TCL 55-Inch S5 UHD 4K Smart TV Review Dolby Vision and Fire TV Features

Description

Sleek and Bezel-Less Design

The TCL 55-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV (55S551F) immediately caught my eye with its edge-to-edge FullView metal bezel-less design. It’s one of those TVs that fits seamlessly into any room, giving a modern and polished look. I placed it in my living room, and honestly, it feels more like a piece of art than just a television. The black finish complements almost any décor, making it versatile for different styles. Its slim profile means it doesn’t take up much space, even when mounted on the wall.

The bezel-less feature goes beyond aesthetics; it actually enhances the viewing experience. Without a bulky frame distracting you, the screen feels immersive, almost as if the content is floating in the room. Whether watching a movie or gaming, the design ensures you’re drawn right into the action.

Picture Quality That Dazzles

I tested this TV with a mix of movies, sports, and streaming shows, and its 4K UltraHD resolution is absolutely stunning. The clarity and detail are truly exceptional, with four times the resolution of a 1080p Full HDTV. Every single detail—whether it’s the texture of an actor’s outfit or the blades of grass on a soccer field—pops in a way that makes you appreciate the technology behind it.

The HDR PRO+ technology made a huge difference. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, which means colors are vivid, contrasts are sharp, and shadows don’t get lost in the mix. I noticed the High Brightness LED Backlight was especially useful during daytime viewing. Even in a room filled with natural light, the screen remained bright and easy to see.

One underrated feature is the Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion. Watching fast-paced action scenes or sports became a joy because the motion clarity is top-notch. No blurring, no stuttering—just smooth visuals that kept me glued to the screen.

Gaming Experience with Auto Game Mode

As someone who enjoys gaming, the Game Accelerator 120 VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) is a game-changer—literally. I played a few rounds of my favorite multiplayer games, and the low input lag combined with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) made every move feel immediate and seamless. It’s rare to find a TV that caters to gamers without needing a separate monitor, but this one nailed it.

The 120Hz refresh rate ensures that even the most graphically intense games run smoothly. Whether you’re into first-person shooters or open-world exploration, the experience feels fluid and immersive. I also appreciated that it automatically switches to game mode when connected to a console, saving me the hassle of adjusting settings manually.

Audio Experience: Dolby Atmos and Enhanced Dialogue Mode

I didn’t expect much from the built-in speakers, but this TV surprised me. The Dolby Atmos technology creates a spatial audio experience that’s surprisingly immersive for built-in sound. Watching movies felt cinematic, with sounds moving around the room in a way I didn’t think was possible without an external soundbar.

For regular TV shows and dialogues, the Enhanced Dialogue Mode is a thoughtful addition. It makes conversations clearer, which is especially helpful during dramas or documentaries where every word matters. While it won’t replace a high-end audio system, the DTS Virtual:X does a great job of delivering 3D sound, making it a solid all-rounder for audio.

Fire TV Integration and Smart Features

The Fire TV experience is seamless and intuitive. It feels like the hub of all my entertainment needs, bringing together apps, live TV, games, and music in one place. With over one million movies and TV episodes available to stream, I never ran out of options. Alexa built-in with the voice remote made searching for content incredibly easy. I could simply say, “Find action movies,” and it would pull up a list—no typing required.

Apple users will love the AirPlay 2 compatibility, which allowed me to stream content directly from my iPhone. It’s incredibly convenient, especially when sharing photos or videos with friends and family. The interface is user-friendly and responsive, making navigation a breeze.

Key Benefits

• Stunning 4K resolution with HDR PRO+ for lifelike visuals.
• Motion Rate 240 ensures smooth viewing for sports and action scenes.
• Gaming-friendly features like Auto Game Mode and VRR.
• Fire TV integration with Alexa voice control simplifies content access.
• Dolby Atmos and Enhanced Dialogue Mode significantly improve audio quality.

Areas for Improvement

• The sound quality, while decent, could use a little more bass. An external soundbar would enhance the experience.
• No HDMI 2.1, which might be a dealbreaker for hardcore gamers looking for future-proofing.
• The remote feels a bit plasticky, and I wish it had a more premium build.

Competing Brands

When comparing this to other 4K Smart TVs in its price range, a few competitors stand out. For example, Samsung’s Crystal UHD line offers similar resolution and HDR features, but it lacks the Fire TV integration and built-in Alexa functionality. On the other hand, LG’s NanoCell models deliver excellent color accuracy but come at a higher price point, making this TCL model a more budget-friendly option.

Where this TV shines is in its gaming capabilities, which outperform many competitors in the same category. The Auto Game Mode and VRR make it an excellent choice for gamers, while others might struggle with input lag. However, for those who prioritize sound quality, some competitors might edge out with better built-in speakers.

Smart Spending

In terms of value for money, this TV delivers an impressive array of features for its price. The combination of 4K resolution, HDR PRO+, Dolby Atmos, and Fire TV integration makes it a well-rounded choice for most households. While it’s not perfect, especially in the sound department, the quality you get for the investment is hard to beat.

If you’re looking for a TV that balances performance, smart features, and gaming capabilities, this one fits the bill without breaking the bank. It’s a solid choice for anyone upgrading their home entertainment setup.

Additional information