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- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 System
- 4 Display
- 5 Audio
- 6 Features
- 7 Connectivity
- 8 User Feedback
First Impressions
The overall impression of the TCL S4/S450G is that it offers a basic design and mediocre build quality. While the thin bezels contribute to a less distracting viewing experience, the overall look feels cheap and lacks a premium feel. The plain back design and the challenging accessibility of inputs, particularly for wall-mounted setups, detract from its usability. Additionally, the predominance of plastic materials and noticeable flex in certain areas suggest a lack of durability. Quality control issues further diminish the product's appeal, indicating that the TCL S4/S450G may not meet the expectations of consumers seeking a more refined and robust television experience.Introduce
| Parameter | TCL S4 TV |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $209.99 |
Model Year | 2023 |
Specific Uses | Home Viewing |
Built-In Media | Stand, Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide |
Highlight | • Display Size: 43 inches • Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) • Backlighting: Direct LED • Smart Features: Roku OS • Audio Support: Dolby Atmos • Connectivity: - Four HDMI inputs (one with eARC) - USB port - Wi-Fi |
System
| Parameter | TCL S4 TV |
|---|---|
Operating System | Roku OS |
Internet Applications | Netflix |
Remote Control | Infrared |
Controller Type | Voice Control |
Control Method | Voice |
System Experience | Overall Impression: The TV provides a user-friendly experience with Google TV OS version 11, featuring a smooth interface and a vast array of popular streaming apps. However, the presence of non-disablable ads throughout the interface may detract from the overall enjoyment for some users. |
Display
| Parameter | TCL S4 TV |
|---|---|
Display Technology | LED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
HDR Format | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Backlight Setting | Adjustable |
Picture Enhancement | 4K, HDR (Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10), Motion Rate 120, Dynamic Contrast |
Motion Enhancement | Motion Rate 120 with MEMC frame insertion |
Viewing Experience | The TCL S450G presents a mixed overall impression as a television. It excels in delivering deep blacks in dim scenes due to its excellent native contrast ratio, but this strength is compromised in brighter scenes where blacks tend to look gray and washed out due to the absence of local dimming. This lack of local dimming also prevents blooming around bright objects, which can be a plus for some viewers. While the color gamut is acceptable, it does not fully support the wide range of colors typically associated with HDR, and some saturated colors, particularly greens and blues, are not accurately represented. The gray uniformity is just average, marred by dark patches and spots that can be distracting, particularly for sports viewing. The black uniformity shows some decent aspects but suffers from bright patches and raised blacks in near-black scenes. Additionally, the viewing angle is poor, leading to significant image degradation when viewed off-center, making it unsuitable for wide seating arrangements. Reflection handling is decent, but the TV's lack of brightness renders it less effective in bright rooms. Content smoothing capabilities are mediocre, failing to fully eliminate macro-blocking, which can detract from the viewing experience. Lastly, the BGR subpixel layout might impact text clarity when used as a PC monitor, along with noticeable sub-pixel dithering affecting certain content, especially in gaming. Overall, the TCL S450G offers some strengths but is limited in versatility and performance under various viewing conditions. |
Audio
| Parameter | TCL S4 TV |
|---|---|
Audio Channels | Up to 7.1.2 |
Surround Sound | Dolby Atmos |
Audio Output | Dolby Atmos |
Audio Input | HDMI |
Speaker Description | Dolby Atmos compatible |
Audio Experience | The TCL S450G delivers a loud sound output but struggles with frequency response, particularly in the bass and high treble ranges. While dialogue clarity is a strong point, the overall audio experience is hampered by noticeable distortion, especially at higher volume levels. This results in a less than satisfactory listening experience, especially for music and sound effects. |
Features
| Parameter | TCL S4 TV |
|---|---|
Video Encoding | HEVC (H.265) or VP9 |
Screen Mirroring | AirPlay |
Water Resistance | Not Water Resistant |
Tuner Type | ATSC |
Line Voltage | 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz |
Other Features | Flat |
Mount Standard | 200 x 200 mm |
D x W x H | 3.1"D x 37.7"W x 22"H |
Connectivity
| Parameter | TCL S4 TV |
|---|---|
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, HDMI |
Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 1 |
USB2.0 Ports | 1 |
Audio Out Ports | 1 |
HDMI Ports | 4 |
Connector Type | HDMI |
Signal Format | digital |
Sharing Direction | TV to Mobile |
Compatibility | The TCL S450G TV offers an impressive experience for gamers and PC users due to its incredibly low input lag, ensuring a seamless interaction between your inputs and the visual output. However, it is limited to HDMI 2.0 bandwidth across all three HDMI ports, which may restrict higher video resolutions and refresh rates. The TV supports eARC, enhancing audio capabilities by allowing the transmission of high-quality audio to compatible receivers. While it can handle DTS 5.1 audio through ARC and Optical connections, it falls short in supporting the full 7.1 DTS:X or DTS-HD formats via eARC, which may disappoint users with advanced audio setups looking to utilize the latest audio formats available on UHD Blu-ray discs. Overall, the TCL S450G excels in low latency for visual performance but has limitations in audio format support and HDMI bandwidth. |
User Feedback
Pros:• Amazing picture quality with vibrant colors and solid clarity
• Affordable price for the quality offered
• Easy and quick setup process
• Roku operating system is intuitive and user-friendly
• Great for everyday use and streaming apps
• Decent built-in speakers, though may benefit from a sound bar
• Supports 4K resolution and HDR
• Good motion smoothing features
• Lightweight and easy to mount
Cons:
• Limited sound quality without additional audio equipment
• No voice-activated remote included, may require separate purchase
• Some users report issues with Bluetooth connectivity
• Limited image settings while using HDR or Dolby Vision
• Occasional reversion to home screen during use
• Lack of RCA jacks may require adapters for some connections
• Some complaints about brightness levels and color accuracy
• Advertisements on the Roku interface, which some users find annoying
Overall Impression:
The TCL Roku TV delivers excellent picture quality and an intuitive user experience at a very competitive price. While it has some limitations in sound quality and connectivity options, the ease of setup and use of the Roku operating system makes it a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable smart TV for everyday viewing, especially for families and casual users. The overall value for money is commendable, making it a highly recommended choice despite a few minor drawbacks.
