In the hunt for a solid smart TV that won‘t break the bank? As your resident tech expert, I put TCL‘s Roku TV lineup under the microscope to help you decide if they‘re a contender. I‘ll compare TCL‘s Roku models versus their Android smart TVs and breakdown exactly what these affordable wonders can (and can‘t) do well.
First up, what exactly is the link between TCL and Roku? How did this budget-friendly TV brand partner up with America‘s favorite streaming platform?
The Best of Both Worlds: TCL Manufacturing Meets Roku Interface
Founded in 1981 in China, TCL has grown into one of the world‘s largest TV makers. By emphasizing value, TCL keeps costs low while still integrating key technologies like 4K resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Quantum Dot LED (QLED) displays.
Roku needs no introduction as a pioneer in streaming devices. Its first player hit the market back in 2008, aiming to make internet entertainment simple to access on regular televisions.
The two companies joined forces in 2014 to combine TCL‘s hardware capabilities and Roku‘s intuitive smart platform. The result? An affordable lineup of smart TVs with a foolproof streaming interface baked right into TCL‘s displays. Pretty clever move to circumvent needing add-on boxes or sticks!
Over the last 7+ years, TCL Roku TVs have taken off as the everyday person‘s smart TV. With screen sizes ranging from 40-inches to a cinema-worthy 75-inches, they bring robust streaming IQ without breaking budgets.
But a low price tag isn‘t everything. Let‘s pit TCL‘s Roku TV models head-to-head versus TCL‘s Android smart TVs to see how they compare where it really counts…
TCL Roku TVs vs TCL Android TVs: Battling for Smart TV Supremacy
While they share TCL quality construction and displays, Roku TVs and Google-powered Android televisions take different approaches:
| Specs | TCL Roku TV | TCL Android TV |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Streamlined Roku OS focused on apps | More complex Android TV platform |
| Resolution | 4K QLED available models | 4K QLED on premium choices |
| HDR formats | HDR10, Dolby Vision depending on series | Mainly HDR10 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz up to 120Hz VRR | 60Hz or 120Hz options |
| Gaming designations | THX certified game mode on 6 and 8 series | Google Play store access |
| Smart home control | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant natively | Native Google Assistant preferred |
| Number of HDMI ports | 3 on most models | 4 HDMI ports |
Looking at that high-level comparison, TCL gives you better smart home support through Roku TV integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Meanwhile, Android pulls ahead for avid gamers with Google Play store apps or if you want a fourth HDMI input for all your devices.
But diving deeper, how do factors like display quality, sound, and real-world streaming stack up?
Reviewing Display & Sound: Where TCL Roku Models Shine
As your resident AV expert around town, I always say never underestimate the power of good display quality and audio.
Let‘s peek at what TCL Roku TVs are working with on those fronts:
DISPLAY
Picture prowess comes down to the components TCL bakes into their Roku sets:
- Quantum dot technology – Most models have QLED layers for over a billion hues 🌈
- Full array backlight – Mid to high-end models have consistent edge lighting
- Dolby Vision HDR – This extra dynamic format amps color and contrast well beyond standard HDR10
- Mini-LED backlights (high-end only) – For up to 1,000+ zones of customizable dimming👌
- Brightness – Up to 600 nits ensures great non-HDR content; some models exceed 95% DCI-P3 wide color gamut
That all adds up to vibrant 4K resolution across various screen sizes – even their more affordable 5-Series looks fabulous for most streaming content thanks to full array backlighting and Dolby Vision HDR support.
Review site RTINGS found the 6-Series had impressive dark room performance akin to leading options from LG, Vizio, and Samsung despite costing much less.
For the budget-friendly price, I‘m thrilled with TCL Roku‘s display prowess! 🙌
SOUND
Now I‘ll be real with you…no $500 television will sound as room-filling or crisp as a dedicated surround sound system. But TCL again impresses given the reasonable costs:
- Dolby Atmos – All models bake in this advanced 3D audio for added dimension
- Large speaker chambers on certain models provide better channel separation
- Dialogue and overall volume output punch above weight class
- Bluetooth 5.0 for easy soundbar, headphones, or speaker pairing if you want more power
While serious cinephiles should incorporate separate speakers, I‘m pleasantly surprised how ‘big‘ audio sounds on everyday viewing. TCL Roku TVs once more check the right boxes given most buyer expectations and budgets!🤑
Streamlining Your Experience: TCL Roku‘s Secret Sauce
Even with strong displays and pleasing built-in audio, a subpar ‘smart‘ experience can ruin the fun. And this is where TCL Roku models have a secret streaming weapon with Roku OS built-in:
Roku‘s Appeal at a Glance:
- 💡Intuitive interface – Easy enough for grandparents yet still feature-packed
- 🏆5,000+ apps – From new services like Disney+ to favorites like Prime Video
- 🎮Smooth streaming– Quad-core processing prevents buffering on compatible internet speeds
- 🗣️Voice control – Use Alexa/Google Assistant devices or Roku Voice remotes
- 🆓Free Roku Channel – An entire channel of free movies, entertainment, and news
Compare that to how Android TV from Google operates. While you gain some extra capabilities from the Play Store, I find most buyers prefer Roku‘s simpler approach to surfing streams.
Roku also plays nicer overall with smart home systems should you connect lights, locks, or thermostats down the road. That convenience pays off over time!
Speaking of smart homes…let‘s explore how TCL Roku TVs integrate with Alexa, Google Assistant and popular platforms.
Smart Home Star: Setting up TCL Roku with Your Digital Assistant
Besides having thousands of streaming channels at your fingertips, today‘s smart TVs also connect to devices around your home for next-level voice control and features.
I‘ll focus on using Amazon Alexa here since TCL Roku models excel at pairing with Amazon‘s assistant. But the process works similarly with Google devices!
What You‘ll Need:
- TCL Roku TV (any model – even the entry 32" HD will work!)
- Amazon Echo Dot/other Alexa device
- Amazon account tied to the above
Steps to Pair:
- During TV setup, enable mobile app control + smart home skill integration
- On Alexa device, add "Roku" skill through app or Amazon website
- Sign in using your Roku/TCL account
- Follow linking process so Alexa discovers your TCL Roku TV
- Enjoy hands-free TV control! Change volume, launch videos, switch inputs, turn on/off television, etc
Common Alexa commands include:
"Alexa, turn on Roku"
"Alexa, set Roku volume to 50"
"Alexa, pause Roku"
If you invest in other Ring cameras, lighting, thermostats, etc from Amazon down the road, TCL Roku TVs make the central smart home control pane.
While Android TV works just fine if you‘re entrenched in Google‘s ecosystem, I prefer Roku‘s flexibility to adapt as households add more Alexa/smart devices.
And that smart interface remains easy for anyone in your family to start streaming – including the kiddos when they commandeer the television 😉
The Last Word: Who Should (and Shouldn‘t) Buy a TCL Roku TV
After taking TCL‘s Roku televisions for an in-depth spin, would I recommend one for your living room, bedroom or home theater?
In my experience reviewing endless models and specs, TCL Roku TVs strike an outstanding balance of affordability, strong display quality given budgets, and a smart platform that nails the streaming/smart home essentials for most buyers.
I would enthusiastically suggest a TCL Roku model IF you:
- 💰Want great bang for buck under $1,000
- 🎥Stream lots of movies, YouTube, sports
- 🤔Find most smart TV interfaces confusing
- 🏠Have Alexa/Echo devices running your smart home
However, I‘d point you toward alternate options IF:
- 🎮You‘re a hardcore console/PC gamer
- 🎶Crave absolute top-shelf audiovisual performance
- 📱Want tighter Android mobile integration
At the end of the day, no television checks every box imaginable. You‘ll have to compromise somewhere – whether paying more or losing certain conveniences.
But in the budget-friendly smart TV space catering to everyday streaming viewers? I confidently proclaim TCL Roku TVs earn my seal of approval 🏆for their sensational value.
Whether as the centerpiece of your first apartment or an extra screen for the guest bedroom, TCL Roku models like the 5 and 6-Series make savvy purchases. Their smarts and performance represent much more than the reasonable price tags suggest.
I hope digging into TCL Roku TV capabilities helps inform YOUR next television purchase. Feel free to reach out with any other questions – happy to lend my AV and home theater wisdoms anytime! 😊
