TCL 55-Inch S5 4K UHD Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and Game Mode

Description

A Sleek and Immersive Viewing Experience

Testing the TCL 55-Inch Class S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV (55S551G) has been an intriguing experience. This model boasts a bezel-less design that seamlessly integrates into any room. The edge-to-edge FullView 360 metal frame not only looks premium but also feels sturdy. It’s been a conversation starter whenever friends come over, and it undeniably adds a touch of modernity to my living space.

The 55-inch screen size is perfect for my living room—big enough for immersive viewing, yet not overwhelming. I particularly liked how thin the TV is; at just 2.74 inches in depth, it hugs the wall like a piece of art.

Unmatched Picture Quality

The highlight of this TV is its 4K Ultra HD resolution. Watching nature documentaries and action-packed movies has been a mesmerizing experience. The images are incredibly sharp, and the HDR PRO+ support, which includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, definitely brings out brighter colors and deeper contrast. I noticed that even in dimly lit scenes, details were crystal clear—something I never fully appreciated until using this TV.

The High Brightness LED backlight is another standout feature. My living room gets a lot of sunlight during the day, and I was worried about glare. Surprisingly, the TV maintained its vibrant and clear display, even in the brightest conditions. The AIPQ Processor with Deep Learning AI is the backbone of this impressive performance, as it optimizes every scene for color, contrast, and clarity. It felt like the TV was adapting to my viewing habits, which was a nice touch.

Gaming Performance That Delivers

Gaming on this TV has been a revelation. The Game Accelerator 120 with up to 120 VRR made gameplay incredibly smooth. I tested it with a fast-paced racing game, and there was zero lag or screen tearing. The Auto Game Mode (ALLM) is a lifesaver as it automatically switches to the lowest input lag setting. It’s one less thing to think about, and I couldn’t be happier with the responsiveness.

I even hooked up a console and was impressed by how the 16:9 aspect ratio and motion rate of 240 with MEMC frame insertion improved the overall experience. It’s safe to say that this TV isn’t just good for movies; it’s also a solid choice for gamers.

Audio That Goes Beyond the Basics

The audio capabilities of this TV deserve as much praise as the visuals. With Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, the sound feels immersive without needing external speakers. I tested it during an intense action movie, and the spatial sound made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. I also appreciated the Enhanced Dialogue Mode, which made conversations in shows much clearer. For a built-in speaker system, it’s surprisingly robust.

One additional feature I loved was the Bluetooth Personal Audio. Pairing my headphones for late-night viewing was a breeze, and the sound quality remained exceptional. It’s nice to know I can enjoy content without disturbing the rest of the house.

Positives

• Crystal-clear 4K resolution with HDR PRO+ support.
• Game Accelerator 120 and Auto Game Mode for seamless gaming.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X provide immersive sound.
• High Brightness LED backlight handles well-lit rooms without glare.
• Sleek, bezel-less design enhances room aesthetics.

Shortcomings

• The built-in speakers, while impressive, can’t fully replace a dedicated soundbar for audiophiles.
• The remote control feels slightly generic and could use a more premium design.
• Lack of USB-C ports for more versatile connectivity options.

Product Rivals

Comparing this TV to similar models, like the Samsung TU7000 and LG NanoCell 75, was quite insightful. The Samsung offers comparable 4K resolution but falls short in brightness levels, especially during daytime viewing. On the other hand, LG’s NanoCell technology delivers slightly better color accuracy, but at a noticeably higher price. Where the TCL excels is in its gaming features, thanks to the Game Accelerator 120, which neither competitor matches at this price point.

Another rival, the Hisense U6GR, offers solid HDR performance but struggles with motion clarity during fast-paced scenes. The TCL’s Motion Rate 240 with MEMC gives it the edge for sports and action fans.

Cost-Effectiveness

For what it offers, this TV is a steal. The combination of premium features like Dolby Atmos, HDR PRO+, and a bezel-less design makes it feel more expensive than it is. While you might find cheaper alternatives, they often lack the gaming optimizations and AI-driven processing that this model excels at. There’s a strong sense that every dollar spent on this TV is justified by the quality and functionality it delivers. It’s the kind of product where you feel like you’re getting true value for your investment.

Additional information