TCL 43-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV (43S450R, 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
This 43-inch 4K LED TV with Roku TV and a 60Hz panel is for budget-conscious viewers who prioritize streaming and casual gaming in a dim room.
This 43-inch 4K LED TV is a situational fit, offering 4K resolution and Dolby Vision support for detailed viewing, especially with its Roku TV OS for streaming. However, its 60Hz panel, lack of local dimming, and limited brightness mean it struggles in bright environments and for high-performance gaming. It works best as a secondary screen or in controlled lighting conditions.
If you need better performance in bright rooms or for advanced gaming, look for TVs with higher peak brightness (e.g., 500+ nits), full array local dimming, and a 120Hz native refresh rate.
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Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- Displays 4K Ultra HD resolution, providing 4X the detail of 1080p Full HDTVs
- Supports HDR PRO formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for enhanced contrast and accurate colors
- Features Roku TV OS, which is user-friendly and offers thousands of streaming apps
- Includes Auto Game Mode (ALLM) for reduced input lag and latency during gaming
- Equipped with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience
- Offers a FullView Metal Bezel-less Design, providing an elegant edge-to-edge glass appearance
Cons
- The 60Hz native refresh rate limits motion clarity for fast-paced content and high-end gaming
- Lacks local dimming, which impacts contrast and black levels
- Exhibits limited viewing angles, causing picture quality to fade when viewed off-center
- Struggles with brightness in HDR, making specular highlights not stand out in bright rooms
- The included remote is basic, IR-only, and lacks backlighting, making it clunky in the dark
- Audio from the built-in 10W speakers has minimal bass and lacks spatial dimension
Dimension Scores
Offers 4K resolution and Dolby Vision, but the 60Hz panel, lack of local dimming, and limited brightness for HDR prevent higher scores.
Includes Dolby Atmos, but the 10W built-in speakers deliver minimal bass and lack spatial dimension, making a soundbar almost necessary for immersion.
Roku TV OS is intuitive and user-friendly with extensive app support, though some users report occasional interface slowness.
The 43-inch size is standard, and it provides 3 HDMI inputs (one ARC), 1 USB port, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, which is adequate for most users.
Best For
- Secondary TV setups in bedrooms or kitchens for streaming 4K content
- Casual gaming where low input lag is prioritized over high refresh rates
- Watching movies and shows in dimly lit rooms where glare is not an issue
- Users who prefer the intuitive Roku TV smart platform for app access
Not Recommended For
- Primary living room TV in brightly lit spaces due to glare issues and insufficient HDR brightness
- Serious gamers requiring 120Hz refresh rates or VRR for competitive play
- Viewers who frequently watch from wide angles, as picture quality degrades off-center
- Audiophiles expecting rich, spatial sound without an external sound system
Watch Out For
- The display has heavy glare issues and performs poorly in ambient lighting, making it difficult to watch in bright rooms
- Viewing angles are narrow; sitting off to one side causes the picture quality to fade and look washed out
- The remote is IR-only and lacks backlighting, which can be inconvenient for navigation in low light
- HDR content may appear dull and muted because the TV cannot display a wide color gamut and lacks sufficient brightness for highlights
- The user interface can occasionally be slow, impacting navigation responsiveness
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C1J14MZT |
| Brand | TCL |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Brand Name | TCL |
| Color Name | Black |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Item Weight | 19.96 pounds |
| Screen Size | 43 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Speaker Type | Built-In |
| Special Feature | Flat |
| Special Features | Flat |
| Item model number | 43S450R |
| Display Technology | LED |
| Product Dimensions | 3.1 x 37.7 x 22 inches |
| Included Components | Stand, Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, Wi-Fi |
| Standing screen display size | 43 Inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users find this 43-inch TCL TV to be a strong value for its price, especially for streaming 4K content and casual gaming. The Roku TV interface is frequently praised for its ease of use and app selection. However, recurring complaints highlight its limitations in bright rooms due to glare and insufficient HDR brightness. The 60Hz panel and basic remote are also common points of criticism, indicating it's not for those seeking a premium viewing or gaming experience.
“Honestly, for the money, it's pretty sweet for my bedroom. Roku is so easy, but man, if the sun hits it, forget about seeing anything. And that remote? Seriously, no backlight? What year is this?!”
Common Praise
- The 4K picture quality is sharp and detailed for the price point
- Roku TV OS is intuitive and easy to navigate, with access to many streaming services
- Dolby Vision support makes HDR content look more contrasty and with good color reproduction
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM) provides low input lag, making it suitable for casual gaming
- The bezel-less design gives it a modern and clean appearance
- Connectivity options including 3 HDMI ports and Wi-Fi are sufficient for most setups
Common Complaints
- Picture quality degrades significantly when viewed from off-center angles
- The screen suffers from heavy glare and isn't bright enough to overcome reflections in well-lit rooms
- HDR content lacks punch due to the absence of local dimming and limited peak brightness
- The remote control is basic, lacks backlighting, and is IR-only, making it frustrating in the dark
- Fast-moving action can appear blurry due to the 60Hz refresh rate and average response times
- The built-in speakers offer very little bass and a flat sound profile, requiring a soundbar for better audio
Ownership Tips
- The TV's performance in bright rooms is a constant struggle; reflections are a major distraction
- You'll probably end up buying a soundbar because the built-in audio just doesn't cut it for movies
- The 60Hz panel is noticeable during sports or fast action, with some blur present
- Setting up the Roku account is straightforward, but firmware updates happen via the platform, not directly from TCL
- The plastic feet, while seemingly solid, might make you want to wall-mount it eventually
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this TV have a 120Hz refresh rate for gaming?
No, the TCL 43S450R has a native 60Hz refresh rate. While it features Motion Rate 240, this is a motion enhancement technology, not a true 120Hz panel for high frame rate gaming.
Can I connect my gaming console to this TV?
Yes, you can connect gaming consoles using its HDMI inputs. The TV also includes Auto Game Mode (ALLM) to automatically reduce input lag for a more responsive gaming experience.
Is the TCL 43S450R a Google TV or Roku TV?
This specific model, the 43S450R, is a Roku TV. It uses the Roku OS for its smart features and streaming capabilities.
Does this TV support Dolby Vision?
Yes, the TCL 43S450R supports HDR PRO, which includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG formats for enhanced picture quality.
How many HDMI ports does this TV have?
The TV is equipped with 3 HDMI inputs, one of which supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) for simplified audio connections.
Are the built-in speakers sufficient?
The TV has built-in 10W speakers with Dolby Atmos support. While dialogue is clear and volume is adequate, users report minimal bass and a lack of spatial dimension, suggesting an external soundbar for a richer audio experience.
Buying Guide
When looking at a TV like this, you need to think about where it's going and what you'll mostly use it for. A 4K resolution means sharp images, but how those images look depends a lot on the panel's brightness and contrast, especially with HDR content. If you have a bright room, a TV with low peak brightness will struggle with glare and making HDR pop. Also, the refresh rate matters for how smooth motion appears, particularly in games or sports.
4K Ultra HD Resolution
60Hz Refresh Rate
HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG)
Roku TV OS
Alternatives
If this TV doesn't fit, look for models with a 120Hz native refresh rate for smoother motion, full array local dimming for better contrast, or higher peak brightness for improved performance in well-lit rooms.
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