out of
TVs
TCL 5 Series Review
→
Published
True Score
True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.
Mixed Reviews
Experts
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
)
The TCL 5 Series boasts deep blacks, HDR support, and rich color. It has fast response times and low input lags but lacks VRR, HDMI 2.1, good viewing angles, and good sound.
We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more
Product Snapshot
Overview
The TCL 5 Series QLED TV is a mid-tier 2020 release that’s an excellent pick for anyone that wants to bring the cinematic experience to their home.
Its Quantum Dot technology provides rich colors for high picture quality, and its support for Dolby Vision gives good brightness and contrast levels that you wouldn’t find in a typical LCD TV.
In addition, the TCL Series 5’s Roku platform is easy to navigate, and with Auto Game mode, gamers won’t have to sweat about optimizing the TV for the ultimate gaming experience. Have a look at this review to see how it compares to the highest-rated TVs in the market.
Consensus
our Verdict
The TCL 5 Series QLED TV offers great color handling and deep blacks with local dimming zones, making HDR content look great. It also has fast response times and low input lag, making it a great choice for casual gamers.
Unfortunately, it lacks VRR technology, has poor viewing angles, mediocre sound, and no HDMI 2.1 support for advanced consoles.
ReasonS to Buy
- Deep black colors thanks to Local dimming
- High contrast ratio
- Swift response time
- Low input lag
Reason to Avoid
- Low peak brightness when viewing HDR content
- No support for Variable Refresh Rate technology
- No HDMI 2.1 support for PS5 & Xbox Series X
- Narrow viewing angles
- Lackluster sound
TCL 5 Series Specs
 | Backlight Type | Full-Array |
| Display Type | LED | |
| HDMI Inputs | 4 | |
| HDR Format | Yes | |
 | LED Panel Type | QLED |
| Max Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4k) | |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | |
| Screen size | 50", 55", 65", 75" | |
 | Smart Platform | Google TV |
 | Sync Technology | AMD FreeSync, G-Sync |
 | VRR | No |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for TVs based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) | 94.12 |
| Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv) | 96.23 |
| Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy) | 76.07 |
| Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv) | 77.74 |
| Color Gamut % (sRGB) | 0 |
| Color Gamut % (Rec 709) | 99.85 |
| Color Gamut % (BT.2020) | 0 |
| Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB) | 0 |
| Color Gamut % (BT.709) | 0 |
| Contrast Ratio (x:1) | 46,612 |
| SDR Brightness (nits) | 477 |
| HDR Brightness (nits) | 517 |
| Input Lag (ms) | 12.6 |
| Response Time (ms) | 12.2 |
| Color Washout (Degrees) | 26 |
| Color Shift (Degrees) | 38 |
| Brightness Loss (Degrees) | 32 |
| Reflections (%) | 5.9 |
| Low-Freq Extension (Hz) | 134.54 |
| Freq Response StdDev @ 70db | 5 |
| Freq Response StdDev @ 80db | 4.81 |
| Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db | 0.062 |
| Intermodulation Distortion @80db | 14.89 |
| EOTF (600 nit delta) | 0.0101 |
| EOTF (1000 nit delta) | 0.0102 |
| EOTF (4000 nit delta) | 0.0097 |
All Tests
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for TVs based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Can You Trust What You Read Online?
Fake reviews are taking over tech journalism—45% of sites are faking product tests. Don’t be misled.
Sign up now for exclusive access to Gadget Review’s bombshell investigation and uncover the truth about tech journalism.
Plus, stay ahead with our daily newsletter, packed with insights you can trust.
All Stores
Updated every 24 hours
Save $76$379.99$303.99
Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
101.4Category Trust Rating
78The TCL 5 Series is a good TV for most uses. It’s great for gaming… Read MoreBy:
John R. Quain
72Category Trust Rating
47In 2020, the Korean manufacturer Samsung will again launch entry-level models of the Crystal UHD… Read MoreBy:
Unknown
79.85Category Trust Rating
80If you’re looking for a solid, quality picture from a quantum dot set, the TCL… Read MoreBy:
Caleb Denison
67Category Trust Rating
70With a bit of tweaking you can turn the TCL 5-Series into a solid, mid-level… Read MoreBy:
Nick Pino
77.1Category Trust Rating
60At $600, the TCL 5-Series is a good value, with good picture performance and a… Read MoreBy:
Simon Lucas
69.35Category Trust Rating
80The TCL 5-Series is one of the best on the market for those who value… Read MoreBy:
Jon L. Jacobi
Customer Scores
- 76
(
3.8/5
)
1114Ratings
- 84
(
4.2/5
)
428Ratings
- NR
(
NR/5
)
Ratings
Learn More About TVs
TV Buying Guides_
