TCL 55S435 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV review stunning performance

Description

A Sleek Design with a Modern Touch

I’ve seen my fair share of TVs, but the TCL 55″ Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV (model 55S435) stands out for its clean, minimalist design. The thin bezels add a modern look, making it a stylish addition to any living room or bedroom. It’s not just about aesthetics, though; its lightweight build (just 23 pounds) makes it easy to set up without breaking a sweat. I managed to mount this on the wall myself without any hassle, and its slim profile gives it a sophisticated, space-saving appeal. Even the black finish feels premium, blending seamlessly with other decor.

At 55 inches, the screen size hits the sweet spot—big enough to deliver a cinematic experience but not overwhelming for smaller spaces. It’s a great blend of form and function that doesn’t scream for attention but still manages to impress anyone who sees it.

Picture Quality That Wows

The 4K Ultra HD resolution on this TV is nothing short of stunning. I could literally see every bead of sweat on a football player’s face during a game, and the HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology makes colors pop like never before. The reds are deep, the greens are lush, and the blues are incredibly vibrant. Watching nature documentaries on this screen felt like staring out of a window into a rainforest—it’s that lifelike.

What’s even better is the 4K upscaling feature. Even older HD content looks crisp and detailed, which is perfect for someone like me who still loves revisiting older shows. While testing it with a mix of streaming platforms and Blu-rays, I noticed how well it handles darker scenes without losing detail, something many TVs fumble with.

Smart Features That Simplify

The Roku integration is one of my favorite things about this TV. It’s so intuitive and easy to navigate that even my tech-averse uncle managed to figure it out in minutes. The simple home screen is a godsend; no more flipping through endless inputs or menus. Everything—be it streaming channels, a cable box, or a gaming console—is right there, ready to go.

Voice control takes convenience to another level. Whether it’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, you can ask the TV to find a movie, change the channel, or even adjust inputs. I tested this feature using Alexa, and it worked flawlessly most of the time. The Roku mobile app is a neat little bonus, letting you control the TV from your phone when the remote inevitably disappears under the couch cushions.

Audio Performance

The built-in speakers are decent for casual viewing, but I wouldn’t call them groundbreaking. While they do a good job with dialogue clarity, the 10-watt output lacks the depth and rumble you’d want for explosive action scenes or music-heavy shows. I connected a soundbar to boost the experience, and the difference was night and day. Still, for everyday use, the speakers get the job done without any annoying distortion.

Highlights

• Crisp 4K resolution that enhances detail and clarity.
• HDR technology delivers vibrant, lifelike colors.
• Seamless and intuitive Roku interface with thousands of streaming options.
• Voice control support for hands-free operation.
• Lightweight and easy to mount, perfect for any setup.

Caveats

• The built-in speakers lack bass and depth for more immersive sound.
• While the home screen is intuitive, it may feel oversimplified for users who prefer more customization.
• HDR performance, while good, isn’t as dynamic as some higher-end models.

Product Comparisons

Compared to its competitors, the TCL 4-Series holds its own remarkably well. For instance, I tested a similar TV from Samsung, and while their HDR was slightly more vibrant, the interface felt clunky and less user-friendly. LG’s comparable models offer better audio, but they’re also noticeably pricier without delivering a significant leap in picture quality.

Where the TCL shines is its Roku integration—it’s leagues ahead of what most competitors offer. The remote is refreshingly simple, with just enough buttons to get the job done without overwhelming you. However, brands like Sony tend to offer better motion handling, which might appeal to hardcore gamers or sports enthusiasts.

Price Performance

This TV is a no-brainer if you’re looking for affordable quality. It delivers a solid mix of premium features without the premium price tag, making it a fantastic choice for budget-conscious buyers. Sure, there are fancier TVs out there, but they often come with features you might never use. This one focuses on getting the essentials right—excellent picture quality, a user-friendly interface, and smart functionality—without unnecessary bells and whistles.

It’s the kind of product that feels like money well spent, especially if you’re upgrading from an older TV or stepping into the world of 4K for the first time. Even with its minor flaws, the value proposition is hard to beat.

Additional information