TCL 55-Inch S5 UHD 4K Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and Fire TV

Description

Immersive Design and Build Quality

The TCL 55-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV (55S551F) is a sight to behold. Its bezel-less design immediately caught my eye, blending seamlessly into my living room decor. The FullView 360 metal frame feels premium and adds a touch of elegance without being overly flashy. Despite its 55-inch display, the TV feels lightweight at just 29.9 pounds, making it easy to maneuver during setup. I appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a discreet sleep timer, which has been a game-changer for late-night movie sessions.

However, I did notice that the TV’s stand feels a tad less robust than I’d like. While it holds the screen securely, it doesn’t inspire as much confidence as wall-mounting would. Still, the sleek black finish ensures it looks good from every angle, and the 16:9 aspect ratio delivers a classic widescreen viewing experience.

Stunning Picture Quality with HDR PRO+

I was genuinely blown away by the 4K UltraHD resolution, which offers four times the clarity of 1080p. Watching nature documentaries felt like staring out of a window—each blade of grass and ripple in water appeared incredibly lifelike. The TV’s High Brightness LED Backlight ensures that even in a well-lit room, the picture remains vivid and clear.

What sets this TV apart is the inclusion of HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. These advanced HDR formats work together to deliver exceptional contrast and color accuracy. Reds pop, blues are deep, and shadows are rich with detail. Additionally, the Wide Color Enhancer brings out vibrant colors, making animated films and sports events a treat to watch. However, I did notice that some older, non-HDR content lacked the same level of sharpness, but that’s more of a general limitation with upscaling rather than a fault of this TV.

Smooth Motion and Gaming Performance

One of the highlights for me was the Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion. It ensures that fast-paced action scenes and sports remain crisp, with no noticeable blur. I tested this out with a few action-packed movies and was impressed by the smooth transitions, even during chaotic sequences.

Gaming on this TV is a dream. The Auto Game Mode (ALLM) kicks in instantly, reducing input lag to an almost imperceptible level. Paired with the Game Accelerator 120 VRR, gameplay feels fluid and responsive. Whether I was navigating open-world adventures or engaging in fast-paced multiplayer matches, the performance was consistent. However, competitive gamers who demand ultra-high refresh rates might find themselves wishing for a bit more.

Dolby Atmos and Enhanced Audio Modes

Despite being a built-in speaker system, the audio on this TV is surprisingly immersive. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos creates a sense of spatial depth that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. I particularly enjoyed the DTS Virtual:X, which simulates a 3D audio experience without needing external soundbars or speakers. For casual viewers or those with smaller spaces, this setup is more than sufficient.

That said, the Enhanced Dialogue Mode was a lifesaver during dialogue-heavy shows. It boosts vocal clarity, ensuring I didn’t have to rewind to catch what was being said. Still, audiophiles or those desiring a home-theater-level experience might consider pairing this TV with a dedicated sound system for a fuller range of bass and audio fidelity.

Key Benefits

• 4K UltraHD resolution provides breathtaking clarity and detail.
• Dolby Vision and HDR PRO+ ensure vibrant colors and deep contrasts.
• Auto Game Mode and Game Accelerator 120 VRR make it ideal for gamers.
• Bezel-less design elevates the aesthetic appeal of any room.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X deliver immersive, high-quality audio.

Areas of Concern

• Stand design feels slightly less sturdy compared to wall-mounting options.
• Some older content doesn’t upscale as sharply as expected.
• Gamers may desire higher refresh rates for ultra-competitive gaming.

Competing Products

Comparing this TV with similar models, I looked at the Samsung Q60C and LG NanoCell 75. While the Samsung offers slightly richer colors due to its Quantum Dot technology, it lacks the Dolby Atmos audio found here. The LG NanoCell, on the other hand, provides comparable HDR features but falls short in motion clarity during fast-paced scenes. I found the TCL’s balance of picture quality, audio performance, and gaming features to be a standout at its price point. The only area where competitors slightly edge out is in their longer warranty periods or more robust pre-installed software ecosystems.

Price to Quality Ratio

This TV offers impressive features, making it a smart spending option for those looking to upgrade. While it doesn’t come loaded with every high-end bell and whistle, it strikes a balance between affordability and advanced performance. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just enjoying live TV, this product offers excellent value for money. The inclusion of Alexa Built-in and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility further enhances its versatility, ensuring seamless integration with smart home ecosystems.

Having tested the features in real-world settings, I can confidently say this is a TV that caters to casual viewers, gamers, and movie buffs alike. While there are minor shortcomings, they are easily outweighed by the plethora of benefits packed into this sleek and powerful television.

Additional information