TCL S3 vs S4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The TCL S4?

• The TCL S4 supports HDR10 and HLG for better compatibility with live HDR broadcasts and modern streaming formats, whereas the TCL S3 supports HDR10 only.
• TCL S4 includes Dolby Audio for clearer dialogue and more balanced sound output when using the built-in speakers, while the TCL S3 uses standard audio processing.
• It has HDMI 2.0 ports for better bandwidth support with modern streaming devices and consoles, whereas the TCL S3 uses HDMI 1.4 ports.
• The TCL S4 supports HDMI ARC for easier single-cable audio connection to soundbars and AV receivers, while the TCL S3 lacks HDMI ARC support.
• TCL S4 comes with Bluetooth connectivity to allow wireless headphones and speakers without external adapters, whereas the TCL S3 does not include Bluetooth.
• It features dual-band Wi-Fi for more stable streaming performance in congested wireless networks, while the TCL S3 relies on single-band Wi-Fi.
• The TCL S4 has higher system memory and storage for faster app loading and smoother multitasking, while the TCL S3 has lower memory and storage capacity.
• TCL S4 has Google TV for a more personalized content discovery experience with unified recommendations across apps, while the TCL S3 uses Android TV.

Maybe the TCL S3 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the TCL S4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

What Common Both Can Do?

• Panel Type: Both televisions use LED LCD panels, which are widely adopted for their balance of brightness, cost efficiency, and durability. This ensures consistent performance for everyday viewing across varied lighting conditions.
• Resolution: Each model delivers 4K UHD resolution, allowing users to view fine details and sharper imagery compared to Full HD displays. This matters for modern streaming platforms and 4K media content.
• Aspect Ratio: Both use a standard 16:9 aspect ratio, which matches nearly all broadcast TV, streaming content, and gaming consoles. This avoids black bars and scaling issues in normal usage.
• Refresh Rate: The 60Hz refresh rate on both models supports smooth playback for movies, TV shows, and casual gaming. It aligns well with most streaming and broadcast frame rates.
• Backlight Type: Direct LED backlighting is used in both TVs, providing more even brightness distribution than edge-lit designs. This helps maintain consistent image quality across the screen.
• Color Depth: Each TV supports 10-bit color through 8-bit + FRC processing, enabling smoother gradients and reduced color banding. This improves overall visual realism in HDR and SDR content.
• HDR Playback: Both models can play HDR content, allowing higher contrast and better highlight detail than standard dynamic range video. This ensures compatibility with HDR-enabled streaming titles.
• Local Dimming: Neither television includes local dimming, meaning brightness is controlled uniformly across the panel. This places both models in the same entry-level contrast performance category.
• Motion Enhancement: Motion smoothing features are present on both TVs to reduce judder in fast-moving scenes. This is useful for sports and action-heavy content.
• Streaming Apps: Each TV supports built-in streaming applications, eliminating the need for external streaming devices. Users can directly access popular services from the TV interface.
• Google Play Store Access: Both models provide access to the Google Play Store, enabling app downloads, updates, and expanded functionality. This allows long-term flexibility in app usage.
• Chromecast Built-in: Built-in Chromecast support allows users to cast content directly from smartphones, tablets, or computers. This simplifies media sharing across devices.
• USB Media Playback: Both televisions support USB playback for video, audio, and image files. This is useful for local media consumption without additional hardware.
• Ethernet Port: A wired Ethernet connection is available on both models for stable internet access. This can improve streaming reliability compared to wireless connections.
• Optical Audio Output: Each TV includes an optical audio output for external speakers or sound systems. This ensures compatibility with older and dedicated audio equipment.
• VESA Mount Support: Both models follow VESA mounting standards, making them compatible with a wide range of wall mounts and stands. This provides flexibility in installation.
• Energy Efficiency Class: Both televisions fall into similar entry-level energy efficiency categories, helping reduce power consumption during daily use without premium hardware requirements.