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TVs

True Score Methodology v2.0

TCL 5 Series Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Kenn Muguna
Kenn Muguna Avatar
Kenn Muguna
Kenn is a writer that’s fascinated by all things tech. Having been born curious about how everything works, he spends his time taking things apart to put them back together, and shares what he finds out through writing.
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Updated Jan 31, 2024 11:58 AM

Published

True Score

True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.

76

Mixed Reviews

74
9

Experts

79
1,542

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Expert Rankings

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(

9

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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.

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Table of Contents

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 TypeBacklight TypeFull-Array
Display TypeLED
HDMI Inputs4
HDR FormatYes
LED Panel TypeLED Panel TypeQLED
Max Resolution3840 x 2160 (4k)
Refresh Rate60 Hz
Screen size50", 55", 65", 75"
Smart PlatformSmart PlatformGoogle TV
Sync TechnologySync TechnologyAMD FreeSync, G-Sync
VRRVRRNo

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 @ 70db5
Freq Response StdDev @ 80db4.81
Weighted Total Harmonic Distortion @80db0.062
Intermodulation Distortion @80db14.89
EOTF (600 nit delta)0.0101
EOTF (1000 nit delta)0.0102
EOTF (4000 nit delta)0.0097

All Tests

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    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    74

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    79

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    76

    Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh

    Expert Scores

    Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.

    • Rtings
      101.4

      Category Trust Rating

      78
      The TCL 5 Series is a good TV for most uses. It’s great for gaming… Read More

      By:

      John R. Quain
    • TVFindr
      72

      Category Trust Rating

      47
      In 2020, the Korean manufacturer Samsung will again launch entry-level models of the Crystal UHD… Read More

      By:

      Unknown
    • Tom’s Guide
      79.85

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      If you’re looking for a solid, quality picture from a quantum dot set, the TCL… Read More

      By:

      Caleb Denison
    • Techradar
      67

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      With a bit of tweaking you can turn the TCL 5-Series into a solid, mid-level… Read More

      By:

      Nick Pino
    • Digital Trends
      77.1

      Category Trust Rating

      60
      At $600, the TCL 5-Series is a good value, with good picture performance and a… Read More

      By:

      Simon Lucas
    • IGN
      69.35

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The TCL 5-Series is one of the best on the market for those who value… Read More

      By:

      Jon L. Jacobi
    View More

    Customer Scores