TCL 43S405 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV review for streaming and gaming enthusiasts

Description

A Reliable Choice for Entertainment with Smart Features

Testing the TCL 43″ Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku 2017 Smart TV – 43S405 has been an interesting experience for me and my family. This 43-inch smart TV is designed to deliver both 4K Ultra HD picture clarity and HDR support, which are two features I was eager to explore. From streaming movies to playing games, I’ve had my hands full with this unit, and there’s a fair mix of things to love and areas that could use improvement.

Design and Build Quality

The sleek and minimalist design of this TV caught my attention right away. It’s lightweight, weighing just 16.8 pounds, which makes it easy to set up or even move around without much hassle. The dimensions—38.3 x 7.5 x 24.4 inches with the stand—fit perfectly on my entertainment unit, though the 30-inch stand separation distance might be a concern if you have a smaller table. Its black finish gives it a modern look, blending seamlessly with my living room decor.

However, the overall build feels slightly less premium compared to some higher-end models. The plastic material used for the frame, while durable, doesn’t scream luxury. Still, for the price, it’s hard to complain.

Picture Quality and HDR Performance

The 4K Ultra HD resolution paired with HDR compatibility is arguably the biggest selling point of this TV. The level of detail and color vibrancy is impressive, especially when streaming high-quality content. I watched several nature documentaries, and the lifelike textures were stunning. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth transitions, reducing motion blur during fast-paced action scenes and sports.

But while the HDR support enhances the contrast and color, it doesn’t quite match the depth of more advanced HDR implementations like Dolby Vision. The blacks could be deeper, and in some darker scenes, I noticed a slight lack of detail. Nevertheless, for casual viewing, it more than gets the job done.

Smart Functionality: Roku TV Integration

With Roku TV built-in, this TV offers access to over 4,000 streaming channels and 450,000 movies and TV episodes, which is a huge plus. Navigating the interface feels intuitive, and I appreciated the seamless integration with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Voice commands make it easy to search for content or adjust settings, especially when my hands are tied up with snacks or a controller.

One feature I found particularly useful is the ability to program the TV to start on a specific HDMI input instead of the home screen. This is ideal if you mostly use external devices like a gaming console or satellite box. On the downside, connecting external sources bypasses many of Roku’s functionalities, which could be a disappointment if you rely heavily on the smart interface.

Gaming Performance

For gaming enthusiasts, this TV shines with its dedicated gaming mode. The low input lag makes a noticeable difference during gameplay, giving me the edge in fast-paced scenarios. Coupled with the 4K resolution and HDR support, games look vibrant and immersive. My nephew tried a few rounds of his favorite racing game, and he couldn’t stop raving about the smooth performance.

That said, while the TV performs beautifully for casual and mid-level gaming, hardcore gamers might crave a higher refresh rate or more advanced features found in pricier models.

Audio Quality

The dual 8W speakers do a decent job of delivering clear and balanced sound. While watching dialogue-heavy shows or light music, I found the audio quality satisfactory. However, for action-packed movies or gaming, the lack of depth and bass became evident. Using the digital optical audio output to connect an external sound system significantly improved the experience. The HDMI ARC and 3.5mm audio jack options give flexibility in choosing how you enhance the sound.

Key Benefits

• 4K Ultra HD resolution paired with HDR support delivers vibrant and detailed visuals.
• The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion for action-packed content.
• Integrated Roku TV provides access to a vast library of streaming options.
• Low input lag and dedicated gaming mode make it an excellent choice for gamers.
• Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, adding convenience through voice control.

Areas for Improvement

• HDR performance, while good, lacks the depth of more advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision.
• The built-in speakers are underwhelming for bass-heavy content or larger rooms.
• The plastic frame could feel sturdier for a more premium aesthetic.

Competing Products

In comparison to similar models like the Samsung TU7000 and LG UN7300, this TV holds its own in terms of price-to-feature ratio. The Samsung TU7000 delivers slightly better HDR performance and deeper blacks, but it comes at a higher cost. Meanwhile, the LG UN7300 offers superior viewing angles, making it a better choice for wide seating arrangements.

However, neither competitor can match the simplicity and user-friendliness of Roku TV integration, which remains one of this TV’s standout features. For gamers, the low input lag on this unit outshines several models in the same category.

Affordable Quality

Given its features and performance, this TV is a great example of affordable quality. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a budget-friendly 4K TV that doesn’t compromise on the essentials. While it may not compete with high-end models, it offers excellent value for casual viewers, gamers, and small families.

From its smart functionality to the dedicated gaming mode, it’s clear that this TV was designed with user convenience in mind. If you’re looking for a well-rounded entertainment hub without breaking the bank, this might just be the one.

Additional information