
  • The TCL 4-Series TVs provide a decent gaming experience for casual gamers, with 4K UHD models offering good performance for most modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, although they may lack some advanced features like low input lag or 120Hz refresh rate found in gaming-focused TVs.
Energy Efficiency:
  • Energy Star Certified: The TCL 4-Series is Energy Star certified, meaning it meets energy efficiency standards that help reduce electricity consumption and save on power bills.

TCL 4-Series Available Models:
  • TCL 4-Series 43-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV (43S405)
  • TCL 4-Series 50-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV (50S405)
  • TCL 4-Series 55-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV (55S405)
  • TCL 4-Series 65-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV (65S405)
  • TCL 4-Series 75-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV (75S405)

Pros:
  • Affordable Pricing: Great option for budget-conscious consumers who want a reliable smart TV without spending too much.
  • User-Friendly Roku TV Platform: Roku TV is widely praised for its simplicity and access to a vast library of streaming content.
  • Good 4K Value: The 4K UHD models deliver solid picture quality for the price, offering crisp detail and vibrant colors for large-screen viewing.
  • Streaming Ready: Built-in Roku offers hassle-free setup for popular streaming services, with no need for additional devices.
  • Voice Control: Built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant makes it easier to control the TV hands-free.
Cons:
  • Basic Picture Quality: While the TV offers solid performance, it doesn't have the advanced picture features (like OLED, QLED, or high-end HDR) seen in premium models.
  • Limited Audio Performance: The built-in speakers may not provide the best audio quality, and a soundbar or external speakers are recommended for better sound.
  • Basic Smart Features: While the Roku platform is excellent for streaming, more advanced features like Dolby Vision or local dimming may be missing from the budget-friendly models.

TCL 4-Series TV - Product Review

The TCL 4-Series TV is an affordable, entry-level 4K UHD Smart TV designed to deliver a solid viewing experience with smart features at a competitive price. It’s an ideal option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly TV with streaming capabilities and basic functionality for everyday use. With Roku TV built-in, it offers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface for accessing a wide range of content. However, while it delivers great value for the price, it comes with a few limitations that may affect those looking for more advanced features.

*The TCL 4-Series features a simple and functional design that is typical for budget-friendly TVs. It has a slim profile and minimalist bezels, which help it blend well into any living space. The stand is sturdy but basic, and the overall build quality feels quite solid considering the affordable price point.
However, the materials are mostly plastic, and the design is not as premium or sleek as higher-end models. That said, for those on a budget, the 4-Series is well-designed enough to serve as a functional piece of tech in the living room or bedroom.

*For a budget TV, the TCL 4-Series offers decent picture quality, particularly in its 4K UHD models. The image clarity is good, with noticeable sharpness and detail, especially on larger screen sizes like the 55-inch and 65-inch variants. The 1080p Full HD models are more than adequate for smaller sizes (43-inch and 50-inch), and they provide clear visuals for everyday viewing, although they lack the richness of higher-end models.
That said, the contrast and color accuracy are basic. There’s no advanced local dimming or HDR technology (such as Dolby Vision or HDR10+) to enhance the picture. While the TV performs well for casual viewing, blacks aren’t as deep as you’d find on more expensive models, and bright scenes may not pop with the same vibrancy.

*One of the standout features of the TCL 4-Series is its built-in Roku TV platform. Roku TV is widely considered one of the most user-friendly and intuitive smart TV platforms, and this model is no exception. The Roku interface is easy to navigate, offering quick access to a wide variety of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and many others.

The TV also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and it’s compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, so users can stream content directly from Apple devices to the TV. The Roku Channel provides access to free movies, TV shows, and live TV, which is an added bonus for those looking for no-cost entertainment.

However, compared to more expensive smart TVs, the Roku TV interface may feel a bit basic for power users looking for advanced smart features or integration with other ecosystems like Google TV or Amazon Fire TV.

*The audio performance of the TCL 4-Series is adequate for most basic viewing, but it’s nothing spectacular. The built-in speakers deliver decent stereo sound, but they lack the depth and richness you might expect from higher-end models. Dialogue clarity is acceptable, but sound quality in action-heavy scenes or movies with a dynamic soundscape can feel flat.

The bass is weak, and the treble can be sharp at times, which may detract from the overall listening experience. For a more immersive sound experience, it’s highly recommended to pair the TV with a soundbar or external speakers.

*The TCL 4-Series provides a decent gaming experience for casual gamers, especially on the 4K UHD models. It supports 4K resolution, which works well for gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but it’s important to note that this TV doesn’t feature 120Hz refresh rate or low input lag like higher-end gaming-focused models.
The input lag is manageable for casual gaming, but more competitive gamers might find it lacking in terms of responsiveness. The lack of features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) means it might not be the best choice for fast-paced gaming experiences where smooth performance is crucial.
*The TCL 4-Series offers a good selection of ports for a budget TV. It comes with three HDMI ports, one of which supports HDMI ARC for connecting external sound systems. Additionally, there’s a USB port for plugging in external devices like hard drives or USB drives to watch content directly from those devices.
The TV also features built-in Wi-Fi, so you can easily connect it to your home network for streaming and smart features. Ethernet is supported for a wired connection if you need a more stable internet connection.

*The TCL 4-Series is Energy Star certified, meaning it meets energy efficiency standards and will help reduce your electricity bills compared to less efficient models. This is a positive feature for those concerned with sustainability and saving on energy costs.

Last lines

The TCL 4-Series offers excellent value for its price. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a budget-friendly smart TV with essential features like 4K resolution, Roku TV, and voice control. While the picture quality and sound leave something to be desired, the overall performance is solid for casual viewing, streaming, and light gaming.

For the price, it’s a highly competitive option, especially in the 4K TV market, and is perfect for bedrooms, guest rooms, or as a second TV. However, if you’re looking for a more advanced viewing experience with superior picture quality, better sound, or gaming features, you may want to explore higher-end models.

Conclusion:
The TCL 4-Series is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable, no-frills smart TV that offers 4K resolution (in larger models), Roku TV integration, and essential features for everyday viewing. Whether you’re upgrading your living room TV or outfitting a bedroom or guest room, the TCL 4-Series provides an excellent balance of price and performance, making it a great value pick for cost-conscious buyers.

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