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If you’re looking for an extra-affordable 4K television with basic functionality, you can’t go wrong with the TCL S4/S450G TV. Anyone willing to spend a little more will get much better functionality and image quality.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The TCL S450G is a budget, entry-level television first released in 2023. Like many [best-rated TVs](http://www.gadgetreview.com/best-tvs), it comes in a range of screen sizes, from 43 inches up to 85 inches. The TCL S450G is an intelligent television that utilizes the Google operating system, though if you purchase an “R” model, it uses the Roku operating system.
It features a 4K display resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 support. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Regarding connectivity, the TCL provides 3 HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB port, a digital optical audio output, and a composite input. Read our [Samsung CU8000 review](https://www.gadgetreview.com/samsung-cu8000-review) or our [Element G Series review](https://www.gadgetreview.com/element-g-series-review) for additional UHD options.
Consensus
our Verdict
The TCL S4/S450G is a basic entry-level 4K television that lacks any advanced features. It performs about as well as you might expect for a cheap television with a low 60Hz refresh rate and low peak brightness levels. The TV offers a high native contrast at 8,300:1 for better dark scene performance, but highlights don’t stand out without local dimming.
Regarding gaming, the TCL S4 offers a low input lag of 11.2ms, which is suitable for gamers. However, the TV doesn’t offer VRR support and only provides 3 HDMI 2.0 ports, so you can’t take full advantage of modern consoles’ advanced display capabilities.
ReasonS to Buy
Low 11.2ms input lag
Good native contrast ratio
Decent reflection handling
Google OS is user-friendly
Incredibly affordable
Reason to Avoid
Low peak brightness levels
Low 60Hz refresh with no VRR support
Bad viewing angles
TCL S4/S450G TV Specs
Backlight Type
Direct Lit
Display Type
LED
HDMI Inputs
3
HDMI Type
–
HDR Format
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
LED Panel Type
Standard LED
Max Resolution
3840 x 2160 (4k)
Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Screen size
55"
Smart Platform
Google TV
Sync Technology
n/a
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)
74.5
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)
81.52
Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 xy)
53.81
Color Gamut % (Rec 2020 uv)
60.58
Color Gamut % (sRGB)
0
Color Gamut % (Rec 709)
0
Color Gamut % (BT.2020)
0
Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB)
0
Color Gamut % (BT.709)
0
Contrast Ratio (x:1)
8,300
SDR Brightness (nits)
246
HDR Brightness (nits)
250
Input Lag (ms)
11.2
Response Time (ms)
16.3
Color Washout (Degrees)
22
Color Shift (Degrees)
18
Brightness Loss (Degrees)
31
Reflections (%)
5.1
Low-Freq Extension (Hz)
160
Freq Response StdDev @ 70db
4.56
Freq Response StdDev @ 80db
4.55
Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db
0.067
Intermodulation Distortion @80db
2.05
EOTF (600 nit delta)
0.0116
EOTF (1000 nit delta)
0.0115
EOTF (4000 nit delta)
0.0114
All Tests
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The TCL S450G is a budget, entry-level television first released in 2023. Like many [best-rated TVs](http://www.gadgetreview.com/best-tvs), it comes in a range of screen sizes, from…
The TCL S450G is a budget, entry-level television first released in 2023. Like many [best-rated TVs](http://www.gadgetreview.com/best-tvs), it comes in a range of screen sizes, from 43 inches up to 85 inches. The TCL S450G is an intelligent television that utilizes the Google operating system, though if you purchase an “R” model, it uses the Roku operating system.
It features a 4K display resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 support. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Regarding connectivity, the TCL provides 3 HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB port, a digital optical audio output, and a composite input. Read our [Samsung CU8000 review](https://www.gadgetreview.com/samsung-cu8000-review) or our [Element G Series review](https://www.gadgetreview.com/element-g-series-review) for additional UHD options.
The TCL Q650G TV is a significant improvement over the TCL S4, thanks to higher brightness levels, a wider color gamut (94% vs. 60%), and…
The TCL Q650G TV is a significant improvement over the TCL S4, thanks to higher brightness levels, a wider color gamut (94% vs. 60%), and VRR support for a better gaming experience. However, the TCL S4 is much cheaper and ideal for budget-conscious shoppers. Read our TCL Q650G TV review to learn more.
The TCL 3 Series only offers 720p resolution compared to the S4’s 4K resolution. It’s a much cheaper and worse-performing TV than the S4, which…
The TCL 3 Series only offers 720p resolution compared to the S4’s 4K resolution. It’s a much cheaper and worse-performing TV than the S4, which offers better brightness, input lag, and picture quality. The 3 Series only comes in the 32-inch size. Read our TCL 3 Series review to learn more.
The Hisense A4 TV only offers 1080p resolution compared to the S4’s 4K resolution. However, the Hisense is cheaper than the TCL S4, making it…
The Hisense A4 TV only offers 1080p resolution compared to the S4’s 4K resolution. However, the Hisense is cheaper than the TCL S4, making it an easier choice for anyone on a tight budget. The Hisense is similar to the TCL regarding native contrast levels and brightness, but it can’t compete in terms of resolution. Read our Hisense A4 TV review to learn more.
