Earlier this year, TCL announced a comprehensive suite of TVs for the 2023 model year. Sized from 32 inches all the way up to 98 inches, and with a variety of performance options, there’s a TCL TV that fits the needs of most consumers. But previously, TCL only offered its new S Class and Q Class TVs with one of two Smart TV platforms: Roku TV or Google TV. This fall, TCL introduced a third option: TCL TVs that feature Amazon’s FireTV platform.
Performance of the sets in all three versions is identical. It’s just a question of which smart TV or Smart Home platform you prefer. With Amazon Fire TV on TCL TVs, households that have adopted the Alexa voice assistant and smart home ecosystem now have a great choice for a value-oriented TV which integrates seamlessly with their existing devices and services.
The Amazon FireTV Stick has been my go-to choice for adding Smart TV and streaming services to projectors and to older non-smart (but don’t call them “dumb”) TVs. Although it does favor Amazon Prime Video in its user interface, it does so less egregiously than Google TV does (IMHO, of course). And now by having Fire TV integrated into a TCL TV, customers can access all their Amazon services plus virtually any other streaming service (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.), from a single remote, without having to choose a no-name or low performance TV manufacturer.
TCL’s S3 FireTV sets also support Google Assistant, but really if you want that, we’d suggest the Google TV version of the TV instead. The TCL S4 and Q6 TVs support Apple HomeKit, in addition to Amazon Alexa. A microphone built into the remote on the Q Class TVs allows you to invoke Alexa by voice for all your TV viewing needs (or to ask about the weather or other random questions).
Random Tip: Ask Alexa to sing you a duet. You won’t be disappointed.
Fire TV is now an option in select models in TCL’s 2023 “S Class” and “Q Class” TVs. The S Class S3 series offers 1080p resolution in smaller screen sizes (32-inch and 40-inch). The S Class S4 series steps up to full 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, eARC support and direct LED backlighting in larger screen sizes (43-inch to 75-inch). The Q Class Q6 series steps up even further to Quantum Dot color technology, Ultra Wide Color Gamut and HDR PRO+ (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG high dynamic range support). Q6 Fire TV models are available from 43 to 75 inch screen sizes (measured diagonally).
We previewed several of these models at a launch event earlier this year and were impressed by what we saw, particularly at these price points. The higher performance Q6 Fire TV offers high brightness, good contrast, a bright punchy picture and richly saturated colors. It can be had for just $799 MSRP. When I checked Amazon, it was actually on sale for $749.99. For a 75-inch Quantum Dot-based LED/LCD TV, this price is quite surprising. It’s even $100 lower than the previously announced 75-inch Q6 models with Roku TV or Google TV built in.
All TCL Fire TV series models feature an “F” at the end of the model number (“R” is for Roku TV and “G” is for Google TV – go figure). All prices noted below are MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). Street price may — and usually does — vary, for the better most of the time. Click the links to Amazon for current pricing and availability for each model.
Pricing and Features of TCL’s new FireTV models:
TCL S3 1080p TVs Models and Pricing (MSRP)
TCL S3 with FireTV Features:
- 1080p Full HD Resolution
- Voice Remote
- Bluetooth Personal Audio
- FullView Metal Bezel-less Design
- Fire TV Smart OS
- Direct LED Backlight
- Dynamic Contrast
- 2 HDMI Inputs (One with ARC Audio Return Channel support)
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- Dual-Band 802.11 Wi-Fi
- USB Input
TCL S4 with Fire TV Models and Pricing (MSRP)
- 43-inch 43S450F 4K TV with Fire TV: $249.99
- 50-inch 50S450F 4K TV with Fire TV: $299.99
- 55-inch 55S450F 4K TV with Fire TV: $319.99
- 65-inch 65S450F 4K TV with Fire TV: $449.99
- 75-inch 75S450F 4K TV with Fire TV: $649.99
TCL S4 with Fire TV Features:
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution
- Motion Rate 120
- Dolby Atmos
- HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, & HLG)
- Fire TV Smart OS
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM)
- FullView Metal Bezel-less Design
- Bluetooth Personal Audio
- 3 HDMI Inputs (One with eARC)
- AirPlay 2
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit
TCL Q6 with Fire TV Models and Pricing (MSRP)
- 55-inch 55Q650F 4K QLED TV with Fire TV: $449.99
- 65-inch 65Q650F 4K QLED TV with Fire TV: $599.99
- 75-inch 75Q650F 4K QLED TV with Fire TV: $799.99
TCL Q6 QLED 4K TV Features:
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution
- QLED – Quantum Dot Technology with UltraWide Color Gamut
- Direct LED Backlight
- HDR PRO+ (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG)
- Motion Rate 120
- Advanced 4K Upscaling
- Dolby Atmos
- Bluetooth Personal Audio
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM)
- FullView Metal Bezel-less Design
- Fire TV Smart OS with Voice Remote
- Dynamic Contrast
- 3 HDMI Inputs (One with eARC)
- Apple Airplay2
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
- Dual-Band 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- 2 USB Inputs
The Bottom Line
At the launch event in May, it was clear that TCL, currently the #2 TV maker in global market share, is aiming to displace Samsung as #1. And while I find it amazing that the company can afford to produce and sell three different versions of each TV (Roku, Google and Fire TV), and reach such aggressive price points, it is very clear that the company is offering a compelling value proposition for those who want high performance TVs at a budget price. And now with Fire TV in the mix, that value proposition got even more compelling.
Related Reading:
TCL Aims for TV Market Domination with 2023 Q Class and S Class Smart TVs
ORT
October 13, 2023 at 2:43 pm
I have been waiting for the Vizio Quantum Pro to show up at Best Buy as I prefer local to spAmazon when I can do so. Nothing yet.
The Hisense 65U8K might do if BB decides they are not going to have the Quantum Pro. My head spins when it comes to TVs but I did look into my current one and I have had it 6.5 years now. I suppose almost any new TV would surpass it.
ORT
Chris Boylan
October 13, 2023 at 5:57 pm
Hey, ORT,
Nice to “see” you. Yeah, some of us at eCoustics were just talking about how great TVs are looking these days, even the “budget” ones. There is still a market for the really high end high performance stuff (OLED, QD-OLED), but there are loads of inexpensive TVs out there now with pretty solid performance. I still think it’s worth the extra bucks for an OLED but when you can get a pretty nice-looking LED/LCD TV for half, or even a quarter of the price, it is very tempting.
Tom Grace
October 15, 2023 at 1:26 am
Does anyone know if the TCL S4 43″ Fire TV has an equalizer hidden in the advanced audio settings? If so, how many bands?
Thanks!
Phillip Weissburg
October 15, 2023 at 12:46 pm
I have a 50″ TCL with Roku in the bedroom…works great each time…its amazing at the price…go to walmart for the lowest price.