Tcl 43s305 43-inch 1080p Roku Smart Led Tv Reviews

Examination Results

Blueprint

Curved No

The pattern of the S305 is very bones. From the forepart it looks like to the TCL FS3750 of last year, but with slightly nicer looking feet. The plastic feet are well-nigh equally broad every bit the Boob tube, and so a fairly wide tabular array is required. The borders have an average thickness and the TV will stick out from the wall a fleck if mounted.

Update iii-19-2019: The blueprint of the S325/321 models might have some cosmetic differences merely nosotros tin can not provide you with more particular until we review them.

The stand up is almost every bit broad as the TV and and so requires a fairly large tabular array. The plastic anxiety do look alright due to the silvered coloring.

Footprint of the 40" Tv stand up: seven.7" x thirty.0"

Wall Mount VESA 100x100

The rear of the TCL S Series is quite basic, but the tiptop half is metal which feels quite dainty. The but inputs on the dorsum of the Idiot box are composite, then the remainder are fairly piece of cake to access if positioned close to a wall.

Borders 0.71" (1.viii cm)

The borders of the Telly have an average thickness, and don't really stand out at all. There is some gap betwixt the edge of the bezel and the LCD panel.

Max Thickness 2.95" (7.5 cm)

The Telly is a scrap thicker than most, every bit the lesser of the Tv set has a slight lip. It will stick out from a wall a chip if mounted.

The build quality of the S305 is okay. It's certainly not going to fall apart with normal usage but all of the parts feel plasticy and cheap.

Picture Quality

Native Dissimilarity 3,519 : 1

Dissimilarity with local dimming Northward/A

The S305 has a very good contrast ratio. At effectually 3500:one, this makes for a good Tv when set in a dark room since blacks look deep and dark scene look good with a lot of details.

Local Dimming No

Backlight Straight

The TCL S305 does not have a local dimming feature. The video is for reference only.

SDR Real Scene Acme Brightness 171 cd/m²

SDR Summit two% Window 179 cd/m²

SDR Peak x% Window 190 cd/one thousand²

SDR Elevation 25% Window 190 cd/m²

SDR Peak l% Window 190 cd/one thousand²

SDR Pinnacle 100% Window 190 cd/grand²

SDR Sustained ii% Window 179 cd/m²

SDR Sustained ten% Window 190 cd/grand²

SDR Sustained 25% Window 190 cd/m²

SDR Sustained fifty% Window 190 cd/thou²

SDR Sustained 100% Window 190 cd/m²

SDR ABL 0.004

Sub-par tiptop brightness. The Tv set never gets brighter than 182 cd/chiliad², which makes information technology fairly dim when viewed in a bright room, and still not very brilliant when viewed in a dark room. The summit brightness does non change depending on the content shown, as all the tests show roughly the same effulgence (the real scene brightness is measured at the border of the Television, which is non as bright as the middle).

A plot of peak brightness over time is shown hither.

HDR Real Scene Peak Effulgence Due north/A

HDR Superlative 2% Window N/A

HDR Superlative x% Window N/A

HDR Superlative 25% Window N/A

HDR Peak fifty% Window N/A

HDR Elevation 100% Window Due north/A

HDR Sustained ii% Window N/A

HDR Sustained 10% Window N/A

HDR Sustained 25% Window Due north/A

HDR Sustained 50% Window Due north/A

HDR Sustained 100% Window N/A

HDR ABL N/A

HDR is non supported.

50% Std. Dev. 4.287%

l% DSE 0.186%

5% Std. Dev. ane.263%

5% DSE 0.104%

The grey uniformity of the TCL S Serial / three Series could be amend. Looking at the 50% greyness exam picture, information technology is really easy to run across that the 4 corners are darker than the heart. There is also a dark arc going from the top corner to the lesser i and this from each side. The center of the screen is a fleck brighter than the rest of the screen, but at least information technology is adequately homogeneous and the dirty screen consequence is not be too bad since it is near noticeable at the centre.

Every bit for the 5% gray uniformity, beside the edges of the screen being a bit brighter, nothing really stands out.

Colour Washout 51°

Color Shift 35°

Brightness Loss 47°

Black Level Raise 35°

Gamma Shift 12°

Sub-par viewing angle. People sitting to the side of the Television receiver will non take as adept picture quality every bit people viewing from in front end. Blacks start to look grey when the Boob tube is viewed from a small angle, and at a larger angle colors degrade and brightness decreases.

Native Std. Dev. ane.304%

Std. Dev. w/ Fifty.D. N/A

The black uniformity of the S305 is average. Overall the screen is pretty fifty-fifty with simply the right side being a bit darker, but with a standard divergence of 1.304% information technology is yet within our skilful value range, which is under 2%.

Screen Finish Semi-gloss

Total Reflections 5.2%

Indirect Reflections 0.5%

Calculated Straight Reflections 4.seven%

The Television set has a semi-gloss finish which diffuses reflections across the screen. This works to reduce the intensity of direct reflections. This should be ok for most rooms, but may present issues in brilliant rooms.

White Balance dE 3.36

Color dE 2.04

Gamma two.15

Color Temperature 6,435 K

Picture Way Moving picture

Color Temp Setting Warm

Gamma Setting N/A

Out of the box, the TCL S325 / S305 has a dandy accuracy. Overall the screen is a bit warmer than what we aim for and the white balance dE is a bit high, but both the Color dE and the gamma are well under what an enthusiast would observe. And so for a normal home apply, This Television set could be used 'equally is' without whatever problems.

White Balance dE iii.36

Colour dE 2.04

Gamma 2.15

Color Temperature 6,448 Yard

White Balance Calibration No

Color Calibration No

Auto-Calibration Function No

There is no calibration menu on the TCL S305 and so information technology is not possible to make the S305 a bit more authentic, just luckily this Goggle box is good plenty out of the box for most people.

Our settings for calibration can be found hither.

Upscaling of low quality content is good. Jagged edges are smoothed well, without losing as well much detail.

720p content such every bit cable looks adept. The epitome isn't too soft and details are preserved.

No problems tin can be seen with 1080p content such as Blu-rays.

The S305 is a 1080p Television receiver with no support for 4k.

The horizontal VA pixel structure looks very like to the Sony W650D we tested in 2016.

Wide Color Gamut No

DCI P3 xy 72.92%

DCI P3 uv 80.39%

Rec 2020 xy 52.36%

Rec 2020 uv 58.79%

Standard color gamut, only good enough for not HDR content using the Rec 709 color space.

Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP 50.4%

ten,000 cd/chiliad² DCI P3 Coverage ITP xvi.7%

Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP 47.ix%

10,000 cd/g² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP 15.9%

Poor colour book. The Television receiver has only a standard color gamut, and is unable to make dark colors dark enough because it lacks local dimming.

Color Depth 8 Bit

Red (Std. Dev.) 0.124

Light-green (Std. Dev.) 0.175

Blue (Std. Dev.) 0.120

Gray (Std. Dev.) 0.347

The TCL S Series / 3 Series does show 8-bit gradation when displaying our gradient examination image. Even though information technology is 8 scrap, the slope is fairly polish and at that place is not too much tint trouble in all three color shade.

IR subsequently 0 min recovery 0.00%

IR after 2 min recovery 0.00%

IR after 4 min recovery 0.00%

IR after 6 min recovery 0.00%

IR later 8 min recovery 0.00%

IR afterward 10 min recovery 0.00%

Later running our prototype retention examination on this TCL TV, we did not find whatever image retention. This is in line with most VA Television we take tested earlier.

Permanent Burn-In Run a risk No

We don't await VA panels to experience permanent epitome retentiveness, every bit the VA panel in our long-term test appears immune.

Motion

80% Response Fourth dimension 5.iii ms

100% Response Time 30.i ms

The response time of the S305 is average. Some overshoot is visible in the brighter trail following the logo, and a faint trail of blur extends exterior the crop.

Flicker-Costless No

PWM Dimming Frequency 120 Hz

The Boob tube uses PWM to dim the backlight, starting at 100/100 backlight setting. Lowering the setting shortens the duty bike, while amplitude remains constant. Backlight PWM results in a 120Hz flicker, just it isn't noticeable to most people.

Optional BFI No

Min Flicker for threescore fps 120 Hz

60 Hz for sixty fps No

120 Hz for 120 fps N/A

Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode 120 Hz

The S305 has no option to reduce its flicker frequency to 60 Hz, although its 120 Hz backlight does help somewhat to make motility look clearer.

Motion Interpolation (xxx fps) No

Motion Interpolation (sixty fps) No

The S305 has a 60Hz panel and doesn't provide any options to interpolate frames on lower refresh rate content.

Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps 11.vi ms

Frame Hold Time @ threescore fps 0.0 ms

This TV is splendid at displaying content without stutter, fifty-fifty for very low frame charge per unit content such every bit 24 fps movies. The response time of the TV helps to blur the transition between frames, which produces a smoother image.

Judder-Complimentary 24p Yeah

Judder-Gratuitous 24p via 60p No

Judder-Free 24p via 60i No

Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps Yes

The S305, like all the other TCL TVs we have reviewed so far, can only play movies without judder from 24p sources. This ways movies playing over cable or satellite boxes will have a small judder. Note that few people observe judder, so this is not exist a bargain breaker for most people.

Native Refresh Rate 60 Hz

Variable Refresh Rate No

HDMI Forum VRR No

FreeSync No

G-SYNC Compatible No

4k VRR Maximum N/A

4k VRR Minimum No VRR back up

1080p VRR Maximum North/A

1080p VRR Minimum No VRR support

1440p VRR Maximum N/A

1440p VRR Minimum No VRR support

VRR Supported Connectors No VRR support

The TCL S325 / S305 has a 60Hz panel but doesn't support a variable refresh rate, which is typical of most TVs.

Inputs

1080p @ threescore Hz 28.7 ms

1080p @ 60 Hz Exterior Game Fashion 28.vii ms

1440p @ sixty Hz N/A

4k @ lx Hz N/A

4k @ sixty Hz + 10 bit HDR N/A

4k @ 60 Hz @ four:4:4 Northward/A

4k @ 60 Hz Exterior Game Mode N/A

4k @ lx Hz With Interpolation N/A

8k @ 60 Hz N/A

1080p @ 120 Hz N/A

1440p @ 120 Hz N/A

4k @ 120 Hz North/A

1080p with Variable Refresh Rate N/A

1440p with VRR N/A

4k with VRR N/A

8k with VRR N/A

Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) No

This Tv set has the same low input lag in all picture modes. Surprisingly the 'Game mode' setting does not modify the input lag.

1080p @ lx Hz @ 4:4:4 No

1080p @ 120 Hz No

1440p @ lx Hz No

1440p @ 120 Hz No

4k @ lx Hz No

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 No

4k @ 120 Hz No

8k @ thirty Hz or 24 Hz No

8k @ lx Hz No

Merely basic resolutions are supported, such as 1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:2:ii. While the TV tin have a chroma four:4:4 input it is unable to show blush iv:4:iv properly; notwithstanding this is only an issue when using the Tv set as a PC monitor (text may have colored artifacts effectually the letters).

HDMI 3

USB 1

Digital Optical Audio Out 1

Analog Audio Out iii.5mm 1

Analog Audio Out RCA 0

Component In 0

Composite In 1

Tuner (Cablevision/Ant) one

Ethernet 0

DisplayPort 0

IR In 0

SD/SDHC 0

HDR10 No

HDR10+ No

Dolby Vision No

HLG No

3D No

HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth No

HDMI 2.1 No

CEC Yep

HDCP 2.2 No

USB iii.0 No

Variable Analog Audio Out Yes

Wi-Fi Back up Yes (ii.4 GHz, 5 GHz)

To enable five.one passthrough, the 'S/PDIF and ARC' audio selection must be changed from 'Automobile Detect' to 'Dolby D+, DTS' or one of the other Dolby Digital options. DTS passthrough does not work, even though the TV lists DTS support. This may be fixed in a future software update.

Update 01/nineteen/2018: In that location is a trouble with how the Xbox Ane, Xbox One Southward and Xbox One Ten discover the audio passthrough capabilities of TCL TVs; a workaround is detailed in the Additional Review Notes.

Update 01/09/2019: We retested the DTS passthrough with the new firmware and now it works properly.

ARC Yes (HDMI 1)

eARC support No

Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC No

DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC No

5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC Yes

v.ane DTS via ARC Yes

5.i Dolby Digital via Optical Aye

5.one DTS via Optical Yes

Sound Quality

Low-Frequency Extension 134.54 Hz

Std. Dev. @ 70 six.02 dB

Std. Dev. @ 80 five.95 dB

Std. Dev. @ Max 6.90 dB

Max 91.1 dB SPL

Dynamic Range Pinch 4.fifteen dB

Subpar frequency response. Higher frequencies are very poorly represented, and some pinch artifacts are noticeable at higher volumes. It does get pretty loud though.

Weighted THD @ 80 0.162

Weighted THD @ Max 15.154

IMD @ 80 1.22%

IMD @ Max 14.87%

The S305'southward speakers produce more distortion than average. It is relatively independent at lower volumes but quickly rises upward past 80 dB.

Smart Features

Smart OS Roku Idiot box

Version 7.vi

Ease of Use Easy

Smoothness Not Smooth

Fourth dimension Taken to Select YouTube iii due south

Time Taken to Modify Backlight iii south

Advanced Options Some

Ads No

Opt-out No Add

Suggested Content in Home Aye

Opt-out of Suggested Content No

This Idiot box has no ads in its primary interface, simply tertiary party apps may have ads. Y'all can opt out of personalized advertizement for these ads by enabling the 'Limit Ad Tracking' option. The home screen has a large section for showing suggested content, which is a piffling annoying and cannot be disabled.

App Choice Great

App Smoothness Not Polish

Cast Capable Yes

USB Drive Playback Yeah

USB Drive HDR Playback North/A

HDR in Netflix N/A

HDR in YouTube N/A

Roku Goggle box calls its apps 'Streaming Channels', but they work like normal apps. Virtually of the pop apps are available, such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Video.

Size Minor

Vocalisation Control No

CEC Menu Control No

Other Smart Features No

Remote App Roku

The S305's remote is fairly basic, just providing basic buttons such as book command, navigation and opening a few apps. Yet there is besides a Roku app for smartphones and tablets that tin can act as the Boob tube'southward remote, change between its apps and inputs, and can even play the TV's sound through the phone or tablet.

There are three physical buttons on the Boob tube that tin change the volume, inputs and can ability the TV on and off.

• Manual
• Batteries
• Remote

Ability Consumption 38 W

Power Consumption (Max) 61 W

Firmware 7.5.2 build 4063-08

Differences Betwixt Sizes And Variants

We tested the 40" (40S305). For the most part, we wait our review to be valid for the 43" (43S305) and 49" (49S305) versions. The 32 inch (32S305) and 28 inch (28S305) versions have a 720p resolution.

Our review should also apply to the 43S305 found at Costco and other retailers, with only a few cosmetic differences.

If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their TCL S305 doesn't stand for to our review, allow us know and we will update the review.

Size	Model	Resolution
28"	28S305	720p
32"	32S305	720p
40"	40S305	1080p
43"	43S305	1080p
49"	49S305	1080p

Update 10/24/2018: The S305 is gradually being replaced by the S325. At that place are only cosmetic differences betwixt the quondam and new models.

Update 11/05/2018: TCL has released the 32S327. It appears to be identical to the 32S325 and 32S305, but with a 1080p resolution.

Compared To Other TVs

Tiptop left: TCL FS3750 (48FS3750). Bottom left: Samsung MU6300 (UN55MU6300). Centre: TCL S305 (40S305). Top right: LG UH6100 (43UH6100). Bottom right: Hisense H8C (50H8C).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

The S305 is a decent budget TV. It'due south so cheap that virtually of its competition is usually quite bad, and you rarely observe TVs equipped with skillful smart features at this price (run into our recommendations for the best inexpensive TVs and the all-time TVs under $300).

43" 49" 55" 65"

The TCL four Serial (S405) is significantly meliorate than the TCL S305. The TCL S405 has better HDR performance due to the amend HDR peak brightness and better color book. Information technology can also deliver better blacks due to the college native contrast ratio and better black uniformity, and this is great if you watch movies in a night room. The S405 is as well amend for gaming every bit it has lower input lag which makes it very responsive. Finally, information technology has significantly improve inputs for use as a PC monitor.

32"

The TCL S Series/S305 2018 is a bit ameliorate than the TCL 3 Series 2020, just the units we tested have different resolutions. The xl inch S305 we tested has a 1080p resolution, much lower input lag, and it removes 24p judder from native apps. The 32 inch iii Serial 2020 we tested has a 720p resolution, and it too has a much quicker response time.

32" 32" 40" 43" 49"

The TCL 3 Series S325 is slightly improve than the 2017 TCL S Series S305. The S325 has a faster response time, and fast-moving content has less blur trail and a much lower input lag that will please gamers. The S305, on the other hand, has less stutter and can remove judder from its native apps.

32" 43"

The TCL three Series S305 and the Samsung N5300 both take very like performance. The TCL S305 has a college native dissimilarity ratio that delivers better nighttime room operation. The S305 also has a lower input lag that will please gamers. The Samsung N5300 can brandish proper chroma 4:4:4 which is neat if y'all plan to use it as a PC monitor, information technology can get slightly brighter and has ameliorate viewing angles due to its IPS panel.

32" 40" 49"

The TCL 3 Serial (S305) is marginally better than the TCL 1 Series (D100).  The TCL S305 runs the Roku Television receiver smart platform whereas the TCL D100 does not have a smart feature platform. If you wish to use it as a smart TV, you need to use an external box or dongle. The TCL S305 can remove 24p judder from movies whereas the TCL D100 can brandish crisp text when used as a monitor.

43" 49" 55"

For those with vivid rooms and wide seating arrangements, the LG LJ5500 is a meliorate choice than the TCL S Series/S305 2018 due to its wide viewing angles and higher brightness. However, if you volition be sitting right in front and enjoy watching movies in a night room, and then the TCL S305 is a better choice as it has amend blacks due to the college native contrast ratio and amend black uniformity.

24" 32" 39" 40" 43" 48" l" 55"

The Vizio D Series 1080p 2017 has an IPS panel that makes it more suitable for wide viewing arrangements, whereas the TCL iii Series S305 has a VA panel and is more suitable for darker environments. The TCL S305 has significantly better contrast ratio and better blackness uniformity and so blacks are deep and uniform. This is great if you lot watch HDR movies. On the other hand, the Vizio D Serial 1080p 2017 has slightly better viewing angles which can be good if you use information technology as a PC monitor and slightly better input lag for those who play video games.

24" 28" 32"

The TCL S305 is much better than the Samsung M4500. The S305 has a higher resolution 1080p display and has lower input lag for gaming. The 305 can remove judder from most sources. The Samsung M4500 is a bit brighter than the TCL S305, and has an optional motion interpolation feature that can assist motion appear smoother.

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Source: https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/tcl/s-series-s305-2018

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