Looking for a budget-friendly 65-inch TV that delivers impressive picture quality and smart features? Look no further than the TCL 65S445. This 4K TV, packed with Dolby Vision HDR, is a great option for those seeking a big-screen experience without breaking the bank. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the world of the TCL 65S445 and see if it’s the right TV for you.
The TCL 65S445 is a smart TV with Google TV operating system, offering a smooth and user-friendly interface for streaming your favorite content. You can access popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as a wide range of other apps, right from the TV itself. The 65S445 also features a powerful processor that ensures smooth performance and quick response times, making navigating the menu and browsing apps a breeze.
But how does the TCL 65S445 perform in terms of picture quality? The 65S445 boasts a 4K resolution screen with Dolby Vision HDR, which delivers rich, vibrant colors and deep blacks for a truly immersive viewing experience. With a fast response time and high refresh rate, you can enjoy smooth motion even during fast-paced action scenes. However, it’s important to note that the TV does not have local dimming, which can affect contrast levels in some situations.
In conclusion, the TCL 65S445 offers a compelling blend of features and affordability, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. But is the picture quality good enough to compete with other brands in the same price range? Stay tuned for our full review to find out if the TCL 65S445 is truly a value champion.
| Name: | TCL 65S445 |
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| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
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TCL 65S445: A Budget-Friendly 4K TV?
The TCL 65S445 is a 65-inch 4K TV that aims to provide a great viewing experience without breaking the bank. It features a Quantum Dot display, Dolby Vision HDR, and Google TV, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. But is it really a good deal? Let’s delve into the details and find out.
Right off the bat, the TCL 65S445 boasts a sleek and modern design that complements most home décor. Its thin bezels and minimalist stand give it a premium look, despite its budget-friendly price point. While it might not have the luxurious feel of high-end TVs, its overall construction feels solid and durable, ensuring that it can withstand everyday use.
One of the most important aspects of any TV is its picture quality, and the TCL 65S445 delivers a decent performance for its price. The 4K resolution provides crisp and detailed images, making everything from movies to video games look sharp and vibrant. The Quantum Dot technology enhances color accuracy and saturation, resulting in a wide color gamut that brings out the richness of your favorite content. However, it’s worth noting that while the 65S445 supports Dolby Vision HDR, the HDR performance might not be as impressive as some higher-end models. While the HDR capability adds some depth and contrast, you might not see the same level of detail and dynamic range that you would find in more expensive TVs.
When it comes to sound quality, the TCL 65S445 has built-in speakers that offer decent sound for casual viewing. The audio is clear and balanced, but lacks the richness and immersive experience you might find in a dedicated sound system. For those who desire a more immersive cinematic experience, connecting external speakers or a soundbar is recommended.
The TCL 65S445 runs on Google TV, which provides a user-friendly interface with a wide selection of streaming apps. Navigating through the menus and finding your favorite content is a breeze. Google TV also offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, making it easy to discover new shows and movies. However, some users might find the interface slightly slow at times.
For gamers, the TCL 65S445 offers decent gaming performance with a relatively low input lag, making gameplay feel smooth and responsive. The game mode helps to minimize lag further, ensuring a more enjoyable gaming experience. While it might not be the best choice for hardcore gamers who prioritize lightning-fast response times, the 65S445 should be sufficient for casual gamers and those who enjoy console or PC gaming occasionally.
The TCL 65S445 offers a decent range of connectivity options, including multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, and an Ethernet connection. It also supports Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream content wirelessly from your devices.
Design and Build Quality
The TCL 65S445 boasts a sleek and modern design that’s sure to blend in with most living room setups. Its thin bezels, measuring just a fraction of an inch, create a near-borderless viewing experience that’s immersive and visually appealing. The TV’s black, minimalist frame complements the 65-inch 4K display and adds a touch of sophistication to its appearance.
While the TCL 65S445 doesn’t offer any fancy bells and whistles, it does come with a sturdy stand that provides a stable base for the large screen. The stand is made of metal and has a simple, elegant design that doesn’t detract from the TV’s overall aesthetic. If you prefer to wall mount the TV, it also includes VESA mount compatibility, allowing you to easily mount it on a compatible wall bracket.
The build quality of the TCL 65S445 is generally solid, although it does feel slightly less premium than some higher-priced models. The plastic back panel and some of the buttons feel a little flimsy, but it’s important to note that this is expected at this price point. The TV is not particularly heavy, making it relatively easy to move and position in your home. Overall, the TCL 65S445 strikes a good balance between affordability and decent build quality. While it may not have the same premium feel as some of its competitors, it offers a robust and reliable performance for everyday use.
Picture Quality: 4K Resolution and HDR Performance
The TCL 65S445 boasts a 4K resolution, offering four times the pixels of a standard 1080p display. This translates to a sharp and detailed picture, especially when viewing high-resolution content like 4K Blu-rays or streaming services. However, the real star of the show is its HDR performance. The TV supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, two of the most popular HDR formats. HDR, or High Dynamic Range, enhances the contrast, color, and brightness of the image, resulting in a more realistic and immersive viewing experience.
You’ll notice a noticeable difference in the depth and detail of images, especially in scenes with a wide range of light and shadow. Darker areas appear richer and more detailed, while brighter areas are more vibrant and impactful. The TCL 65S445 delivers a compelling HDR experience, though it’s worth noting that the brightness levels may not be as extreme as on some higher-end models.
Overall, the TCL 65S445 delivers a solid picture quality, thanks to its 4K resolution and HDR support. While it may not be the most technologically advanced TV out there, it provides an excellent value for its price, offering a significant improvement in image quality over standard 1080p TVs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly TV with a good blend of features and performance, the 65S445 is definitely worth considering.
Sound Quality: Speakers and Audio Performance
The TCL 65S445 boasts a pair of built-in speakers that deliver decent sound quality for everyday viewing. You won’t be blown away by the audio performance, but it’s sufficient for casual watching and TV shows. However, if you’re an audiophile or enjoy immersive movie experiences, you’ll likely want to invest in a separate soundbar or home theater system.
The speakers lack the depth and richness of higher-end models, particularly in the bass department. Bass frequencies can sound a bit thin and lacking impact, especially during action-packed scenes or music with heavy basslines. While the dialogue is generally clear and understandable, it can sometimes get drowned out by louder sound effects or music.
Overall, the audio performance is average for a TV in this price range. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you prioritize audio quality. For casual viewers who aren’t overly concerned with sound, the built-in speakers will suffice. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience, you’ll want to consider investing in external speakers or a soundbar.
Smart TV Features: Google TV and User Interface
The TCL 65S445 runs on Google TV, which is a user-friendly and intuitive operating system. The interface is clean and well-organized, making it easy to navigate through the various menus and options. You can access a vast library of streaming apps, including popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. The Google TV platform also offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences.
One of the key benefits of Google TV is its voice search functionality. Simply press the microphone button on your remote and speak your desired search query, and the system will quickly and accurately find what you’re looking for. You can use voice search to find specific movies or shows, browse channels, adjust the volume, or even control smart home devices.
Another great feature of Google TV is its seamless integration with other Google services. For example, you can easily access your Google Photos library on your TV and enjoy slideshows of your favorite pictures. You can also cast content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV using Google Chromecast.
Overall, the TCL 65S445‘s Google TV experience is highly satisfying. It provides a fast, responsive, and feature-rich platform for accessing all your favorite entertainment content. The ease of use and personalized recommendations make it a pleasure to navigate, while the voice search and integration with Google services add extra convenience.
Gaming: Input Lag and Game Mode
The TCL 65S445 delivers a decent gaming experience, especially considering its budget-friendly price. It boasts a dedicated Game Mode that optimizes settings for smoother gameplay. However, input lag is a bit of a concern. While it’s not terrible, it’s not as low as some higher-end gaming TVs.
For casual gamers, the input lag shouldn’t be a major issue. You’ll still be able to enjoy fast-paced games like shooters and action titles. But if you’re a competitive gamer who requires lightning-fast response times, you might want to consider a model with lower input lag.
The Game Mode on the TCL 65S445 reduces input lag by disabling certain image processing features that can introduce latency. It also enables features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which help to minimize screen tearing and stuttering. VRR is particularly helpful for console gaming, as it ensures a smooth and consistent frame rate, while ALLM automatically switches the TV to its lowest latency mode when a gaming console is connected.
Overall, the TCL 65S445 is a solid choice for gamers who are on a budget. It offers a good balance of features and performance, with the Game Mode being a welcome addition. However, if you’re a serious gamer who demands the absolute lowest input lag, you might want to consider a more expensive model with a dedicated gaming mode and other advanced features like HDMI 2.1.
Connectivity: Ports and Wireless Options
The TCL 65S445 boasts a solid selection of ports and wireless options for connecting your devices and enjoying your entertainment. On the rear panel, you’ll find four HDMI ports, all supporting HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) for simplified audio connectivity to your soundbar or AV receiver. You also get two USB ports, ideal for connecting external storage devices like hard drives or flash drives for playing media files or recording live TV.
For internet connectivity, the TCL 65S445 is equipped with both wired Ethernet and built-in Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi support includes both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, ensuring a stable and speedy connection for streaming content and online gaming.
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Additionally, the TV includes an optical audio output for connecting to external sound systems, a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, and an RF input for connecting an antenna for over-the-air broadcasts. The inclusion of these various ports and wireless options provides a comprehensive connectivity experience, accommodating different user needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: The TCL 65S445 is a budget-friendly option compared to other 65-inch 4K TVs with similar features.
- Excellent Picture Quality: The 4K resolution and HDR support deliver vivid, detailed images with good color accuracy.
- Smooth Motion: The 120Hz refresh rate helps with smoother motion in fast-paced content like sports and action movies.
- Good Sound Quality: The built-in speakers are surprisingly decent for a TV at this price point, offering clear and balanced audio.
- Smart TV Features: Google TV provides a user-friendly interface with access to a vast library of streaming apps and services.
- Easy to Use: The remote control is intuitive, and the on-screen menu is simple to navigate.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: The TCL 65S445 offers a range of ports, including HDMI 2.1 for gaming consoles and a USB port for external storage.
Cons:
- Limited Viewing Angles: The picture quality can degrade when viewed from off-axis, particularly with blacks and dark scenes.
- No Dolby Vision Support: While the TV supports HDR10 and HDR10+, it lacks Dolby Vision support, which can affect the quality of some streaming content.
- Average Brightness: The TCL 65S445 has a decent brightness level for home viewing, but it might struggle in brightly lit rooms or during daylight.
- No Built-in Subwoofer: While the sound quality is generally good, the lack of a dedicated subwoofer can limit the bass response.
- Limited Gaming Features: The TV lacks advanced gaming features like HDMI VRR and FreeSync, which can be helpful for smoother gameplay.
Conclusion: Is the TCL 65S445 Worth Buying?
The TCL 65S445 is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a 65-inch 4K TV with decent picture quality and smart TV features. It delivers vibrant colors, good contrast, and acceptable motion handling for the price. While the sound quality is average, the inclusion of Google TV provides a vast library of streaming content and a user-friendly interface. The 65S445’s gaming performance is also decent, although it’s not ideal for hardcore gamers. However, its limited HDR support might be a dealbreaker for some. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4K TV with a large screen and decent picture quality, the TCL 65S445 is worth considering. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are better alternatives available that offer more advanced features and superior performance. Ultimately, the TCL 65S445 is a good value proposition for those who prioritize affordability and screen size over cutting-edge picture quality or audio performance.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the TCL 65S445, there are a few great options available in a similar price range. Here are a couple of suggestions, considering both budget-friendly options and models that offer slightly higher performance:
- Hisense U8K Series: The Hisense U8K Series offers a similar size and 4K resolution but boasts better HDR performance thanks to its Quantum Dot technology. While it might be slightly more expensive than the TCL 65S445, the enhanced picture quality is worth considering for many users.
- Samsung Q60A Series: For a comparable price, the Samsung Q60A Series also provides 4K resolution and a QLED display, offering better color accuracy and contrast compared to the TCL 65S445. Additionally, the Q60A boasts excellent smart TV features and user interface, making it a strong contender.
- Vizio M-Series: Vizio’s M-Series is known for its value proposition, offering 4K resolution and decent HDR performance at an attractive price point. While it may not match the peak brightness of the TCL 65S445, it provides a good picture quality for the cost.
- TCL 65S545: If you’re looking for a slightly higher-end model from TCL, the 65S545 offers a better picture quality and more advanced smart TV features, including Dolby Vision HDR support.
Ultimately, the best alternative for you depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for the absolute best picture quality, the Hisense U8K or Samsung Q60A might be worth considering. If you prioritize value and decent performance, the Vizio M-Series or the TCL 65S545 are excellent choices.
Final Thoughts
The TCL 65S445 is a great option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a large-screen 4K TV with decent picture quality and smart features. While it may not be the most feature-rich or high-performance model on the market, it delivers a solid overall experience. The TV’s strengths lie in its vibrant colors, 4K resolution, and easy-to-use Google TV interface. However, its sound quality could be better, and its gaming performance may not satisfy hardcore gamers. Ultimately, if you’re looking for an affordable 65-inch TV with a good balance of features and performance, the TCL 65S445 is definitely worth considering.
Overall, the TCL 65S445 is a solid choice for budget-minded consumers looking for a large screen TV with decent picture quality and smart features. Its 4K resolution, HDR support, and Dolby Atmos audio deliver an immersive viewing experience. The Roku TV operating system is user-friendly and offers a vast selection of streaming apps. However, the TV’s performance in darker scenes and the lack of local dimming could be drawbacks for some users.
While the TCL 65S445 may not be the best option for serious movie buffs or gamers, it excels as a value-oriented TV for everyday viewing. Its large screen size, excellent smart features, and affordable price make it a compelling option for those on a tight budget.
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If you’re looking for a TV that delivers a decent picture quality and smart functionality without breaking the bank, the TCL 65S445 is worth considering. It’s a great choice for casual viewers and those who prioritize screen size and smart features over top-of-the-line picture quality.
Ultimately, the TCL 65S445 is a budget-friendly TV that punches above its weight. It’s a solid option for those who want a big screen with good performance and smart features without paying a premium price.
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