TCL 65-Inch S4 4K LED Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and Atmos

Description

Sleek Design with a Modern Touch

I found the TCL 65-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (65S450G) to be a stunning centerpiece in any living room. Its FullView metal bezel-less design creates an elegant, edge-to-edge glass finish that feels modern and immersive. The sleek black color blends seamlessly into various home aesthetics. It’s not just a TV; it’s a statement piece. Despite its large 65-inch screen size, it doesn’t overpower the room due to its slim profile. The 3.2-inch depth allows it to snugly fit on a stand or mount on a wall with ease.

Picture Quality That Stands Out

The 4K Ultra HD resolution delivers jaw-dropping clarity, with four times the resolution of traditional Full HD TVs. Every movie I watched felt alive, thanks to the HDR PRO technology, which includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support. Colors appeared vibrant, and shadows in dark scenes had depth without losing detail. Watching action-packed sequences was a treat due to the Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion, which minimizes motion blur. Whether it’s a blockbuster movie or a high-speed sports game, this television ensures smooth viewing.

Immersive Sound Quality

For me, audio is just as important as visuals, and this TCL Smart TV does not disappoint. With DTS Virtual:X support, the sound feels as though it’s surrounding you, creating a virtual 3D soundscape. This feature enhances even the simplest of scenes, making them much more engaging. While the built-in speakers are impressive, I paired a set of Bluetooth headphones for private viewing, and the experience was seamless. The Dolby Atmos support further amplifies the sound experience, especially during high-octane movie scenes.

Features Tailored for Gamers

As someone who enjoys gaming, I was thrilled with the Auto Game Mode (ALLM). It automatically reduces input lag and latency, giving me a competitive edge in fast-paced games. The responsiveness is top-notch, making every move feel instantaneous. The 3 HDMI inputs, one of which supports eARC, allowed me to connect my gaming console, soundbar, and streaming device without constantly switching cables. It’s a thoughtful design for people who juggle multiple gadgets like I do.

Upsides

From my experience, this TV offers several key benefits that make it stand out:

• Crystal-clear 4K resolution with HDR PRO for vibrant visuals.
• Motion Rate 240 ensures smooth playback of fast-moving content.
• Seamless integration with Google TV and built-in Chromecast.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for an immersive sound experience.
• Auto Game Mode for gaming enthusiasts seeking low latency.

Areas for Improvement

While I genuinely enjoyed this TV, there are some less favorable aspects worth noting:

• The built-in speakers, while good, may not satisfy audiophiles without additional sound systems.
• No USB 3.0 ports, which could have improved compatibility with external devices.
• The remote control feels functional, but it lacks the premium touch you might expect at this price range.

Competing Products

In comparison to some direct competitors, this TV holds its ground well. Against models like Samsung’s TU7000 series, the TCL S4 offers a better HDR experience with Dolby Vision, which Samsung lacks. However, Samsung’s ecosystem feels slightly more polished in terms of app navigation. LG’s UN7300 series is another close contender, boasting superior wide-angle viewing, but the TCL surpasses it in motion clarity with its Motion Rate 240 technology.

One area where TCL shines is its Google TV integration, which makes navigating content a breeze. Brands like Vizio and Hisense may offer similar features at comparable prices, but TCL’s combination of Dolby Vision, Atmos sound, and a bezel-less design gives it a slight edge in aesthetics and performance.

Worth Every Penny

In my opinion, this TV strikes a fantastic price-to-quality ratio. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the 4K resolution, HDR support, and immersive sound justify the cost. Investing in this TV feels like a smart decision if you value a balance of performance and design. It’s hard to find another product in this category that delivers such a well-rounded package without breaking the bank.

Additional information