TCL 55S425 55 inch TV: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The TCL 55S425 is a 55-inch 4K Ultra HD smart TV that offers good picture quality, robust smart TV features, and great value for the price. Part of TCL's S series, the 55S425 model was released in 2019 and utilizes an LED-backlit LCD panel with 4K resolution. As one of the more budget-friendly options among 55-inch 4K TVs, the 55S425 aims to deliver essential features like 4K Ultra HD picture, HDR support, and smart functionality through Roku TV at an affordable price point. For those seeking a mid-size 4K smart TV that balances performance and value, the TCL 55S425 is a solid option to consider. With sleek, modern styling and a user-friendly Roku TV interface, it provides shoppers with a big-screen 4K viewing experience that doesn't break the bank.

Design

The TCL 55S425 has an attractive, modern design that will look great in most living rooms. At just 2.4 inches deep, it has a very slim profile that doesn't take up much space on your wall or TV stand. The total dimensions including the stand are 49.1 x 28.7 x 2.4 inches and it weighs 31.7 pounds without the stand.

The metal stand has a classic double foot design with rubber bottom pads to protect your furniture. The stand can be removed if you want to mount it on the wall. The screen is surrounded by relatively thin bezels, so you get a more immersive viewing experience with less frame around the picture. The bottom bezel is slightly thicker than the sides and contains a small TCL logo in the center.

Overall the simple yet sleek design allows the 55S425 to blend into both traditional and contemporary decor. The slim form factor means it won't dominate the room or feel overwhelmingly large at 55 inches.

Display

The TCL 55S425 has an excellent display for its price range. It features a large 55-inch screen size with 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution. The 4K resolution delivers crisp, detailed visuals with over 8 million pixels 4 times the resolution of 1080p Full HD.

The display uses direct LED backlighting which helps it achieve good brightness levels and decent contrast. It supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) including HDR10 and Dolby Vision. HDR expands the color gamut and boosts brightness levels to bring out details and shades that standard dynamic range can't produce. This results in a more lifelike and immersive viewing experience.

The panel has a standard 60Hz refresh rate which is typical for most 4K TVs in this price class. While higher refresh rates of 120Hz or 240Hz can provide smoother motion, a 60Hz rate is sufficient for most TV viewing and gaming.

Overall, the display quality punches above its weight given the affordable price point. The sharp 4K resolution, HDR support, and bright LED backlighting make for a stellar viewing experience. If you're looking for a slightly more premium 4K TV in the 55-inch range, check out the Sony KD55X80K. It offers Sony's renowned image processing for better clarity and motion handling. The X80K also has full-array local dimming for improved contrast and black levels. However, it costs more than the very budget-friendly TCL 55S425.

The TCL 55S425 has an excellent display for its price range. It features a large 55-inch screen size with 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution. The 4K resolution delivers crisp, detailed visuals with over 8 million pixels 4 times the resolution of 1080p Full HD.

The display uses direct LED backlighting which helps it achieve good brightness levels and decent contrast. It supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) including HDR10 and Dolby Vision. HDR expands the color gamut and boosts brightness levels to bring out details and shades that standard dynamic range can't produce. This results in a more lifelike and immersive viewing experience.

The panel has a standard 60Hz refresh rate which is typical for most 4K TVs in this price class. While higher refresh rates of 120Hz or 240Hz can provide smoother motion, a 60Hz rate is sufficient for most TV viewing and gaming.

Overall, the display quality punches above its weight given the affordable price point. The sharp 4K resolution, HDR support, and bright LED backlighting make for a stellar viewing experience. If you're looking for a slightly more premium 4K TV in the 55-inch range, check out the Sony KD55X80K. It offers Sony's renowned image processing for better clarity and motion handling. The X80K also has full-array local dimming for improved contrast and black levels. However, it costs more than the very budget-friendly TCL 55S425.

Audio Features

The TCL 55S425 comes equipped with decent sound capabilities for its class. It has 2 x 8W speakers to produce a total sound output of 16W. While the audio is not as immersive as higher-end TVs, the speakers deliver clear and adequate sound for everyday viewing.

The speakers are sufficient for personal use in a living room or bedroom. However, users looking for a true home theater experience may want to consider pairing the TV with an external soundbar or speaker system.

For sound formats, the TCL 55S425 supports Dolby Digital to provide better quality audio. The TV can decode Dolby Digital soundtracks which enhances the listening experience.

Overall, the built-in speakers and Dolby Digital support allow the TCL 55S425 to handle both TV shows and movies reasonably well. But audiophiles will likely want to invest in a more powerful external audio system. For most casual viewers, the audio capabilities match the price point of this mainstream 4K TV model.

When comparing the TCL 55S425 to other models, the SAMSUNG QN55Q70AAFXZA is a great alternative to consider. The Samsung Q70A is a higher-end 55-inch 4K QLED TV with upgraded audio features. It has Object Tracking Sound+ technology with built-in speakers at the top, sides, and bottom of the TV frame. This allows the Samsung to produce a wider and more realistic soundstage compared to the TCL model. The Samsung also supports Dolby Atmos for immersive 3D audio effects when paired with an Atmos-enabled sound system. Overall, the Samsung Q70A delivers a much more powerful and cinematic audio experience out of the box versus the budget-friendly TCL 55S425.

The Samsung also has more advanced smart TV capabilities, with the Tizen operating system providing quicker navigation and app access. The Quantum Processor 4K provides better upscaling of lower resolution content on the Samsung as well. Gamers will appreciate the lower input lag and AMD FreeSync support on the Q70A model. So while the TCL 55S425 is decent for casual viewing, stepping up to the Samsung QN55Q70AAFXZA brings better picture quality, audio, gaming performance, and smart features.

Smart TV Features

The TCL 55S425 is powered by the intuitive Roku TV operating system, which provides access to thousands of streaming channels. The simple home screen makes it easy to find your favorite movies, shows, sports and more across free and paid channels like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling, HBO Max and many others.

Roku TV comes pre-loaded with popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and more. Apps can be easily added and removed from the home screen. The TV also has a handy Roku mobile app that allows you to use your smartphone as a remote, type with an on-screen keyboard, listen to audio privately, and more.

For voice control, the TCL 55S425 is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices. You can use voice commands to launch apps, search for entertainment, control TV functions, switch inputs, and more, hands-free. This allows you to quickly access your favorite movies just by asking.

Overall, the excellent Roku TV platform makes it simple to find top streaming entertainment on the TCL 55S425. The intuitive interface and smart home integration provide a great smart TV experience.

Ports & Connectivity

The TCL 55S425 has an adequate selection of ports and connectivity options. On the back of the TV, there are 3 HDMI ports, one of which supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel). This allows you to send audio from the TV back out to a soundbar or AV receiver using just the HDMI cable.

There is also a single USB 2.0 port, which can be used to plug in external devices like thumb drives to view photos/videos or to record live TV with a compatible hard drive. An ethernet port provides wired internet connectivity, in addition to built-in WiFi and Bluetooth support. The WiFi is dual-band and the latest 802.11ac standard. Bluetooth allows you to connect wireless headphones, speakers or other accessories to the TV.

Overall the port selection covers most needs for connecting media players, game consoles, cable/satellite boxes and more. Just be aware there's only one USB port, so you may need a hub if connecting multiple devices. The HDMI ARC is a nice addition not found on all budget 4K TVs.

Remote Control

The TCL 55S425 comes with a simple but functional remote control. The remote is lightweight and easy to hold in one hand.

The remote layout is straightforward with large, clearly labeled buttons for power, volume, channel changing, input selection, and navigation. There is a dedicated button for quickly launching the Roku menu.

The remote has separate buttons for controlling the TV power and volume. There are also mute, play/pause, rewind, and fast forward buttons for controlling playback of content from the built-in streaming apps.

For entering text, there is an onscreen keyboard that pops up when needed. The remote also has a microphone button to enable voice control. Press and hold the mic button, then speak your voice commands to launch apps, search for content, switch inputs, change settings, and more.

The minimalist remote design means you don't have to memorize lots of buttons. The most frequently used commands are within easy reach while advanced functions can be accessed through the onscreen menus.

Overall, the simple TCL remote has an intuitive layout suitable for all users. Key everyday functions are readily available through dedicated buttons. And voice control offers a convenient hands-free way to operate the TV.

Performance

The TCL 55S425 delivers very good overall performance for its price point. The 4K picture quality is crisp and clear thanks to the 3840 x 2160 resolution panel. It supports HDR content in HDR10 format, allowing you to enjoy enhanced brightness, contrast and color.

Motion handling on the 55S425 is decent. It has a 60Hz native refresh rate which is typical for TVs in this price range. There is some motion blur during fast action scenes but enabling the Motion Clearness setting helps reduce blur.

For non-4K content, the 55S425 does an excellent job upscaling lower resolution content to 4K. Standard definition content looks sharp and detailed. The 4K Upscaling engine works well to minimize noise and artifacts.

HDR performance is quite good. The 55S425 delivers bright, vivid colors and has better contrast than normal SDR content. High dynamic range content really stands out with expanded brightness, shadow details and wider color gamut. It brings out details in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.

Overall, the TCL 55S425 provides very satisfying 4K picture quality, motion handling and HDR performance considering its affordable price point. It punches above its weight class when it comes to display performance and visuals.

Pros & Cons

The TCL 55S425 55-inch 4K Smart LED Roku TV offers excellent value and quality for its price range. Here is a summary of the main pros and cons:

Pros

• Great picture quality with 4K Ultra HD resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support. Provides vivid, sharp images.
• Integrated Roku smart platform provides easy access to thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. Intuitive interface.
• Good sound quality with decent volume output. Integrated speakers provide clear audio for most content.
• Affordable price point compared to other 55-inch 4K TVs from top brands. Excellent value.
• Slim, minimalist design looks good in most decors. Small plastic feet don't take up much space.
• Easy to set up and use. The Roku platform is very user-friendly.

Cons

• Viewing angles are mediocre, image quality decreases when viewing from the side.
• Only 60Hz refresh rate, not ideal for gaming or sports.
• No advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate or ultra low latency.
• Sound lacks bass, may want to pair with a soundbar for more robust audio.
• Limited ports, only 3 HDMI inputs. May require an HDMI switch.
• No support for newer HDMI 2.1 features.

So in summary, the TCL 55S425 provides very good 4K picture quality and smart features for the price. The main limitations relate to average sound and connectivity. It's an excellent value TV for streaming and everyday viewing.

Conclusion

The TCL 55S425 55-inch 4K Smart Roku TV offers a solid mix of features, performance and value that make it a great option for most buyers. With its sleek design, vivid 4K picture quality, and easy-to-use Roku TV interface, the TCL 55S425 delivers a compelling smart TV experience.

The 55S425 lacks some of the bells and whistles found on more expensive models, like advanced gaming features and elaborate sound quality. But for most everyday TV watching, it hits all the right notes. The 4K resolution and HDR support ensure that shows, movies and games look sharp, colorful and immersive. The simple Roku TV platform makes streaming content quick and easy with thousands of apps. And the voice controls give you hands-free ways to search for entertainment.

Overall, the TCL 55S425 strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. For shoppers looking for a mid-sized 4K TV with smart capabilities, it deserves strong consideration. Unless you need best-in-class picture detail or sound, the 55S425 has just about everything you could want in a reasonably priced 4K TV. It earns our recommendation as a great value smart TV pick.