TCL 85-Inch S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV review with Dolby Vision

Description

A Truly Immersive Viewing Experience

The TCL 85-Inch Class S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV (85S551G) was a game-changer for my living room setup. I felt like I had a personal theater right in my home. The stunning 4K HDR picture quality immediately caught my eye, bringing every detail to life with four times the resolution of Full HD. It was like stepping into the content I was watching. The TV’s bezel-less design is sleek and modern, blending seamlessly into the room without overpowering the space. It’s not just a TV; it’s a statement piece.

One feature that stood out was the High Brightness LED backlight. Bright daylight streaming into my room didn’t stand a chance against this powerhouse. The picture remained vivid and vibrant, even under challenging lighting conditions. The 16:9 aspect ratio filled the screen beautifully, whether I was binge-watching my favorite series or gaming with my friends.

Performance That Delivers Consistently

What truly amazed me about this TV is the TCL AIPQ Processor. It uses Deep Learning AI to optimize color, contrast, and clarity, and I could notice the difference. Every scene felt meticulously enhanced, whether it was the subtle hues of a sunset or the intense shades of an action sequence. The integration of HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG gave me cinema-level contrast and color accuracy, making every viewing session feel premium.

Gaming enthusiasts will love the Game Accelerator 120 feature with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). I tested this with a fast-paced game, and the responsive gameplay without lag made the experience buttery smooth. I particularly appreciated the Auto Game Mode (ALLM), which automatically adjusted settings to minimize input lag. It was a noticeable improvement over my previous television, where I had to manually tweak settings.

Audio That Matches the Visuals

The Dolby Atmos audio support was another standout feature. I didn’t expect much from the built-in speakers, but the DTS Virtual:X technology and enhanced subwoofer delivered a surprisingly rich and immersive sound. Watching movies felt like being in a theater, and I didn’t even need a soundbar for most content. The Enhanced Dialogue Mode was a lifesaver during dialogue-heavy scenes. I no longer had to rewind to catch mumbled lines, which was a frequent annoyance with my older TV.

Key Benefits

• Stunning 4K UHD resolution with vivid details and clarity.
• High Brightness LED backlight ensures visibility in any lighting.
• Game Accelerator 120 and ALLM deliver seamless gaming experiences.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X provide superior audio immersion.
• Edge-to-edge bezel-less design upgrades any room’s aesthetics.

Limitations to Consider

While the TV excels in many areas, there are a few areas of concern worth noting:

• The 77.4-pound weight makes it a challenge to mount or move without assistance.
• The remote control design feels a bit generic and could use more premium materials.
• Some users might find the built-in audio great but not comparable to a dedicated sound system.
• Motion Rate 240 is excellent but not flawless in extremely fast sequences; occasional minor blur was noticeable.

Comparing to Competitive Options

Having tested a few other 85-inch Smart TVs, this model holds its own in many respects. For example, compared to similarly-sized offerings from Samsung, this TV’s HDR PRO+ compatibility with multiple formats gives it an edge in picture quality. However, Samsung’s QLED models tend to have deeper contrast levels, particularly in darker scenes.

LG’s OLED lineup, on the other hand, provides slightly better black levels and viewing angles. Yet, the TCL Game Accelerator 120 feature is a dream for gamers, surpassing what LG offers at this price range. Additionally, the bezel-less design of the TCL feels more modern compared to Sony’s similarly priced models, which often include bulkier frames.

True Value for Your Investment

This TV strikes a balance between affordability and premium features. While it doesn’t come with the price tag of OLED competitors, it delivers outstanding 4K HDR performance, robust gaming capabilities, and Dolby Atmos audio without breaking the bank. If you’re someone who wants a large screen with high-end features but doesn’t want to spend excessively, this product is a fantastic choice. It’s not just a budget-friendly option—it’s a smart investment in entertainment.

What impressed me most was how well this TV catered to both casual viewers and tech enthusiasts. Its cost-effectiveness makes it accessible, while the advanced features ensure that you’re not sacrificing quality. Whether you’re upgrading an older model or diving into the world of 85-inch TVs, this one offers a compelling package that’s hard to ignore.

Additional information