A solid 55-inch 4K TV with Google TV at an incredibly low price point.

Budget King

TCL has made a name for itself by offering impressive TVs at budget prices, and the S4 continues that tradition. At around $230 for a 55-inch 4K TV with Google TV built-in, it's hard to find a better value proposition.

This isn't a TV for videophiles or gamers—it's for people who want a big screen for streaming without spending a lot. And at that job, it excels.

Picture Quality: Adequate for the Price

The S4 uses a basic LED panel without local dimming, so expectations should be calibrated accordingly. Black levels are elevated, contrast is modest, and HDR doesn't have much impact due to limited brightness.

That said, for watching Netflix, YouTube, and casual content, the picture is perfectly acceptable. Colors are reasonably accurate in the Movie mode, and 4K resolution means streaming content looks sharp.

Google TV Experience

The S4 runs Google TV, which is a significant upgrade over many budget TV interfaces. Content recommendations are personalized, navigation is intuitive, and all major streaming apps are available. Chromecast is built-in for easy casting.

Voice search through the Google Assistant works well, letting you find shows and control playback without navigating menus. The remote includes dedicated buttons for popular streaming services.

Features and Connectivity

Basic HDR support is included, though the limited brightness means it's more about compatibility than actual HDR impact. The TV supports common HDR formats but don't expect the 'wow' factor of premium displays.

Three HDMI ports provide adequate connectivity, and there's built-in Wi-Fi for streaming. The 60Hz panel limits gaming appeal, but for casual gamers, it's acceptable.

Final Verdict

The TCL S4 55" is the TV for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize screen size and smart features over picture quality. At this price for a 55-inch Google TV, the value is undeniable.

Don't buy this expecting flagship performance—buy it for a guest room, kids' room, or as an affordable big-screen option. It does that job remarkably well, proving that you can get a lot of TV for very little money.

Pros

+Incredible value for 55 inches
+Google TV with Chromecast
+Decent 4K picture quality
+Simple and reliable
+Good app selection

Cons

-No local dimming means weak contrast
-HDR is underwhelming
-60Hz limits gaming
-Build quality feels budget

TCL S4 55" Review: The No-Frills 4K Choice

Verdict