TCL S551G 4K UHD LED Smart TV Detailed Review With Pros and Cons

The TCL S551G 4K UHD LED Smart TV is a budget-friendly television that aims to deliver a high-quality viewing experience without breaking the bank. As part of TCL’s extensive lineup, the S551G combines essential features with modern design elements, making it a popular choice among cost-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise on picture quality and smart functionalities. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the specifications and features of the TCL S551G, covering everything from its design and build quality to its smart features and gaming performance. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this TV is the right fit for your needs.

[table-of-contents]

Unboxing and Package Contents

Unboxing a new TV is always an exciting experience, and the TCL S551G aims to make a positive first impression with its packaging and contents. Here’s what you can expect when you open the box.

Packaging

Security: The TV is securely packed to prevent any damage during transit. The packaging is sturdy and well-constructed, ensuring the TV arrives in perfect condition.
Eco-Friendly: TCL uses eco-friendly materials for their packaging, which is a nice touch for environmentally conscious consumers.

TCL S551G 4K UHD LED Smart TV: The main attraction, of course, is the TV itself. It comes protected with foam inserts and plastic wrapping.
Stand Legs and Screws: The TV includes stand legs and screws, which are easy to attach if you prefer to place the TV on a table or entertainment center.
Remote Control: A user-friendly remote control is included, complete with batteries, so you can start using the TV immediately.
Power Cord: The power cord is included, allowing you to connect the TV to your power source.
Quick Start Guide and User Manual: These guides provide essential information on setting up and using your new TV.
Warranty Card: A warranty card is included, offering peace of mind with your purchase.
Cables: Note that no HDMI or other cables are included in the package. You will need to purchase these separately if you don’t already have them.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Secure and eco-friendly packaging.
Comprehensive contents for easy setup.

Cons:

No HDMI or other cables included, requiring additional purchases.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of a TV are crucial factors that influence its aesthetic appeal and durability. The TCL S551G manages to strike a balance between modern design and robust build quality.

Design

Slim Bezels: The TV features slim bezels on three sides, enhancing the viewing experience by providing a more immersive display. The bottom bezel is slightly thicker, sporting the TCL logo.
Modern Look: The overall design is sleek and modern, making it a stylish addition to any living room or entertainment space.

Build Quality

Materials: The S551G is constructed from high-quality plastic materials, ensuring durability while keeping the TV lightweight.
Stand: The stand legs are sturdy and provide stable support for the TV. They are also easy to attach, making the setup process straightforward.
Wall-Mountable: The TV is compatible with VESA wall mounts, allowing you to save space by mounting it on a wall.
Back Panel: The back panel has a clean layout, with all ports easily accessible. This design choice makes it simple to connect various devices without hassle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Slim bezels for a modern look.
Durable build quality with high-quality plastic materials.
Stable stand and wall-mountable option.
Clean back panel design with easily accessible ports.

Cons:

Slightly thicker bottom bezel, which might not appeal to all users.

Display and Picture Quality

The display and picture quality are the most critical aspects of any TV, and the TCL S551G aims to deliver impressive performance in this area.

Display Technology

Type: The TCL S551G features an LED display, which is known for its energy efficiency and brightness.
Resolution: It boasts a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, offering sharp and detailed images.
HDR Support: The TV supports HDR10, enhancing the dynamic range and providing better contrast and color accuracy.

Color Accuracy

Color Gamut: The TV offers a decent color gamut, covering most of the sRGB spectrum. Colors are vibrant and accurate out of the box.
Calibration: While the default settings are good, the TV includes calibration settings that allow you to fine-tune the color accuracy to your liking.

Picture Quality

Brightness: The TV delivers moderate peak brightness, which is sufficient for most viewing conditions. HDR content benefits from the increased brightness, making highlights more pronounced.
Contrast: The contrast ratios are good, resulting in deep blacks and bright whites. This is particularly noticeable in dark scenes where details remain visible.
Viewing Angles: The S551G offers adequate viewing angles, with minimal color shift when viewed from the side. This ensures a consistent viewing experience even when not sitting directly in front of the TV.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

4K UHD resolution for sharp and detailed images.
HDR10 support for better contrast and color accuracy.
Decent color gamut with vibrant colors.
Good contrast ratios for deeper blacks.
Adequate viewing angles with minimal color shift.

Cons:

Moderate peak brightness, which might not be sufficient in very bright rooms.

Audio Performance

Audio performance is another important factor to consider when choosing a TV. The TCL S551G aims to provide a satisfactory audio experience with its built-in speakers.

Sound Quality

Speakers: The TV is equipped with built-in speakers that have a total power output of 16 watts. The speakers are positioned to deliver clear sound directly to the viewer.
Clarity: Dialogue is clear and easily understandable, which is essential for watching movies and TV shows.
Bass: The bass response is adequate for general viewing, but it might lack the depth and richness required for a more immersive audio experience.

Audio Enhancements

Support: The TV supports Dolby Digital Plus, which enhances the audio quality by providing more dynamic range and better clarity.
Additional Equipment: For those who desire a more immersive sound experience, it is recommended to use an external sound system or soundbar.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Clear dialogue with adequate bass response.
Supports Dolby Digital Plus for enhanced audio quality.
Built-in speakers with decent power output.

Cons:

Bass might lack depth and richness for audiophiles.
An external sound system is recommended for a better audio experience.

Connectivity

Connectivity options are essential for a modern TV, and the TCL S551G offers a variety of ports and wireless options to connect all your devices.

Ports

HDMI: The TV includes 3 HDMI ports, one of which supports Audio Return Channel (ARC). This allows you to connect multiple devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems.
USB: There is 1 USB port available for connecting external storage devices or other peripherals.
Other Ports: The TV also features an Ethernet port for wired internet connections, an optical audio output for connecting to audio systems, an RF antenna input for traditional broadcast TV, and a composite input for older devices.

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi: The TCL S551G comes with built-in Wi-Fi, enabling you to connect to your home network for streaming and online content.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity is available for connecting external audio devices such as headphones or speakers, as well as other peripherals.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Ample HDMI ports for connecting multiple devices.
USB port for external storage and peripherals.
Ethernet port for stable wired internet connections.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.

Cons:

Limited USB ports (only one).
No advanced ports like HDMI 2.1.

Smart Features

The smart features of the TCL S551G are designed to provide an intuitive and seamless user experience, allowing you to access a wide range of content and services.

Operating System

Platform: Depending on the region, the TV comes with either Roku TV or Android TV. Both platforms offer a user-friendly interface and access to a vast library of apps and streaming services.
Integration: The operating system integrates well with popular streaming services, making it easy to access your favorite content.

Voice Control

Remote: The included remote control features a built-in microphone for voice control, allowing you to search for content and control the TV using your voice.
Compatibility: The TV supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enabling you to control the TV and other smart home devices using voice commands.

Apps and Services

Access: The TV provides access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and more.
Performance: The performance is generally smooth, although some apps may have occasional limitations or require updates.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

User-friendly interface with Roku TV or Android TV.
Built-in voice control with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support.
Access to a wide range of apps and streaming services.

Cons:

Some apps may have limited functionality or require updates.

Gaming Features

For gamers, the TCL S551G offers several features that enhance the gaming experience, although it does have some limitations compared to higher-end models.

Performance

Input Lag: The TV has low input lag, making it suitable for casual gaming. This ensures that there is minimal delay between your actions and what appears on the screen.
Game Mode: The Game Mode optimizes the TV’s settings for a better gaming experience, reducing input lag and enhancing picture quality.

Compatibility

Consoles: The TV is compatible with current-generation gaming consoles such as the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Resolution and HDR: It supports 4K resolution and HDR, enhancing the visual quality of your games.

Limitations

Advanced Features: The TCL S551G lacks support for advanced gaming features such as HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Low input lag suitable for casual gaming.
Game Mode for optimized gaming settings.
Supports 4K resolution and HDR for enhanced visuals.

Cons:

Lacks advanced gaming features like HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important consideration for many consumers, and the TCL S551G is designed to be energy-efficient while providing excellent performance.

Power Consumption

Typical Use: The TV consumes approximately 90 watts during typical use, which is relatively low for a 4K TV.
Eco Mode: The TV includes an Eco Mode that reduces power consumption by adjusting settings such as brightness and contrast.

Environmental Impact

Materials: TCL uses eco-friendly materials in the construction of the S551G, reducing its environmental impact.
Recyclability: The TV is designed to be recyclable, making it easier to dispose of responsibly at the end of its life cycle.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Low power consumption during typical use.
Eco Mode for reduced power consumption.
Eco-friendly materials and recyclable design.

Cons:

Power consumption can vary based on usage and settings.

Additional Features

The TCL S551G comes with several additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience.

Smart Home Integration

Google Assistant: The TV integrates with Google Assistant, allowing you to control it and other smart home devices using voice commands.
Amazon Alexa: It also supports Amazon Alexa, providing another option for smart home control.

Built-in Chromecast

Functionality: The built-in Chromecast allows you to cast content from your smartphones, tablets, or computers directly to the TV.
Compatibility: It is compatible with a wide range of devices and apps, making it easy to share content.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Smart home integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Built-in Chromecast for easy content casting.

Cons:

Smart home and casting performance dependent on network stability.

Pricing

Pricing is a significant factor for many consumers, and the TCL S551G offers good value for its features and performance.

Price Range

Affordable: The TCL S551G is positioned within the budget category for 4K TVs, making it an affordable option for many consumers.
Value: Despite its budget-friendly price, the TV offers essential features and good performance, providing excellent value for money.

Variation

Retailer and Region: The price of the TV may vary depending on the retailer and region, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable pricing within the budget category.
Good value for money with essential features.

Cons:

Price variation depending on retailer and region.

Summary with Overall Pros and Cons

In summary, the TCL S551G 4K UHD LED Smart TV is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable TV with good performance and smart features. Here’s a quick recap of the overall pros and cons.

Overall Pros

Design: Modern design with slim bezels.
Display: 4K UHD resolution with HDR10 support.
Audio: Decent audio quality with Dolby Digital Plus support.
Connectivity: Adequate ports and wireless connectivity options.
Smart Features: User-friendly interface with access to popular streaming services.
Gaming: Low input lag and Game Mode for casual gaming.
Energy Efficiency: Low power consumption and eco-friendly materials.
Additional Features: Smart home integration and built-in Chromecast.
Pricing: Affordable pricing with good value for money.

Overall Cons

Package Contents: No HDMI or other cables included.
Bottom Bezel: Slightly thicker bottom bezel.
Calibration Needed: Basic calibration settings available but may require fine-tuning.
Audio Limitations: Built-in speakers may lack depth and richness, external sound system recommended.
Wi-Fi Issues: Occasional connectivity issues.
App Limitations: Some apps may have limited functionality.
Voice Control: Voice control via remote only on specific models.
Gaming Features: Lacks HDMI 2.1 support, VRR, and ALLM.
Power Consumption: Varies based on usage and settings.
Internet Dependency: Requires stable internet for smart features.
Casting Performance: Dependent on network stability.
Price Variability: Price varies by retailer and region.

The TCL S551G 4K UHD LED Smart TV is a commendable option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a well-rounded TV with essential features and good performance. While it does have some limitations, its overall value makes it a worthy consideration in the budget 4K TV market.