TCL 55S451 4K UHD Smart Roku TV review featuring stunning HDR display quality

Description

Smart Features That Stand Out

The TCL 55″ Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR LED Smart Roku TV – 55S451 brings a solid lineup of smart features that make TV watching incredibly convenient. The integration of Roku’s intuitive platform is one of the standout aspects for me. Its customizable home screen lets me access my favorite streaming services, cable box, or even gaming console all in one place. I’ve used the voice control features, which work seamlessly with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, and I must admit, it’s a game-changer when I’m too lazy to grab the remote. The Roku mobile app even offers private listening, meaning I can watch late-night movies with headphones without disturbing anyone else. These features make it feel like the TV is tailored for modern needs.

Picture Quality and HDR Performance

This TV’s 4K UHD resolution paired with HDR10 and HLG support delivers impressive visual fidelity. The colors pop, and the level of detail is sharp enough to make you feel like you’re a part of the scene. Watching nature documentaries or action-packed movies really showcases its 1.07 billion display colors, which is a stat I found hard to ignore. However, the 60Hz refresh rate might not be ideal for hardcore gamers or those used to smoother frame rates. For casual viewing, though, the picture quality is pretty solid. The edge-to-edge glass design also gives it a sleek, premium look that can elevate any living room setup.

Ease of Use and Setup

Setting up this TV was a breeze. With its self-explanatory menu system and straightforward remote control, I didn’t feel the need to consult the manual too often. The live TV pause feature, which allows up to 30 minutes of pausing, is a handy addition, especially during sports games or shows I don’t want to miss. The advanced digital TV tuner also works well for catching over-the-air channels. What I appreciated most was the automatic software updates, which ensure the TV stays up-to-date without requiring me to lift a finger.

Highlights

• 4 HDMI ports, including one eARC, make connecting soundbars, gaming consoles, or Blu-ray players painless.
• Dual-band WiFi ensures consistent streaming without buffering issues.
• The Dolby Digital Plus audio gives a decent sound profile, eliminating the need for external speakers in smaller rooms.

Areas for Improvement

While I enjoyed using this TV, there are some less favorable aspects worth mentioning:

• The 60Hz refresh rate isn’t ideal for fast-paced gaming or action scenes.
• The remote control feels a bit cheap and lacks backlighting, which can be annoying in dark rooms.
• At 22.5 lbs, it’s not the heaviest, but wall-mounting might require extra caution due to its 200mm x 200mm VESA pattern.

Product Rivals

Compared to competitors like Samsung’s AU8000 and LG’s UP8000, this TV holds its ground in terms of affordability and smart features. However, Samsung’s models often come with higher refresh rates and better HDR optimization, which could be key for gamers or cinephiles. On the other hand, LG’s lineup boasts AI-enhanced picture settings, but their user interface doesn’t feel as intuitive as Roku’s. What sets this TV apart is its Roku ecosystem, which is arguably one of the easiest to navigate.

Price to Quality Ratio

For the features packed into this 4K HDR TV, I’d say it offers decent value for money. The customizable home screen, voice control compatibility, and Roku TV integration make it a well-rounded option for families and casual viewers. While it’s not the most advanced TV on the market, it strikes a good balance between price and performance. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with reliable smart features, this one’s worth considering.

Would I recommend it to someone who’s big on gaming or ultra-smooth frame rates? Probably not, but for streaming Netflix, catching live sports, or even watching free OTA channels, it does the job pretty well.

Additional information