TLDR Review: TCL S5 65-Inch UHD 4K TV (2024 Model)
Pros
- •Outstanding 4K HDR picture quality with bright, accurate colors thanks to Dolby Vision, HDR PRO+, and HDR10+ support, delivering a stunning visual experience for movies, shows, and gaming.
- •Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion smooths out fast action scenes, making sports and gameplay look fluid and crisp.
- •Game Accelerator 120 VRR reduces lag for gamers, providing fast and responsive gameplay, especially notable with consoles like the PS5.
- •Alexa builn with voice remote and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility make smart home integration and content streaming seamless and convenient.
- •The TV features Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, creating immersive virtual 3D audio from the TV speakers without needing a separate sound system.
- •Easy to set up and use with intuitive remote and straightforward settings.
- •Sleek, bezeess FullView 360 metal design offers a modern, elegant look that blends nicely into any living room.
- •Great value when bought at a discounted price, offering features that rival some highend models without the premium cost.
- •Auticture settings adjust depending on the content for consistent viewing quality.
Cons
- •The Fire TV operating system can be sluggish, with noticeable delays switching channels, apps, and stopping playback, which can be frustrating during typical use.
- •Glitches such as the screen going black during PS5 gameplay have been reported, though audio continues, indicating occasional software hiccups.
- •The home screen is cluttered with Amazon ads and "continue watching" features that often restart shows at incorrect episodes, disrupting the viewing experience.
- •Streaming options are limited by Amazon blocking some competitor apps (e.g., Spectrum app unavailable), which might restrict access to certain services.
- •Sound quality is decent but not exceptional; dialogue can require high volume or headphones for clear audio, so an external sound system is recommended for audiophiles.
- •Older, noidescreen TV shows appear distorted with no current fix, which can annoy fans of classic series.
- •Slight delay between remote input and TV response, though manageable, can detract from the overall fluidity of user interaction.
- •The TV’s wide legs necessitate a larger stand than previous TCL models, which may require additional furniture consideration.
Bottom Line
The TCL 65S551F delivers stunning 4K HDR picture quality with advanced gaming features and robust smart options at a wallet-friendly price, especially when found on sale. However, its Fire TV operating system and sound performance show some rough edges, including occasional lag, glitches, and restrictive app availability that might frustrate heavy streamers or audiophiles. If your priority is superb picture and gaming performance with smart convenience—and you don’t mind supplementing audio or dealing with a cluttered interface—this is a solid choice. For those seeking a faster interface and stronger built-in sound without extra peripherals, you might want to explore other TCL models or competing brands known for smoother smart platforms.
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