You ever get sucked into those late-night Amazon rabbit holes, ending up with a cart full of shit you don’t need? That’s how I found myself staring at the TCL 55S450F. A 55-inch 4K smart TV for this price? Felt like a deal with the devil.

But a man’s gotta find out for himself, right?

So I took the plunge.

And here’s what happened.

Update:

BEST PRICE on the TCL 55S450F 55-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV here:

https://amzn.to/3Xd8N5N

First Impressions

I’ve seen enough flickering screens and washed-out colors to last a lifetime. So, when I unboxed this TCL, I wasn’t expecting much. But damn, the picture quality surprised me. The 4K resolution is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and the HDR actually pops. It’s not OLED-level, but for the price? It’s a knockout punch.

As I hefted it onto my stand, I was pleasantly surprised by its solid build and sleek design. The bezel-less edge-to-edge glass gave it a premium look that belied its budget status.

The sound quality, while not earth-shattering, was more than serviceable for casual viewing. But when I enabled Dolby Atmos for a late-night action flick, I was genuinely impressed by the sense of immersion. It’s not quite the same as a dedicated surround sound system, but it’s a hell of a lot better than I expected from built-in TV speakers.

Over the first few days, I put this TV through its paces, streaming everything from nature documentaries to fast-paced sports. The motion handling was smooth, with none of the judder or blur that often plagues budget sets. Gaming performance was solid too, with the Auto Game Mode kicking in seamlessly when I fired up my console.

So far, I’m impressed.

Key Features

4K Ultra HD Resolution: This isn’t just marketing fluff. The 3840 x 2160 pixel count delivers four times the detail of 1080p, and you can really see the difference, especially on a 55-inch screen.

HDR PRO: Supporting Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, this TV covers all the HDR bases. It’s not just about brightness; it’s about the nuanced color reproduction and enhanced contrast that brings scenes to life. Watching a sunset in HDR is like having a window to another world.

Dolby Atmos: While it’s not going to replace a dedicated sound system, the Dolby Atmos support adds a surprising level of depth to the audio. It creates a more immersive soundstage that complements the visual quality.

Fire TV Integration: Having the Fire TV interface built-in means access to a vast range of streaming services without needing an external device. The interface is intuitive, and the voice remote makes navigation a breeze.

Auto Game Mode: For gamers, this feature is great. It automatically reduces input lag when you start gaming, so your on-screen actions are as responsive as possible.

Pros

Picture Quality: For the price, it’s damn impressive. 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision—it’s all there, and it looks fantastic.
Sound Quality: Dolby Atmos brings the cinematic experience to your living room. You won’t need a soundbar unless you’re a serious audiophile.
Smart Features: Fire TV is intuitive, packed with apps, and responds well to voice commands. It’s like having a personal assistant for your entertainment needs.
Gaming Performance: Auto Game Mode makes this TV a solid choice for gamers who don’t want to break the bank.

Cons

Build Quality: It’s not the sturdiest TV out there and the remote is forgettable. But hey, you get what you pay for.
Limited Viewing Angles: Colors start to wash out if you’re not sitting directly in front of the TV. So, invite your friends over, but make sure they don’t hog the sweet spot.
Occasional Lag: The Fire TV interface can be a bit sluggish at times, especially when switching between apps. It’s like waiting for the bartender to notice you in a crowded bar.

Final Thoughts

The TCL 55S450F is a diamond in the rough, a budget TV that punches above its weight class. It’s not perfect, but it delivers on the things that matter most: picture quality, sound, and smart features. If you’re looking for a cinematic experience without the Hollywood price tag, this TV is worth a shot. Just don’t expect it to make you breakfast in bed and you’ll be happy with it.

Best Price on the TCL 55S450F 55-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV:

I’ve scoured the internet to find you the best deal on the TCL 55S450F. Don’t get gouged paying full retail! Follow the link below to grab this TV before it’s gone: