TCL S5 55-Inch 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV review

Description

Sleek Design That Fits Any Space

The TCL 55-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV (55S551F) is a true beauty when it comes to aesthetics. Its bezel-less design is not just a fancy term; it genuinely gives the TV a modern, minimalist look. I placed it in my living room, and it blended seamlessly with the décor. The FullView 360 metal frame adds a premium touch, and I couldn’t help but admire how it makes the screen appear larger than its 55-inch display. The thin profile also means it doesn’t feel bulky, whether it’s mounted on the wall or sitting on a stand.

However, while the design is stunning, the 29.9-pound weight can be a bit cumbersome if you’re handling it on your own. I recommend having someone assist if you plan to mount it. That being said, the overall build feels solid and durable, which is definitely a plus.

Immersive Picture Quality

I’ve tested many TVs before, but the 4K UltraHD resolution on this one stands out. The clarity is striking, and I noticed details in movies that I’d never seen before. What really blew me away was the HDR PRO+ technology. With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, colors appear vivid and lifelike. Watching nature documentaries felt like peering through a window into the real world.

The High Brightness LED backlight ensures visibility even in bright rooms. I have large windows in my living room, and the sunlight often washes out the screen on some TVs. That wasn’t an issue here. However, while the Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion makes fast-paced action scenes and sports look smoother, I did notice occasional artifacts during extremely rapid movements. It’s minor, but worth mentioning.

A Game-Changer for Gamers

I’m not a hardcore gamer, but I do enjoy some casual gaming sessions. The Game Accelerator 120 VRR was a revelation. It significantly reduces lag, and the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensures that the TV switches to game mode automatically. My nephew, who’s an avid gamer, tested it with his console and was thrilled with the smooth, fluid graphics.

One thing I’d point out, though, is that while the 120Hz refresh rate works great for most games, competitive gamers might feel the need for even higher refresh rates. Still, for a TV at this level, the gaming performance is exceptional.

Audio Experience That Packs a Punch

The sound on this TV pleasantly surprised me. The Dolby Atmos support creates a surround sound experience that feels immersive, even without external speakers. Watching movies with action-packed soundtracks felt like being in a theater. The DTS Virtual:X technology adds another layer of depth, providing a 3D audio effect straight from the TV speakers.

One small gripe is with the Enhanced Dialogue Mode. While it does improve clarity during conversations in movies, I noticed that it sometimes makes background sounds feel slightly subdued. If you’re a stickler for audio balance, you might want to tweak the settings a bit or consider pairing it with a soundbar.

Smart Features That Simplify Entertainment

The integration of Fire TV is one of the standout features. It brings all your streaming apps and live TV into one place, making navigation a breeze. I loved having access to over a million movies and TV episodes, though keep in mind that some require subscriptions. The Alexa voice remote is a lifesaver, especially for someone like me who constantly loses remotes under couch cushions.

Compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2 is another win. Sharing content from my phone to the TV was seamless and fast. However, if you’re someone who relies on Google integrations, you might feel a bit left out since this TV leans heavily on Amazon’s ecosystem.

Key Benefits

• Bezel-less design for a sleek, modern aesthetic.
• Stunning 4K UltraHD resolution with vibrant colors and enhanced clarity.
• Game Accelerator 120 VRR and ALLM for smooth and responsive gaming.
• Immersive sound experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X.
• Convenient Fire TV integration with Alexa voice control.

Areas of Concern

• Slight artifacts during extremely fast motion sequences.
• Enhanced Dialogue Mode occasionally mutes background sounds too much.
• Limited compatibility with non-Amazon smart ecosystems like Google.

Product Competitors

When compared to other TVs in this price range, the TCL 55-Inch Class S5 holds its own quite well. For example, the Samsung Crystal UHD series offers excellent color accuracy, but it lacks the Dolby Vision support that makes HDR content pop on the TCL. On the other hand, LG’s NanoCell TVs provide a more robust smart ecosystem with Google Assistant and Alexa, but their gaming performance falls short compared to the Game Accelerator 120 VRR on this model.

The closest competitor might be the Hisense U6G, which also boasts Dolby Atmos and a similar HDR setup. However, the Hisense model doesn’t feature a 120Hz refresh rate or the advanced gaming features that make the TCL a better choice for gamers.

Cost-Effectiveness

For what it offers, this TV is undeniably a great deal. The balance between picture quality, gaming performance, and smart features makes it feel like you’re getting a high-end product without breaking the bank. While there are cheaper options, they often compromise on either resolution, sound quality, or build—none of which are issues here. If you’re looking for a TV that delivers both performance and versatility, this one is worth considering.

Additional information