TCL 4-Series TV: Is 4K UHD Quality Enough to Compete with Premium Brands, or Just Another Smart TV in a Crowded Market?

windstri85

New member
The TCL 65-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV is a product that challenges the status quo of what consumers expect in a mid-range television. While many might assume that high-quality viewing experiences come at a premium price, this model raises a question: can a budget-friendly TV truly compete with more expensive counterparts without sacrificing too much?

With its stunning 4K resolution and HDR capabilities, TCL claims to deliver a lifelike visual experience, but how does it hold up in real-world scenarios? And while the convenience of thousands of streaming channels and a user-friendly interface sounds appealing, does it really translate into a seamless viewing experience, or are there hidden quirks that could frustrate users?

In this review, we’ll dive deep into the performance of the TCL 65S435, examining not just the specs but also how it fits into the everyday lives of viewers like you and me. Is this TV a game changer, or just another piece of tech that looks good on paper? Let’s find out.

Spec​

Parameter
TCL 4-Series TV​
Picture​
TCL4-SeriesTV.jpg
Screen Size​
65 Inches​
Reference Price​
$460.05​
Model Year​
2021​
Specific Uses​
home entertainment, movie nights, gaming, streaming content, family room TV​
Built-In Media​
Stand, Power Cord, Warranty Info, Remote, Quick Start Guide​
Highlight​
Dimensions (WxHxD) with Stand: 57.4" x 35.3" x 12.6" | Without Stand (WxHxD): 57.4" x 33.2" x 3.3" | Weight with Stand: 38.1 lbs | Weight without Stand: 37.9 lbs
Stunning 4K Ultra HD: 4K resolution delivers stunning detail and a remarkable visual experience.
High Dynamic Range: HDR delivers bright and accurate colors for a lifelike viewing experience.
Thousands of Streaming Channels: Enjoy the over 500,000 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.
Simple, personalized home screen: Your favorite broadcast TV, streaming channels, gaming console and other devices are front-and-center. No more flipping through inputs or wading through complicated menus. Like apps on a smartphone, all your favorites are at your fingertips from the instant you turn it on.
Operating System​
Roku OS​
Internet Applications​
Netflix, Skype, Hulu, Youtube, Spotify, Amazon Instant Video​
Remote Control​
Standard​
Controller Type​
google_assistant, amazon_alexa​
Control Method​
Voice​
Aspect Ratio​
Unknown​
Display Technology​
LED​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
60 Hz​
HDR Format​
HDR10​
Backlight Setting​
Adjustable​
Backlight Configuration​
Direct-Lit​
Picture Enhancement​
HDR Compatible​
Motion Enhancement​
Clear Motion Index 120​
Audio Encoding​
Dolby Digital Plus​
Audio Output​
Digital​
Audio Input​
HDMI
Speaker Description​
2.0 channel audio system with 8 watts of power per channel and Dolby Digital Plus pass-through​
Speaker Output Power​
8 Watts​
Video Encoding​
HEVC​
Screen Mirroring​
Roku mobile app's screen mirroring feature​
Tuner Type​
ATSC, NTSC, Clear QAM​
Power Consumption​
8 Watts​
Other Features​
High Dynamic Range Technology; Stream over 500,000 Movies and TV Episodes; Easy Voice Control works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant​
Mount Standard​
300 x 300 mm​
Connectivity Technology​
Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
Wireless Technology​
Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
1​
USB2.0 Ports​
1​
HDMI Ports​
4​
Connector Type​
Ethernet, HDMI
Signal Format​
Digital​
Sharing Direction​
Mobile to TV​
Hardware Interface​
HDMI
D x W x H​
12.6"D x 57.4"W x 35.3"H​
Item Weight​
54.9 Pounds​

System Experience​

Setting up my new TCL Roku TV was surprisingly straightforward and hassle-free. I was a bit apprehensive about the Roku account requirement since I’ve had mixed feelings about smart TVs in the past, but the process turned out to be smooth. After unboxing, all I needed to do was attach the legs, plug it in, and follow the on-screen prompts. In no time at all, I was navigating through my chosen channels. It felt refreshing to have a user-friendly setup where I could easily access everything I wanted without having to dive into complex menus.

Viewing Experience​

The picture quality is fantastic! The colors pop and the details are crisp, especially when watching 4K content. I love how vibrant everything looks, whether I'm streaming my favorite shows or watching movies. It’s hard to believe how much of a difference 4K makes, and this TV really delivers on that front. I enjoy having friends over for movie nights, and I feel like I can now share that immersive experience with them.

Audio Experience​

While the sound quality is decent, I've noticed it doesn't quite match up to the stunning visuals. It's good enough for casual viewing, but I find myself wishing for a bit more depth and volume, especially during intense movie scenes or action sequences. I’m considering getting a soundbar to enhance the experience, as I believe this TV's audio could really benefit from it.

Other Experience​

I've been using the Roku features quite a bit, and I appreciate how easy it is to switch between apps and live TV. The interface feels intuitive, and I love that I can customize it to fit my viewing habits. The remote is a bit minimalistic, which I appreciate for its simplicity, but sometimes I find myself accidentally hitting the wrong buttons. Still, the overall experience has been enjoyable, and I’m happy with my choice.

Conclusion​

Pros:
The biggest pros for me are the stunning picture quality, the ease of setup, and the intuitive Roku interface. I love how quickly I can access my favorite streaming services without any fuss. The price point is also a huge advantage; I feel like I'm getting a great value for my money with this TV.

Cons:
On the downside, the sound quality isn't as strong as I’d hoped, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the remote could use some improvements – sometimes the layout feels a bit awkward, and I’ve accidentally pressed buttons I didn’t intend to. Also, the need for a Roku account might be a slight deterrent for some, even though I personally didn’t mind it.

Overall Evaluation:
In summary, I’m genuinely pleased with my TCL Roku TV. It offers a fantastic entry point into the world of 4K viewing at an affordable price. The picture quality alone makes it worthwhile, and while there are some areas for improvement, such as sound and remote functionality, it hasn’t detracted too much from my overall enjoyment. I would recommend this TV to anyone looking for a solid option that balances quality and affordability.
 
This TV is a total game-changer! The picture is super crispy and clear, so whether you're diving into your favorite games on your Xbox or PlayStation or binge-watching movies, everything looks amazing. The 4K definition really takes your viewing experience to the next level. Plus, it's built to last, so you know you’re investing in something good. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
 

goalweiser

New member
I got this TCL TV on November 21, 2021, and honestly, I was super happy with it—great picture quality and no issues at all. But then, on September 28, 2024, I turned it on and all I got was sound, no picture at all. I tried all the usual fixes, but nothing worked. I paid $233 for it, which isn't a crazy amount, but I definitely expected it to last longer than three years. Safe to say I’m not rushing to buy another TCL anytime soon.
 
This TV is awesome! It’s just as smart as it said it would be on the site. I grabbed it about 4 years ago, and it’s still doing its thing perfectly. Thanks!
 

NetworkingJesus

New member
So, I got this new TV, right? It came in a 50-inch box, but when I pulled it out, it turned out to be just a 44-inch screen! And honestly, it felt way smaller in both width and height compared to my old 50-inch TV. What a letdown!
 
So, I had this TV that was pretty solid for about three years. But out of nowhere, the screen just decided it was done and won't turn on anymore. The sound's still good, but I can't see a thing! Super frustrating!
 
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