TCL 55S403 4K Ultra HD Roku LED TV review worth considering

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

Unboxing the TCL 55 Class 55S403 was quite an experience. The first thing that caught my eye was the sleek and modern design. The thin bezels around the screen give it a premium feel, making it a stylish addition to any living room. Its 54.6-inch diagonal screen is a perfect fit for both small apartments and larger spaces. While the TV is mostly made of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap. The sturdy base provided in the box was easy to attach, and for those who prefer wall mounting, it’s compatible with standard VESA mounts.

The back of the TV is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port, ensuring stable connectivity for streaming. I found the placement of the HDMI ports (three of them, to be exact) and USB port convenient for quick access. However, some might find the absence of a VGA input limiting, but it’s not a dealbreaker in today’s HDMI-dominant world.

Picture Quality and HDR Performance

The 4K Ultra HD Resolution on this TV is stunning. Watching nature documentaries on it felt like I could reach out and touch the landscapes. The HDR technology further enhances the colors and contrast, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. Whether it was streaming movies or gaming, the details popped out beautifully. I also tested its 120Hz CMI effective refresh rate, and while it’s not true 120Hz, it does a great job at keeping motion smooth during fast-paced scenes.

That said, I noticed it struggles slightly in very dark scenes when compared to higher-end models. The lack of full-array local dimming can make blacks appear a bit grayish in certain situations. Despite this, the 4K Creative Pro upscaling engine does an excellent job of making non-4K content look sharper.

User Experience with Roku Integration

This TV comes with built-in Roku, which is one of its standout features. I’ve used standalone Roku devices before, and having it integrated into the TV makes life much easier. The interface is intuitive and snappy, allowing me to navigate through over 4,000 streaming channels effortlessly. I loved being able to stream 450,000 movies and TV episodes without needing an external device.

Setting up the dual-band Wi-Fi was smooth, and I didn’t encounter any buffering issues while streaming. The Roku remote is compact and simple, and I particularly appreciated the dedicated buttons for popular streaming apps. However, I do wish the remote had a backlight for easier use in the dark.

Sound Quality and Audio Features

The sound on this TV is decent, but nothing to write home about. It’s equipped with an SPDIF digital audio optical output, a headphone jack, and RCA audio output, so connecting external speakers or a soundbar is a breeze. I paired it with my soundbar, and the difference was night and day. Without external audio, the built-in speakers are fine for casual viewing but lack depth and bass for a truly immersive experience.

One feature I appreciated was the audio output flexibility, which allows you to switch between headphones and speakers seamlessly. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re watching late-night movies without disturbing others.

Key Benefits

• 4K Ultra HD Resolution ensures crisp and vibrant visuals.
• Integrated Roku platform provides access to an extensive library of content.
• HDR technology enhances color and contrast for a better viewing experience.
• Three HDMI 2.0 ports with HDCP 2.2 compliance are perfect for gaming consoles and Blu-ray players.

Shortcomings

• The sound quality is underwhelming without external speakers.
• Lacks full-array local dimming, which affects black levels in certain scenes.
• The remote control could benefit from a backlight for better usability in dark settings.

Competing Products

When comparing this TV to alternatives like Samsung’s 55-inch TU8000 and LG’s UN7300 series, the differences are noticeable. The Samsung TU8000 offers slightly better contrast and a more premium look, but it’s also pricier. Meanwhile, LG’s UN7300 excels in viewing angles and has better built-in speakers, but its interface isn’t as user-friendly as Roku’s.

The TCL 55S403 stands out because of its bang-for-the-buck proposition. It delivers solid 4K performance and a feature-packed interface at a fraction of the cost of competitors. However, if you’re picky about audio and deep black levels, you might lean towards one of the other brands.

Value for Money

This TV is a prime example of affordable quality. It balances performance and features with a price that won’t leave your wallet empty. While it has its limitations, the 4K resolution, HDR capabilities, and Roku integration make it a fantastic option for budget-conscious buyers. The price-to-quality ratio here is hard to beat, especially for those who prioritize streaming convenience and vibrant visuals over premium sound or advanced display technology.