TCL 55S425 55 Inch 4K Smart LED Roku TV Review

Description

Impressive 4K Picture Quality and HDR Experience

I’ve spent time with the TCL 55S425 55 inch 4K Smart LED Roku TV, and let me tell you, the 4K Ultra HD resolution paired with HDR compatibility makes a significant difference. The 3840 x 2160 panel resolution delivers breathtaking clarity, and when paired with HDR, the colors pop, offering vibrant contrasts and details I didn’t know I was missing. Watching nature documentaries or action-packed movies was a dream. The direct-lit LED technology ensures the brightness is evenly distributed, which I noticed particularly during nighttime viewing—no weird shadows or uneven lighting.

This TV truly shines when you’re streaming high-quality content because it fully utilizes the 120 Hz refresh rate (CMI). Fast-paced scenes in sports or gaming look incredibly smooth, with minimal motion blur. If image quality is a priority, this TV doesn’t disappoint.

Smart Functionality with Built-in Roku

One of the key benefits of this TV is the built-in Roku functionality, which simplifies the streaming experience. With access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes, I found myself spoiled for choice. From Netflix to Hulu, YouTube, and even niche channels, I never ran out of content to watch. The interface is intuitive, and even my tech-challenged family members were able to navigate it without frustration. Plus, the dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet port ensure a stable connection, so I never experienced buffering even during peak streaming hours.

Another standout feature is the compatibility with both Alexa and Google Assistant. I tested this with my Alexa-enabled devices, and the voice commands worked seamlessly. Switching between apps, adjusting the volume, or even turning the TV on and off felt almost futuristic.

User-Friendly Design and Build

Unboxing the TV was straightforward, and at 27.1 pounds, it’s manageable for one person to set up without help. The dimensions with the stand (49 x 30.6 x 8 inches) make it a perfect fit for medium-sized living rooms or bedrooms. I mounted it on the wall using the 200 millimeter x 200 millimeter VESA compatibility, and the installation process was hassle-free.

The flat-screen design looks sleek, and the black finish blends well with most decor styles. While the build quality isn’t luxurious, it feels sturdy enough for everyday use. I particularly appreciated the stand separation distance of 42.3 inches, making it compatible with most TV stands.

Highlights

• Stunning 4K UHD picture quality with HDR for lifelike visuals
• Roku smart functionality for a seamless streaming experience
• Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for hands-free control
• Smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for fast-action scenes
• Dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet port for stable connectivity

Audio Performance and Inputs

Audio is often overlooked in TVs, and this one is no exception. The built-in speakers are decent, but they lack the depth and bass I’d expect for an immersive experience. For casual shows or news, they’re fine, but for movies or music, I highly recommend using the SPDIF Digital Audio Optical output or the headphone audio jack to connect a soundbar or external speakers. This small tweak made a massive difference for me.

The three HDMI ports, one USB input, and AV composite input give you plenty of options to connect external devices. I plugged in a gaming console, Blu-ray player, and a streaming stick, and there were still ports to spare. The Ethernet port is another bonus for those who prefer wired connections for stability.

Adverse Aspects

While this TV performs admirably in most areas, there are a few adverse aspects worth noting:

• Audio quality is underwhelming without external speakers.
• The remote, while functional, feels slightly outdated and lacks voice command capabilities.
• The plastic build feels a bit cheap compared to premium TVs.
• Limited HDR performance compared to higher-end models—dark scenes sometimes lack detail.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV to others in its class, it holds its ground surprisingly well. For example, the Samsung TU7000 series offers similar 4K HDR capabilities but is priced higher and lacks the built-in Roku feature. On the other hand, budget options like Hisense’s H6570G series offer decent HDR performance, but the interface isn’t as user-friendly as Roku’s.

Where this product excels is in its user-friendly design and value-packed features. While more premium models like LG’s OLED series boast better HDR and audio performance, they come at a significantly higher price point. If you’re looking for a balance between affordability and functionality, this TV is hard to beat.

Smart Spending

From my perspective, this TV offers excellent value for money. While it’s not the most premium option on the market, the combination of 4K UHD resolution, HDR, and Roku integration makes it a strong contender in its price bracket. If you’re on a budget but still crave a modern TV with smart features, this one checks most of the boxes. Just be prepared to invest in a soundbar for a better audio experience.

Additional information