TCL
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The TCL 40‑Inch Class S3 is a budget‑friendly 1080p LED smart TV available with either Roku TV or Google TV platforms. It features Direct LED backlighting, thin bezels, and a Game Mode for casual gaming, targeting small to mid‑size rooms.
Pros
Current
$149.99
Average
$150.58
Lowest
$129.99
Highest
$215.67
Lower = better sales rank
Pipishell
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FREE SIGNAL TV
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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 buyers needing a reliable secondary TV for bedrooms, kitchens, dorms, or first‑time smart TV owners; Apple ecosystem users who want AirPlay 2 and HomeKit (Roku); casual gamers who play at 1080p/60 Hz and value Game Mode; streamers who prioritize a straightforward interface.
Not Ideal For
Enthusiast gamers requiring HDMI 2.1, VRR or ALLM; home‑theater enthusiasts seeking Dolby Vision or high peak brightness; users with many HDMI devices needing more than 2–3 ports; those who need Bluetooth audio output on the Roku version.
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers from RTINGS.com, CNET, The Verge and Wirecutter commend the S3 series for delivering a solid 1080p experience, a responsive Roku or Google TV platform, and a uniform Direct LED backlight at a sub‑$200 price point. They note the Roku version shines with its intuitive UI and broad app ecosystem, while the Google TV variant benefits from deep integration with Google services. However, they criticize the limited HDMI ports, absence of HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Vision, and the lack of Bluetooth on the Roku model.
What Users Say
Everyday users consistently highlight the TV's clear picture, easy setup, and the convenience of AirPlay on the Roku model. The Roku interface is repeatedly called simple and fast, and the slim design is praised as premium for the cost. Common complaints revolve around occasional Wi‑Fi instability, missing Bluetooth audio on Roku, remote lag on Google TV, and the modest HDR performance.
Common Complaints
Wi‑Fi connectivity drops, especially on 5 GHz; remote control lag on Google TV; absence of Bluetooth audio on Roku; limited HDMI ports on Google TV; lack of screen mirroring on Google TV; HDR looks less vibrant than on premium sets; stand assembly difficulty.
What People Are Saying
“picture clarity and ease of setup”
How It Compares
vs. Hisense Edge‑Lit TV
Advantages
Disadvantages
Choose TCL for better picture uniformity and a smoother smart interface; choose Hisense if you need higher brightness or extra HDMI ports.
vs. Samsung Edge‑Lit TV
Advantages
Disadvantages
Pick TCL for budget‑friendly value and Roku/Google TV flexibility; pick Samsung if premium picture and advanced features are a priority.
