TCL 55S403 4K Ultra HD Roku LED TV review with HDR features

Description

Stunning Picture Quality and Display

Diving into the TCL 55 Class 55S403 4K Ultra HD Roku LED LCD TV, the 4K Ultra HD resolution immediately caught my attention. The clarity is genuinely impressive, offering four times the resolution of Full HD, which makes every detail pop. Watching nature documentaries on this TV feels like peering through a window into the wild, thanks to the High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology. The colors are bright and accurate, creating a viewing experience that’s incredibly lifelike. Though I did notice occasional minor inconsistencies in brightness during darker scenes, it wasn’t a dealbreaker by any means.

The 16:9 aspect ratio works perfectly for movies and gaming, delivering that cinematic feel. Additionally, its 120Hz effective refresh rate (CMI) ensures smooth motion during fast-paced action scenes or sports broadcasts. I tested this feature during a gaming session, and it handled rapid movements without stuttering or screen tearing, which is a definite plus.

User-Friendly Smart TV Features

This TV’s Roku smart interface is a game-changer for someone like me who loves streaming content. With access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes across 4,000 streaming channels, I found myself spoilt for choice. The menu layout is intuitive, and switching between apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube is seamless—no complicated menus to navigate. For someone who hates juggling multiple remotes, the ability to control everything through the Roku app on my phone was a huge convenience.

However, the dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity had its moments. While streaming in 4K, I encountered brief buffering issues, especially when multiple devices were connected to the same network. Connecting via the Ethernet port solved this, but it’s something to keep in mind if your Wi-Fi isn’t particularly robust.

Design and Build Quality

On the aesthetic front, the TCL 55S403 has a sleek, minimalistic design. Its slim bezels don’t distract from the screen, and the 49.1 x 8.7 x 30.8-inch dimensions make it a great fit for most living rooms. At 30 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight for a 55-inch TV, and mounting it on the wall was a breeze. Build quality feels solid, though the plastic casing doesn’t scream premium. It’s not flimsy, but it doesn’t quite match the sturdiness you might find in higher-end models.

Audio Performance

While the visuals shine, the audio quality is where this TV could use some improvement. The built-in speakers are decent for casual viewing, but they lack depth and clarity for more immersive experiences. Watching action movies or bass-heavy content felt underwhelming without a soundbar. Thankfully, the TV offers plenty of audio output options, including SPDIF digital audio and a headphone jack, so adding external speakers is straightforward.

Good Points

• Impressive 4K resolution with HDR for vibrant, detailed visuals.
• Roku smart platform offers access to an extensive content library.
• Smooth refresh rate handles fast-paced action scenes effortlessly.
• Lightweight design makes it easy to mount or reposition.
• Multiple connectivity options, including 3 HDMI ports and USB, for versatility.

Areas for Improvement

• Built-in speakers lack the depth needed for a fully immersive experience.
• Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent during high-resolution streaming.
• Plastic casing feels less premium compared to competitors.

Competing Products

When considering product rivals, Samsung and LG immediately come to mind. Samsung’s 55-inch Crystal UHD TVs deliver equally stunning visuals with slightly better HDR performance, but they come at a higher price point. LG’s NanoCell series offers superior color accuracy and a more polished design, though the interface isn’t as user-friendly as Roku’s. Compared to these competitors, the TCL 55S403 holds its own in terms of picture quality and features, but it’s clear that sacrifices were made in the audio department and overall build quality to keep the price competitive.

Smart Spending

Looking at the price-to-quality ratio, this TV offers incredible value for its features. While it doesn’t compete with high-end models in terms of build or audio, the 4K resolution, HDR capability, and Roku interface make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. If you’re willing to pair it with a soundbar or external speakers, you’ll get a setup that feels far more expensive than it actually is.

Additional information