TCL 50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV (50S450R, 2023 - Model), Dolby Vision, HDR, Dolby Atmos, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming UHD Television
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AI Verdict
A 50-inch 4K LED TV with a 60Hz refresh rate and Roku TV, best for casual streaming and 60Hz gaming in moderately lit rooms.
This 50-inch 4K LED TV with a 60Hz panel and Roku TV is a strong contender for casual viewing and streaming in controlled lighting. Its support for Dolby Vision and ALLM offers value for its price band, but its limited brightness and narrow viewing angles mean it won't suit every environment or user. If you need better performance in bright rooms or for advanced gaming, look for TVs with higher peak brightness (e.g., 500+ nits) and HDMI 2.1 ports for 120Hz refresh rates.
If you need better performance in bright rooms or for advanced gaming, look for TVs with higher peak brightness (e.g., 500+ nits) and HDMI 2.1 ports for 120Hz refresh rates.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- 4K Ultra HD resolution provides sharp images with four times the detail of 1080p.
- Supports multiple HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG) for enhanced contrast and color.
- Roku TV OS offers a simple, intuitive interface and extensive streaming options.
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM) reduces input lag for responsive gaming experiences.
- FullView metal bezel-less design gives the TV a modern, edge-to-edge appearance.
- Includes four HDMI inputs, with one supporting eARC for simplified audio connections.
Cons
- 60Hz native refresh rate limits advanced gaming features like 4K@120Hz or Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
- Limited brightness struggles in well-lit rooms and prevents HDR highlights from truly standing out.
- Narrow viewing angles cause color and contrast degradation when viewed from off-center positions.
- Audio quality from built-in speakers is average, lacking strong bass or immersive depth.
- The infrared remote requires direct line of sight to the TV for commands to register.
Dimension Scores
4K resolution and HDR support are present, but limited brightness and narrow viewing angles prevent higher scores.
Built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos are present, but user feedback indicates average sound quality, lacking strong bass.
Roku TV is widely praised for its simple, intuitive interface and extensive app selection.
Four HDMI inputs (one with eARC) and a USB port are functional, but the absence of HDMI 2.1 limits its future-proofing for advanced gaming.
Best For
- Casual streaming of 4K content in moderately lit or dark rooms.
- Budget-conscious buyers needing a 50-inch 4K television.
- Console gaming where 60Hz refresh rates are sufficient.
- Users who prioritize a simple, integrated smart TV experience with Roku.
Not Recommended For
- Gamers requiring 4K@120Hz or Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) capabilities.
- Viewers in bright rooms where high peak brightness is essential to combat glare.
- Audiophiles expecting immersive sound without an external sound system.
- Environments requiring wide viewing angles for large group viewing.
Watch Out For
- Brightness isn't ideal for bright rooms, leading to washed-out images in sunlit environments.
- Viewing angles are limited, causing colors and contrast to shift significantly when not viewed head-on.
- The remote is infrared, so you'll need to point it directly at the TV for it to work.
- Lack of HDMI 2.1 means no advanced gaming features like 4K at 120 Hz or VRR.
- Upscaling of lower resolution content is just average, not significantly improving non-4K sources.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C1HZ8QF4 |
| Brand | TCL |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Brand Name | TCL |
| Color Name | Black |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Item Weight | 18.5 Pounds |
| Screen Size | 50 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Speaker Type | Built-In |
| Special Feature | Flat |
| Special Features | Flat |
| Item model number | 50S450R |
| Display Technology | LED |
| Product Dimensions | 3.2 x 43.8 x 25.4 inches |
| Included Components | Stand, Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, Wi-Fi |
| Standing screen display size | 50 Inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users find this 50-inch 4K LED TV a strong value, particularly for its Roku smart platform and 4K picture in darker rooms. However, recurring feedback points to its limitations in bright environments due to low brightness and compromised viewing angles. The audio is generally considered average, often prompting recommendations for a soundbar.
“This TV is pretty good for the price, but seriously, if you got a bright living room, you're gonna be squinting. And the sound? Just get a soundbar, trust me.”
Common Praise
- 4K Ultra HD resolution delivers sharp images with clear detail.
- Roku TV OS is easy to use and offers extensive streaming options.
- Supports multiple HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG) for enhanced color.
- Low input lag with Auto Game Mode makes gaming responsive.
- FullView metal bezel-less design looks modern and blends into rooms.
Common Complaints
- Limited brightness struggles in well-lit rooms and with HDR highlights.
- Narrow viewing angles cause color and contrast degradation off-center.
- Audio quality from built-in speakers is average, lacking depth and strong bass.
- The infrared remote requires direct line of sight to the TV.
- No HDMI 2.1 for advanced gaming features like 4K@120Hz or VRR.
Ownership Tips
- The Roku interface stays responsive even after weeks of use, without significant slowdowns.
- The 'bezel-less' design is visually appealing and makes the screen feel larger than its 50 inches.
- Connecting multiple devices is straightforward with the four HDMI ports, including one eARC.
- The included stand is functional but basic; many users opt for wall mounting for a cleaner look.
- Upscaling of non-4K content is acceptable but not exceptional, sometimes showing softness with lower resolution video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this TV have HDMI 2.1?
No, it has HDMI 2.0 ports, which support 4K at 60Hz, but not advanced features like 4K at 120Hz or VRR.
How is the picture quality for HDR content?
It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, but its limited brightness means HDR highlights won't stand out as much as on higher-end TVs.
Can I use voice commands with this TV?
Yes, it works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, but you'll need the Roku app or a compatible device for voice control.
Is this TV good for gaming?
It has Auto Game Mode (ALLM) for low input lag, which is good for casual gaming at 60Hz, but it lacks HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and 4K@120Hz.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes, some users report a Bluetooth audio option for connecting headphones or speakers.
What is 'Motion Rate 120'?
Motion Rate 120 combines multiple motion enhancement technologies to improve motion clarity, but the native refresh rate is 60Hz.
Buying Guide
When buying a 4K TV like this, you need to think about where it's going. If your room gets a lot of sun, a TV with limited brightness will look washed out. Also, if you're planning on having a bunch of people watch from different spots, narrow viewing angles mean folks on the sides won't see the best picture.
resolution (4K)
This means the TV has 3840x2160 pixels, which is four times more detail than old 1080p TVs. It's like having a super clear photo versus a slightly blurry one – everything looks sharper, especially on a 50-inch screen.
refresh_rate (60Hz)
This is how many times the screen updates per second. 60Hz is standard for movies and regular TV, like flipping through a book of pictures 60 times a second. If you're a serious gamer, you might want a higher number for smoother action.
HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG)
High Dynamic Range makes the bright parts of the picture brighter and the dark parts darker, with more colors in between. Think of it like seeing more shades in a sunset, making the image pop more realistically, but it needs enough brightness to really shine.
Alternatives
If you need a TV for a very bright room or for high-frame-rate gaming, look for models with higher peak brightness specifications and HDMI 2.1 ports.
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