TCL 55S401 4K Roku Smart LED TV review stunning visuals and seamless streaming

Description

Stunning Picture Quality with 4K Resolution

Testing the TCL 55″ Class 4K Roku Smart LED TV (55S401) was a visual treat. The 4K Ultra HD resolution truly delivers what it promises—vivid, sharp, and detailed images. Watching nature documentaries on this TV felt like peering through a window. The HDR technology stands out, enhancing brightness and ensuring colors look lifelike. I noticed the blacks were deep, adding excellent contrast to the overall image quality. For those who enjoy immersing themselves in movies or gaming, this screen size and resolution combo hit the sweet spot.

User-Friendly Interface and Seamless Access

Navigating through the Roku Smart TV interface is ridiculously straightforward. Switching between streaming platforms, cable, and gaming consoles felt intuitive. The built-in Roku platform offers access to over 450,000 streaming movies and TV episodes, which is impressive. I didn’t have to juggle between remotes or struggle with input menus, which was a huge relief. The remote control is compact and simple, featuring shortcut buttons for popular streaming services. However, I found myself wishing it had a bit more functionality, like a backlit design for dark rooms.

Upscaling HD Content to Near 4K Quality

Another feature that pleasantly surprised me was the 4K upscaling capability. Sure, not all content is natively 4K, but this TV does a commendable job of enhancing HD content to near Ultra HD quality. I tested it with old sitcoms, and while it’s not magical, the improvement in sharpness and clarity was noticeable. This is a great feature for those who want to enjoy their existing library of shows and movies without feeling left out of the 4K revolution.

Design and Build Quality

The TV boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black finish that blends seamlessly into any living room décor. It’s flat and modern, but I wouldn’t call it premium. The 49.1 x 8.7 x 30.8-inch dimensions make it a good fit for most entertainment centers, though the 30-pound weight might require a bit of effort during setup. The bezels are decently thin, but not as slim as some higher-end models. Overall, it’s a functional design that prioritizes simplicity over luxury.

Key Benefits

• 4K Ultra HD resolution provides stunning clarity and detail.
• HDR technology delivers bright and accurate colors for lifelike visuals.
• User-friendly Roku interface simplifies content access.
• Upscaling feature enhances non-4K content effectively.

Areas for Improvement

• The remote control could use additional features like backlighting.
• Sound quality is mediocre, and I recommend pairing it with a soundbar for better audio.
• Build quality feels more functional than premium, which might not appeal to everyone.

Competing Brands

Comparing this TV to other popular options like Samsung and LG models in the same price range revealed some interesting contrasts. Samsung TVs typically excel in build quality and color accuracy, but they often cost more. LG’s WebOS interface is arguably more polished than Roku, but it doesn’t offer as many streaming channels. While both competitors might have better sound systems out of the box, the TCL 55″ Class 4K Roku Smart LED TV holds its own with its affordable price point and excellent 4K upscaling capabilities.

Value for Money

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4K TV, this one certainly delivers on its promises. While it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of a premium brand, the features-to-price ratio makes it a smart purchase. The Roku integration, coupled with solid picture quality, ensures you’re getting a lot for your investment. Just be prepared to invest in a soundbar or external speakers if audio is a priority for you.

Additional information