TCL Class S3 vs S4 vs S5: Which Roku TV or Google TV Offers the Best Viewing Experience?

[Ok_Camel]

Introduce​

Parameter	TCL Class S3​	TCL Class S4​	TCL Class S5​
Picture​	​	​	​
Price​	$199.99​	$249.99​	$28.49​
Model Year​	2023​	2023​	-​
Specific Uses​	Home Viewing​	Home viewing, Gaming, Streaming movies and TV shows, Live news, Sports, Kids and family entertainment​	-​
Highlight​	Screen Size: 43 inches Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Backlighting: Direct LED Smart TV Platform: Roku Connectivity: 3 HDMI inputs (1 with ARC), Wi-Fi, voice control compatibility (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit) Design: Sleek metal bezel-less, edge-to-edge glass display​	Size: 50-inch Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) HDR Support: Yes Smart TV Platform: Roku OS Audio Technology: Dolby Atmos Connectivity: 4 HDMI inputs (one with eARC), 1 USB port, Wi-Fi​	Motion Rate: 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion HDR Formats: HDR PRO+, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG Bluetooth: Personal Audio Audio Technology: Dolby Atmos Game Mode: Auto Game Mode (ALLM) Audio Processing: DTS Virtual:X​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

System​

Parameter	TCL Class S3​	TCL Class S4​	TCL Class S5​
Operating System​	Roku OS​	Roku OS​	-​
Internet Applications​	Netflix​	Netflix​	-​
Remote Control​	Voice Control​	Voice​	-​
Controller Type​	Voice Control​	Voice Control​	-​

Display​

Parameter	TCL Class S3​	TCL Class S4​	TCL Class S5​
Aspect Ratio​	16:9​	-​	-​
Display Technology​	LED​	LED​	-​
Screen Finish​	Flat​	Flat​	-​
Has Color Screen​	-​	Yes​	-​
Resolution​	1080p​	4K​	-​
Refresh Rate​	60 Hz​	60 Hz​	-​
Response Time​	-​	-​	-​
HDR Format Supported​	[POSSIBLE] HDR10​	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG​	-​
Maximum Display Brightness​	-​	-​	-​
Display Backlight​	-​	LED​	-​
Display Backlight Setting​	-​	-​	-​
Picture Quality Enhancement​	-​	4K, HDR, Motion Interpolation, Dolby Atmos, Direct LED, Dynamic Contrast​	-​
Motion Enhancement​	-​	Motion Rate 120​	-​

Audio​

Parameter	TCL Class S3​	TCL Class S4​	TCL Class S5​
Number of Audio Channels​	-​	5.1 or 7.1​	-​
Audio Output Mode​	-​	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus​	-​
Audio Input​	HDMI​	HDMI​	-​
Speaker Description​	The speaker for the TCL 43S350R TV is a Full High Definition audio speaker with 8W + 8W output power.​	10W per speaker​	-​

Connectivity​

Parameter	TCL Class S3​	TCL Class S4​	TCL Class S5​
Connectivity Technology​	Wi-Fi, HDMI​	Wi-Fi, HDMI​	-​
Bluetooth Version​	-​	-​	-​
Screen Mirroring​	Apple AirPlay2​	AirPlay​	-​
Total Usb Ports​	1​	1​	-​
Number of HDMI Ports​	3​	4​	-​
Connector Type​	HDMI​	HDMI​	-​
Signal Format​	digital​	ATSC​	-​

Features​

Parameter	TCL Class S3​	TCL Class S4​	TCL Class S5​
Video Encoding​	-​	H.264, H.265​	-​
Compatible Devices​	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, & Apple HomeKit​	-​	Television​
Tuner Type​	ATSC​	ATSC​	-​
Noteworthy Features​	Flat​	Flat​	-​

Measurements​

Parameter	TCL Class S3​	TCL Class S4​	TCL Class S5​
Dimensions D x W x H​	3.5"D x 37.6"W x 21.8"H​	3.2"D x 43.8"W x 25.4"H​	-​
Item Weight​	-​	18.5 Pounds​	-​
Screen Size​	43 Inches​	50 Inches​	-​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
TCL Class S3​	Pros: • Great price and value for the size • Lightweight and easy to set up • Good color quality • User-friendly navigation • Ideal for outdoor use • Simple assembly process Cons: • Resolution is not true 1080p, can appear hazy • Picture settings do not hold and revert back • Sound quality is subpar; requires a sound bar • Occasional power issues; TV turns off unexpectedly • Concerns about long-term reliability Overall Impression: While this TV offers great value and ease of setup, it falls short in resolution and sound quality. Users may experience issues with picture settings and reliability, making it a mixed option for those seeking a dependable outdoor television.
TCL Class S4​	Pros • Amazing picture quality with great clarity and color • Easy and quick setup process • User-friendly interface, compatible with older Roku remotes • Decent built-in speakers • Great animation smoothing • Narrower stand feet configuration allows for better fitting on smaller furniture Cons • Limited settings for Dolby Vision and HDR content • Lacks a 120 Hz refresh rate Overall Impression The TCL Roku TV is an excellent choice for everyday use, particularly for families with young children. With its impressive picture quality, ease of setup, and user-friendly features, it stands out as a solid option in the market. However, some limitations in advanced settings and refresh rate may deter more demanding users. Overall, it's a highly recommended TV for its price and performance.
TCL Class S5​	Pros • Inexpensive and well-built • Easy installation with clear instructions and a mounting template • Handy tilt-down feature (up to 8 degrees) • Lightweight and compact design • Includes all necessary mounting screws and a level • Secure locking mechanism for TV • Solid stability, even with lightweight design Cons • Wall plate split into two pieces may be a concern for some users • May require additional support if not anchored to a framing stud Overall Impression This TV mount offers excellent value for its price, combining simplicity, functionality, and solid construction. Its lightweight design and easy installation make it a great choice for anyone looking to mount their TV without hassle. Highly recommended for those seeking a reliable and affordable option.