
TCL
The TCL 50‑Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is a 2023 mid‑tier model offering 4K resolution, HDR PRO with Dolby Vision (except Fire TV), and Dolby Atmos sound in a sleek near‑borderless design. It comes in Google TV, Roku TV, and Fire TV variants, providing multiple smart ecosystem options while keeping the price under $400.
Pros
Current
$385.37
Average
$287.51
Lowest
$199.00
Highest
$397.95
Lower = better sales rank
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Cons
From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
Criticized by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Best For
Budget‑conscious households wanting a reliable 4K TV under $400, casual streamers of Netflix/Disney+/YouTube, sports fans who benefit from MEMC motion smoothing, casual gamers using PS5 or Xbox Series X in ALLM mode, Apple users who need AirPlay/HomeKit (Roku), and small‑to‑medium living rooms or bedrooms where a 50‑inch screen fits well.
Not Ideal For
Enthusiasts seeking deep blacks, high peak brightness or full‑array local dimming (OLED/QLED fans), competitive gamers needing 120 Hz or VRR, and home‑theater purists demanding the best HDR performance across all platforms.
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers from CNET, RTINGS.com and TechRadar commend the TCL S4 series for delivering premium‑grade HDR, Dolby Vision and Atmos features at a sub‑$400 price point, noting its smooth motion handling, sleek design and low input lag. They caution that the 60 Hz panel, lack of full‑array local dimming and limited brightness keep it from competing with higher‑end QLED or OLED models, and they point out occasional UI lag on the Google TV version and the missing Dolby Vision on the Fire TV variant.
What Users Say
Everyday users rate the TV around 4.3 / 5, repeatedly praising its sharp, vibrant picture, easy setup and intuitive Roku/Google interfaces, as well as the surprisingly good virtual surround sound. Common complaints focus on the remote’s lack of backlighting and ergonomics, occasional lag or freezing, the absence of Dolby Vision on the Fire TV model, and a flimsy stand on uneven surfaces.
Common Complaints
Users frequently mention the remote’s poor visibility in low light and ergonomics, occasional lag or freezing especially on the Google TV version, the Fire TV model’s lack of Dolby Vision, and a stand that feels unstable on uneven surfaces.
What People Are Saying
“The TCL 50S4 delivers impressive HDR performance with good color volume and contrast for a direct‑lit LED. Dolby Vision support and MEMC make it a strong contender under $400.”
“TCL continues to punch above its weight with the S4 series, offering Dolby Vision and Atmos in a package that undercuts competitors.”
“If you want a no‑frills 4K TV with smart features and solid picture quality, the TCL S4 is hard to beat.”
“Outstanding picture quality for the price”
How It Compares
vs. Samsung Q50C (2023)
Choose the TCL S4 for a budget‑friendly 4K experience with Dolby Vision and Atmos; choose the Samsung Q50C if you need higher brightness and premium features.
vs. Hisense U6H
Choose the TCL S4 for broader smart platform options and Dolby Vision support; choose the Hisense U6H if you prefer its specific picture tuning.
vs. Vizio V‑Series (2023)
Choose the TCL S4 for better HDR formats and sound technologies; choose the Vizio V‑Series if you prioritize a different price‑performance balance.