The world of OLED TVs boasts stunning picture quality, but often comes with a hefty price tag. Enter the VIZIO 55-Inch OLED Premium TV – a contender aiming to democratize OLED technology without sacrificing core performance. Is it the perfect gateway to OLED brilliance, or are there hidden compromises? This review dives deep to help you decide.
Product Details
| Brand | VIZIO |
| Display Technology | OLED |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Special Feature | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG; Ultra Color Spectrum™; Spatial Scaling Engine; ProGaming Engine™ |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Included Components | Remote Control, Power Cable, Stand, Batteries |
| Wattage | 15 watts |
Picture Quality
The VIZIO 55-Inch OLED Premium TV shines (literally) in the picture quality department. Here’s why:
- Unmatched Blacks and Contrast: OLED technology utilizes self-illuminating pixels, meaning each pixel can turn completely off. This results in truly inky blacks and exceptional contrast, perfect for showcasing details in dark scenes and creating a more immersive viewing experience.
- Vibrant Colors: The TV delivers a wide color gamut, faithfully reproducing colors with impressive accuracy. Movies and shows come alive with a natural vibrancy that’s sure to impress.
- Wide Viewing Angles: Unlike some LCD TVs, the VIZIO OLED offers excellent viewing angles. Colors and picture quality remain consistent even when viewed from off-center positions, making it ideal for larger living rooms or shared viewing experiences.
The Caveat: Brightness
While the picture quality is undeniably impressive, the VIZIO OLED falls short in peak brightness compared to some high-end OLED TVs. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker for most users, but it’s worth considering. In brightly lit rooms or for HDR content that relies heavily on highlights, the picture might appear slightly dimmer than some competitors. If you have a very bright living room or prioritize the absolute best HDR performance, you might want to explore other options.
Compared To Other TVs
The VIZIO OLED holds its own, even against more expensive OLED TVs, in terms of core picture quality. The blacks are deep, colors are vibrant, and viewing angles are wide. However, some higher-end models might offer even higher peak brightness for superior HDR performance in very bright rooms. Additionally, some high-end OLED TVs might boast advanced processing features that further enhance motion handling or detail reproduction.
Design
The VIZIO OLED embraces a minimalist aesthetic. The ultra-thin profile and near bezel-less design create a sleek and modern look that complements any living room. The included stand offers sturdy support and allows for a variety of placement options. Overall, the design exudes a premium feel without unnecessary frills.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the VIZIO OLED is, well, average. The built-in speakers lack the depth and power needed for a truly immersive movie or gaming experience. Dialogue can sound clear, but bass is lacking, and action scenes might sound underwhelming. For an enhanced audio experience, consider pairing the VIZIO OLED with a soundbar or a home theater system. This will unlock the full potential of your movies, games, and music.
Motion
The VIZIO OLED boasts a 120Hz refresh rate panel, offering smoother motion handling compared to traditional 60Hz TVs. This is particularly beneficial for fast-paced content like sports and action movies, reducing blur and ensuring a more realistic viewing experience.
However, some high-end TVs might offer even higher refresh rates (240Hz or higher) and advanced motion processing technology for an even smoother experience, especially beneficial for gamers or those highly sensitive to motion blur. The VIZIO OLED might not be the absolute best choice for hardcore gamers seeking the smoothest possible motion.
Smart Features
While SmartCast offers access to popular streaming apps and integrates with casting features, it has some drawbacks:
- Limited App Selection: Compared to competing platforms like LG webOS or Samsung Tizen, SmartCast might have a smaller library of apps. This might be a concern for users seeking a wider variety of streaming options.
- Performance: SmartCast can feel sluggish at times, especially after startup. This can be frustrating for users who prioritize a smooth and responsive smart TV experience.
Gaming Features
The VIZIO OLED caters to casual gamers with features like a 120Hz refresh rate panel and HDMI 2.1 ports with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). ALLM helps reduce input lag, ensuring a more responsive gaming experience where your actions translate to the screen instantly. However, some high-end gaming TVs might offer additional gaming-specific features like:
- Dedicated Game Modes: Pre-calibrated settings for different game genres (FPS, RPG, etc.) to optimize picture quality and performance.
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Eliminates screen tearing, a visual glitch that can occur during fast-paced gameplay. While the VIZIO OLED doesn’t advertise VRR support, there have been some user reports suggesting it might function with certain consoles through firmware updates. This information is constantly evolving, so researching current user experiences is recommended.
Durability and Build Quality
The VIZIO OLED appears well-built with a thin profile and a sturdy stand. VIZIO TVs generally have a good 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 VIZIO OLED are excellent thanks to the OLED technology. Colors and picture quality remain consistent even when viewed from off-center positions. This makes it ideal for larger living rooms or shared viewing experiences.
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 VIZIO OLED.
Inputs
The VIZIO OLED comes equipped with a good selection of inputs, including:
- Multiple HDMI ports (with some featuring HDMI 2.1 capabilities) 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 inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports is a plus for future-proofing, as these ports support features like higher resolutions, faster refresh rates (important for gaming), and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for high-quality audio transmission to compatible soundbars.
Overall Value
The VIZIO 55-Inch OLED Premium TV offers a compelling proposition for its price point. The stunning picture quality with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles is a major selling point. The sleek design, 120Hz refresh rate panel for smoother motion, and built-in smart features make it a great option for casual viewers seeking an OLED upgrade.
However, there are some trade-offs. The peak brightness might not be ideal for very bright rooms or HDR content, the SmartCast platform has limitations, and advanced gaming features are absent.
Conclusion
The VIZIO 55-Inch OLED Premium TV is a solid choice for users seeking an affordable entry point into the world of OLED technology. The picture quality is excellent for most viewing scenarios, and the TV offers a good overall feature set. However, if you prioritize absolute top-tier brightness, the most advanced smart features, or extensive gaming functionality, you
