Roku Smart TV review 65R8B5 65-Inch Pro Series 4K QLED performance tested

Description

An Immersive Experience with the Roku Smart TV: 65R8B5

Testing out the Roku Smart TV – 65-Inch Pro Series 4K QLED has been nothing short of an adventure. This sleek, bezel-less design television immediately caught my eye when I set it up in my living room. It blends effortlessly with my decor, and its 65-inch display makes it the centerpiece of my entertainment space. Let me walk you through my experience with this device, highlighting both its brilliance and areas where it could improve.

Key Benefits

The QLED technology on this TV is simply stunning. Watching shows in Dolby Vision IQ feels like a cinematic experience, with colors that pop and details that are razor-sharp. Even darker scenes in movies exhibit incredible depth, thanks to the local dimming feature. I particularly enjoyed how the AI-powered Roku Smart Picture Max automatically adjusted the color and sharpness between scenes.

• 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth, dynamic motion for fast-paced sports and gaming.
• The ambient light sensor adjusts brightness for optimal viewing, day or night.
• Dolby Vision IQ enhances the viewing experience by delivering richer contrast and vibrant colors.
• Built-in Game Mode reduces input lag for seamless gaming sessions.
• Thousands of mini-LEDs deliver precision lighting, creating a more immersive display.

These features were especially noticeable when I streamed action-packed movies or played games on my console. The speed and clarity left me thoroughly impressed.

Adverse Aspects

While the TV offers a lot, there were a few areas where it fell short. For instance, the voice control remote was a bit inconsistent. Although it’s backlit (which is a nice touch for low-light settings), it sometimes struggled to recognize commands, especially when there was background noise.

• The 85.12-pound weight makes it difficult to mount single-handedly.
• The Roku interface occasionally lagged when switching between apps.
• Sound quality out of the box is adequate but could use more bass or depth.
• Limited customization options for built-in apps may not appeal to advanced users.

These minor inconveniences didn’t overshadow the overall performance but are worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

The bezel-less design is a showstopper. It gives the TV a modern and elegant look, and it’s perfect for someone who appreciates minimalist aesthetics. The 16:9 aspect ratio and slim profile make it ideal for wall mounting, although its substantial weight might require a sturdy bracket. I also noticed that the build quality feels premium, with no creaky plastics or visible flaws.

Performance in Action

Streaming live sports, gaming, and watching TV shows have been seamless thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. The Roku Smart TV doesn’t just display content; it enhances it. I could see the difference in motion clarity during a high-stakes basketball game, where every fast pass and shot was rendered without a hitch. The AI-powered optimizations were particularly impressive, as they adjusted the picture quality based on my room’s lighting conditions.

Gaming performance was equally stellar. The dedicated Game Mode minimized input lag, keeping my gameplay smooth and responsive. Whether I was indulging in a fantasy RPG or a fast-paced racing game, the TV delivered outstanding visuals and performance.

Sound Quality and Audio Features

The audio performance is decent, but it left me wanting more. The built-in speakers are clear for dialogue and casual viewing, but they lack the rich bass and immersive soundstage that I prefer for movies and gaming. Adding a soundbar or external speakers would significantly enhance the experience. That said, the Dolby Atmos support ensures compatibility with high-quality audio systems for those who want to upgrade.

Competing Products

Compared to market rivals like Samsung’s QLED series or LG’s OLED TVs, the Roku Smart TV holds its ground with its affordable price point and robust feature set. The Dolby Vision IQ and mini-LED backlighting are standout features that outperform many competitors in this price range. However, LG’s OLED TVs offer deeper blacks and superior contrast, which might appeal to cinephiles. Samsung’s QLEDs, on the other hand, have a more polished interface and slightly better sound quality.

This TV shines for those who prioritize value and performance over absolute top-tier picture quality or sound.

Smart Spending

Investing in the Roku Smart TV – 65-Inch Pro Series feels like a smart decision for anyone looking to balance price and performance. While it doesn’t come with the hefty price tag of an OLED, it delivers a premium viewing experience that rivals even higher-end models. The streamlined Roku interface makes it a breeze to hop between apps, and the overall feature set far outweighs its price point. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a gamer, or a casual viewer, this TV caters to a wide audience.

Final Thoughts on the Purchase

Testing this TV has been a delightful experience. The brilliant 4K picture quality, blazing-fast refresh rate, and intelligent AI optimizations make it a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup. While it has a few quirks, like limited sound quality and occasional interface lag, its overall value and performance make it a standout choice in its category. For anyone considering a new TV, this 65-inch smart TV deserves serious consideration.

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