TCL 4-Series TV: Can a Budget 4K UHD Smart TV Compete with Premium Brands Without Sacrificing Quality?

EchoJoelle

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In a world where televisions are often marketed with flashy features and eye-watering price tags, the TCL 50" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV stands out as a more accessible option for many. But is it really worth your attention, or just another budget-friendly gimmick?

With its promise of stunning 4K resolution and a vast array of streaming options, this TV seems poised to deliver an impressive viewing experience. However, with the rise of countless smart TVs flooding the market, it's worth questioning whether this model can genuinely compete with its more expensive counterparts, or if it's just a clever marketing scheme.

Join me as we dive into the specifics of the TCL 50S455—examining its picture quality, sound performance, and ease of use, all while contemplating whether sacrificing a premium brand for a budget choice is a risk worth taking.

Spec​

Parameter
TCL 4-Series TV​
Picture​
TCL4-SeriesTV.jpg
Screen Size​
50 Inches​
Reference Price​
$305.9​
Model Year​
2022​
Specific Uses​
home entertainment​
Built-In Media​
Power Cable, Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Stand, Quick Start Guide, User Guide​
Highlight​
Stunning 4K Ultra HD: Enjoy breathtaking 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD. Plus your favorite HD shows, movies, and sporting events are enhanced to near Ultra HD resolution with advanced 4K Upscaling..Image Aspect ratio:16:9.Stand Separation Distance : 37.8". Output Power : 10W + 10W. Premium Audio : Dolby Digital Plus..Output Power : 10W + 10W. Headphone Jack : 1
High Dynamic Range: HDR delivers bright and accurate colors for a lifelike viewing experience.
1. Thousands of Streaming Channels: Enjoy the over half a million movies and TV episodes available to stream plus sports, news, music, kids and family, food, science and tech, fitness, foreign language and so much more.
Stream free TV, live news, sports, movies, and more: Start streaming free TV right from your home screen with Featured Free and The Roku Channel. Browse 150+ free live channels with the Live TV Channel Guide to find what to watch next.
Easy Voice Control: Find movie titles, launch or change channels, even switch inputs, using just your voice. Access to voice control feature available through the Roku mobile app, compatible third-party voice assistant devices and voice-enabled remote controls that can be purchased separately. Works with Siri, Alexa and Hey Google.
Operating System​
Roku OS​
Internet Applications​
Netflix,HuluYouTube,Pandora,Amazon Instant Video,HBO Max,Discovery +,Disney +,Apple Tv​
Remote Control​
Infrared (IR)​
Controller Type​
Touch Control​
Control Method​
Touch​
Aspect Ratio​
16:9​
Display Technology​
LED​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
60 Hz​
HDR Format​
HDR10​
Backlight Technology​
LED​
Backlight Setting​
direct_lit​
Backlight Configuration​
Direct-Lit​
Picture Enhancement​
HDR Compatible​
Audio Channels​
7.1​
Surround Sound​
Dolby Digital Plus​
Audio Output​
Surround​
Audio Input​
HDMI, USB​
Speaker Description​
Premium Audio: Dolby Digital Plus​
Video Encoding​
HEVC (H.265)​
Screen Mirroring​
Miracast​
Compatible Devices​
Streaming Devices, TVs with RF, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet Connectivity, Devices Compatible with Roku Platform, Over-the-Air Digital Broadcast Devices​
Water Resistance​
Not Water Resistant​
Tuner Type​
ATSC​
Line Voltage​
Unknown​
Other Features​
Flat​
Mount Standard​
200 x 200 mm​
Connectivity Technology​
RF​
Wireless Technology​
Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
1​
USB2.0 Ports​
1​
HDMI Ports​
4​
Connector Type​
USB, HDMI
Signal Format​
digital​
Sharing Direction​
Mobile to TV​
Hardware Interface​
Ethernet, HDMI, USB 2.0, 802.11 ac/b/g/n​
D x W x H​
11.8"D x 44.2"W x 27.8"H​

System Experience​

Unboxing my new TCL Roku TV was a pleasant surprise; the packaging was simple yet effective, and I appreciated that everything was well-protected, ensuring no damage during transit. The setup process was straightforward—just plug it in, connect to my Wi-Fi, and it was ready to go in no time. I loved how intuitive the Roku interface was, making it easy for me to navigate through my favorite streaming apps. The inclusion of multiple HDMI ports was a bonus, allowing me to connect my other devices without hassle.

Viewing Experience​

I was genuinely impressed by the picture quality for the price range. The colors were vibrant, and the 4K resolution made everything pop on the screen. Of course, it doesn't compare to my high-end OLED, but for a secondary TV in my bedroom, it exceeded my expectations. I found myself enjoying movies and shows much more than I anticipated, especially with HDR content that added a nice depth to the visuals.

Audio Experience​

While the sound quality was decent for casual viewing, I did notice it could be a bit lacking when it came to deeper bass. I’d agree with others that it’s not exactly theater-quality audio; however, it was perfectly acceptable for everyday use. Given that I primarily watch TV at lower volumes, it still provided an enjoyable experience. I plan to invest in a soundbar to enhance the audio experience, especially for movie nights.

Other Experience​

The overall experience with this TV has been great. I love how lightweight it is, making it easy to move around if needed. I also appreciated the lack of heat output, which is a huge plus for me living in Florida. The remote is simple and user-friendly, though I do wish it had backlighting for those late-night binge sessions. However, it was easy enough to get used to navigating through the channels.

Conclusion​

Pros:
The key positives of this TCL Roku TV for me are definitely the incredible value for money, the vibrant picture quality, and the ease of setup. The built-in Roku system really enhances the viewing experience with a wide variety of channels available. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to handle.

Cons:
On the downside, I would say the sound could be better, and the remote could use some improvements, particularly in low-light conditions. Additionally, some features, like the inability to access live TV quickly, can be a bit frustrating. I also find the lack of a backlit remote to be a slight inconvenience when watching in the dark.

Overall Evaluation:
In conclusion, I’m genuinely pleased with my purchase of the TCL Roku TV. It offers a fantastic balance of quality and affordability, making it a great choice for someone looking for a solid entry-level or mid-range TV. While there are a few quirks, they don’t overshadow the many positives. I would definitely recommend this to anyone in need of a reliable TV for streaming and casual viewing—especially if you're on a budget.
 
Wow, this screen is seriously awesome! It’s got all these ports for gaming, streaming, and media players, so you’re set for whatever you want to do. Honestly, I was ready to settle for something basic because of my budget, but the 4K resolution totally blew me away. Setting it up was super easy, just like with other Roku TVs, and I haven’t run into any problems like WiFi issues or screen burn-in.

It’s perfect for movie nights in the living room, throwing down some party games, or catching the big game. Can’t recommend it enough!
 
Honestly, I was a bit hesitant about using the Roku system as my main go-to while still having DirecTV. It took me a good month to get the hang of turning off the TV with the Roku remote instead of the DirecTV one, but it’s really not a biggie. I love that I don’t have to mess around with switching TV inputs just to find the Roku or go back to DirecTV. All in all, I’d totally buy this setup again!
 
Overall, it's pretty good! There's just a tiny shadow in the upper left corner if you look at it from certain angles, but honestly, it's not a big deal. I can totally deal with it!
 
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