TCL 5 Series (S515/S517) TV Review - RTINGS.com
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- Hands-on review of the TCL 5 Series HDR TV
www.amazon.com...
The TCL 5 Series is 4k TV with decent picture quality. In this review, we compare it to 4 other popular models.
Full review: www.rtings.com...
The 5 Series is a budget TV with some more advanced features like a wide color gamut. It also has a low input lag for gamers, and has a VA panel with a high native contrast ratio so it can produce deep dark scenes. Unfortunately the image degrades when viewed at an angle.
Model tested: 55” (55S517)
Should also be valid for the other 55” (55S515) and 65" (65S515, 65S517) models. Note that the S515 variants including a different remote.
See our TCL 6 Series video review: • TCL 6 Series (R615/R61...
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Design (01:00)
Inputs (01:41)
Thermal (02:04)
Picture Quality (02:12)
Contrast (02:29)
Local Dimming (02:53)
Viewing Angle (03:06)
Reflections (03:20)
Peak Brightness (03:39)
Gray Uniformity (04:03)
Color Volume & Gamut (04:32)
Response Time (04:49)
Image flicker (05:10)
Input Lag (05:36)
Smart Features & Remote (05:51)
Sound performance (06:24)
TVs Comparison (06:39)
Conclusion (08:34)
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Simple. Professional. To the point. Good review. Keeping it simple is a wise business model. Cheers!
10 years ago, heck even 5 years ago i would have spent weeks / months researching different T.V. models and all the differences, then stand for hours in front of them at every store that carried them, finally making a decision that was obsolete the minute i made the purchase, now IMO you can throw a dart at almost any t.v. brand and come away with a good picture, Id say about 85% of the t.v's look really good when you get them home, calibrate and have a good source, its the last 10% to 15% that still cost an arm and leg (OLED) and even that is coming down. T.V's like TCL are a great balance between value and performance and im pretty sure most people once they get it home would be more than happy and wouldn't have to spend nearly the cost of other brands. just my thoughts
Bought this TV in 43" after going through three monitors and being unhappy with every monitor's picture quality. And just being frustrated with the quality of monitors in general. No looking back, the S517 is great.
Glad you're enjoying it. I'm looking at the 49 inch for my parents and I's basement.
Seems like every monitor out there has terrible black uniformity.
I am looking to do the exact same thing. Do you think the 43" is as large as you would want to go? Currently I have a dual monitor set up with two 27" monitors one 1440p and the other 1080p with 144hz. I am likely going to keep the 144hz monitor in a dual set up with the larger tv as a monitor. My plan is to use the tv for console gaming and pc work, while using the 27" for pc gaming and second screen usage. I would love any input or suggestions. I am just waiting for the Vizio reviews to come out before purchasing the television.
UnbendingNose, absolutely. Black uniformity is actually the main reason I was pushed into the TV market. The quality of monitors on the market are absolutely unacceptable.
Jason Wolfe, I personally wouldn't go any larger than 43". I sit about 3' - 4' away, and if I lean in to maybe 2', imagine quality suffers a bit. I have mine wall mounted behind my desk.
I will also say though that Rtings says the viewing angle on the S405 is a little better, but I disagree. I think the S517 is better. Rtings also has the S405 and S517 pretty close in general, but I personally feel the S517 has noticeably better imagine quality in every category. I don't think they're as close as Rtings eludes to.
This is easily the shortest/simplest yet most detailed review I've seen of any TV, ever. I subscribed!
Thanks.
Very professional review..I'm stoked!..I'm buying this tv tmrw!..thank you Elton John for the review👌
Your reviews both video and written, are FAR and away better than any others I have found. #NET beware. Great Job, the # ratings in side by side comparison really help us tech dummies understand the value. Thank you for the excellent work.
I bought TCL 5 series 55 inch for 400. Great deal and I'm going to set up Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
i have to say this is one of the best comparison videos ive seen. nice work!
I'm impressed with how in-depth and useful this review was. Well done!
Great job can't believe how much information you covered great work
Thanks for the excellent review. I purchased the TCL S517 49''
@Zackary Traylor I'm looking at it right now for my son's room. He has an Xbox One X so he needs a 4K tv.
@april M 5 series does 120hz
Brilliant video! You’ve done an exceptional job mate. All the best!
This review was so direct and easy to understand. Thanks so much!
We need more people like you non sponsored reviews
SUPER helpful differences between 5 and 6 series well explained!
Bought the 55" you reviewed a few weeks ago and have been loving it. I'm a big fan of the Roku platform, and being able to quickly get into the picture settings is a small, but nice feature (I tinker around with them a lot). They stay customized based on which input your using, and which color mode (sport, vivid, movie ect). I wish the stand wasn't so wide though.
Is it still good?
Really well done review and comparison.....helped me a lot. Thumbs up and Subscribed.
Thanks for the input. Never considered a TCL, but this TV buying cycle I'm taking a look. From this review, and several other's I've taken a look at, it seems like you're getting a lot more for your $$ here.
Such a clear concise review. Answered all my questions. I am an avid videophiie Thank you so much!!!!!!
I just got a refurbished 43" 5 series for $170 on ebay
you are doing an amazing job. Very informative. Thank you so much!
Can you please review the next tv that is TCL 5-Series 2019 model which is (55S525) please, would love to see a simple amazing review like this one.
Theres a side by side comparison on the website. www.rtings.com/tv/tools/compare/tcl-s517-vs-tcl-s525/619/937?usage=7318&threshold=0.12
@@iiSup3rior that is helpful.
Voice command feature is on the 2018 remote, but not on the 2019 remote.
@@iiSup3rior thanks buddy.
awesome review structure! to the point and easy to understand with similar comparisons.
Thanks for the review Austin Powers !
Yo I deadass thought he was standing in front of a green screen I was shook when he touched the TV LMAO
Interesting what you get used to seeing, isn't it?
Holy shit this review was so detailed! Thanks!
GREAT video ! this is my first time viewing one of your videos and i was a bit skeptical on clicking it. i am glad i did tho. two thumbs up!
You know yur stuff mister thank you very much
I’m very surprised he didn’t mention the voice controlled remote.
i using Tcl 5 Series 43 inch 4k and i love my tv
Just brought same model from BB for $199.99.
@@nabibutterfly5385 how did you manage to get it so cheap? Black Friday?
Someone please explain to me me why the TCL 5 series has a much better contrast ratio than the more expensive 6 series..
After this review I decided to get the 49S515. Can’t wait to get it!!
Let us know how you find it!
Rtings.com Between this and the new Vizio V505-G9 which is best? Both are on sale at Best Buy for $299... Gonna be buying one of the two this coming weekend.
Awesome review, thank you for going into such detail and still keeping the video relatively short. I purchased the 55" 4 Series (55S405), brand new for $350 including tax, and was considering upgrading to the 5 series for a number of reasons. The TCL 55" 4 series was my first 4K television, but I have been underwhelmed since the moment I opened it. Don't get me wrong- great viewing performance for the price, but there is certain content that looks much better on my brother's Samsung 58" (not sure which model or features). For instance, Thor Ragnarok on Netflix (which is only HD, not even UHD), there are multiple scenes in which the motion appears to be more fluid and almost seems faster-paced. Not to mention the contrast, dark scenes are much more dark and whites are much whiter. My question is, will upgrading to the 5 series and dishing out the extra $130 achieve what I am looking for? I assume with the Dolby Vision, Tru Motion 240 technology it would, but I have been told edge-lit LED's are not the best. I understand this is still a budget TV, just trying to get the best bang for my buck. How would this compare to the LG UK6300? Thanks in advance to anyone who replies to my long ass post lol.
Not sure if i'm too late, but the panel gets a good amount brighter and has better motion. Quite a bit better than the UK6300 especially the black levels.
I got the 55" tcl s515 at best buy a week ago for 399. They have this sale fairly often so now is the time if you haven't already done so. Motion rate is also adjustable but I think the biggest difference is the wider color gamut giving the tv the ability to display millions more colors. The main negative is the poor viewing angle which the lg uk6300 excels at but at the expense of black levels. As of this writing best buy has the 55" 6 series at 499 which is an absolute steal and as a bonus has to me a very good viewing angle.
I’m probably picking this tv up soon. Run my Netflix through the built in Roku and run my apks through my android box
Do you guys plan on reviewing the new HiSense Series of tvs? Love your reviews. Definitely the most informative reviews I've watched!
Bought the 49S515 last Friday and wow! The metal build and picture quality and clarity cannot be beat for $327 out the door at Best Buy!! Absolutely stunning right out of the box, I did tweaked the picture settings ever so slightly to get it perfect! And the speakers are quite good for this price point. I give TCL an A+ for what they deliver at this price point, I’d probably pay up to around $500-$600 for this quality.
I thought they only had the metal build for the 6 series?
I thought only the 6 series had a metal build?
Randy Price Mine is metal except for the bump out at the bottom. The thin part is metal. It is heavier than you’d think for that thin of a TV. Feels well built and good quality. Love it!
Everything Ive read about this series is better than THE PRICE POINT!!! I picked one up today and cant wait to get it hooked up after I get home from work.(2018 Model)
Damn this indepth af. Good review :)
One issue that I've discovered with this tv, at least the 43s515 version from bestbuy, is that there is no option to turn of soap opera effect. For most content it's not a big deal because it's not noticeable; however, for dolby vision content on netflix, e.g. Black Mirror, it is noticeable, and there is no way to turn it off. From what I read there is an 'action smoothing' setting you can turn off on 55" and above versions, but for 43 and 49 you cannot turn off soap opera.
That is crazy there has got to be a way to turn it off
Great and review and info, thanks.
Hoping to buy this TCL series 5,43" for the upcoming ps5. I pray this is the right choice im making.
I have this tv. Dolby vision is broken on it. I dont know if it was bc of the new update, but its unfortunate that it happened. Also the tv has ripples/warps in it when viewing at an angle on a solid color background. Its a cheap tv. You get what you pay for. Quality control is abyssmal. There shouldn't be a panel lottery to play. First time TCL buyer here, and maybe i just got a lemon. gave it a chance but sadly am returning it. Really wanted to like this tv. It does have good picture quality, and ROKU OS towers over the other platforms. For those that got a good panel, im happy for you!
I don't understand why you guys rated the Samsung Nu7100 the best 40-43 inch tv of 2018 when you say in this video (and other written reviews) that the TCL is a better option. Hmmmmm....
I think tcl has made concerted efforts in upping the quality of their tvs this year. Don't know if it's equal to Samsung yet but I got the tcl s515 55" and the main advantage it has over the nu7100 is the wider color gamut. It's color output is closer to the nu8000. So go to best buy and look at the color difference between the nu7100 and the nu8000 especially the reds and you'll see. Incidently go online and check out the tcl tvs that are only available in China and Europe for whatever reason. They are stunning and will have the samsung q9 and Sony's best tv except their oleds shaking in their heels.
Love it. Excellent job!
Nothing said about the sound, In the 50s and 60s that's what sparked our most heated arguments--but that's when the sound of a Steinway or a symphony orchestra really mattered--more than gaming or "Criminal Minds."
I was going to grab the 43" tcl 517 as a pc monitor but passed. Because I am hoping tcl in 2019 will make a 43" tv that has hdmi 2.1 VRR and 120 hz at 1440p/4k or at least firmware update tcl 517 to add vrr feature (but I guess I also want 120 hz 1440p/4k which can't be done thru hdmi 2.0b. If I was tcl, I will add VRR and continue 43" tv since many ppl are now using it as pc monitor or for xbox one x gaming. Gaming and cheap/quality monitor/tv is becoming popular and they can really become the king of it.
Love the reviews as usual , just what’s up with Cedric ?
They commented on another video saying Cedric is the founder of RTINGS so he's too busy doing other things to make RUclips videos.
Ty Kelley okay, that make sense. Thanks !
1:39 look how warped the screen is
You mean the uneven twist between both top corners?
@@_Eric._ ehh not exactly. just looks twisted and screen is all rippled
This fuckin website is the best btw. If you ever need a TV, nobody goes more in depth with their reviews
I purchase a TCL 43S517 for a PC monitor All I can say is wow. Great for a computer monitor colors are crisp and so is the picture.I do not game much but I did a test with COD WWII and it worked fine for me ( I am not a pro gamer ). FOr me at its price you can not beat it for a 43 inch monitor. I am not going to say it will out do a hight priced T.V as a PC monitor but I can say it's really good for the $. I love it. Note I replaced my 60 htz monitor with this 60 hz T.V so htz was not an issue for me.
Best tv comparisons I’ve ever come across. Thanks and great job. Same for home theater? What’s the audio value brand or product like this tv?
tcl 5 series or samsung nu6900?
Very helpful. Thanks.
Bought a 43 inch for $250 to go in my master bedroom. Using the saved funds to go towards a C9. So far the 5 Series is extremely impressive. Honestly looks best than my 6 series Samsung 4K UHD from 2017.
Hows the sound quality
@@JJ-vm8bs Not bad at all. Haven't felt the need to get a sound bar for it.
Thats good cuz I felt like buying it but was worried about the sound quality its at my local Walmart for 450 I think
my Gawd this review was god like
When will you guys release more headphones reviews?
Would love to see how the PS4 Pro works on this TV since I just bought the console yesterday.
Also,thank you for the sound test.
That's cool. I'm thinking of buying this TV then during Christmas time buying a PS4. This seems like a pretty good gaming TV so your PS4 Pro should work well with this.
Very helpful! Subbed
Please please review vizio line up next
They will as there website shows they've bought the M and P Series.
The only issues with VIZIO's are there smart features. I'm not a fan where as TCL uses the great Roku platform.
That's true. I wasn't think you could buy a VIZIO and then separately buy a Roku stick. That's a good option. I'd probably just get a TCL Roku TV but your way of doing it is a good option too.
And yes I believe it is. It might be exactly the same as a stick but if not it should be very similar.
benny pitt I love the picture quality and for smart features not worried about so many things I have has features really interested in the input lag for gaming I have a vizio m but would really love the new p or quantum but last year's p series had poor input lag for game mode on 4k hdr
NICE REVIEW!
This would be such a killer PC monitor at 43" if it supported 120hz at 1080p like the Sony x900e
You can make a custom resolution with 1080p at 120hz
First the TV had video but no sound, now the display flickers. The TV was bought in February 2019!!!
The model bought was the 43S517 which surprisingly has been discontinued. Do not buy TCL tvs
There is a new update for Xbox supporting 1440p with 120hz. Is anyone here aware if this TV would work properly with that update. Is this 120hz?
Soo this tlc can't it 4k 120fps even though it says it can?
Excellent knowledgeable video
So this for my bedroom and the R6 for the living room for extreme value, gotcha XD
Hi, what about comparison of 55DP660 vs U55C7006? Cant decide which one to buy... Anybody help?
Unfortunately the 6 series doesn't come in 43 inches. Looks like I'm stuck with the 5 series.
Have you gotten it yet and if so do you like it? I'm thinking about buying one for my Xbox One X for FPS gaming...
If your laying down watching tv will the picture quality degrade alot?
best buy says its 120 hertz
true? not true?
fake 120 hertz?
its 2 year old tv still on sale at bestbuy, for a reason?
I have the 49” 5 series and it’s only 60hz refresh rate but recently on Best Buy’s website it has a 50” 5 series and says that it’s 120hz refresh rate is it false advertisement or did they make upgrades recently?
Test the Hisense H9E Plus “2018 model”
Esk8 Forum
Yes, they don't seem to have any reviews of Hisense models. There are several models that look quite competitive with the basic models shown here .
Trying to find a 43-inch TV for Xbox One X FPS gaming under $300 with the lowest input lag possible. I'm wondering if anyone knows anything better than this TV? I've been researching the last 2 years and are finally about to buy but it would be nice to get some info from somebody with experience.
I just bought the 43S515 and am setting it up today. I'm not liking the remote just from the looks of it.
@sal zerilli Did you skip the part where I said I was just setting the tv up?
I paired the tv up to my DirecTV remote, it told me the pairing was successful, but the remote won't do anything with the tv. So I'm reluctant to buy a new remote.
TCl TV's are good for spare room TV's. I have been told that they typically last 3-4 years.
Mines lasted less than 9 months. Bought it in Feb 2019
*Anyone could help me decide?*
I'm a Samsung sheep, I can't decide
I'm not a console gamer, so I primarily use it for Netflix, RUclips, Web surfing, UFC, HBO, History Channel...and whatever free channels that come with it
My pick is either NU7100 or TCL 4 & 5 series (preferably 5 but it's unavailable in Canada yet)...I wantes to get nu8000, but the 49" has 60 refresh and 120 mr, so it's almost the same idea as 7100 that costs extra
Given the choice would you guys advise me to wait until s5 is available, buy s4 or un7100?
Also, I'm hearing Tizen is good, but Roku is godly...I'm not sure what's the main difference as I haven't used either, so which of these OS is better and why?
Vlad Baghdasaryan probably already más you purchase but if there is a lot of light n the room Samsung . If it’s dark TCK
good review
mmmmmm that's weird okay he the s405 does not have a wide color gambit......but....... it does have hdr and I've seen it.
Wide Color Gamut was an addition For Dolby Vision because it uses 12bit colors. Hdr10 only uses 10bit so yes the 405 is HDR but not Dolby Vision
Just bought 517 off Amazon 55in
backlights go dead in months and not really 60hz and 120hz
On the s525 you guys said that you turned off gamma mode for sir content? But how? All I get is 2.4 to 1.8
Great review. I just purchased the 49in 4 series for 300 and debating returning it for the 5 series for 380. We watch Netflix and cable at 1080p. Not a lot of hdr specific shows. Will this be a noticeable difference in picture quality? Dark scenes with the 4 series isn't the greatest. Will this be a significant improvement with that?
They have the 55 inch TCL 5 series for $399....I would definitely switch. It's noticeably better than the 4 series.
@@dontedupree have you owned both? I was under the impression the only big difference between them was with hdr content. We mainly watch Netflix shows with no hdr and 1080p cable content.
@@jeffvanhorn1030 yes I have both. If you are just watching 1080p content then you can stay with the 4 series. If you are planning to upgrade to Netflix 4k or you are into gaming then Absolutely the 5 series. I also own the xbox one x.
@@dontedupree thank you
I just bought a 4 series 49" on Friday and returned it Sunday. Got it all hooked up and it was defective there was color bleeding all through the picture so I went and bought a series 5 49 it's kind of a gamble with these TVs
TCL S517 or Vizio E series (2018)?
I'm in the same boat🤦♂️
Hey do you know TCL 55" it can be install to any speaker ? I heard peoples say only work with Roku speaker. I wonder that is true! Thank man
is wide color gamut it's own option or is it 100% tied to the hdr?
is there any way to disable the white light that blinks under the TV every time you press a button on the remote when in use?
TCL 5 series or Nu6900
Hi. Just an advise needed. I am currently using samsung 40ku7000. And I got dolby atmos sound bar, but I am not able to use it to its fullest extent, as TV don't have that option to encode it, so I am thinking to get Apple 4k TV to hook with sound bar but then my tv don't support dolby vision, so solve my dilemma, without spending much, which TV I can choose which can give 4KUHD Dolby Vision And Dolby atmos output with streaming service for same. Your help will be highly appreciated.
Is it Qled?
What an absolute unit
I'm confused between TCL 4 series or 5 series. I'm getting the 49" TCL 4 Series for $185 and TCL 5 Series for $285. Is it worth if I get 5 series instead of 4 series??
It can be. It gets brighter, is better for HDR, and if you get the S517 version a better remote. I also personally like the S517 design better.
Is some clouding/light bleeding in the bottom corners normal?
My Tv has the same problem =(
@@dianabome4676 that's inherent to all edge lit tvs
Thanks..
Are they paid not to mention the xbox one x?
Bought the 43S517 from Amazon on Feburary and now (October 2019) the screen flickers constantly. I'd avoid TCL products entirely TBH
what's the arc for??
This tv looks legit like the Sony x720e
Does TCL TVs even last more than a year? I’ve had my 4 series for just over a year and It can no longer receive signal from my PS4. Why does my TCL 4 series not work with my PS4 after a power outage? I’ve talked to TCL, Roku, Sony, and even Target support. NOBODY CAN FIGURE OUT MY ISSUE!
Is this tv in the uk
I bought the 55S517 model and I shipped it from the USA to Senegal.I am really disappointed.The TV as such is perfect, the pictures are exellentes.Unfortunately the voice command does not work on the remote even if I configured it correctly.Listed logiciel it's just horrible, impossible to find HULU, SLING, HBO, AMAZON PRIME and there is no way to search for other apps other than what Roku offers us on TV.By the way is there a possibility of using a chromecast on the TCL 55S517? I would have liked installed google play store.Disappointed.
assane sana I own a Garmin gps navigation and it has the options to choose what accent it will speak in. I like hearing it speak with an Australian accent but when I choose that option it has a difficult time understanding my commands( I’m American ) Perhaps your accent is different from the tv dialect like my English accent is different from Australian English accent..
@@Geo-oe8ce I don't think i need to speak english very well for prononciation LAUNCH NETFLIX for example ils very easy and yes i configure the TV in french langage. Peut être que il faut le mettre en anglais pour que ça marche
I got 4 series