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TCL Televisions
TCL TVs
When purchasing a new television, you may need to examine various factors, which makes the selection process overwhelming. This article will help you determine whether TCL TV, a Chinese brand, is a good fit for you.
TCL televisions have proven to be of excellent value in recent years. TCL has produced TVs that compete yearly with well-known brands like Sony, LG, Hisense, and Samsung. While they're known for their inexpensive versions with fewer capabilities, some of their most recent models include cutting-edge technology such as Mini LED backlighting and variable refresh rate (VRR) compatibility. Just like the standard LEDs found in television, the mini-LEDs are used to power the television’s backlight.
Main Features
TCL's current best TVs include but are not limited to the TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635), TCL 5-Series Roku TV (S535), and TCL 5-Series Google TV (S456). TCL TVs employ the Roku or Google TV smart platforms, which are user-friendly and offer a wide range of apps. TCL is starting to integrate extra gaming capabilities like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and VRR support into its higher-end models as part of its 2021 portfolio.
Even though the Roku interface is simple to use, it isn't the best or most visually appealing in the industry. Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV+, Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, ESPN+, Paramount+, Spotify, and more are all available with the built-in Roku TV.
TCL TVs are at the cutting edge of technology, with features like THX Game Mode and mini-LED illumination, giving high-end touches at extremely low prices. The THX game mode offers low dark-to-light transitions to deliver vibrant colors so that nothing is missed in fast-paced gameplay. TCL also gives excellent value by combining Roku’s smart TV software with high-quality manufacturing.
Picture quality
TCL televisions are known for using a lot of picture processing, which can result in off-color images and low contrast. The demands of high-resolution television may be too much for simple processors to handle. When it comes to ultimate 4k HDR performance, going for other brands like Sony and Samsung might be a better alternative. However, TCL TVs like the C71 and the C81 offer a decent range of QLED displays.
Sound quality
TCL has smartly chosen to emphasize the mids and highs over booming bass. That implies TCL TV does well in shows and movies where conversations are the most significant or prominent type of audio but falls short in music or games where explosions are central to the experience. Generally, TCL TVs have an average speaker frequency range of 50-60.
Price
TCL televisions are often less expensive than those made by Samsung, Sony, and LG. Despite the low cost, TCL does not compromise on functionality. Many TCL TVs start at $259 for a 43-inch model and go up to $749 for a 75-inch one.
Conclusion
TCL TVs are affordable and have good picture quality and functionality. Many TCL TV models don't have as many features or aren't as comfortable as more expensive brands, but their TVs are usually easily affordable and can do as much as these high-end brands. If you are looking for a TV with many smart features at an affordable price, a TCL TV is worth buying.
Hisense Televisions
Hisense TVs
If you’re TV hunting and you’re looking for a bargain, Hisense Televisions are probably going to top your search list. Even though Hisense is not as popular as big players such as LG, Samsung, and Sony, this brand offers stylish television sets that represent good value for money. In this article, we will be discussing the key features of Hisense TVs and what you can expect after purchasing a product of this brand.
Main features
It should be evident that Hisense entered the television market intending to deliver high-end TV sets for low-end prices, and it has done just that. The brand delivers on core features that you may expect from a new television, which includes 4K resolution and HDR support. This ensures that you get quality output for both movies and gaming. If you’re spending on higher-end Hisense products, you can expect Dolby vision support, along with connectivity for streaming and apps. Although Hisense is known for being a low-budget TV brand, its flagship products also come with secondary functionality that you can expect from televisions of other top brands. Some additional features on higher-end products include voice assistant and elaborate smart features
Picture quality
Again, Hisense is not a big player in the TV business so you may not be getting the best in terms of picture quality by purchasing a TV of this brand. That being said, you’ll get good UHD and HDR picture displays for the money spent. In the middle to low-end television sets, vertical alignment panels are used and it measures 319 nits of light output on a white square covering 10% of the screen, This offers decent contrast and picture outputs, especially in gaming and sports. If you're opting for flagship products like the U80G ULED 8K TV, you can expect brilliant visuals thanks to ultra HD certification, Dolby Vision-enhanced quantum dot colors, and over 1,000 nits of light output, making gaming and movies more captivating.
Sound quality
Hisense TVs have some of the best sound quality televisions on the market thanks to 16W speakers that are found in most models. The major problem with sound output for this product ill comes in the form of its translation of surround sound, especially in cheap models. In some higher end models, Hisense includes a 4.1 inch subwoofer and Dolby Atmos audio for a clearer audio with punchy bass.
Durability
Hisense TVs have a good lifespan that can rival the longevity of other major brands. This is especially good because the company’s products are more affordable. Despite being made from plastic, the TV sets will rarely be damaged, safe for serious external impact. In the end, the durability comes down to how well the user handles the TV and how frequently it is used.
Price
Most Hisense TVs are mid-range and can be purchased at significantly cheaper prices than rival brands. Small full HD models can be purchased for under $250, however, the company also produces some high-end products that cost thousands of dollars.
Design
If you’re getting any of the Hisense TV selections below $500, you may want to take your mind off getting premium design. While the core features are excellent, it is mostly fitted into bulky outer constructions that are made of plastics. If you can get past the chunky look, the design is not poor for a budget TV. You should however not hold your breath for a fancy TV set that adds to the aesthetics of your apartment.
Conclusion
Hisense TVs are among the best bargains on the market when shopping for low-end products. The Chinese company offers lower products and unfortunately, that can mean lower quality sometimes but overall, its products are more than worth their prices.
TCL vs Hisense Televisions
TThe Best Budget TV
TCL and Hisense are two popular Chinese companies that are first of all known for their budget TVs. Of course, both of them can also offer some high-end models (that are still much cheaper than high-end models from big manufacturers, such as Samsung or LG), but they are not as popular as low-priced ones.
It’s definitely not easy to compare Hisense 4K TV vs TCL 4K TV. Belonging to a budget-friendly segment of the Chinese market, they have a lot in common. They offer a wide variety of affordable 4K and Full HD smart TVs, suitable for various purposes (gaming, watching movies or sports programs, etc.) and it’s hard to immediately notice the difference in picture quality between them. At the same time, these two television distributors offer different features to improve TV’s picture quality and provide better convenience in use.
Main Features
The first thing that should be mentioned here is that both brands produce TVs that support modern, advanced features, such as HDR, UHD, etc. TCL’s TVs also usually have Dolby Vision, HDR10, and full-array LED backlight. Hisense, in its turn, most often offers models with Motion Rate 120, local dimming, and LED backlight support as well. Almost all the models, manufactured by both brands, go with VA panel displays.
A lot of Hisense TVs come with artificial intelligence that automatically adapts the picture in accordance with what is happening on the screen (makes it lighter or darker, etc.). This frees you from the necessity to switch between different modes before you start playing a game, watching a movie, etc.
However, when it comes to Hisense TV vs TCL battle, Hisense almost always has more features than TCL. Let’s take two TVs from both brands as an example. The Hisense 40H5500F offers DTS sound, Motion Rate 120, voice-enabled remote, Bluetooth audio, and built-in Google Assistant while the TCL 40S325 offers only Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility and direct-lit LED for a similar price.
So, as you can see, the Hisense 40H5500F is a winner in this battle.
- Inputs & Outputs: 2 HDMI ports, 1 Ethernet port, 2 USB Ports (v 2.0), 1 Digital Audio Output (Optical), 1 RCA Composite Video Input, 1 L/R Audio Input for composite
- 35.6 x 20.4 x 3.2 inches and 12.8 pounds
- A 1-year manufacturer's warranty, two 7-watt speakers and DTS, built-in Bluetooth connectivity
- Motion rate 120-image processing
- 1080p picture quality
- The voice-enabled android TV platform
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Picture Quality
Considering the fact that both TCL and Hisense are offered at an affordable price tag, one should not expect fantastic picture quality, which can be compared with TVs from expensive brands. However, they still give you the opportunity to get a true UHD and HDR picture on a large screen for a pleasant price.
Using Vertical Alignment panel displays, both models can offer good contrast and image depth but have a long response time. However, TCL’s TVs tend to offer a more cinema-friendly and dynamic picture. Hisense’s TVs, on the other hand, are better for gaming, sports programs, and action movies as they show less motion blur. They also give out deeper reproduction of dark colors. Hisense also tends to use ULED technology, but only in expensive models that cost more than $1000.
Both models have very similar disadvantages when it comes to picture quality. First of all, they can't offer wide viewing angles. The peak brightness is also not at the highest level, so clearness and naturality of the picture aren’t great even when it comes to the pricier models.
However, by the general impression, Hisense’s TVs have a more uniform picture and greater contrast ratio, providing a more accurate image. This way, comparing the TCL 32S325 with the Hisense 32H5500F, you will easily see that TCL’s model has a less sharp image.
This is the reason why the Hisense 32H5500F is the winner in the Hisense vs TCL TV picture quality comparison.
- Inputs & Outputs: 2 HDMI ports, 1 Ethernet port, 2 USB Ports (v 2.0), 1 Digital Audio Output (Optical), 1 RCA
- Composite Video Input, 1 L/R Audio Input for composite
- 28.7 x 17 x 2.9 inches and 8.6 pounds
- A 1-year manufacturer's warranty
- 720p picture quality
- The voice-enabled android TV platform, built-in Wi-Fi
- Motion rate 120-image processing
- Two 6-watt speakers and DTS, built-in Bluetooth
Sound
Both Hisense and TCL usually supply their TVs with a pair of stereo speakers. However, Hisense usually tends to use more powerful speakers while TCL uses 16W speakers in both cheap and expensive models. Hisense, in some cases, also provides such functions as noise reduction in more expensive models.
In terms of drawbacks, both of the compared brands don't tend to use some specific technologies for surround sound. Thus, such advanced technology as Dolby Atmos is used only in really pricey TVs from both manufacturers.
Let’s compare the Hisense 32H5500F with the TCL 32S325. The first model uses 6W speakers with DTS virtual surround sound while the second one is equipped with a pair of usual 5W speakers.
Thus, it is not difficult to conclude that the Hisense 32H5500F is the winner in this case.
- Inputs & Outputs: 2 HDMI ports, 1 Ethernet port, 2 USB Ports (v 2.0), 1 Digital Audio Output (Optical), 1 RCA
- Composite Video Input, 1 L/R Audio Input for composite
- 28.7 x 17 x 2.9 inches and 8.6 pounds
- A 1-year manufacturer's warranty
- 720p picture quality
- The voice-enabled android TV platform, built-in Wi-Fi
- Motion rate 120-image processing
- Two 6-watt speakers and DTS, built-in Bluetooth
Operating System
The TVs from the compared manufacturers use different operating systems. Hisense TVs run on different operating systems including Android, Roku (in rare cases), and Hisense's own VIDAA operating system with AI, implemented only in high-end models. Android gives you access to the most popular streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.). It offers such convenient apps as Google Games and Google Play Music. It also has built-in Chromecast which allows streaming photos, videos, and music to the TV from any Android-, iOS-, or Windows-based devices.
Most of TCL’s TVs run on Roku. This operating system is cable-, antenna-, and streaming-friendly and gives you access to more than 500K movies and TV shows. It also contains a great list of popular streaming channels (Hulu, YouTube, HBO, ESPN, Netflix, etc.).
Both of these operating systems are convenient, but I’m on the side of Hisense here as most of their TVs are Android-based. Plus, it allows for easier connectivity with such voice assistants as Alexa and Google Assistant.
If we take a look at the Hisense 40H5500F which uses Android, and the TCL 50S425 that uses Roku, it’s easily noticeable that Android is more a thought-out operating system than Roku and has a more intuitive interface.
That is why the Hisense 40H5500F becomes a winner in this category.
- Inputs & Outputs: 2 HDMI ports, 1 Ethernet port, 2 USB Ports (v 2.0), 1 Digital Audio Output (Optical), 1 RCA Composite Video Input, 1 L/R Audio Input for composite
- 35.6 x 20.4 x 3.2 inches and 12.8 pounds
- A 1-year manufacturer's warranty, two 7-watt speakers and DTS, built-in Bluetooth connectivity
- Motion rate 120-image processing
- 1080p picture quality
- The voice-enabled android TV platform
- Built-in Wi-Fi
TV Ports
Hisense’s TVs almost always have more HDMI ports in comparison with TCL’s TVs. For example, let’s take in comparison two models from the same price range: the TCL 40S325 and the Hisense 40H4F. The first one comes with 3 HDMI ports while the second one has 4 HDMI ports.
So, obviously, the Hisense 40H4F is in the winning position in this case as it allows you to connect more sources.
- 1080p picture quality, intuitively smart Roku TV platform, built-in Wi-Fi
- Motion rate 120-image processing
- Roku TV remote app
- 35.6 by 20.4 by 3.2 inches
- Alexa-enabled device or google assistant (both sold separately)
Durability
It’s not easy to compare TCL and Hisense when it comes to durability quality as both of them are focused on producing cheap TVs. They both issue TVs with plastic bodies that can’t provide superior durability.
However, to my mind, TCL’s TVs seem to have better build quality. This way, the TCL 43S425, for example, stands on a wider stand and is made of a thicker plastic than the Hisense 40H5500F.
So, the TCL 43S425 is a winner when it comes to durability.
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
- Over 5,000 streaming channels
- 1080p Full HD Resolution
- Direct-lit LED produces great picture quality with 60Hz refresh Rate
- Inputs: 3 HDMI, 1 USB, RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical audio Out
Price
Both manufacturers produce TV sets with prices ranging from $200 to thousands of dollars. Their small Full HD models have identical prices, but when it comes to large 4K models, TCL’s TVs are more beneficial for budget customers. In most cases, their 4K TVs are about 50$ – 100$ cheaper than 4K TVs of the same size from Hisense.
Thus, despite the fact that the Hisense 32H4F and the TCL 32S325 possess similar features, the Hisense’s TV is still more costly.
That is why I consider the TCL 32S325 as a winner in this category.
- TV without stand: 28.8 x 17.1 x 3.1 inches, TV with stand: 28.8 x 19 x 6.8 Inches
- 720p HD resolution
- Direct lit LED
- Inputs: 3 HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB (media player), RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Hisense vs TCL: Conclusion
So, as you can see from this TCL vs Hisense TV brand comparison, both of these TVs prove that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to buy a good-quality 4K TV with such premium features as UHD or HDR. Both of them also offer enough features and decent picture quality for the prices they ask.
Hisense’s TVs offer more features for improved picture quality, have more powerful speakers, and offer more TV ports. On the other hand, TCL’s TVs are more durable and are offered for a more beneficial price.
So, considering all pros and cons of these brands, I would mark Hisense as a great option for the price. This brand offers better picture quality and more features for a slightly higher but incredible value.
