TCL 50-Inch 4K LED Smart TV Review Dolby Vision and Google Features Tested

Description

Impressive Design and Build Quality

I’ve got to say, the TCL 50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (50S450G) has a sleek and modern design that fits seamlessly into my living room. The FullView metal bezel-less design makes the display feel almost endless, giving it a premium touch. With its slim profile and black finish, it looks just as good turned off as it does when streaming my favorite shows. Setting it up was straightforward, and I appreciated how sturdy the TV felt despite its lightweight—just 27 pounds! This design is definitely made to complement any home decor while maintaining functionality.

Impressive Picture Quality

The 4K Ultra HD resolution on this television is nothing short of stunning. The clarity and detail are noticeably sharper compared to my older 1080p TV. Watching movies with Dolby Vision HDR was an absolute treat. The colors popped, and the enhanced contrast brought scenes to life. The HDR PRO feature, which supports HDR10 and HLG, really showed its strength during nature documentaries and action-packed blockbusters. I can’t forget about the Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion—it made sports and fast-paced action scenes smooth and fluid, something I couldn’t stop admiring.

Audio That Packs a Punch

The sound quality on this TV exceeded my expectations. The Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support created a rich and immersive audio experience, even without a soundbar. I tested it during a few intense movie scenes, and the virtualized 3D sound added depth and realism. For casual TV watching, the built-in speakers were more than sufficient, but I also paired my Bluetooth headphones for private listening, which was surprisingly seamless.

Gaming Performance and Features

As an occasional gamer, I was thrilled with the Auto Game Mode (ALLM). It automatically reduced input lag, making my gaming sessions smoother and more responsive. The low latency was noticeable, especially during fast-paced games. While it’s not marketed as a dedicated gaming TV, I found its performance in this area to be quite solid. Combined with the 3 HDMI inputs, one of which supports eARC, connecting my gaming console and other devices was hassle-free.

Highlights

• 4K Ultra HD resolution for outstanding clarity and detail.
• Dolby Vision HDR and HDR PRO for vibrant colors and contrast.
• Motion Rate 240 ensures smooth motion for sports and action scenes.
• Dolby Atmos audio creates immersive sound without extra equipment.
• Google TV Smart OS offers a user-friendly interface and diverse content.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed using this TV, there were a few caveats I noticed:

• The remote feels a bit lightweight and plasticky, which detracts from the overall premium feel.
• The built-in voice assistant occasionally misinterpreted commands, which could be frustrating.
• Viewing angles are decent but not the best; image quality diminishes slightly when watching from the side.
• The stand design isn’t adjustable, which might be limiting for some setups.

Other Options

Comparing this TV to similar products, I found some interesting differences. The Samsung Crystal UHD series, for instance, offers comparable picture quality but lacks Dolby Atmos support, which is a big win for the TCL model. On the other hand, LG’s NanoCell TVs boast better viewing angles, but they also come at a higher price point. The TCL S4 strikes a balance by providing HDR PRO and Dolby Vision compatibility at a more affordable price, making it a competitive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Bang for the Buck

When it comes to price performance, this TV is hard to beat. It offers premium features like 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos, and Google TV integration without breaking the bank. While it’s not the absolute top-of-the-line model, it delivers excellent value for the cost, especially for those who want a versatile TV for streaming, gaming, and casual viewing. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a high-quality experience without overspending.

Additional information