The TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is making waves in the world of home entertainment. This TV combines cutting-edge technology with an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their viewing experience. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the features, performance, and benefits of the TCL 50S450R, the 2023 model, to help you make an informed decision.
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1.Key Features
1.1 4K Ultra HD Resolution
One of the
standout features of this TV is its 4K Ultra HD resolution. With four times the
resolution of traditional 1080p Full HDTVs, it offers an incredible level of
detail. Whether you're watching movies, streaming content, or playing video
games, you'll be immersed in the clarity and lifelike visuals that 4K provides.
The colors are vivid, and the images are razor-sharp, enhancing your viewing
experience to a whole new level.
1.2 HDR Pro (Dolby Vision, HDR10, & HLG)
This TCL Smart
TV supports multiple advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats, including Dolby
Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG).HDR technology improves contrast
color accuracy and reveals hidden details. With Dolby Vision, you can
experience cinematic visuals with stunning realism. When watching movies or TV
shows, the TV's HDR capabilities bring content to life.
1.3 Motion Rate 120
To improve
motion clarity and reduce motion blur, the TCL 50S450R incorporates Motion Rate
120 technology. This feature combines various motion enhancement technologies,
making fast-paced action scenes smoother and more enjoyable. It's perfect for
sports enthusiasts and gamers, as it ensures that motion remains clear and
fluid, even during intense sequences.
1.4 Dolby Atmos
For an
immersive cinematic experience at home, this TV comes with Dolby Atmos
built-in. Dolby Atmos technology creates a three-dimensional sound experience,
allowing you to hear sounds from all directions, including from above. It's as
if you're right in the middle of the action, whether you're watching an action movie,
a concert, or playing video games. The TV's audio capabilities match its
outstanding visual quality.
1.5 Auto Game Mode (ALLM)
Gaming
enthusiasts will appreciate the Auto Game Mode (ALLM), a feature that
automatically enables game mode when you connect a gaming console. Game mode
minimizes input lag and latency, ensuring that your gaming performance is
unmatched. You won't have to worry about delayed response times when playing
your favorite games.
1.6 FullView Metal Bezel-less Design
The TCL S4
series TV boasts an elegant FullView metal bezel-less design. The edge-to-edge
glass design offers a modern and sleek appearance that seamlessly blends into
any home decor. The bezel-less design maximizes the screen-to-body ratio,
giving you an immersive viewing experience. This TV not only delivers
exceptional performance but also enhances the aesthetics of your living space.
1.7 Direct LED Backlight
Unlike
edge-lit TVs, the TCL 50S450R features a direct LED backlight. This technology
provides better brightness uniformity and picture performance. With direct LED
backlighting, you'll experience more consistent and vibrant colors, making your
content look stunning, whether you're watching in a bright room or a dimly lit
environment.
2.Design and Build Quality
When it comes
to choosing a TV, aesthetics matter just as much as performance. The TCL
50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV doesn't disappoint in this department. Let's
take a closer look at its design and build quality.
2.1 Sleek and Modern Design
The TCL S4
series TV is designed with a sleek and modern aesthetic in mind. Its bezel-less
design is a showstopper. With edge-to-edge glass, the TV exudes elegance and
contemporary style. The virtually frameless screen maximizes the viewing area,
making you feel like you're fully immersed in your favorite content. Whether
it's mounted on the wall or placed on a TV stand, it will undoubtedly enhance
the visual appeal of your living space.
The slim
bezels also ensure that you're getting more screen and less distraction,
creating a cinematic experience in your own home. The TV's minimalist design
allows it to seamlessly blend with various interior decor styles, from classic
to modern.
2.2 Sturdy Stand
The TCL 50S450R
comes with a sturdy and well-designed stand. The stand not only complements the
TV's aesthetics but also provides reliable support. You can confidently place
your TV on a media console or TV stand without concerns about stability. The
stand's design is thoughtful and functional, allowing for a hassle-free setup.
Its solid construction ensures your TV stays securely in place, even in
high-traffic areas.
If you prefer
a clean and space-saving look, mount your TV on the wall with its VESA
compatibility. The TV has a slim 2.3 profile.
In addition to
its bezel-less design, the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV boasts a slim
profile. Its slender dimensions make it an ideal choice for rooms with limited
space. Whether you're placing it in a bedroom, living room, or even a home
office, the TV's slim build won't dominate the room. It's designed to be
unobtrusive, ensuring that your focus remains on the stunning visuals it
delivers.
3. Picture Quality
The picture
quality of a TV is often the most critical aspect, and the TCL 50-inch Class S4
4K LED Smart TV doesn't disappoint in this department. Let's explore the
details of its picture quality.
3.1 4K Ultra HD Clarity
One of the
standout features of this TV is its 4K Ultra HD resolution. With four times the
resolution of standard 1080p Full HDTVs, this TV provides an exceptional level
of clarity and detail. It's like having a movie theater experience in the
comfort of your own home. Whether you're watching your favorite films,
streaming content, or playing video games, you'll be captivated by the
crispness and lifelike visuals that 4K delivers.
The 4K
resolution ensures that even the smallest details in your content are vividly
presented. Whether it's the intricate patterns in a dress, the fine texture of
a landscape, or the subtle expressions on a character's face, you won't miss a
thing. This level of detail enhances your overall viewing experience and
immerses you in the world on the screen.
3.2 HDR Enhancements
To elevate the
viewing experience further, the TCL 50S450R supports multiple advanced High
Dynamic Range (HDR) formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid
Log-Gamma (HLG). HDR technology enhances the contrast between the darkest and
brightest parts of the image, providing more accurate and true-to-life colors.
Dolby Vision,
in particular, takes HDR to the next level by fine-tuning the visuals scene by
scene. The result is an incredibly dynamic image, with highlights that pop and
shadows that are rich in detail. Whether you're watching a visually stunning
blockbuster movie or a breathtaking nature documentary, the TV's HDR
capabilities will make the content come to life in ways you've never experienced
before.
3.3 Motion Clarity
For those who
love fast-paced action movies, sports, and gaming, motion clarity is a crucial
factor. The TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV features Motion Rate 120
technology. This innovation combines multiple motion enhancement technologies
to ensure that motion remains clear and fluid. It effectively reduces motion
blur, making even the fastest-moving scenes look smooth and engaging.
4. Audio Performance
The TCL
50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV offers various features to deliver a
high-quality audio experience, which is just as important as its visual
performance.
4.1 Dolby Atmos Immersion
One of the
standout features in the audio department is the presence of Dolby Atmos
technology. Dolby Atmos is well-known for its exceptional ability to produce a
three-dimensional sound experience. Let me know if you need further assistance
with anything else! It goes beyond traditional surround sound, allowing you to
hear sounds from all directions, including from above. This level of audio
immersion is a game-changer, providing an audio experience that matches the
stunning visuals on the screen.
Whether you're
watching an action-packed movie with explosions and helicopters flying overhead
or enjoying a musical performance, Dolby Atmos enhances the realism of the
audio. It's as if you're right in the middle of the action, and every sound is
precisely located in the virtual 3D space. This level of audio quality elevates
your overall viewing experience to a cinematic level, making your home theater
feel like a true entertainment haven.
4.2 DTS Virtual:X Support
In addition to
Dolby Atmos, the TCL 50S450R also supports DTS Virtual:X. DTS Virtual:X is an
audio technology that provides virtualized 3D sound, all while using only the
TV's built-in speakers. This means you don't need external audio equipment to
experience a rich and expansive audio environment. The TV creates the illusion
of audio coming from various directions, making your audio experience dynamic
and engaging.
With DTS
Virtual:X, you'll enjoy clear dialogues, impactful sound effects, and an
overall immersive audio experience. It's an excellent feature for those who
want to keep their entertainment setup simple without compromising on audio
quality.
4.3 TV Speaker Quality
Beyond the
advanced audio technologies, the TV's built-in speakers themselves are of high
quality. They deliver clear and well-balanced audio. Whether you're watching a
dialogue-heavy drama, an action movie, or a sports event, you can count on the
TV's speakers to provide excellent sound quality.
5. Gaming Experience
The TCL
50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is not only an excellent choice for movie and
TV show enthusiasts, but it's also a great option for gamers. It comes equipped
with features that enhance the gaming experience, making it a versatile entertainment
hub.
5.1 Auto Game Mode
The Auto Game
Mode (ALLM) is a feature that has revolutionized gaming. It automatically
detects when you have connected a gaming console, like a PlayStation or Xbox,
and switches to game mode. Game mode is specifically designed to minimize input
lag and latency, thus ensuring that your gaming performance is optimized and at
its best.
Input lag can
be a major frustration for gamers, as it can lead to a delay between your
actions and what you see on the screen. With Auto Game Mode, this delay is
minimized, providing a responsive and immersive gaming experience. You won't
miss a beat whether you're playing fast-paced action games, first-person
shooters, or sports simulations.
5.2 Low Latency
The TCL
50S450R features Auto Game Mode and low latency, making it a perfect display
for gamers who need a responsive display to match their real-time actions. With
low latency, the delay between your actions and the display showing them is
minimized, making it ideal for online competitions, playing with friends, or
solo adventures.
This TV's low
latency enhances the overall gaming experience, making it an attractive option
for gamers who want to immerse themselves in their gaming world without any
frustrating delays.
5.3 Gaming Performance
Gaming
performance on the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is top-notch. The
combination of 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR enhancements ensures that games
are displayed in stunning detail and vibrant colors. Every visual element, from
character models to in-game environments, looks lifelike and immersive.
6. Smart TV Capabilities
The TCL
50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV not only delivers exceptional picture and
audio quality but also boasts a range of smart features that enhance your
entertainment experience.
6.1 Roku TV Integration
One of the
standout features of this TV is its integration with Roku TV. Roku is a
well-known and highly regarded platform for streaming content. With Roku TV
built into the TCL 50S450R, you have access to a vast library of streaming
channels and apps. This includes popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime
Video, Hulu, Disney+, and many more.
The Roku
interface is designed to be user-friendly, providing a seamless experience for
browsing and selecting content. You can quickly locate your preferred movies,
TV shows, and apps and even personalize your home screen to prioritize your
favorite content. Additionally, Roku's universal search feature simplifies
discovering new content across multiple streaming platforms.
6.2 Streaming Apps
In addition to
Roku TV, the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV comes with a wide range of
pre-installed streaming apps. You can access these apps directly from your TV,
saving you the trouble of purchasing and installing them separately. Whether
you're into binge-watching TV series, staying updated with the latest news, or
enjoying kid-friendly content, this TV has something for everyone.
Thanks to
modern technology, watching your favorite TV shows and movies has become more
convenient than ever before. Popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and
YouTube provide easy access to high-quality content. With support for 4K Ultra
HD resolution and HDR technology, modern TVs offer an immersive and
unforgettable viewing experience. Additionally, many of these TVs are
compatible with voice assistants, allowing you to control your TV with simple
voice commands, making it more enjoyable.
Smart TVs are
integrating voice control to make it easier for users to operate them. The TCL
50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is no exception, providing compatibility with
popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple
HomeKit. You can use this feature to control your TV, search for content,
adjust settings, and much more with a simple voice command.
For example,
if you're using Amazon Alexa, you can ask the TV to switch inputs, adjust the
volume, or search for specific content without having to pick up the remote.
The TV's voice assistant compatibility adds a layer of convenience to your
entertainment experience.
6.3 Apple HomeKit Support
If you are a
part of the Apple ecosystem, you will be pleased to know that the TCL 50S450R
television supports Apple HomeKit. This makes it effortless for you to
integrate the TV with your other Apple devices, and you can easily control it
from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. The Apple Home app can be used to
manage the TV, adjust its settings, and even include it in your automation
routines.
7. Installation and Setup
Setting up a
new TV can be a crucial aspect of the overall experience. Let's explore the
installation and setup process of the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV.
7.1 Quick and Easy Installation
The TCL
50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is designed for quick and easy installation.
The TV is relatively lightweight and comes with a user-friendly setup process.
Whether you're mounting it on the wall or placing it on a TV stand, you'll find
that the entire installation process is straightforward.
The TV's slim
profile and design make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. Setting it
up in your living room, bedroom, or any other location is a hassle-free
experience. In no time, you'll have your TV ready for action, and you can start
enjoying your favorite content.
7.2 Remote Control Functionality
The TV comes
with a remote control that's intuitive and functional. The remote allows you to
navigate through the TV's menus, access streaming apps, adjust settings, and
control the TV with ease. It's user-friendly and designed to make your
interaction with the TV as smooth as possible.
The TV comes
with both a physical remote control and voice control capabilities. This means
that you can use your voice to search for content, control your television, or
interact with compatible voice assistants. The voice control feature adds an
extra level of convenience to the TV, making it easy and enjoyable to find your
favorite content and watch it without any hassle.
7.3 User-Friendly Interface
The TV's
on-screen interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Whether
you're configuring settings, browsing streaming apps, or adjusting picture and
audio preferences, the interface provides a straightforward and hassle-free
experience.
Roku TV
provides an extensive range of streaming content and a well-organized menu
system, making it easy for you to find your favorite shows, movies, and apps.
You can customize your home screen and prioritize the content you enjoy the
most, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.
8. Size Options and Pricing
When choosing
a TV, the available size options and pricing are significant factors to
consider. Let's explore the size options, pricing, and overall value for money
that the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV offers.
8.1 50-Inch and 43-Inch Models
The TCL
50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is available in two popular size options, 50
inches and 43 inches. This variety in size ensures that you can select the TV
that best suits your space and viewing preferences.
1. 50-Inch Model:
The 50-inch model is an ideal choice for those who want a larger and more
immersive viewing experience. This size is perfect for larger living rooms and
home theaters. It provides a captivating and cinematic feel to your
entertainment.
2. 43-Inch Model:
The 43-inch model is a more compact option that's suitable for smaller rooms or
spaces with limited wall or stand space. It's a great choice for bedrooms,
offices, or smaller apartments, providing a high-quality viewing experience
without overwhelming the room.
Having the
choice between these two sizes allows you to select the TV that perfectly fits
your needs and space requirements.
8.2 Pricing Options
Pricing is
often a crucial consideration when purchasing a TV. The TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K
LED Smart TV offers competitive pricing, making it accessible to a wide range
of consumers. At the time of this review, the 50-inch model is priced at
$279.99, which is a 20% discount from its list price of $349.99. This pricing
makes it an attractive option for those who want a high-quality 4K smart TV
without breaking the bank.
Additionally,
the 43-inch model is available at a slightly lower price of $269.99, providing
even more affordability for those who prefer a smaller screen.
8.3 Value for Money
In terms of value for money, the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV offers a compelling package. It combines a range of premium features, including 4K Ultra HD resolution, support for multiple HDR formats, Dolby Atmos audio, and gaming enhancements. The TV's smart capabilities, such as Roku TV integration and voice assistant compatibility, further enhance its value.
9 Compare with similar items
When it comes
to modern entertainment, owning the right television can significantly enhance
your viewing experience. Two compelling options in the market are the Hisense
50-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV, and the TCL 40-Inch Class S3
1080p LED Smart TV with Roku TV. Both of these TVs offer a range of features
that are designed to take your viewing experience to the next level. In this
article, we will take a closer look at what each of these TVs has to offer.
1. Hisense 50-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV:
Key Features
1. 4K Ultra
HD: With over 8.3 million pixels and a powerful backlight, it delivers
a sharper and more colorful picture. It has over four times the resolution of a
regular 1080p high-definition screen.
2. Roku TV
Operating System: Experience thousands of free and paid channels with
Roku TV, allowing you to stream movies, TV shows, live news, sports, and more
with ease.
3. Voice
Control: Easily control your TV and smart home with Google Assistant
or Alexa devices (sold separately) via voice commands.
4. Dolby
Vision HDR and HDR10: These image technologies bring cinematic realism
to your home, providing amazing realism in both visuals and audio.
5. Motion Rate
120: Enjoy fast-paced content like sports, movies, and 4K gaming
without lag.
Pros & Cons:
✅4K Ultra HD
resolution for sharp and colorful visuals.
✅Integration
with the Roku TV Operating System for streaming convenience.
✅Voice control
compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa devices.
❌Limited size
options (50-inch and 43-inch).
❌The higher
price point compared to some competitors.
❌Some users may
prefer a larger screen for a more immersive experience.
2. TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV:
Key Features
1. 1080p Full
HD Resolution: Experience your favorite content in stunning
high-definition picture quality with enhanced clarity and detail.
2. FullView
Metal Bezel-less Design: This elegant edge-to-edge glass design blends
seamlessly into any home decor.
3. Direct LED
Backlight: Enjoy better brightness uniformity and picture performance
compared to edge-lit TVs.
4. Dynamic
Contrast: Optimize on-screen content for improved image quality with
enhanced contrast.
5. Game Mode: Experience
gaming at the lowest possible input lag and latency for better gaming
performance.
6. Roku TV
Smart OS: Access a wide selection of free entertainment, including
popular TV shows, hit movies, live TV channels, and more.
Pros & Cons:
✅Full HD 1080p
resolution for enhanced clarity and detail.
✅Sleek FullView
Metal Bezelless Design for a modern look.
✅Game Mode for
a better gaming experience with low input lag.
❌Limited to a
40-inch screen size.
❌Lower
resolution compared to 4K TVs.
❌Some may
desire the advanced HDR support of higher-end models.
Customer Reviews
JD W
Title:
Works for my needs
Date:
October 9, 2023
Comments:
"Hooked it up, turned it on and I have a very nice picture. Once you go
through ROKU and TCL to do the final setup, everything works as it should. The
picture is decent but not quite as good as the 6 series 55" we also have
that has QLED."
George W
Lindsay Jr
Title:
Great picture, great value
Date:
September 1, 2023
Comments:
"Very nice picture quality. Extremely easy to set up. I connected it to my
av receiver using the eARC hdmi port and the two automatically synced without
me doing anything. The tv’s remote controls the volume and power from the
receiver, which is convenient. I had no issues adding the set to my Roku
account, it was quick and easy. This was a good purchase."
Amazon
Customer
Title:
Great tv
Date:
September 9, 2023
Comments: "This tv has a stunning picture. The sound is very good also. I recommend this tv highly. It is a very good tv for the price. Buy it !!!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the key features
of the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV?
The key features of this TV
include 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR Pro with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10,
and HLG, Motion Rate 120 for smooth motion, Dolby Atmos for immersive audio,
Auto Game Mode for low latency gaming, a FullView Metal Bezel-less Design, and
Direct LED Backlight for enhanced picture performance.
Q2: Is this TV compatible with
voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, the TCL 50S450R is
compatible with popular voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
You can control the TV and perform various functions using voice commands.
Q3: Does the TV have built-in
streaming apps, or do I need external devices for streaming?
The TV has Roku TV integration,
allowing direct streaming access to Netflix and Hulu without external devices.
Q4: What size options are
available for the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV?
This TV is available in two size
options, 50 inches and 43 inches, allowing you to choose the size that best
fits your space and preferences.
Q5: How easy is it to set up
this TV, and does it come with a user-friendly interface?
The TV is designed for quick and
easy installation, and it comes with a user-friendly interface. The setup
process is straightforward, whether you're mounting it on the wall or placing
it on a stand. The on-screen interface is intuitive, making it easy to
configure settings and access content.
Conclusion
The TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is a versatile entertainment hub with a range of impressive features. With 4K Ultra HD resolution, support for multiple HDR formats, Dolby Atmos audio, and gaming enhancements, it offers an exceptional viewing and gaming experience. Its integration with Roku TV, voice assistant compatibility, and Apple HomeKit support make it a comprehensive smart TV solution. Whether you're enjoying movies, TV shows, gaming, or streaming content, this TV delivers on multiple fronts.
