TCL 138.8 (55 inch) ONKYO Soundbar Series 4K Ultra HD Certified Android Smart QLED TV Review

In the ever-evolving world of television technology, TCL has consistently remained at the forefront, offering consumers innovative and feature-rich TVs that don't break the bank. The TCL 138.8 (55 inch) ONKYO Soundbar Series is a testament to their commitment to excellence. Combining cutting-edge QLED technology, 4K Ultra HD resolution, and an integrated ONKYO soundbar, this Android Smart TV promises to deliver an immersive viewing experience like never before.

Design and Build Quality

The TCL 138.8 (55 inch) ONKYO Soundbar Series immediately impresses with its sleek and modern design. The TV's slim bezels and elegant stand blend seamlessly into any living space, creating a visually appealing centerpiece. The build quality feels sturdy, assuring users of its durability and longevity, with 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) resolution and a refresh rate of MEMC 60 Hz. The integrated ONKYO soundbar complements the TV's design, adding an aesthetic touch while eliminating the need for separate audio equipment. This not only saves space but also ensures a clutter-free setup, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the entertainment area.

Picture Quality

The QLED panel on the ONKYO Soundbar Series is a game-changer. Offering vivid colors, excellent contrast, and outstanding brightness, this TV displays stunning visuals with lifelike realism. The 4K Ultra HD resolution ensures that every detail is crystal clear, mesmerizing viewers with visual splendor. The colors pop with vibrancy thanks to Quantum Dot technology, making HDR content a delight. The TV supports various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10, ensuring compatibility with various content sources. Whether watching your favorite movies or playing the latest video games, the TCL ONKYO Soundbar Series keeps up with the action, delivering unparalleled picture quality.

Audio Performance

The integrated ONKYO soundbar is a standout feature that sets this TCL TV apart from its competitors. The soundbar's 30 + 20 Watts Output ONKYO Audio System, Dolby ATMOS, DTS, buil-in Woofer, Two Speaker built-in Dolby Atmos support creates a 3D surround sound experience, immersing viewers in a sonic landscape that adds depth and dimension to audio. The powerful and well-balanced audio output caters to audiophiles and casual viewers alike. Dialogue remains clear and crisp, while action sequences are bolstered with punchy bass. Even without an external sound system, this TV ensures an enjoyable audio experience that complements its impressive visuals.

Android Smart TV Features

The TCL ONKYO Soundbar runs on Android TV, offering a user-friendly interface with seamless access to avast library of apps, streaming services, and games from the Google Play Store. Navigating through the intelligent platform is smooth and responsive, thanks to the TV's powerful processor and ample RAM. Google Assistant integration allows users to control the TV with voice commands, making it effortless to search for content, adjust volume, or access various functions. Additionally, built-in Chromecast support enables easy screen mirroring from compatible devices, further expanding the TV's versatility.

User Experience and Interface

Setting up the TCL ONKYO Soundbar Series is a breeze, with a guided on-screen process quickly getting users up and running. The remote control is well-designed, featuring dedicated buttons for essential functions and a user-friendly layout. Including dedicated shortcut buttons for popular streaming services is a thoughtful touch that enhances the user experience.

While the Android TV interface is generally smooth, some users might need help with multitasking or launching resource-intensive apps. Nevertheless, these rare instances are relatively close to the overall experience.

Gaming Performance

For gaming enthusiasts, the TCL ONKYO Soundbar Series doesn't disappoint. With a Graphics Coprocessor Mali 470�3 600MHz~800MHz, low input lag, and quick response time, this TV is well-suited for gaming across various genres. Whether you're into fast-paced shooters or immersive RPGs, the smooth motion handling and vibrant visuals make gaming sessions enjoyable.

The TV's gaming performance is further enhanced by its Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, which synchronizes the refresh rate of the TV with supported gaming consoles, reducing screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. Paired with an impressive input lag, the TCL ONKYO Soundbar Series is a superb choice for gaming enthusiasts who demand smooth and immersive gaming experiences.

Connectivity Options

The TCL 138.8 (55 inch) ONKYO Soundbar Series boasts an array of connectivity options to accommodate all your multimedia needs. With multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, and Bluetooth support, hooking up gaming consoles, the soundbar comes with Connectivity 3 HDMI ports to connect the set-top box, laptop, projector 2 USB ports to connect hard drives and other USB devices, and other peripherals is a hassle-free experience.

AI-Enhanced Image Processing

TCL's dedication to innovation and quality shines through every aspect of the 138.8 (55-inch) ONKYO Soundbar Series. One notable feature that sets this TV apart is its AI-enhanced image processing. TCL has integrated advanced AI algorithms to upscale content to near-4K quality, even for lower-resolution sources. This means you can enjoy your favorite non-4K content with enhanced clarity and sharpness, further elevating your viewing experience. The AI Picture and AI Sound modes also analyze the playing content and automatically adjust the settings to optimize picture quality and audio performance. This intelligent feature ensures you get the best viewing and listening experience without having to fiddle with numerous settings manually.

Smoother Motion

For sports enthusiasts, the TV's Motion Clarity Pro feature ensures that fast-paced action remains clear and smooth. Whether watching football, basketball, or Formula 1 racing, you can catch every moment, even during intense motion sequences. Another consideration is the TV's viewing angles. As with most LED TVs, the TCL ONKYO Soundbar Series uses a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel, which provides excellent contrast but may suffer from slight color and brightness distortion when viewed from extreme angles. This will be fine for most viewers sitting directly in front of the TV. However, it's worth considering if you have a comprehensive seating arrangement.

Pre-Installed Apps

On the software front, the TCL ONKYO Soundbar Series comes pre-installed with popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, among others. With such a diverse selection of readily available apps, users can easily access their favorite content without connecting additional streaming devices.