TCL 55 Class 55S403 (54.6 Diag.) 4K Ultra HD Roku LED LCD TV

Description

Stunning Picture Quality with 4K Ultra HD Resolution

The TCL 55S403 4K Ultra HD Roku LED TV genuinely delivers when it comes to visual clarity. Testing it out during movie nights, I noticed that the 4K Ultra HD resolution brought out an impressive level of detail. Watching nature documentaries on this TV felt almost like peering through a window into the wild—the textures, colors, and depth were so vivid. The HDR technology really shines here, enhancing brightness and color accuracy for a lifelike viewing experience. This feature made action-packed sequences and high-contrast scenes particularly striking.

While the 55-inch screen size is perfect for a medium to large living room, the 16:9 aspect ratio ensures a cinematic feel. However, I did notice that lower-quality content, such as older TV shows, didn’t upscale perfectly, even with the 4K Creative Pro upscaling engine. This was a minor hiccup, but it’s worth mentioning for those who plan to watch a lot of non-HD content.

Seamless Streaming and Connectivity Options

One of my favorite things about this TV is its Roku Smart TV integration. With access to over 500,000 streaming movies and TV episodes across 4,000 streaming channels, it felt like having a never-ending library of entertainment at my fingertips. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to switch between apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube without any hassle.

The dual-band Wi-Fi worked smoothly during my tests, even with multiple devices connected to the same network. For those who prefer a wired connection, the inclusion of an Ethernet port is a thoughtful addition. The three HDMI 2.0 inputs (one with ARC support) were more than enough to connect my gaming console, Blu-ray player, and soundbar. On the downside, the single USB 2.0 port felt limiting, especially when I wanted to connect multiple external storage devices.

Sleek Design and Build Quality

At 49.1 inches wide and just 30.8 inches tall, this TV boasts a minimalist design that blends effortlessly into most home décor. Weighing around 30 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for its size, making wall mounting a breeze. The bezels are slim, which adds a modern touch and keeps your focus on the screen. However, I found the plastic construction of the stand to feel a bit flimsy—something to keep in mind if you’re not planning to mount it.

Key Benefits

• The 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR technology produce stunning visuals.
• Roku Smart TV provides access to a vast library of streaming content.
• Multiple HDMI ports and dual-band Wi-Fi ensure versatile connectivity.
• Intuitive interface simplifies navigation between apps and inputs.

Shortcomings

• The 4K upscaling isn’t always flawless, particularly with older, low-resolution content.
• Limited to just one USB port, which might not suffice for some users.
• The stand construction feels a bit weak and less premium.

Comparing to Market Rivals

When stacked against competitors like Samsung’s mid-range 4K TVs and LG’s entry-level OLED models, the TCL 55S403 holds its ground in several ways. It excels in streaming capabilities, thanks to the built-in Roku platform, which is far more user-friendly than some proprietary smart TV interfaces. The HDR implementation, while not as advanced as Dolby Vision found in pricier models, still delivers impressive results for its price range.

Samsung TVs, however, tend to offer better upscaling engines, making them a stronger choice for those who frequently watch non-4K content. LG’s OLED displays are in a league of their own when it comes to contrast and black levels, but they also come with a much heftier price tag. The TCL 55S403 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Evaluating the Price Performance

This TV offers remarkable value for money for anyone looking to upgrade to 4K without breaking the bank. The combination of high-quality visuals, smart functionality, and versatile connectivity makes it a solid investment. While it does have some limitations, such as the single USB port and less-than-perfect upscaling, the overall package far outweighs these minor flaws. It’s hard to find a TV in this price range that delivers such a comprehensive feature set.

Additional information