Review: TCL S6500, mid-tier goes the distance

With smart TVs dominating the television arena, it comes as no surprise that brands have started to produce affordable variants of smart televisions.

Chinese Television brand TCL has been active in producing all tiers of smart televisions. Their latest entrant the S6500 tries to capture a very different target market.

Launched back in October, we got our hands on the device recently. Before we dwell into the details, here's a quick glance at the specs.



The 40″Full HD Smart TV has

1920*1080 pixels display

CPU – CA53*4 64bit

GPU – Mali470x2

8 GB ROM

1.5 GB RAM 

5000:1 contrast ratio

HDR support

Micro Dimming

Dolby Audio

60hz refresh rate

Google Assistant

PHOTO: NARENDAR KUMAR

Design

In terms of design, the S6500 boasts slim bezels with a traditional maximum screen display. In terms of picture quality, although the TV isn't 4K, the Full HD display does a decent job. For its price, we can't really expect an outstanding output but the specs pull of a decent visual outcome.

Performance

While using Netflix, the device showcased its mechanical prowess. Arguably, its most important feature is the Android OS. The device works well with the latest Android interface. HDR support, micro dimming ability and a decent contrast ratio, the visuals had a combination of detailed texture and bright displays.

Of course, the lack of 4K was apparent especially if you've used more advanced models. Overall, in terms of analysing the visual engine, the S6500 plays better with brighter visual than more dark content. TCL with other versions has always emphasized more towards brighter subject matters.

Sound

Dolby audio is always a reliable choice in terms of audio quality. For us, the Dolby audio is definitely the stand out feature. There is no speaker grill unlike the Harman Kardon sound bar in the C6.



However, we felt the sound levels mixed with the bass hit the right notes. If you're used to attaching particular sound systems to your device, then it's a different conversation but for more generic usage, the Dolby audio was at par with more high-end tv sets introduced by the company.

Price

Priced at 45,000, the television is an affordable option with decent specs. We would recommend you spend a few extra bucks get an advanced tier television like the P6 rather than a midrange one but if you have a restricted budget, the S6500 is the affordable choice.

Conclusion

TCL has recently dived deep into Pakistan's smart television market. The C6 was arguably their most successful product to hit Pakistan's market. With the S6500, the company has attempted to cater to the more mid-tier segment. It remains to be seen whether the Television market is similar to the smartphone market, where models are bought and sold over a short period of time.

If users replace their products as quick as they replace their smartphones, then TCL may be successful in bringing out Televisions for all ranges. However, if the market isn't as fluid then users may choose to invest once towards a more high-end Smart television. Either way, Pakistan has enough buyers for all categories and TCL's policy of diversifying their products may become beneficial.