TCL 65-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV (65S551F, 2024 Model), Dolby Vision, HDR PRO+, Dolby Atmos, Alexa Built-in with Voice Remote, Apple AirPlay 2 Compatibility, Streaming Television
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AI Verdict
A 65-inch 4K LED TV with a 60Hz panel, 120Hz VRR, and Fire TV, for those prioritizing a large screen and smart features on a budget.
This TV is a situational fit because its 60Hz panel with 120Hz VRR and comprehensive HDR support make it appealing for budget-conscious gamers and 4K HDR content consumers. However, its limited viewing angles and inconsistent upscaling mean it's not ideal for every viewing environment or content type.
If wide viewing angles and consistent upscaling are priorities, look for TVs with IPS panels or more advanced image processing engines.
Regret Score™
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Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- Supports 120Hz Variable Refresh Rate for smoother gameplay on compatible consoles.
- Includes comprehensive HDR support with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG for enhanced contrast and color.
- Fire TV operating system provides access to over 1 million movies and TV episodes, with Alexa voice control built into the remote.
- Features Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio processing, plus an Enhanced Dialogue Mode, using the built-in speakers.
- Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility allows direct content streaming from Apple devices.
- The bezel-less design maximizes screen real estate and blends into home environments.
Cons
- The panel's native refresh rate is 60Hz, not 120Hz, despite 120Hz VRR support.
- Viewing angles are limited, with colors and contrast degrading when viewed from off-center positions.
- Upscaling lower resolution content can be inconsistent, leading to less sharp images.
- Some users report minor backlight blooming in dark scenes, especially with high-contrast content.
- Fire TV interface occasionally pushes Amazon content heavily, requiring navigation around ads or sponsored sections.
Dimension Scores
The 4K UHD resolution, High Brightness LED backlight, and comprehensive HDR support (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) are above average for its price band, but limited viewing angles and inconsistent upscaling pull it down.
Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X processing with an Enhanced Dialogue Mode are above category average for built-in TV speakers, providing virtualized 3D sound and improved vocal clarity.
The integrated Fire TV experience with Alexa Built-in and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility offers a feature-rich and user-friendly smart platform, surpassing many competitors in this price range.
A 65-inch 4K screen is a strong offering for its price, and the inclusion of multiple HDMI ports (one with eARC), USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth provides solid connectivity options.
Best For
- Gamers with consoles supporting 120Hz VRR looking for a large screen without a premium price.
- Households deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, utilizing Fire TV and Alexa for content and smart home control.
- Viewers who consume a lot of 4K HDR content and want broad HDR format support.
- Anyone needing a 65-inch TV with Apple AirPlay 2 for streaming from iOS/macOS devices.
Not Recommended For
- Users expecting a native 120Hz panel for all content, not just VRR-enabled gaming.
- Critical viewers who need wide viewing angles for large rooms or off-axis seating.
- Those sensitive to minor backlight blooming in dark scenes.
Watch Out For
- The 240 'Motion Rate' is a marketing term; the actual panel refresh rate is 60Hz, with 120Hz VRR for gaming, which can be misleading if you're expecting a true 120Hz panel for all content.
- Viewing angles are a known limitation; colors and contrast visibly degrade when you're not sitting directly in front of the screen.
- Upscaling standard definition or 1080p content to 4K can be inconsistent, meaning older movies or TV shows might not look as sharp as native 4K content.
- Minor backlight blooming has been reported in dark scenes, which can affect contrast in high-contrast content.
- The Fire TV interface, while functional, can be Amazon-centric, sometimes pushing sponsored content or ads.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D4NYW7QS |
| Brand | TCL |
| Brand Name | TCL |
| Color Name | Black |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Item Weight | 19.5 Kilograms |
| Screen Size | 65 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 240 |
| Speaker Type | Built-In |
| Special Feature | Bezel-Less Design, Built-In Speaker, Game Mode, Sleep Timer, Wide Color Enhancer |
| Special Features | Bezel-Less Design, Built-In Speaker, Game Mode, Sleep Timer, Wide Color Enhancer |
| Item model number | 65S551F |
| Display Technology | LED |
| Product Dimensions | 2.87 x 56.93 x 32.8 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Standing screen display size | 65 Inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the picture quality for the price, especially with 4K HDR content, noting the brightness and color. The integrated Fire TV is a recurring highlight, praised for its ease of use and extensive content access. However, the actual 60Hz panel refresh rate, despite 120Hz VRR, has caused some confusion, and off-axis viewing can degrade the image. Some also mention that upscaling non-4K content isn't always perfect.
“Okay, so I got this 65-inch TV for my living room, and for the price, the 4K movies look absolutely killer with Dolby Vision! But seriously, don't expect to watch it from the side of the couch, the picture gets weird, and the Fire TV pushes Prime stuff a bit much. Still, for gaming, it's actually pretty smooth.”
Common Praise
- 4K HDR content looks vibrant and bright, especially with Dolby Vision.
- Fire TV interface is intuitive and provides quick access to streaming services.
- Alexa voice remote is responsive for controlling the TV and searching for content.
- Dolby Atmos audio processing provides a more immersive sound experience from the built-in speakers.
- Game Accelerator 120 with 120Hz VRR makes gaming smoother and more responsive.
- Apple AirPlay 2 works seamlessly for casting content from Apple devices.
Common Complaints
- The 60Hz native panel refresh rate is lower than expected by some who saw '240 Motion Rate' or '120Hz VRR' in marketing.
- Viewing angles are narrow; colors wash out and contrast drops when not sitting directly in front of the screen.
- Upscaling of 1080p or lower resolution content can appear soft or inconsistent.
- Minor backlight blooming is noticeable in dark scenes, particularly around bright objects.
- Fire TV can be aggressive with Amazon content recommendations and ads.
Ownership Tips
- You'll want to adjust picture settings for different content types, as default settings might not optimize for HDR or gaming.
- Connecting a soundbar via the eARC HDMI port significantly elevates the audio experience beyond the built-in speakers.
- The Fire TV interface occasionally requires a restart or can feel sluggish if too many apps are open.
- For optimal gaming, ensure your console is set to output 120Hz VRR and that Game Mode (ALLM) is active.
- Consider placing the TV in a room where primary viewing is head-on due to the limited viewing angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual refresh rate of this TV?
The panel has a native refresh rate of 60Hz. It supports a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) of up to 120Hz for compatible gaming consoles through its Game Accelerator 120 feature.
Does this TV support all major HDR formats?
Yes, it supports a wide range of HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR PRO+, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, providing enhanced contrast and color for compatible content.
Can I stream content from my Apple devices to this TV?
Absolutely. The TV includes Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility, allowing you to effortlessly stream or share content directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
What smart TV platform does it use?
This TV comes with the Fire TV experience built-in, giving you access to a vast library of streaming services and apps, along with Alexa voice control via the remote.
Does it have good audio quality?
The TV features built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio processing, which aims to provide an immersive 3D sound experience. It also has an Enhanced Dialogue Mode for clearer vocals.
How many HDMI ports does it have?
The product specs indicate it has HDMI connectivity, and user reviews mention three HDMI inputs, with one supporting eARC for connecting soundbars or audio receivers.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a TV like this, you need to understand that 'Motion Rate 240' isn't the same as a true 120Hz panel. This TV has a 60Hz panel, which is fine for most movies and TV, but the 120Hz VRR is specifically for gaming to reduce screen tearing and stutter. Also, pay attention to viewing angles; if your seating isn't directly in front, the picture quality will change. Don't just look at the resolution; HDR support and the smart platform are equally important for your daily experience.
Refresh Rate (60Hz panel, 120Hz VRR)
This tells you how many times per second the screen can draw a new image. A 60Hz panel refreshes 60 times, which is standard for most video. The '120Hz VRR' means it can sync with a game console's output up to 120 frames per second, making fast-paced games look smoother and feel more responsive, like a car with a higher top speed only when you're on a race track.
HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG
HDR (High Dynamic Range) makes bright parts of the image brighter and dark parts darker, showing more detail in both. Supporting multiple formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ means you'll get the best possible picture from almost any HDR content source, like having a universal key for all the best-looking movies.
Fire TV Experience
This is the TV's built-in operating system. It's like the apps on your phone, but for your TV. Fire TV gives you a centralized place to access streaming services, apps, and even control smart home devices with Alexa, making it easy to find and watch what you want without needing extra devices.
Alternatives
If you need a true 120Hz native panel for all content, not just VRR gaming, or if wide viewing angles are critical for your room setup, look for TVs explicitly stating a 120Hz native refresh rate and consider OLED or IPS panel types for better off-axis performance.
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