TCL 43S405 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart TV review for streaming and gaming

Description

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my attention about the TCL 43″ Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV (43S405) was its sleek and minimalist design. The black frame around the screen is slim enough to give it a modern touch, while still being sturdy. It feels lightweight for its size, weighing just 16.8 pounds, which makes mounting it on the wall or shifting it around pretty simple. The dimensions with the stand are well-suited for most entertainment setups, measuring 38.3″ W x 24.4″ H x 7.5″ D, and the stand separation distance of 30 inches ensures stability on most surfaces. While the materials used in its construction aren’t exactly premium, the overall look still feels polished.

The controls on the TV are straightforward, but I mainly relied on the Roku remote, which is compact and easy to navigate. I appreciated the inclusion of dual speakers, although more on their performance later.

Picture Performance and HDR Support

The 4K Ultra HD clarity paired with High Dynamic Range (HDR) was a standout feature when I tested this TV. Colors were vibrant, and the contrast levels were impressive, especially for a product in this range. Watching nature documentaries on streaming platforms like Netflix felt immersive; the greens of the forest and the blues of the ocean seemed to pop.

One thing I noticed, though, was that the HDR isn’t as dynamic as on higher-end models. While the 16:9 aspect ratio and 120Hz refresh rate ensured smooth action scenes, the HDR performance felt a bit inconsistent in darker scenes. For gaming, however, the dedicated gaming mode and minimal input lag were fantastic. My nephew played a few rounds of his favorite RPG, and he didn’t experience any stutter or noticeable delay.

Smart Features and Roku Integration

What sets this 43-inch TCL TV apart is its seamless integration with Roku TV. Having access to over 4,000 streaming channels with just a few clicks felt like I had been handed a treasure trove of entertainment. From live sports to kids’ shows, there’s something for everyone. The interface is clean and intuitive, which made it easy for my dad to navigate even though he’s not particularly tech-savvy.

I also liked how you can program the TV to boot directly to an HDMI input instead of the Roku home screen. This was handy when I connected my gaming console, as I didn’t have to scroll through menus every time. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant was a bonus, though I personally didn’t use it much.

Audio Quality and Connectivity Options

While the dual speakers are decent for general viewing, I found the sound to lack depth. The 8W per channel output is fine for casual TV shows or news, but for movies or gaming, I’d recommend pairing it with an external soundbar for a richer audio experience. The good news is that the TV offers multiple audio output options: a digital optical audio output, HDMI ARC, and a 3.5mm jack.

In terms of connectivity, the three HDMI ports were more than sufficient for my setup, which includes a soundbar, gaming console, and a streaming stick. There’s also USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, which worked flawlessly for streaming in 4K.

Key Benefits

• 4K Ultra HD resolution paired with HDR offers vibrant and sharp visuals.
• Roku integration provides access to a massive library of streaming content.
• Gaming mode and low input lag enhance the experience for gamers.
• Lightweight design makes it easy to mount or shift.
• Multiple audio and video connectivity options, including HDMI ARC and Optical Audio.

Areas for Improvement

• HDR performance can feel limited in darker scenes compared to premium models.
• Built-in speakers lack depth, making an external sound system almost necessary.
• The plastic build doesn’t feel as premium as some competitors.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to its competitors, the Samsung TU7000 series offers slightly better HDR and color accuracy but comes at a higher price point. Samsung’s interface isn’t as user-friendly as Roku, and the remote feels cluttered. On the other hand, the LG UN7300 series has better viewing angles, which might appeal to larger families or open living room setups, but its gaming performance lags behind the TCL.

What makes the TCL 43S405 stand out is its price-to-performance ratio. While it might not have the most advanced HDR or premium materials, it provides a well-rounded package with excellent streaming capabilities and gaming features.

Smart Spending

For anyone on a budget looking for a reliable 4K TV with smart functionality, this product offers impressive value. The inclusion of gaming features, Roku integration, and decent connectivity options ensures it can handle most home entertainment needs. While it requires a bit of compromise on audio and HDR performance, these are areas that can be improved with external accessories.

If you’re someone who wants affordable quality without sacrificing too much on features, this TV is worth considering.

Additional information