TCL 55S405 Review

This TV has one of the best streaming app systems on the market. Their streaming app is very easy to use, quick and responsive and they often get constant updates of new features and apps. Users can access streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon and Sling TV with just a shortcut button. It does not require users to switch inputs to another device. The TCL Roku 55S405 is also capable of streaming more stuff in the highest quality (4k and HDR) than the normal non Roku smart TVs. This TV has a simple, intuitive interface in a sleek, modern design.

DESIGN

Side View of the 55S405

The design of the TCL Roku 55S405 is similar to that of the TCL Roku 49S405, apart from its 55 inches screen. This TV is enclosed in plastic with a glossy, black finish on the bezel surrounding (which measures 0.6 inches on the top and 0.8 inches on the bottom) the display panel. It also has a matte on the back of the chassis. Its dimension is 49.1 x 28.5 x 3.0 inches without including the stand. It weighs 29.5 pounds and can be mounted on the wall using a 200 millimeter VESA mount. It often comes with a plastic stand that is made up of two metallic triangular feet that have a silvery metallic finish. When used with the stand, the dimension of the TV is 49.1 x 30.8 x 8.7 inches. It also has a small Roku TV logo that sits at the lower right corner and a TCL logo that is silver in color at the middle of the bottom bezel. The power connector can be seen at the back of the TV, near the edge.

PORTS

There are many ports on the TCL Roku 55S405 TV. It has three HDMI ports (including the one with the arc), one USB 2.0 port, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, a Toslink optical port for digital surround sound and a coaxial connection for cable and antenna can be found on the left side of the TV. It also has a composite video output and an Ethernet port for wired network that can be found on the back of the TV set. The TCL Roku 55S405 TV also comes with dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

It has a limited number of HDMI ports but this will not be an issue because the three HDMI ports are enough to connect a cable or satellite box, a Blu-ray player and a game console.  However if you also want to use a sound bar or other HDMI connected devices at the same time with these devices, you can swap them manually or purchase an HDMI switcher.

Connection/PortDetails
HDMI Ports3 (HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2)
USB Ports1 (USB 2.0)
RF Antenna Input1
Composite Input1
Digital Optical Audio1
Headphone Jack1
Ethernet Port1
Wi-FiBuilt-in Wi-Fi (802.11ac)

PERFORMANCE

The TCL Roku 55S405 has an amazing 4K TV: Ultra TV resolution with basic HDR support and a native refresh rate of about 60Hz. This amazing TV has been said to provide adequate color accuracy. It was given a Delta-E rating of 2.2 (the closer to zero the better). Its color accuracy rating is similar to that of the more expensive TCL Roku TV 55P607 which has a rating of 2.2, less accurate than the rating of its smaller sibling the TCL 49S405 which has a rating of 2.1 and still less accurate than the rating of the Insignia Roku NS-55DR620NA18 which has a rating of 2.0. The TCL Roku 55S405 and the Insignia are on the same pricing level. However, the Vizio SmartCase E-Series E65-E0 has a much better color accuracy rating with a rating of 1.4.

The TCL Roku 55S405 is capable of reproducing a good 98.4 percent of the Rec. 709 color space in the standard mode. The 49 inches model of the S407 series also has a similar color representation of 98.1 percent. It has a much better result than the 55 inches Insignia Roku TV which has 96 percent. However, the more expensive Vizio E65-E0 has a better color representation of about 99.2 percent. The TCL Roku 55S405 TV is an excellent choice for people that want to purchase a 4K: Ultra HD TV with a limited budget.

The TCL Roku 55S405 also provides users with an HDR10 support but it does not provide support for some HDR formats like the Dolby Vision. This TV has an amazing HDR performance. The TCL Roku 55S405 has a peak brightness of 249.73cd/m^2 which is about half of the brightness peak of the TCL 55P607 which has a brightness peak of 507.85cd/m^2. This TV also has a much lesser black level with the TCL 55P607 having a peak black level of 0.06cd/m^2 while the TCL Roku 55S405 has a peak black level of 0.01cd/m^2. It also has a contrast ratio which is a sixth of the TCL 55P607 which has a contrast ratio of 393:1 while it has a contrast ratio of 162:1. However, the TCL Roku 55S405 TV is an excellent choice if you want to purchase a TV and you are on a budget.

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Display Size55 inches
Display TypeLED
Resolution4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
HDR SupportYes (HDR10)
Refresh Rate60Hz
Viewing Angle178 degrees
Smart TV PlatformRoku TV
ProcessorDual-core
Audio2 Channel, Dolby Digital Plus
Dimensions (WxHxD)49.1″ x 28.5″ x 3″ (without stand)
Weight30.6 lbs (without stand)
VESA Mount200mm x 200mm
Energy Star CertifiedYes

AUDIO

The TCL Roku 55S405 TV has two channel sounds that often come with a set of 8 watt speakers that are inbuilt. It provides users with a room filling volume that has no observable distortion but it has limited dynamic range which might leave some sound falling flat. However, if you are not satisfied with the audio quality of this TV, you can purchase a good sound bar that was developed by a reliable brand.

SMART TV FEATURES

FeatureDetails
Smart TV PlatformRoku TV
Streaming ServicesNetflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more
Voice ControlCompatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Roku Mobile AppControl the TV and stream content from your mobile device
Roku SearchFind your favorite movies and shows across multiple apps
Free Roku ChannelAccess to a wide range of free movies, TV shows, and more
Contrast Control ZoneEnhances contrast and delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors
Gaming ModeOptimized settings for gaming experience
Mobile Screen MirroringCast content from your mobile device to the TV

The TCL Roku 55S405 comes with the famous Roku smart TV interface which often has a large app ecosystem. This Smart TV also has a menu that is easy and simple to navigate and it has big and readable icons. It also has compatibility with other services like Plex and Sling TV. Although, some users might not be entirely satisfied with the fact that they cannot use Kodi on their Roku TV or they would prefer if the TV had more customization than the standard large icon TV allows.

Like the other TVs in the S series, the TCL Roku 55S405 uses the Roku media streamer technology for its connected features and interface. It enables users to access a lot of apps and services available on the Roku media streamers as Roku channels. The Roku channels include big streaming channels like Google Play Movies and TV, Amazon, Netflix, Twitch, Sling TV and Crunchyroll.  The Roku mobile app has advanced features like the voice search and streaming audio features that was missing from the remote control. The Roku mobile app enables users to search for content using their voice and listening to whatever program is playing on TV via a headphone that is plugged into their smart phone or tablet.

QUICK VIDEO OVERVIEW

OUR RATING

After careful evaluation, we have awarded the TCL 55S405 TV a rating of 4.0 out of 5. Here’s a brief summary of why we made this choice:

  1. Impressive Display Quality: The TCL 55S405 features a 4K Ultra HD LED display, delivering sharp and detailed visuals. With support for High Dynamic Range (HDR10), it offers enhanced contrast and vibrant colors resulting in an immersive viewing experience.
  2. Smart TV Functionality: This TV comes with the Roku TV platform, providing easy access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and more. The Roku interface is user-friendly and offers a wide range of entertainment options.
  3. Decent Audio Performance: The 55S405 delivers adequate audio quality with its 2-channel Dolby Digital Plus setup. While it may not match the audio performance of dedicated sound systems, it provides satisfactory sound for everyday viewing.
  4. Affordability: The TCL 55S405 offers great value for its price. It provides a large 55-inch display, 4K resolution and smart TV capabilities at a competitive price point making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
  5. Connectivity Options: The TV offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI and USB ports allowing you to connect external devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players or USB storage devices.

It’s important to note that the rating of 4.0 indicates minor areas where there is room for improvement such as audio performance and overall build quality.

Overall, the TCL 55S405 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable 4K TV with smart functionality. It delivers impressive display quality, offers access to popular streaming services and provides good value for its price.

REMOTE CONTROL

Remote for the TCL 55" TV

The TCL Roku 55S405 TV often comes with a small remote control that has a good, basic design that focuses more on simplicity than on simplicity than on sophistication. And, unlike some Smart TV remotes that have minimal design but are difficult to understand and use, the TCL Roku 55S405 TV smart remote is straightforward and easy to use and it comes with a large directional pad, simple action buttons for navigation to home and back. It also has a standard media playback controls. The remote control also comes with some buttons that are dedicated to apps like Amazon Video, HBO Now, Sling TV and Netflix, but they are positioned in a way that they will be easily ignored if you do not intend to use them. However, unlike the more expensive TCL 55P607, it does not have some advanced features like the voice control and an integrated headphone jack for private listening.  However, users can still use these advanced features for their TV through the Roku Smart TV mobile app, even if they cannot be used on the remote control.

The remote control is a 5.5 inch rounded black wand that has a prominent, plus shaped and purple navigation pad. On the right hand side of the remote, users can see the volume rocker and the mute button. The remote control does not have a pinhole microphone and it can only be controlled with IR that requires the user to put it in the line of sight of the TV to be able to use it. The remote control does not wirelessly stream audio or support voice search as well.

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