TCL 55S401 4K Roku Smart LED TV review exploring features and performance

Description

Design and Build Quality

I have to say, the TCL 55″ Class 4K (2160P) Roku Smart LED TV (55S401) is a sleek piece of equipment that looks fantastic in any living room. The modern, slim bezel design gives it a polished and premium feel, even though it’s positioned as a more affordable TV option. The build feels sturdy enough, but I wouldn’t call it overly high-end. It’s lightweight for its size, making it relatively easy to set up without needing a second pair of hands. The stand is solid and stable, though wall-mounting is definitely a viable option. If aesthetics matter to you, this TV delivers a clean and minimalist look that blends well with most décor styles.

Picture Quality and Performance

The 4K resolution is where this TV shines the most. Watching movies or streaming shows on this screen is a treat because of the crisp and detailed visuals that make every frame pop. Colors are vibrant but not overly saturated, and the HDR compatibility enhances the brightness and contrast nicely. However, I did notice that the black levels aren’t as deep as those on some higher-end models. In dimly lit scenes, there’s a slight grayish tint, which might bother some viewers who are particularly picky about contrast. For casual movie nights or binge-watching, though, the performance is more than satisfactory.

Gaming performance is another area I tested, and while it’s decent, it might not be the best choice for hardcore gamers. The input lag is noticeable during fast-paced games but manageable for casual gaming sessions. If you’re more into first-person shooters or competitive games, you might want to consider other options with lower latency.

Smart Features and Usability

One of the key benefits of this TV is the built-in Roku Smart Platform. I’ve used a fair share of smart TVs, and the Roku interface is by far one of the easiest to navigate. The menu is intuitive, and switching between apps like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube is seamless. I particularly appreciated the huge variety of apps available. A few friends who visited were impressed by how quickly I could get everything set up and running.

The remote is simple and compact, which I personally love. It doesn’t overwhelm you with buttons, and the voice search feature is surprisingly accurate. That being said, I wish the remote had a bit more heft to it; it feels a little too light and plasticky. For those who don’t mind using their phones, the Roku app works flawlessly as a remote replacement.

Audio Output

Audio quality is where I think this TV has some areas for improvement. The built-in speakers are fine for casual viewing, but they lack depth and bass. Dialogues are clear, but during action scenes or when playing music, the sound feels flat. I connected a soundbar, and the difference was night and day. If audio quality is important to you, I’d recommend investing in an external speaker system. For smaller rooms, though, the TV’s speakers should suffice.

Good Points

• 4K resolution and HDR provide sharp and vibrant visuals.
• Roku integration offers a fantastic range of streaming options and apps.
• User-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to operate.
• Slim and modern design fits well in any room.

Caveats

• Black levels aren’t as deep as on higher-end TVs.
• Built-in speakers lack bass and richness.
• Input lag may bother serious gamers.

Competing Brands

When comparing this TV to its market rivals, a couple of alternatives come to mind. The Samsung TU7000 series, for instance, offers slightly better black levels and contrast. However, its interface isn’t as intuitive as Roku’s, and it tends to be priced higher. Another contender is the Vizio V-Series, which has comparable picture quality but a less polished design and a more cumbersome remote.

Where the TCL model excels is in its ease of use and affordability. You’re getting a lot of value with the Roku platform, especially if you’re big on streaming. That said, if you’re willing to spend more, options like the LG NanoCell series might appeal for their superior color accuracy and overall performance.

Money’s Worth

For the price, this TV is a bang for the buck. It strikes a great balance between affordability and performance, especially for people who just want a straightforward 4K TV without too many bells and whistles. While it doesn’t compete with flagship models from Sony or LG, it holds its own in the budget-friendly category. If you’re on a budget and need a reliable TV for streaming, casual gaming, or movie nights, this is definitely worth considering.