TCL 4-Series TV: Is 4K HDR Quality Worth It for a Smart TV Under $500?

DSJ-Psyduck

New member
The TCL 55S421 offers a 55-inch display packed with 4K UHD resolution and HDR capabilities, all while integrating Roku’s smart platform. But is this budget-friendly TV really the best value for your money, or is it just another case of acceptable mediocrity dressed up in flashy specs? With so many options flooding the market, it’s time to dissect whether this model genuinely delivers on its promises or if it just skims by on the hype of its features. Let's dive into the performance, usability, and overall experience of the TCL 55S421 to see if it stands out in a sea of competitors or falls flat in the pursuit of being a "smart" choice.

Spec​

Parameter
TCL 4-Series TV​
Picture​
TCL4-SeriesTV.jpg
Screen Size​
55 Inches​
Reference Price​
$317.12​
Model Year​
2018​
Built-In Media​
Stand, TV​
Highlight​
Operating System​
Roku OS​
Internet Applications​
roku tv, Roku TV​
Remote Control​
WiFi Direct​
Controller Type​
Voice Control​
Control Method​
Voice​
Aspect Ratio​
16:9​
Display Technology​
LED​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
120 Hz​
Viewing Angle​
178 Degrees​
HDR Format​
HDR10​
Backlight Technology​
LED​
Picture Enhancement​
HDR10​
Motion Enhancement​
120Hz CMI​
Audio Channels​
5.1​
Surround Sound​
Dolby Digital​
Audio Input​
USB​
Speaker Description​
2-channel audio system with 8 watts of power per channel​
Video Encoding​
H.265/HEVC​
Screen Mirroring​
Miracast​
Water Resistance​
Not Water Resistant​
Tuner Type​
ATSC​
Line Voltage​
110 VAC 60 Hz​
Other Features​
Flat​
Mount Standard​
200 x 200 mm​
Connectivity Technology​
Wi-Fi​
Wireless Technology​
Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
1​
USB2.0 Ports​
1​
Audio Out Ports​
1​
HDMI Ports​
3​
Signal Format​
ATSC, NTSC, Clear QAM​
Sharing Direction​
Mobile to TV​

System Experience​

Setting up my new Roku TV was surprisingly straightforward, and I genuinely appreciated how easy it was to get everything up and running. The packaging was solid, and I was grateful that it arrived faster than I anticipated. I had everything I needed right in the box, which made the entire process feel hassle-free, especially since I’ve had some frustrating experiences in the past with overly complicated setups.

Viewing Experience​

The picture quality on this TV has really impressed me. From vibrant colors to sharp details, it feels like a significant upgrade from my previous model. I love how the gaming mode enhances my experience, making everything look smooth and fluid, especially when I’m diving into my favorite games. I can confidently say this TV is worth every penny for the clarity and brilliance it delivers.

Audio Experience​

While the sound quality is decent, I do find it lacking at times. I’ve had to boost my audio setup with external speakers to achieve the sound depth I crave. It’s a bit of a disappointment, but I guess I’ve come to expect more immersive audio experiences. However, I can’t deny that the picture quality more than makes up for it when I'm watching my favorite shows or movies.

Other Experience​

My overall experience with this TV has been mostly positive, but I can’t ignore some hiccups along the way. There have been moments where I struggled with the remote, especially when trying to adjust the volume. It feels a bit too small and sensitive, causing me to accidentally mute the sound more often than I'd like. Still, the ease of streaming with Roku is a huge plus, and it keeps me coming back for more.

Conclusion​

Pros:
One of the biggest pros has to be the incredible picture quality that truly elevates my viewing experience. The Roku interface is another highlight, making it easy to navigate through all my favorite streaming services. I also appreciate how lightweight and thin the TV is, making it easy to mount on the wall without any hassle.

Cons:
On the downside, I’ve had some issues with the remote's sensitivity, which can be quite frustrating at times. Additionally, the sound could definitely use improvement; it sometimes feels flat, especially during quieter scenes. I’ve also encountered a few minor software glitches, but thankfully, resetting the TV usually resolves them.

Overall Evaluation:
In conclusion, I’m quite happy with my Roku TV despite a few shortcomings. The vibrant picture quality and user-friendly interface make it a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment setup. While I do wish the sound quality was better and the remote was a bit more user-friendly, the overall experience has been positive enough that I would recommend this TV, especially for the price. I’m looking forward to enjoying many more movie nights and gaming sessions with it!
 

Gizmoitus

New member
I got this TV about 15 months ago, and I just slapped it right on the wall as soon as I took it out of the box. Now, fast forward to today, and it’s acting all weird. It won’t turn on unless I hit the button like a million times, and there’s this annoying pink line at the bottom of the screen. What gives?
 

El_Frijol

New member
So, my TV just decided to go all drama queen and popped into recovery mode outta nowhere. Apparently, this is a pretty common thing. I followed all the prompts, did the updates, and now it’s stuck in this annoying loop. I’ve tried everything to get it to start up again.

I even reached out to Roku and TCL for help. They basically said, “Sorry, we can’t fix that,” and that they don't even have a repair team. So now, it looks like I’m on the hunt for a new TV.

Honestly, I’m done with TCL. Never again!
 

Hellopi314

New member
I’m totally in love with this TV! I picked it up for my home office when COVID hit, and it was my go-to for binge-watching. But after about 50 weeks, it just up and quit on me—no picture, no power, nada. I reached out to TCL's customer support, filed a claim, and honestly, they were super responsive. Within a week, a tech came out, swapped out the motherboard, and now it’s like I have a brand new TV again! I’ve heard some horror stories about warranties being a pain, but TCL totally came through on theirs. I’d definitely snag another TCL in the future!
 

Roy_Knable

New member
Man, I had such a rough time with this purchase. It feels like the retailer just totally dropped the ball and lost my order in shipping or something. I ended up waiting ages to finally get my TV. When it finally arrived, I went to mount it on the wall, and guess what? There’s this huge dent on the back like it got banged up by a forklift or something! Thankfully, it still works fine, but honestly, I’m done buying electronics from Amazon. No way I’m going through that again!
 

Happy7User

New member
Man, it’s super frustrating when your internet keeps dropping out and you just can’t get it back, even though everything else is working fine. And don’t even get me started on the TCL website—talk about zero help! It’s a bummer to be left hanging for hours without any service. Ugh!
 
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