TCL has been making waves in the TV market for a few years now, offering a great value proposition for budget-conscious consumers. Their 5-Series has been a particular standout, earning praise for its excellent picture quality and smart features. This year, the 5-Series has gotten an upgrade with the S555 model, which promises even better performance and a more refined design.
We’ve put the TCL 5-Series S555 through its paces to see how it stacks up against the competition. We’ll be digging into the picture quality, sound performance, smart features, and overall value.
We’ll also be comparing it to other TVs in its price range, including the Samsung UN55AU8000F and the LG OLED55C1PUB. This will help you decide if the TCL 5-Series S555 is the right TV for you.
So, if you’re looking for a great TV that won’t break the bank, the TCL 5-Series S555 is definitely worth considering. Read on to find out if it’s the perfect TV for you!
| Name: | TCL 5-Series (S555) |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
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TCL 5-Series (S555) Review
The TCL 5-Series (S555) is a solid mid-range TV that offers excellent value for money. It’s a great option for those looking for a TV with a good picture quality, decent sound, and a wide range of smart features, without breaking the bank.
The S555 boasts a vibrant 4K display with HDR support, delivering a visually impressive experience for movies, TV shows, and gaming. The colors are rich and accurate, with good contrast and black levels. While it might not be as bright as some higher-end models, the S555 still offers a satisfying viewing experience.
The integrated sound system is also decent, providing clear and crisp audio for most content. While it doesn’t match the performance of dedicated soundbars, it’s more than adequate for everyday use.
The S555 runs on the Roku TV operating system, which is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive streaming app selection. Navigating the menu is a breeze, and you’ll have access to a plethora of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more.
In terms of connectivity, the S555 offers a good selection of ports, including HDMI, USB, and an Ethernet port. It also supports Bluetooth, allowing you to connect wireless headphones or speakers.
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While the S555 isn’t specifically marketed as a gaming TV, it still performs well with gaming. The input lag is low, making for a responsive gaming experience.
Overall, the TCL 5-Series (S555) is an excellent choice for those looking for a well-rounded TV with a good balance of features and performance at a reasonable price. If you’re searching for a solid mid-range option that offers great value for money, the S555 is definitely worth considering.
Design and Build Quality
The TCL 5-Series (S555) boasts a sleek and modern design that complements most home decors. The TV features thin bezels around the screen, giving it a minimalist aesthetic. The back of the TV is relatively flat, making it easy to mount on a wall. While the stand is made from plastic, it provides a stable base for the TV and blends in well with the overall design. The build quality feels solid, with no noticeable flex or creaking. The TV is also relatively lightweight, making it easier to move around if necessary. However, it’s worth noting that the TCL 5-Series (S555) doesn’t come with a cable management system, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users. Overall, the design and build quality of the TCL 5-Series (S555) are impressive, offering a well-constructed TV that looks good and performs well.
Picture Quality
The TCL 5-Series (S555) delivers impressive picture quality for its price point, offering a vibrant and detailed viewing experience. At the heart of its performance is the Quantum Dot technology, which is responsible for the vibrant colors and excellent contrast. You’ll notice a noticeable difference in the richness and depth of colors compared to standard LED TVs, especially when watching HDR content. The TV does a good job of handling both dark and bright scenes, making it suitable for a variety of viewing environments.
While the 5-Series doesn’t quite reach the level of detail and brightness found in higher-end QLED TVs, it still offers a significant step up from basic LED TVs, especially considering its affordability. The picture quality holds up well even in brightly lit rooms, thanks to its good peak brightness and anti-glare screen. While motion blur can be noticeable in fast-paced action scenes, the 120Hz refresh rate does a decent job of reducing motion blur and judder, making it a decent option for gamers as well.
Overall, the TCL 5-Series (S555) delivers a very solid picture quality that punches above its weight, offering a vibrant, detailed, and engaging viewing experience. It’s a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly TV with excellent image quality, and it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new TV.
Sound Quality
The TCL 5-Series (S555) boasts a decent sound system for a mid-range TV, offering clear dialogue and a surprisingly immersive audio experience for casual viewing. While it doesn’t match the sonic prowess of high-end TVs with dedicated soundbars or Dolby Atmos support, it punches above its weight in terms of overall audio quality.
The built-in speakers are front-facing, which helps with sound projection and creates a wider soundstage compared to bottom-firing speakers. This results in a more engaging audio experience, especially when watching action movies or listening to music.
The 5-Series (S555) features a dedicated sound mode that enhances dialogue clarity. This is a welcome addition, as it makes it easier to follow conversations even in scenes with loud background noise. This feature is particularly useful for those who find it challenging to understand dialogue in some movies and shows.
While the 5-Series (S555) doesn’t offer the same level of detail and bass response as a dedicated soundbar, it still delivers a surprisingly immersive sound experience for casual viewing. The speakers are capable of producing a respectable amount of volume, though it may not be loud enough for larger rooms or for those who prefer a more cinematic audio experience.
Overall, the TCL 5-Series (S555) delivers a decent audio experience for its price range. It won’t blow you away with its sound quality, but it offers a clear and enjoyable listening experience for everyday viewing. For those who want to elevate their audio experience, pairing the 5-Series (S555) with an external soundbar is a recommended option.
Smart Features and Operating System
The TCL 5-Series (S555) runs on the Google TV operating system, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience. You’ll be greeted by a clean and organized home screen with personalized recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences. The Google TV platform offers a wide selection of streaming apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and many others.
Navigating through the interface is a breeze thanks to the responsive remote control. The voice search functionality powered by Google Assistant is very helpful, allowing you to easily find specific content or control various smart home devices. You can also use voice commands to adjust volume, switch inputs, and launch apps.
One of the standout features of the Google TV platform is its robust content discovery capabilities. Google TV aggregates content from various streaming services, making it easier to find what you want to watch without having to browse through multiple apps. The platform also provides curated recommendations based on your viewing preferences, helping you discover new shows and movies that you might enjoy.
In terms of smart features, the TCL 5-Series (S555) comes with built-in Chromecast, enabling you to easily cast content from your smartphone or laptop to the TV. The TV also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control the TV using voice commands. You can ask your voice assistant to play specific content, adjust the volume, or change the input.
Another notable feature is the support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which enhances the overall picture quality and provides a more immersive viewing experience. The TCL 5-Series (S555) also comes with a built-in Roku TV app, providing access to a vast library of streaming content. This allows you to seamlessly switch between Google TV and Roku TV platforms, giving you even more options for entertainment. Overall, the TCL 5-Series (S555) offers a compelling combination of smart features and a user-friendly operating system, making it a great option for those looking for a smart TV that delivers a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.
Connectivity and Ports
The TCL 5-Series (S555) offers a comprehensive selection of connectivity options to cater to various needs. It boasts four HDMI ports, making it easy to connect multiple devices like streaming sticks, gaming consoles, and cable boxes. Three of these HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 compliant, supporting features like 4K at 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ensuring smooth gameplay and cinematic viewing experiences.
Additionally, the TV comes equipped with two USB ports for connecting external storage devices like flash drives or hard drives to playback media content or record live TV. For audio enthusiasts, the S555 features an optical audio output to connect to external sound systems for a more immersive audio experience.
The TCL 5-Series also supports various wireless connectivity options including dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable internet connectivity and Bluetooth for pairing wireless headphones, speakers, or other compatible devices. It’s also equipped with an Ethernet port for wired internet connectivity, providing a more stable connection for streaming and online gaming. These comprehensive connectivity features provide users with flexibility and convenience in connecting various devices and enjoying a range of multimedia experiences.
Gaming Performance
The TCL 5-Series (S555) isn’t built for hardcore gamers, but it can still deliver a decent gaming experience. With support for 4K resolution at 60Hz, you’ll enjoy smooth visuals with minimal lag. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) ensures a more responsive gaming experience. This helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a more seamless gameplay experience. While these features are great for console gaming, PC gamers might want to look elsewhere, as there’s no support for FreeSync or G-Sync. The TCL 5-Series (S555) also boasts a low input lag, which is important for fast-paced games where responsiveness is crucial. You’ll notice a slight delay between your controller inputs and the on-screen action, but it’s minimal enough to not be a significant detriment to the overall gaming experience. While the TCL 5-Series (S555) isn’t the ultimate gaming TV, it’s a solid choice for casual gamers who want a decent experience without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
The TCL 5-Series (S555) is a solid mid-range TV that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It boasts excellent picture quality for the price, good sound quality, and a wide range of smart features. However, it’s not without its shortcomings. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
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Pros:
- Excellent Picture Quality: The TCL 5-Series (S555) delivers impressive picture quality for its price range. It utilizes Quantum Dot technology, which enhances color accuracy and provides a wider color gamut. The HDR support, including Dolby Vision HDR, further enhances contrast and detail, resulting in a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
- Good Sound Quality: While not exceptional, the sound quality on the TCL 5-Series (S555) is good for a TV in this price range. The built-in speakers are loud enough for most rooms and provide decent clarity. If you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience, you can always connect an external soundbar.
- Smart Features: The TCL 5-Series (S555) is packed with smart features, including Google TV. This operating system provides access to a vast library of streaming apps, voice control via Google Assistant, and personalized recommendations. It also supports Chromecast built-in, allowing you to easily cast content from your smartphone or tablet.
- Value for Money: The TCL 5-Series (S555) is an excellent value for money. It offers a combination of excellent picture quality, good sound quality, and a wide range of smart features at a very affordable price.
Cons:
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- Limited Viewing Angles: The TCL 5-Series (S555) has limited viewing angles, which means that picture quality can degrade when viewed from the sides. If you plan on watching TV with a large group, this could be a significant drawback.
- Basic Design: The design of the TCL 5-Series (S555) is pretty basic. While it’s not ugly, it lacks the premium aesthetic of some higher-end TVs.
- No Local Dimming: The lack of local dimming means that the TCL 5-Series (S555) doesn’t have the same level of contrast and black levels as some other TVs in its price range. While it’s still a good TV overall, this is something to keep in mind if you’re a serious home theater enthusiast.
- No HDMI 2.1: This TV lacks HDMI 2.1, which limits its capabilities for gaming, especially with next-gen consoles that support 4K/120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). While it still supports 4K resolution and HDR, the lack of HDMI 2.1 could be a dealbreaker for gamers.
Conclusion
The TCL 5-Series (S555) is a compelling option for budget-conscious TV shoppers who want a solid picture quality with a smattering of smart features. While it doesn’t quite match the vibrant color performance and high-end features of more premium TVs, the 5-Series delivers great value for its price. The 4K resolution provides crisp and detailed images, and the Quantum Dot technology enhances color accuracy and vibrancy. Although the sound quality is decent for everyday viewing, audiophiles might prefer an external soundbar for a more immersive experience. The Roku TV operating system is user-friendly and offers a vast library of streaming apps, making it easy to access your favorite content.
Ultimately, the TCL 5-Series (S555) shines as a budget-friendly TV that offers a great balance of features and performance. If you’re looking for a TV that won’t break the bank and delivers a satisfying viewing experience, the 5-Series is a strong contender.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a TV that offers a similar level of picture quality and features as the TCL 5-Series (S555) but with some differences, there are a few alternatives worth considering:
- Hisense U8K: The Hisense U8K is another great option in the mid-range category. It offers similar picture quality to the TCL 5-Series, with excellent HDR performance and vibrant colors. It also features a sleek design and a powerful sound system. The U8K typically costs slightly more than the TCL 5-Series, but it might be worth the extra investment for some users.
- Samsung Q60A: For those who prioritize smart features and a user-friendly interface, the Samsung Q60A is a solid choice. It features a QLED panel with good color accuracy and contrast, and it runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which is known for its simplicity and app selection. The Q60A is generally priced similar to the TCL 5-Series.
- LG OLED48C1PUB: If you’re looking for the ultimate picture quality, an OLED TV is the way to go. The LG OLED48C1PUB offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles. It’s also incredibly thin and stylish. However, OLED TVs typically cost more than LCD TVs, and they can be susceptible to burn-in if you watch static content for extended periods.
- Vizio M-Series: Vizio’s M-Series is a budget-friendly alternative to the TCL 5-Series. It offers good picture quality for the price, with solid HDR performance and wide color gamut. It also features Vizio’s M-Series Quantum Color technology, which helps improve color accuracy and vibrancy. The M-Series is generally cheaper than the TCL 5-Series, but it might lack some of the advanced features and smart functionality.
Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider your priorities, such as picture quality, smart features, sound system, and price, and choose the TV that best suits your requirements.
Pricing and Availability
The TCL 5-Series (S555) is available in a range of sizes, from 43 inches to 75 inches. The pricing for each size can vary depending on the retailer and any sales or promotions that may be running. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay around $400 for the 43-inch model, $500 for the 50-inch model, $600 for the 55-inch model, $700 for the 65-inch model, and $1,000 for the 75-inch model.
The TCL 5-Series (S555) is widely available from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Some of the most popular retailers that carry this TV include Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and TCL’s own website. It’s worth comparing prices across different retailers to find the best deal.
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You can also find the TCL 5-Series (S555) at other smaller electronics retailers and even some department stores. Make sure to check local listings and online marketplaces for the best deals in your area.
Remember to factor in the cost of delivery or pickup when comparing prices. Some retailers offer free shipping or in-store pickup, while others may charge a fee.
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When purchasing a TV, it’s always a good idea to read customer reviews and compare specifications to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
The TCL 5-Series (S555) is a great value for the price, offering excellent picture quality for the money. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a solid 4K TV with HDR support without breaking the bank. While the smart TV features are a bit basic, the excellent picture quality and affordable price make the TCL 5-Series (S555) a very compelling option.
One of the biggest strengths of the TCL 5-Series (S555) is its excellent picture quality. The TV delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. It’s also very bright, which makes it ideal for watching TV in brightly lit rooms. The 5-Series (S555) also features a 120Hz refresh rate, which helps to reduce motion blur and provide a smoother viewing experience.
The TCL 5-Series (S555) also has some weaknesses. The smart TV features are a bit basic, and the TV lacks some of the advanced features found on more expensive TVs. For example, it doesn’t have Dolby Vision HDR support. However, for the price, the TCL 5-Series (S555) offers a great value and is a solid choice for anyone looking for a quality 4K TV.
Overall, the TCL 5-Series (S555) is a great value for the price. It offers excellent picture quality, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a variety of features that make it a great choice for most viewers. If you’re looking for a solid 4K TV without breaking the bank, the TCL 5-Series (S555) is definitely worth considering.
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