TCL 98-Inch Class S5 4K Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and HDR Ultra

Description

Immersive Design and Build Quality

The TCL 98-Inch Class S5 4K LED Smart TV (98S550G) is an absolute beast when it comes to size and design. The 98-inch screen is both a statement piece and a functional display, perfect for creating a cinematic experience right at home. Its FullView Metal Bezel-less Design ensures that the TV blends seamlessly into any living space without feeling overwhelming. I found the black finish sleek and modern, though it’s worth noting the TV is quite heavy at 120.2 pounds, so mounting it or moving it around might require some effort.

The flat-screen design is ideal for wall-mounting or using with a sturdy stand, though the sheer size means you’ll need to clear out significant space. The build quality feels solid and durable, which is appreciated given the investment you’re making with a premium product like this.

Stunning Image Quality and Display Features

Watching anything on this 4K Ultra HD TV is genuinely a treat. The 4X resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs is immediately noticeable. Whether it’s an action-packed movie or a serene nature documentary, the details are razor-sharp, and the wide color gamut brings colors to life in a way that most standard 4K TVs just can’t match.

The 120Hz panel refresh rate, combined with Motion Rate 480 and MEMC Frame Insertion, means you can enjoy smooth, blur-free visuals even during the fastest-moving scenes. Sports and gaming feel especially dynamic, and the High Brightness Direct LED Backlight ensures that even in a bright room, the screen remains vivid and clear.

One standout feature is the HDR ULTRA support, which includes Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and more. This takes contrast and color accuracy to another level, making shadows and highlights pop without feeling artificial. I couldn’t stop marveling at the level of detail in darker scenes, which often gets lost on cheaper models.

Gaming Performance

As someone who spends plenty of time gaming, the Auto Game Mode (ALLM) paired with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is a game-changer. The TV automatically switches to the lowest input lag mode, which made every button press feel snappy and responsive. Additionally, Game Accelerator 240 ensures up to 240 VRR, reducing screen tearing and making gameplay buttery smooth.

Fast-paced games like first-person shooters felt incredibly immersive, and I didn’t experience any noticeable lag even during intense multiplayer matches. This TV is clearly designed with gamers in mind, and it shows in how well it handles demanding gaming sessions.

Audio Quality

Sound quality is often an afterthought on TVs, but the DTS Virtual:X audio processing on this model is surprisingly good. I was genuinely impressed with the immersive 3D sound that it managed to produce using just the built-in speakers. Dialogue was crisp, and the surround effect added depth to action scenes and music.

However, for a screen this massive, I’d still recommend pairing it with a soundbar or external speakers to truly complete the home theater experience. While the built-in speakers are solid, they can’t quite match the visual grandeur of the display.

Positives

This TV offers several key benefits, making it a leading contender in its price range:

• Massive 98-inch screen that creates a cinematic experience.
• 4K UHD resolution with an impressive wide color gamut for lifelike visuals.
• 120Hz refresh rate and advanced motion clarity features for smooth viewing.
• Exceptional HDR performance, supporting Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+.
• Low input lag and gaming features like ALLM and Game Accelerator 240.

Bad Points

That being said, there are a few areas for improvement to consider before making your purchase:

• The sheer size and weight make it challenging to install or move.
• While the built-in speakers are decent, they don’t fully match the visual performance.
• Some users might find the interface slightly cluttered, especially if they’re not used to Google TV.
• Not the most budget-friendly option; premium features come at a cost.

Competing Products

When comparing this model to similar TVs, the Samsung QN90A and the Sony X95J come to mind. Both offer exceptional 4K performance and robust HDR capabilities, but there are a few key differences.

The Samsung QN90A, for instance, excels in peak brightness and has a slightly better anti-reflective coating, making it ideal for rooms with lots of natural light. However, its gaming features don’t quite match the responsiveness of this TCL model.

The Sony X95J, on the other hand, delivers incredible color accuracy and motion handling, but it doesn’t support AMD FreeSync, which gives the TCL an edge for gamers. Additionally, the 98-inch screen size is a unique selling point—neither of these competitors offers this massive size without significantly increasing the cost.

Price to Quality Ratio

For anyone wondering if this gigantic TV is worth the investment, I’d argue that it offers substantial value for money given its advanced features. The combination of 4K UHD resolution, HDR Ultra technology, and premium gaming features justifies the premium price tag. While it’s certainly not the cheapest option on the market, the performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat considering everything packed into this model.

If you’re looking for a high-end entertainment hub that combines cutting-edge display technology, immersive sound, and gamer-friendly features, this TV delivers. Just make sure you have the space—and the budget—to accommodate it!

Additional information