My background: have used the same 32" flatscreen for about 5 years, TV was given to me by people who had used the TV for several years before me. Finally reached the point where watching movies on it in the living room wasnt doing it for me.
When deciding on this TV my process was to first go to walmart and target to compare picture and screen size. The TCL model each store had was the 2017 model of this TV, which still looked fantastic compared to the other bargain TVs (element, vizio) and I honestly couldn't tell a remarkable difference between it and the $800+ models of higher end brands.
I went on Amazon and filtered everything I wanted in a TV (55", 120hz refresh, 4k, price under 500) and both the '17 and '18 TCL models were included in the final lineup of 5 tvs. The 2 TCL models were both the highest/most rated tvs on Amazon in my final list, and after comparing the two model years I went with this newer model for the Dolby vision, better contrast, and darker blacks based on reviews.
Compared to what I've had for years, I am blown away. I currently have the TV mounted on the wall with a Mounting Dream fully movable mount, and it looks like modern art above my fireplace.
The picture is beautiful, I have watched several fast paced shows on Netflix, SNL broadcast over the air, some children's movies, and everything is clear and crisp and b-e-a-u-tiful. No lagging or pixelated images, with 2 clicks you can go from energy saver mode to normal mode for daytime sunlight viewing (or if you want to light up the living room in the evening...)
Sound is fine for what I need currently. I downloaded the spotify app to the TV and played music over my phone - cranked it and I could jam anywhere on the main floor. No crazy bass but I didnt expect that without first buying a soundbar kit of some kind. Future purchase.
THE APPS. Setting up the TV first time plugging in is super easy, remote is streamlined to no more than 15 buttons I believe, 4 of them being quick keys to highly used apps (Netflix for example!) I used a wired setup since my router is right there on the mantle and I want my TV to have the preference when divvying up the 12mbps service I have currently.
Downloading apps is quick and easy, and there are many to choose. The Netflix app is beautifully done, and the spotify app makes it so easy to beam music from your phone to your TV.
The remote is a smart/magic remote that has a voice control button. I've used it and it works great, however it wont go directly from one app to another from a command.
For example, you cant be on broadcast TV and ask it to play stranger things on Netflix and expect it to start playing. It will run a search for stranger things in all your downloaded apps (with Netflix being the top option since you mentioned it in the command) and other options listed below, and you will have to select the Netflix option. Once within apps it's completely responsive, ask it to do something in the app you're already in and it will do it no other clicking needed. Neat neat!
Overall great TV for my money. I cant imagine spending more, im super happy, and I don't see a need to pay more unless durability over time comes into play, which I will add to/edit this review if anything like that comes up.
| Brand Name | TCL |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 33 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 48.34 x 10.59 x 30 inches |
| Item model number | 55S517 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Wide Color |
| Special Features | Flat |
| Item Weight | 33 Pounds |
| Standing screen display size | 55 Inches |
