It’s hard not to admire all the choices available in terms of 4K TVs that do not break the bank while providing terrific features. That is, therefore, what customers are expected to consider before making their decisions on what should be their first choice when it comes to making these purchases that are going to last them for long. Another name which has become popular across different stores for its cheap 4k TVs including Walmart and other big stores is TCL 4 series that comes with dependable performance and low prices. But how does it stand against rival low-cost 4K TV brands you can find at Walmart or any other similar store?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a detailed look at the TCL 4-Series and how it stacks up against other popular budget 4K TVs like the Vizio V-Series, Samsung TU7000, Hisense H6510G, and the LG UHD UN7000. We’ll cover their key features, picture quality, smart TV capabilities, and overall value.
TCL 4-Series Overview
The TCL 4-Series has been a go-to choice for consumers seeking a budget-friendly 4K TV that doesn’t compromise on quality. Available at retailers like Walmart, it offers a solid combination of features, including 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR support, and built-in Roku functionality for seamless streaming.
Key Features of the TCL 4-Series:
- 4K Ultra HD resolution: Delivers crisp, clear images with more than 8 million pixels.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR10): Enhances picture contrast and color for better image detail.
- Roku TV platform: A user-friendly interface that gives access to thousands of streaming channels and apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
- Direct-lit LED: Ensures consistent brightness across the screen.
- Affordable pricing: One of the best options in terms of value for a 4K TV.
While the TCL 4-Series is considered an entry-level model, it offers enough features to appeal to a wide audience. Its built-in Roku smart platform makes it easy to stream content without the need for additional devices, and its 4K resolution delivers impressive picture quality for the price.
But how does it compare to other budget 4K TVs in the same category? Let’s dive into some head-to-head comparisons.
TCL 4-Series vs. Vizio V-Series
Another strong contender in the budget 4K TV category is the Vizio V-Series, which is known for offering a competitive balance of performance and features at an affordable price. Here’s how the two TVs stack up:
Picture Quality
- TCL 4-Series: The TCL 4-Series offers decent picture quality for the price, but it lacks more advanced features like local dimming, which can enhance contrast and black levels. The direct-lit LED display ensures good brightness, but the overall performance in dark scenes can feel a bit lacking.
- Vizio V-Series: The Vizio V-Series also features 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR support. However, Vizio takes it a step further by incorporating Full Array LED backlighting, which improves brightness uniformity and overall picture contrast. This results in better performance in darker scenes compared to the TCL 4-Series.
Smart TV Platform
- TCL 4-Series: One of the standout features of the TCL 4-Series is its built-in Roku TV platform. Roku offers one of the most user-friendly interfaces on the market and provides access to a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- Vizio V-Series: Vizio uses its proprietary SmartCast platform, which has improved over the years but still isn’t as intuitive as Roku. However, SmartCast does come with built-in Google Chromecast functionality, allowing you to stream content directly from your mobile device or computer. Additionally, Vizio supports Apple AirPlay 2, which is a bonus for Apple users.
Price and Value
Both the TCL 4-Series and Vizio V-Series are similarly priced, making them direct competitors in the budget 4K TV market. However, Vizio’s Full Array LED backlighting and slightly better contrast performance give it an edge in picture quality, while the TCL 4-Series wins on ease of use with its Roku platform.
TCL 4-Series vs. Samsung TU7000
Samsung is a trusted name in the TV industry, and their TU7000 series is one of their budget-friendly options that competes directly with the TCL 4-Series.
Picture Quality
- TCL 4-Series: As previously mentioned, the TCL 4-Series provides solid picture quality with 4K resolution and HDR10 support. However, its brightness and contrast can sometimes fall short in challenging scenes with low light.
- Samsung TU7000: The Samsung TU7000 also offers 4K resolution and supports HDR10+, which gives it a slight edge in HDR performance over the TCL 4-Series. Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K enhances picture quality by upscaling non-4K content, giving the TU7000 a boost in terms of clarity and detail. In darker scenes, the TU7000 also performs better, thanks to its higher contrast ratio.
Smart TV Platform
- TCL 4-Series: As discussed, the Roku TV platform is one of the simplest and most efficient smart TV systems available. Its vast app library and intuitive interface make it a favorite among users who value ease of use.
- Samsung TU7000: Samsung’s Tizen platform powers the TU7000. While Tizen is a well-rounded smart TV platform, it is not as streamlined or user-friendly as Roku. However, it does come with a robust app selection and features voice control via Samsung’s Bixby, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant compatibility.
Price and Value
The Samsung TU7000 is slightly more expensive than the TCL 4-Series, which may deter budget-conscious buyers looking for the most affordable option. While the TU7000 offers better picture performance and a more polished design, the TCL 4-Series delivers better value for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness and streaming ease via Roku.
TCL 4-Series vs. Hisense H6510G
Hisense has been making waves in the budget TV market with its competitively priced models that offer solid features. The Hisense H6510G is one such model that competes with the TCL 4-Series in terms of both price and performance.
Picture Quality
- TCL 4-Series: Offers a standard 4K resolution with HDR support but lacks more advanced picture technologies like local dimming or quantum dots.
- Hisense H6510G: The Hisense H6510G also comes with 4K resolution and supports Dolby Vision HDR, which gives it an advantage in delivering better contrast, color accuracy, and brightness over the TCL 4-Series. Hisense’s inclusion of Dolby Vision—a premium HDR format—makes a noticeable difference in picture quality, especially when watching HDR content on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
Smart TV Platform
- TCL 4-Series: Powered by the Roku smart platform, it provides a reliable, easy-to-use interface for accessing a wide range of streaming apps.
- Hisense H6510G: Hisense TVs use the Android TV platform, which is well-rounded and supports Google Play Store apps, Chromecast, and Google Assistant for voice control. Android TV also allows for a high degree of customization, which some users prefer over the more straightforward Roku system.
Price and Value
Both the TCL 4-Series and Hisense H6510G are priced similarly, with the Hisense having a slight edge due to its inclusion of Dolby Vision HDR. However, for those who prefer a simpler, more streamlined smart TV experience, the TCL 4-Series with Roku might still be the better choice.
TCL 4-Series vs. LG UHD UN7000
LG is known for its top-tier OLED TVs, but it also offers budget-friendly 4K models like the LG UHD UN7000 series. This TV competes with the TCL 4-Series by offering similar features but with a few key differences.
Picture Quality
- TCL 4-Series: Standard 4K resolution with HDR10, but it lacks any advanced features like local dimming or wide color gamut.
- LG UHD UN7000: The LG UN7000 features Active HDR, which supports HDR10 and HLG, enhancing overall picture quality in bright and dark scenes. LG’s Quad-Core Processor 4K also helps improve picture clarity and reduces noise, making it a solid competitor in the budget 4K TV space.
Smart TV Platform
- TCL 4-Series: The Roku platform is arguably the simplest and most intuitive smart TV interface, making it a popular choice for cord-cutters and those who want easy access to streaming apps.
- LG UHD UN7000: LG’s webOS platform powers the UN7000 series, and it’s known for its fast, responsive interface. webOS also supports voice control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and LG’s Magic Remote adds convenience with motion controls. However, webOS may not be as straightforward as Roku, depending on user preference.
Price and Value
The LG UHD UN7000 is priced similarly to the TCL 4-Series, but LG’s inclusion of Active HDR and its more powerful processor may justify the slight price difference for some users. That said, the TCL 4-Series still offers excellent value for those who prioritize affordability and ease of use.
Conclusion: Which TV Should You Buy?
Unlike some rival devices, this is a device that can be said to be great in terms of price and features. It is however a mediocre TV compared to others with advanced picture technology. A perfect option for these people however has to be one with a simple user interface, HDR support and 4K resolution.
However, if you’re looking for better picture performance, the Vizio V-Series or Hisense H6510G might be worth considering, thanks to their superior contrast and Dolby Vision support. Alternatively, the Samsung TU7000 and LG UN7000 offer slightly better overall picture quality but at a higher price point.
Ultimately, the best budget 4K TV for you will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s ease of use, picture quality, or price. No matter your choice, you can find these options and more at Walmart, ensuring that you get great value for your next 4K TV purchase.