TCL S3 TV Review: Is This Budget Google TV Worth Your Money?

First Impressions​

The TCL 32S350G presents an overall impression of basicness and lightweight construction, with a design that lacks premium appeal. The thick bezels and plain back contribute to a somewhat cheap aesthetic. Build quality is mediocre, primarily consisting of inexpensive plastic, which leads to some flex around the input areas. However, the TV's lightweight nature ensures stability on its stand, minimizing wobbling.

Introduce​

Parameter
TCL S3 TV​
Picture​
TCLS3TV.jpg
Reference Price​
$129.99​
Model Year​
2023​
Specific Uses​
Home Viewing​
Built-In Media​
Stand, Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide​
Highlight
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart TV Platform: Google TV with Chromecast
Streaming Apps: Access to popular apps like Netflix
Voice Control: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility
Connectivity: 2 HDMI inputs (one with ARC), USB port, Bluetooth
Warranty: 1-Year manufacturer's warranty

System​

Parameter
TCL S3 TV​
Operating System​
Google TV​
Internet Applications​
Netflix​
Remote Control​
Bluetooth​
Controller Type​
Voice Control​
Control Method​
Voice​
System Experience
Overall Impression: The TV offers a user-friendly experience with Google TV OS version 11, providing access to a broad range of apps and content. Its casting capabilities enhance usability, allowing for seamless playback from mobile devices or USB sticks. However, the presence of ads in the interface, which cannot be disabled, may detract from the viewing experience. Additionally, the lack of HDR playback through USB limits its performance for high-quality video content.

Display​

Parameter
TCL S3 TV​
Aspect Ratio​
16:9​
Display Technology​
LED​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
1080p​
Refresh Rate​
60 Hz​
Picture Enhancement​
1080P, HDR 10​
Viewing Experience
The TCL S350G presents an overall impression of being a budget-friendly TV that struggles with several key performance aspects. Its contrast and black uniformity are mediocre, leading to washed-out dark scenes and a blue tint in darker environments. The absence of a local dimming feature results in a lack of blooming but also compromises the brightness of highlights, affecting the overall image quality.

Color reproduction is sub-par, with the TV failing to accurately display the DCI-P3 color space and exhibiting significant inaccuracies in the Rec. 2020 spectrum, particularly in saturated greens and cyans. Additionally, gray uniformity is disappointing, marked by darker edges and noticeable dirty screen effects.

Viewing angles are limited, with rapid image degradation off-center, making it less suitable for wider seating arrangements. While reflection handling is decent, direct reflections can be distracting. The unique BGR subpixel layout can lead to color fringing when viewed closely, impacting text clarity for PC use. Overall, the TCL S350G is a basic TV that may suffice for casual viewing but falls short in critical areas for a more discerning audience.

Audio​

Parameter
TCL S3 TV​
Audio Input​
HDMI
Speaker Description​
8W (left) + 8W (right)​
Audio Experience
The overall impression of the TV is that it suffers from significant audio limitations. The poor frequency response, particularly the lack of bass and high low-frequency extension, detracts from the overall viewing experience. At low volumes, audio clarity, especially dialogue, can be compromised, while moderate volume levels introduce noticeable distortion. The situation worsens at higher volumes, where extreme distortion makes the TV nearly unusable. Overall, the audio performance of this TV is unsatisfactory, impacting its utility for an immersive viewing experience.

Features​

Parameter
TCL S3 TV​
Video Encoding​
HEVC (H.265)​
Screen Mirroring​
Google Cast​
Compatible Devices​
Speaker, Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop​
Tuner Type​
ATSC​
Line Voltage​
Unknown​
Other Features​
Flat​
Mount Standard​
100 x 100 mm​
D x W x H​
3.1"D x 28.1"W x 16.6"H​

Connectivity​

Parameter
TCL S3 TV​
Connectivity Technology​
Wi-Fi, HDMI
Bluetooth Version​
5.0​
Wireless Technology​
Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
1​
USB2.0 Ports​
1​
HDMI Ports​
2​
Connector Type​
HDMI
Signal Format​
ATSC, NTSC, Clear QAM​
Compatibility​
The overall impression of the TCL 32S350G TV is that it offers a decent gaming experience with relatively low input lag in Game Mode, although it falls short compared to many other TVs in this aspect. Its connectivity is somewhat limited, as it only features HDMI 1.4 bandwidth on two ports, which may restrict higher-quality video input options. While the TV supports ARC and can passthrough Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1, it does not support Dolby Atmos and downsamples it to 2.0, nor does it accommodate any DTS audio formats. Overall, the TCL 32S350G may appeal to users with basic audio-visual needs but lacks the advanced features and audio support found in higher-end models.​

User Feedback​

Pros
• Great value for the price
• Outstanding picture quality for a 32-inch 1080p TV
• User-friendly Google TV interface
• Snappy menu system compared to competitors
• Lightweight and easy to mount
• Good internet connectivity
• Sufficient built-in speakers for close range
• Wide range of adjustable settings (color, aspect ratio, etc.)
• Automatic updates for optimal performance

Cons
• Sound quality is tinny and could be louder
• Sticky navigation on the remote control for some users
• Bright blue light on the front can be distracting at night
• Limited buttons on the TV itself; reliance on the remote
• Some users experience issues with the remote responsiveness
• Screen bezel adhesive can leave residue
• Some settings and apps cannot be deleted or hidden

Overall Impression
This TCL TV offers an impressive combination of picture quality and usability at an affordable price point, making it a suitable option for casual viewing in smaller spaces. While there are some drawbacks, particularly regarding sound quality and remote usability, the overall performance and features, particularly for Google TV users, make it a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly television.
 
It took me a bit to get it all set up since I'm not super tech-savvy, but it works awesome! We usually watch local channels with an antenna and stream movies sometimes. We’re still getting used to the new remote, but we're getting there. Overall, it's a fantastic TV for a great price, and the delivery was super fast. We're really happy with it!
 

Elfman72

New member
I’m obsessed with this TV! Just got the 43" version. Since I’m all about Google, I wanted a Google TV specifically. The price was awesome too! Plus, it’s super light, so mounting it on the wall was a breeze.
 
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