TCL 85-Inch S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV review with Dolby Vision

Description

Advantages of the TCL 85-Inch Class S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV

The TCL 85-Inch Class S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV (85S551G) truly stands out in a crowded market of large-screen televisions. Having spent ample time exploring its features and performance, I can confidently say this TV delivers a lot of perks. With its stunning 4K UHD resolution, every detail pops, and the HDR PRO+ technology ensures vibrant colors and deep contrasts. Watching nature documentaries and action-packed movies felt like stepping into another world.

The bezel-less design is sleek and modern, making the TV an elegant addition to any living room. It’s not just about appearance; the TCL AIPQ Processor does some heavy lifting, optimizing the color, contrast, and clarity in real-time. Whether it’s a dimly lit movie scene or a bright outdoor shot, the picture quality remains consistently sharp and immersive.

Key Benefits:

• 4K UltraHD resolution delivers four times the detail of a 1080p Full HD TV.
• HDR PRO+ ensures accurate colors and fine details, supporting formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
• Game Accelerator 120 with VRR guarantees smooth, lag-free gaming sessions.
• Bezel-less FullView design blends seamlessly with any decor.

Areas for Improvement

While the TCL S5 is an impressive piece of technology, there are a few shortcomings worth mentioning. For starters, the TV weighs a hefty 77.38 pounds, making it a bit awkward to handle if you plan on wall-mounting without assistance. Additionally, the built-in audio, though enhanced by Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, feels slightly underwhelming for hardcore audiophiles. I found myself reaching for my external soundbar to get that booming cinematic sound I crave.

The Enhanced Dialogue Mode, although helpful, sometimes overcompensates, making other sounds feel muted in comparison. And while the Google TV interface is generally intuitive, there were moments when the navigation felt slightly sluggish or cluttered, especially when toggling between apps.

Critiques:

• The 77.38-pound weight makes setup more challenging for a single person.
• Built-in speakers, while decent, could benefit from more bass and power.
• Enhanced Dialogue Mode might require fine-tuning for balanced audio output.
• Occasional interface lags on Google TV when switching between apps.

Design and Build Quality

I was immediately drawn to the bezel-less edge-to-edge design of this TV. It’s a bold aesthetic choice that emphasizes the screen, giving the illusion of a floating picture. Not only does this look premium, but it also ensures nothing distracts you from your viewing experience. The TV’s 2.87-inch slim profile helps it sit flush against the wall, and the overall build quality feels robust.

That said, the black finish is a bit of a dust magnet, so you’ll want to keep a microfiber cloth handy. The included stand, while sturdy, doesn’t quite match the elegance of the screen itself, so wall mounting is definitely the way to go if you want to maximize its visual impact.

Performance and Features

This product truly excels in performance. The Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion is a game-changer for sports fans and gamers alike. Watching live sports felt incredibly smooth, with no motion blur even during fast-paced sequences. Gaming on this TV is a dream, thanks to the Auto Game Mode and Game Accelerator 120, which reduce input lag and keep gameplay fluid.

Streaming was seamless, with the Google TV platform providing quick access to all my favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. The voice remote with Google Assistant was a handy tool; I found myself frequently using it to search for shows and adjust settings without having to fumble with buttons.

The High Brightness LED backlight ensures that even in brightly lit rooms, the picture remains vivid. This feature was particularly noticeable during daytime TV marathons, where glare from windows would typically be an issue on other screens.

Audio Quality

While the Dolby Atmos support adds an extra layer of depth to the sound, the speakers themselves lack the punch you might expect from such a high-end TV. The built-in subwoofer helps to some extent, but for a true home theater experience, you’ll likely want to invest in external audio equipment. The Enhanced Dialogue Mode is a nice touch for improving clarity during conversations, but it’s not perfect and might require some manual adjustments depending on the content you’re watching.

Competitive Options

Comparing the TCL 85-Inch Class S5 to competitors like the Samsung Q80C or the Sony X90K, it holds its own in terms of value for features. The Samsung Q80C, for instance, offers slightly better audio out of the box and a more refined gaming mode, but it comes at a higher price point. On the other hand, the Sony X90K excels in color accuracy, but its interface isn’t as user-friendly as Google TV.

Where the TCL shines is in its price-to-quality ratio. You’re getting Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a massive 85-inch screen without breaking the bank. The Game Accelerator 120 also gives it an edge for gamers who prioritize responsiveness over minor improvements in picture quality.

Price Performance

In terms of cost-efficiency, this TV is a home run. While it doesn’t quite match the premium features of a flagship OLED model, it delivers a cinematic 4K HDR experience at a fraction of the cost. The inclusion of built-in Chromecast, voice control compatibility with Alexa, and Google Assistant all add to the overall value. If you’re looking for a high-performing TV that doesn’t require you to refinance your home, this is a solid choice.

Additional information