TCL 55S421 4-Series 55 Inch 4K Roku TV review and performance insights

Description

Immersive Picture Quality and Design

Testing the TCL 55S421 55-inch Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV was genuinely an enjoyable experience. Right out of the box, the sleek, modern design impressed me. It doesn’t scream for attention but fits seamlessly into any room aesthetic. The 55-inch screen size is perfect for a medium or large living room, and the 16:9 aspect ratio ensures a cinematic experience. What caught my eye the most was its 4K Ultra HD resolution, offering four times the detail of standard Full HD. Watching nature documentaries on this TV felt like looking out of a crystal-clear window. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, which enhances brightness and color accuracy, elevates the viewing experience to a whole new level.

The flat-panel design is not just a stylistic choice. It eliminates glares and reflections effectively, which is a huge plus if you have a brightly lit living space. Even after prolonged use, the aesthetics and performance of this TV remained consistent.

Navigation and User Interface

This is where the Roku Smart TV integration truly shines. As someone who despises fiddling with overly complicated menus, I found the interface incredibly intuitive. The home screen displays all your favorite apps, streaming services, and even the connected devices in one place. No more hunting through input sources—everything is just there. Setting up my streaming accounts, including Netflix and Hulu, took mere minutes.

The endless entertainment options on Roku are genuinely staggering. With access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes, alongside live sports, news, and even niche channels like science and fitness, you won’t run out of content anytime soon. It’s like having the entire world of entertainment at your fingertips. While testing, I even stumbled upon some foreign language channels, which were a pleasant surprise.

Performance and Upscaling

If you’re like me and still own a mix of HD content (hello, old Blu-ray collection), the 4K Creative Pro Upscaling will be your new best friend. It does an impressive job of converting HD content to near-4K quality. Watching older movies and shows felt like reliving them with a fresh, modern touch. The 16-watt speakers, while sufficient for casual use, might not satisfy audiophiles. Pairing this TV with a soundbar or external speakers could significantly enhance your experience if you’re picky about sound quality.

Gaming on this TV was another highlight. The response time felt adequate for a casual gamer like me, and the visuals were simply stunning. I didn’t notice any input lag, even during fast-paced action games.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional 4K Ultra HD resolution for enhanced clarity and detail.
• High Dynamic Range (HDR) for bright, lifelike colors.
• Roku Smart TV integration for simplified navigation and access to thousands of channels.
• 4K Creative Pro Upscaling ensures older HD content looks almost as good as native 4K.
• Elegant, flat design fits seamlessly into any room decor.

Areas for Improvement

While this TV impressed me on many fronts, there are a few shortcomings to consider:

• The 16-watt speakers are decent but lack depth and bass.
• The plastic build quality isn’t as premium as some competitors.
• The remote, while functional, feels a bit flimsy and basic.

These aren’t deal-breakers but are worth keeping in mind, especially if sound quality or build materials are high on your priority list.

Competing Products

In comparison to other models like the Samsung TU8000 and the LG NanoCell series, the TCL 55S421 holds its ground quite well. The Samsung TU8000, for instance, offers slightly better color calibration out-of-the-box and a more premium build. However, it falls short in terms of Roku’s user-friendly interface, which I found to be a significant advantage in the TCL model.

The LG NanoCell series is another strong competitor with its vibrant color accuracy and AI upscaling capabilities, but it comes at a higher price point. If budget and ease of use are your priorities, this TCL model is the better choice. Its simple navigation system, coupled with the robust Roku platform, makes it more accessible and versatile for everyday use.

Worth Every Penny

Discussing the value proposition, this TV strikes a commendable balance between features and affordability. While it doesn’t have the ultra-premium build of pricier brands, it offers excellent picture quality and seamless streaming capabilities at a fraction of the cost. The budget-friendly nature of this model makes it an excellent choice for someone looking for a 4K Smart TV without breaking the bank. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just watching regular cable, it delivers a high-quality experience that feels worth every penny.

This TV may not be the ultimate choice for audiophiles or those seeking ultra-premium builds, but for the average user looking for an immersive, hassle-free viewing experience, it’s tough to beat.

Additional information