TCL 65-Inch S4 4K LED Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and HDR Pro

Description

Stunning Visuals with 4K Ultra HD and HDR PRO

I have to admit, the TCL 65-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (65S450G) delivers an impressive visual experience. The 4K Ultra HD resolution is no joke—it’s like stepping into a whole new world of crisp detail. Watching movies and shows on this TV felt immersive, especially with the HDR PRO feature supporting Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. These enhancements made colors pop, with brighter brights and deeper darks, creating a lifelike experience. Whether it was a nature documentary or an action-packed blockbuster, the visuals were sharp and vibrant. What truly stood out to me was the Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion. Sports and fast-moving scenes felt smooth and seamless, with no annoying blur or lag.

Sleek and Modern Design

This TV isn’t just about performance; it’s also a piece of art for your living room. The FullView metal bezel-less design is sleek and modern, blending effortlessly into my space. Its edge-to-edge glass gives it a premium look, making it feel like a high-end model without going overboard on price. I appreciated how it didn’t dominate the room but instead added a touch of sophistication. Plus, at 65 inches, the screen size is perfect for both small gatherings and solo binge-watching marathons.

Audio Performance That Surprises

Many TVs struggle with sound quality, but this one caught me off guard—in a good way. The DTS Virtual:X audio processing provides a virtualized 3D sound experience. I tried watching an action movie, and the sound effects seemed to come from all around me, even though I wasn’t using a soundbar or external speakers. While it doesn’t completely replace a dedicated surround sound system, it’s impressive for built-in TV speakers. The addition of Dolby Atmos support further enhances the audio depth, making dialogue clearer and soundscapes more engaging.

Smart Features with Google TV Integration

Navigating through content felt incredibly intuitive, thanks to the Google TV Smart OS. It brings together all my streaming apps—Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and more—into one seamless interface. The built-in Google Assistant was a lifesaver, letting me control the TV with just my voice. From adjusting the volume to searching for obscure indie films, it handled everything effortlessly. Pairing the TV with my Alexa was simple, too, expanding the hands-free control options. The Chromecast built-in feature allowed me to quickly cast videos and photos from my smartphone, which was a fun way to share moments with family.

Positives of the Product

• Stunning 4K resolution and HDR PRO for vivid and lifelike visuals.
• Smooth motion handling with Motion Rate 240 and MEMC technology.
• Sleek bezel-less design for a modern and elegant look.
• Google TV OS for a user-friendly and integrated streaming experience.
• DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos deliver impressive built-in audio quality.
• Auto Game Mode (ALLM) minimizes input lag for gamers.
• Bluetooth audio pairing for private listening.

Areas for Improvement

• The TV’s built-in speakers, while good, might not satisfy audiophiles looking for booming bass or theater-like sound.
• Its wall-mounting setup wasn’t as straightforward as I’d hoped, requiring extra care and precision.
• The remote control, although functional, felt a bit lightweight and less premium compared to the TV itself.
• It offers only three HDMI ports, which could be limiting for users with multiple devices like gaming consoles, sound systems, and streaming devices.

Competing Products in the Market

Comparing this model with other popular brands like Samsung and LG, it holds its own in many respects. Samsung’s equivalent models might offer slightly better brightness levels, making them ideal for brightly lit rooms. LG, on the other hand, excels in OLED technology, which produces deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. However, these come at a higher price point. The TCL model strikes a balance between affordability and quality, offering features like HDR PRO and Motion Rate 240 that closely rival those premium brands. Its Google TV integration is also more intuitive than some competitors’ proprietary systems. While it may lag slightly in audio depth compared to high-end models, the DTS Virtual:X technology still makes a strong case for this TV in the mid-range market.

Affordable Quality for a 65-Inch Smart TV

For the features packed into this TV, it’s hard not to appreciate the value proposition it offers. It combines premium features like Dolby Vision, HDR10, and a bezel-less design without veering into exorbitant pricing territory. Sure, there are a few limitations, but those didn’t outweigh the overall performance and functionality it provided. If you’re looking for a large-screen smart TV that doesn’t break the bank but still delivers exceptional visuals, this model is definitely worth considering. The combination of smooth motion handling, smart functionality, and immersive sound makes it a competitive choice in today’s market.

Additional information