TCL 4-Series ROKU Smart TV Review

Considering a smart TV upgrade without breaking the bank? The TCL 4-Series Roku TV might be the answer. This budget-friendly option promises a seamless viewing experience with Roku’s user-friendly smart platform. But can it truly compete with pricier TVs, or are there hidden compromises? This review dives deep into the TCL 4-Series Roku TV’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your entertainment needs.

Today’s  TCL 4-Series ROKU Smart TV Deals

Picture Quality

The TCL 4-Series prioritizes delivering a decent picture quality for its price point. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

• Resolution and Sharpness: Available in various screen sizes, all models offer a 4K resolution for sharper visuals compared to traditional Full HD TVs. This translates to better detail reproduction, especially noticeable in high-resolution content.
• HDR Support: The TV supports HDR formats like HDR10, offering increased contrast and a wider color range for a more vibrant picture, particularly in HDR content. However, some users might find the HDR effect somewhat subtle compared to higher-end TVs with more advanced HDR processing.
• Brightness and Contrast: Brightness levels are decent, making the TV suitable for most lighting conditions. Contrast is also acceptable, but some viewers might find blacks appearing slightly washed out, especially in dark scenes. This is a common trade-off for TVs in this price range.

Compared To Other TVs

The TCL 4-Series holds its own against similarly priced TVs in terms of picture quality. The 4K resolution delivers sharp visuals, and HDR support adds some vibrancy. However, some competing budget TVs might offer slightly better contrast or more advanced HDR processing for a more impactful viewing experience. Additionally, higher-end TVs will boast superior picture quality with features like local dimming technology for deeper blacks and better overall contrast.

Design

The TCL 4-Series embraces a minimalist aesthetic. The display features average-sized bezels that create a clean and uncluttered look. The included V-shaped stand offers basic functionality and supports the TV well. Overall, the design prioritizes functionality over premium materials, but it blends seamlessly into most living room setups.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the TCL 4-Series is, well, basic. The built-in speakers lack depth and power, resulting in a somewhat thin and underwhelming audio experience. Dialogue can sound clear at moderate volumes, but bass is lacking, and action scenes might sound flat.

For an immersive movie or gaming experience, consider pairing the TCL 4-Series with a soundbar or a home theater system. This will significantly enhance the overall audio quality and unlock the full potential of your entertainment.

Smart Features

The TCL 4-Series boasts the Roku TV platform, known for its user-friendly interface and vast app selection. Popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are readily available, along with countless other streaming options and games. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for seamless connection to your home network, and voice control is available through Roku voice search, enabling hands-free control of the TV and streaming services.

Here are some additional highlights of Roku TV:

• Simple and Intuitive Interface: Roku’s interface is praised for its ease of use, making it a great choice for users of all technical abilities.
• Regular Updates: Roku frequently updates its platform, ensuring new features and continued compatibility with the latest streaming apps.
• Mobile App Integration: The Roku mobile app allows for easy remote control functionality and content streaming from your phone or tablet to the TV.

While Roku TV is a strong selling point, some users might prefer the interface of competing smart TV platforms like LG’s webOS or Samsung’s Tizen. Ultimately, the best platform comes down to personal preference.

Motion

The TCL 4-Series features a standard 60Hz refresh rate panel. This is the most common refresh rate for TVs and delivers a decent viewing experience for casual content like movies and TV shows. However, fast-paced content like sports or action movies might exhibit some motion blur, creating a less smooth viewing experience. This can be a dealbreaker for gamers or viewers particularly sensitive to motion blur.

For smoother motion handling, especially in fast-moving content or for gaming, consider a TV with a higher refresh rate (120Hz or higher). These higher refresh rates can significantly reduce motion blur and create a more realistic viewing experience.

Gaming Features

The TCL 4-Series caters to casual gamers with basic features. It offers Game Mode, which pre-calibrates the picture settings for a more responsive gaming experience. Additionally, some models might include ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which helps reduce input lag, ensuring a faster response time between your controller actions and what appears on the screen. However, the TCL 4-Series lacks some features that might be important for serious gamers:

• Higher Refresh Rates: As mentioned earlier, the 60Hz refresh rate might not be ideal for gamers seeking the smoothest possible motion.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): This technology eliminates screen tearing, a visual glitch that can occur during fast-paced gameplay. The TCL 4-Series doesn’t support VRR.
• Advanced Gaming Modes: Some TVs offer dedicated game modes optimized for different game genres (FPS, RPG, etc.) for the best possible gaming experience. The TCL 4-Series lacks such dedicated modes.

Durability and Build Quality

The TCL 4-Series appears decently built with a basic plastic back panel and a V-shaped stand. TCL TVs generally have an average reputation for reliability, but longevity ultimately depends on usage and care. As with any TV, proper handling and avoiding extreme temperatures or environments will contribute to a longer lifespan.

Viewing Angles and Screen Uniformity

The viewing angles of the TCL 4-Series are decent thanks to the VA panel technology used. Colors and picture quality remain fairly consistent when viewed from off-center positions. However, compared to TVs with IPS panels, colors might appear slightly less vibrant when viewed from extreme angles.

In terms of screen uniformity, some users might experience minor variations in brightness or color across the screen, especially in dark scenes. This is a common occurrence with most TVs, and its severity can vary between individual units. If uniformity is a major concern, researching user reviews and professional calibrations can help you determine if this is a widespread issue with the TCL 4-Series.

Inputs

The TCL 4-Series comes equipped with a good selection of inputs, including:

• Multiple HDMI ports for connecting streaming devices, game consoles, and cable boxes.
• USB ports for connecting external storage drives or media players.
• An optical audio output for connecting external sound systems.
• An Ethernet port for a wired internet connection.

The number of HDMI ports and other inputs might vary slightly depending on the specific screen size model you choose. Overall, the TCL 4-Series offers a good selection of connections for most users.

Overall Value

The TCL 4-Series Roku TV offers a compelling proposition for its price point. The 4K resolution delivers sharp visuals, HDR support adds a touch of vibrancy, and the Roku TV platform is user-friendly with a vast app selection. The TV is well-suited for casual viewers seeking a budget-friendly upgrade with smart TV functionality.

However, there are some trade-offs. The motion handling might not be ideal for fast-paced content or gamers, the sound quality is basic, and advanced gaming features are absent. Additionally, viewing angles are decent but not exceptional, and some users might experience minor screen uniformity variations.

Conclusion

The TCL 4-Series Roku TV is a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a basic 4K smart TV. The user-friendly Roku platform and decent picture quality make it a good option for casual viewers. However, if you prioritize absolute top-tier motion handling, the best possible gaming experience, superior sound quality, or wider viewing angles, you might want to explore other TV options that might come at a slightly higher price point.