TCL 43S405 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV review for streaming and gaming enthusiasts

Description

A Sleek Design That Fits Any Space

Testing the TCL 43″ Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku 2017 Smart TV – 43S405, I was pleasantly surprised by how compact and lightweight it is. Weighing only 16.8 pounds, it was ridiculously easy to carry and mount. The 38.3 x 7.5 x 24.4-inch dimensions make it perfect for a bedroom, small living room, or office. Its sleek black finish blends effortlessly with most decors. I didn’t need to rearrange my entire living room—this TV fit snugly on my existing stand. Plus, the flat screen design is modern without being flashy. While the bezels aren’t the thinnest I’ve seen, they don’t distract from the screen, which is what really matters.

Picture Quality That Packs a Punch

The 4K Ultra HD resolution on this TV delivers stunning clarity. Watching nature documentaries felt like peering out of a window into the Amazon—every leaf, every drop of water, every movement was vividly detailed. The addition of HDR support enhances the colors and contrast, making everything appear vibrant without feeling oversaturated. I put it to the test with some fast-paced action movies, and thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, there was no motion blur. Whether it’s a car chase or a high-speed gaming sequence, the display holds up impressively well.

That said, the picture quality does take a slight hit when viewing from extreme angles—colors lose a bit of their vibrancy. But for straight-on viewing, it’s hard to beat this level of detail at this price range.

Connectivity and Smart Features

One of the standout aspects is how effortlessly it integrates with smart home ecosystems. Setting it up with my Google Assistant was a breeze, and my friend who’s team Alexa had no issues either. The built-in Roku functionality is genuinely a game-changer. With access to over 4,000 streaming channels and 450,000+ movies and TV episodes, there’s never a lack of content. I appreciated how intuitive the Roku interface is—it’s straightforward, even for my tech-challenged uncle who visits occasionally.

The TV also boasts multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, HDMI, and even a 3.5mm audio jack. I connected my gaming console via HDMI, and it worked flawlessly. What’s more, the ability to program the TV to boot up directly to an HDMI input is incredibly convenient. If you’re like me and frequently switch between streaming and external devices, this feature will save you a lot of hassle.

Dedicated Gaming Mode: A Gamer’s Delight

As someone who enjoys gaming in their downtime, I was really impressed by this TV’s dedicated gaming mode. The low input lag is noticeable, and it makes a huge difference in fast-paced games. Pair that with the 4K resolution and HDR, and you’ve got yourself an immersive gaming experience. I played a few rounds of Call of Duty, and the responsiveness was on point. While the dual speakers do a decent job delivering clear audio, I’d still recommend pairing it with a soundbar for a more cinematic experience.

Key Benefits

• Stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution delivers crisp and detailed images.
• HDR support enhances contrast and color vibrancy.
• 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion for action-packed scenes.
• Roku integration provides access to an expansive library of streaming content.
• Dedicated gaming mode and low input lag make it perfect for gamers.

Areas for Improvement

• Viewing angles could be better; colors dull slightly when viewed from the side.
• Audio quality is just okay—adding a soundbar is almost a necessity.
• Bezels aren’t as slim as some competitors, giving it a slightly dated look.

Product Comparisons

I’ve used similar TVs like the Samsung TU8000 and the Vizio V-Series, and while both are great options, they don’t quite match the ease-of-use provided by Roku integration. The Samsung offers slightly better picture processing, especially in shadowy scenes, but it also comes at a higher price point. The Vizio, on the other hand, has a more robust audio system out of the box, but its smart platform isn’t as smooth or intuitive as Roku. Where this TV shines is in its gaming performance and affordability, making it a solid choice for someone who wants excellent performance without breaking the bank.

True Value

For the features it offers, this TV is incredibly cost-effective. It’s rare to find a product that combines 4K resolution, HDR, smart functionality, and a dedicated gaming mode at this price point. While it might not have the advanced processing power of higher-end models, it delivers where it counts. If you’re someone who values affordable quality, this TV is hard to beat. It’s a great example of smart spending—you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck without skimping on the essentials.

Additional information