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In a market flooded with smart TVs, the TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV stands out, but not necessarily for the reasons you might expect. With its sleek, bezel-less design and built-in Fire TV, it offers a modern aesthetic that many consumers crave. However, this raises an important question: Is style overshadowing substance in the world of budget TVs?
This model boasts a 1080p resolution, promising a high-definition viewing experience, but can a TV at this price point truly compete with higher-end models? And while it touts access to a million movies and shows, the reality of subscription fees and streaming limitations might leave some users feeling shortchanged.
Today, we’ll dive into the features, the user experience, and whether this TV is really worth your hard-earned cash, or if it’s just another shiny gadget that looks better on your wall than it performs on your screen. Let’s get into it.
One of the standout features for me is the built-in Fire TV functionality, which allows for a wide range of apps. The remote is also very user-friendly and intuitive, which is a nice change from some of the other remotes I’ve dealt with. Plus, for the price, I think the overall value is excellent, especially since it serves well as a second monitor for my PC.
Cons:
On the downside, I’ve noticed some limitations with the internal storage, which has led to occasional messages about low storage. The sound quality could definitely use improvement, and the lag in the operating system can be frustrating. I also wish that it didn’t require an Amazon account to access most of the functionality, as that feels a bit restrictive.
Overall Evaluation:
All in all, I’m quite satisfied with this TV. It checks off most of the boxes I was looking for, especially considering the price point. While there are some drawbacks, particularly with sound and lag issues, it serves its purpose well as a smart TV in my guest room. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable option, but I’d also advise potential buyers to manage expectations regarding sound quality and storage limitations.
This model boasts a 1080p resolution, promising a high-definition viewing experience, but can a TV at this price point truly compete with higher-end models? And while it touts access to a million movies and shows, the reality of subscription fees and streaming limitations might leave some users feeling shortchanged.
Today, we’ll dive into the features, the user experience, and whether this TV is really worth your hard-earned cash, or if it’s just another shiny gadget that looks better on your wall than it performs on your screen. Let’s get into it.
Spec
| Parameter | TCL 40S350F TV |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Screen Size | 40 Inches |
Reference Price | $149.99 |
Model Year | 2023 |
Built-In Media | Stand, Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide |
Highlight | 1080P Full HD Resolution - Experience your favorite movies and TV shows in stunning high-definition picture quality for enhanced clarity and detail. Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply. FullView Metal Bezel-less Design - Elegant edge-to-edge glass design for a modern design that blends seamlessly into any home. Bluetooth Personal Audio – Pair your favorite compatible Bluetooth headphones to the TV for a private listening experience. 2 HDMI Inputs (One with ARC) - Two high-speed HDMI inputs for the best connection to gaming consoles, set-top boxes, AV receiver and more |
Internet Applications | Netflix |
Controller Type | Remote Control, Voice Control |
Control Method | Voice |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Technology | LED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Resolution | 1080p |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
HDR Format | [UNC] |
Backlight Technology | LED |
Picture Enhancement | Dynamic Contrast |
Motion Enhancement | Dynamic Contrast |
Audio Channels | 5.1 |
Surround Sound | Surround |
Audio Input | HDMI |
Speaker Description | 10W + 10W |
Video Encoding | H.264, H.265 (HEVC) |
Water Resistance | Not Water Resistant |
Tuner Type | ATSC |
Voltage | 1.1E+2 Volts (AC) |
Line Voltage | 110 VAC 60 Hz |
Other Features | Bezel-Less Design |
Mount Standard | 100 x 100 mm |
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, HDMI |
Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 1 |
USB2.0 Ports | 1 |
HDMI Ports | 3 |
Connector Type | HDMI |
Signal Format | ATSC |
Sharing Direction | Mobile to TV |
Hardware Interface | Bluetooth, HDMI |
D x W x H | 3.6"D x 35.7"W x 20.3"H |
System Experience
Setting up the TV was a breeze, which is something I really appreciated. It arrived in great condition, and because I already had an Amazon account, the Fire TV functionality was ready to go almost immediately. I love how easily I could connect it to my other devices, like my laptop and phone, thanks to the two HDMI ports. AirPlay was seamless, and I felt relieved not to have to fuss over any complicated installation processes.Viewing Experience
I was pleasantly surprised by the picture quality for the price I paid. The colors are vibrant, and the contrast is quite impressive, especially for a 32-inch TV. It has a clear display that works perfectly for streaming my favorite shows and movies. I wasn't expecting it to blow my socks off, but it definitely met my expectations for casual viewing.Audio Experience
Now, the sound quality is a bit of a mixed bag for me. While it’s certainly acceptable for watching movies and shows, I found the audio to be somewhat tinny, particularly when it comes to dialogue clarity. I didn’t plan on using a soundbar, but I might consider one in the future to enhance the overall experience. For now, I’ve managed to tweak the audio settings to make it more bearable.Other Experience
I’ve had a generally positive experience using this TV. It’s lightweight and easy to wall-mount, which made it perfect for my setup. However, I did encounter some minor annoyances, like the lag when navigating through the menus, which can be a bit frustrating at times. Despite this, I still find it enjoyable for streaming Netflix or catching up on shows.Conclusion
Pros:One of the standout features for me is the built-in Fire TV functionality, which allows for a wide range of apps. The remote is also very user-friendly and intuitive, which is a nice change from some of the other remotes I’ve dealt with. Plus, for the price, I think the overall value is excellent, especially since it serves well as a second monitor for my PC.
Cons:
On the downside, I’ve noticed some limitations with the internal storage, which has led to occasional messages about low storage. The sound quality could definitely use improvement, and the lag in the operating system can be frustrating. I also wish that it didn’t require an Amazon account to access most of the functionality, as that feels a bit restrictive.
Overall Evaluation:
All in all, I’m quite satisfied with this TV. It checks off most of the boxes I was looking for, especially considering the price point. While there are some drawbacks, particularly with sound and lag issues, it serves its purpose well as a smart TV in my guest room. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable option, but I’d also advise potential buyers to manage expectations regarding sound quality and storage limitations.
