TCL 55-Inch S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV Review with Google TV

Description

Design and Build Quality of the TCL 55-Inch Class S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV

The bezel-less design of this TV is the first thing that caught my eye. It gives the screen a sleek, modern look that fits seamlessly into any living room setup. I set it up in my home, and its edge-to-edge FullView 360 metal frame practically disappeared into the background, making it feel like the content was floating on my wall. Weighing just over 23 pounds, the TV is surprisingly lightweight for its size, which made mounting it a breeze. The black finish complements a variety of furniture styles, and the overall build feels sturdy and well-constructed, even when repositioning it.

Key Benefits of the TCL S5 Smart TV

• 4K UHD Resolution: The clarity and sharpness are top-notch. Watching nature documentaries on this screen felt like peeking out of a window into the real world.
• HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision: The vibrant colors and dynamic contrast blew me away. Whether I was streaming a movie on Netflix or watching sports, the details were vivid and lifelike.
• Game Accelerator 120: As someone who enjoys gaming, this feature was a game-changer (pun intended). The 120Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ensured smooth, lag-free gameplay, even during intense action sequences.
• Enhanced Dialogue Mode: I tested this feature during a binge session of a dialogue-heavy series, and it genuinely made conversations clearer without needing to crank up the volume.
• Bluetooth Personal Audio: Connecting my Bluetooth headphones was straightforward, and the private listening option is great for late-night sessions without disturbing others.

Performance and Smart Features

The TCL AIPQ Processor with deep learning AI is a powerhouse. It adjusts the color, contrast, and clarity in real-time, making every scene visually stunning. I streamed content using the integrated Google TV interface, and navigating through apps like YouTube and Hulu was incredibly smooth. The inclusion of Google Assistant and compatibility with Alexa allowed me to control the TV with simple voice commands, which made finding my favorite shows a breeze.

The auto game mode (ALLM) deserves a special mention. My younger cousin tested it with his gaming console, and the instant switch to low-latency mode made the gameplay feel responsive and immersive. It’s clear that this TV was designed with gamers in mind.

Audio Quality and Settings

The Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio systems built into this TV were a pleasant surprise. I expected decent sound, but the spatial audio was rich and immersive. The 3D sound effects during action scenes felt as though they were coming from multiple directions, even though the sound was just from the TV speakers. The Enhanced Dialogue Mode was particularly helpful for older relatives who often complain about mumbling in movies.

While the TV’s audio is impressive on its own, connecting a soundbar would elevate the experience even further, especially for cinephiles looking for a home-theater vibe.

Areas for Improvement

• Input Lag for Casual Users: While the TV excels in gaming performance, there was a slight delay when switching between input sources like HDMI or USB. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it could be improved.
• Limited Brightness Control Customization: The High Brightness LED backlight is excellent for most settings, but I would have appreciated more granular control over brightness levels for dimly lit rooms.
• Remote Control Design: The remote is functional, but its design feels a bit dated compared to the sleek TV. A more ergonomic design with backlit buttons would have been a welcome addition.

Competing Products

When comparing this TV to others in its range, like the Samsung Crystal UHD series or LG NanoCell TVs, the TCL S5 holds its ground. The Samsung Crystal UHD TVs are known for their ultra-bright displays, but they lack the gaming-specific features like the Game Accelerator 120 that TCL offers. On the other hand, LG NanoCell TVs deliver excellent color reproduction but are priced higher, making the TCL S5 a more budget-friendly option for users who want premium features without the premium price.

The TCL S5 also stands out by offering Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio, which is not a standard feature in many competitors at this price point. However, brands like Sony offer slightly better motion handling for fast-paced action sequences. That said, TCL’s inclusion of Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion closes this gap significantly.

Value for Money

This TV offers incredible bang for the buck. Given its 4K resolution, HDR compatibility, and robust gaming features, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system without breaking the bank. While there are pricier options on the market, the TCL S5 delivers a well-rounded package that combines performance, design, and smart functionality.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Whether you’re a gamer, a movie buff, or someone who just enjoys streaming content in high quality, this TV checks most of the boxes. It’s clear TCL has put thought into making this a versatile and feature-rich option that caters to a wide range of users.

Additional information