TCL 55S421 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV review and performance insights

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The TCL 55S421 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV caught my eye immediately with its sleek and modern design. Its slim bezels are a game-changer for anyone who loves immersive viewing experiences. I placed it in my living room, and the minimalist design blended effortlessly with my decor. The TV’s 55-inch screen size is just right for medium to large rooms, providing a cinematic feel without overwhelming the space. At 59.4 pounds, it feels sturdy, and the flat-screen feature ensures it mounts flush to the wall or sits snugly on the stand. However, the plastic build of the back panel feels a bit less premium than I’d like, but it doesn’t impact the performance.

Picture Quality That Stands Out

Wow, the 4K ULTRA HD RESOLUTION is a game-changer. Watching movies and TV shows on this screen feels like stepping into a new dimension. The High Dynamic Range (HDR) Technology truly delivers; colors are more vivid, and the contrast brings out incredible detail in both bright and dark scenes. I tested it with a nature documentary, and the lush greens and deep blues popped in a way that felt lifelike. The 16:9 aspect ratio is standard, but the clarity and sharpness are anything but. The 4K Creative Pro Upscaling engine did wonders for older HD content, making even my favorite reruns look fresh and modern.

That said, while the picture quality is impressive, I noticed some minor issues with motion handling during fast-paced scenes, like action movies or sports. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re picky about smooth motion, you might need to tweak the settings a bit.

Intuitive and User-Friendly Interface

Using this TV is incredibly simple, thanks to the built-in Roku Smart TV platform. The interface is as straightforward as it gets. Whether I wanted to switch between streaming apps, gaming consoles, or cable TV, everything was right there on the home screen. No more fumbling around with complicated inputs! The TV comes preloaded with access to thousands of streaming channels, including popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. With over 500,000 movies and TV episodes available, I never run out of things to watch.

But, there’s a small hiccup. Some apps take a moment longer to load than I’d like, and navigating through menus can occasionally feel sluggish. Yet, for the most part, the intuitive interface makes up for these minor delays.

Audio Performance: Could Be Better

The built-in speakers, while functional, left me wanting more. Delivering 16 watts of audio power, they’re fine for casual viewing but lack the depth and richness you’d expect to match the stellar visuals. I connected a soundbar, and it transformed the experience. Without external audio, though, you might miss out on the immersive experience this TV deserves to deliver. The dialogue clarity is decent, but if you’re a bass enthusiast, the built-in sound might disappoint.

Positives

The key benefits of the TCL 55S421 make it a solid choice for most users:

• 4K HDR performance ensures vibrant and lifelike visuals.
• Roku Smart TV interface simplifies navigation and offers a vast content library.
• Modern and sleek design with minimal bezels.
• 4K Creative Pro Upscaling enhances older HD content beautifully.

Shortcomings

While I appreciated many things about this TV, there are a few areas for improvement:

• Built-in audio lacks depth and struggles with bass-heavy content.
• Slight delays when loading apps or navigating menus.
• Motion handling could be smoother during fast-paced scenes.

Competing Products

Comparing this model to similar smart TVs in the market, I found it holds its own in many areas. For instance, Samsung’s 4K TVs often excel in picture quality thanks to their Quantum Dot technology, but they also come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, budget brands like Hisense offer competitive pricing but sometimes compromise on their user interface. The TCL 55S421 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice too much in terms of quality.

One area where TCL could improve is motion smoothing, as some Samsung models handle high-speed action better. However, TCL’s Roku integration outshines competitors like LG’s WebOS in terms of simplicity and ease of use.

Bang for the Buck

This TV delivers excellent value for money. Considering its 4K HDR capabilities, 55-inch screen size, and intuitive interface, it’s hard to find a better deal at this price point. While it’s not perfect, the trade-offs are minor compared to its strengths. Adding a soundbar or external speakers enhances the experience significantly, and the upscaling technology gives new life to older content. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a binge-watcher, this TV is worth every penny for its feature set.

Additional information