TCL S5200: Great TV if you are on a budget

TCL always gives something to talk about with its televisions, normally these are of an acceptable quality regardless of the range, which makes it an eye-catching firm, especially for users looking for cheap models. Today we bring you the TCL S5200 that offers interesting features for a fair price. What is really interesting is that it is a low-end device that might not seem so due to its performance. It does not mean that it is an amazing TV, as it will have some negative points, however, it is an alternative to consider.

Exterior design of the TCL S5200

It maintains the essence of previous models, therefore, we do not have such important changes or a significant difference

Compared to other models, there will not be a very different aesthetic, in fact, we see practically the same details, which we can understand from the type of television it has been. The first thing to keep in mind is its 40-inch size, ideal for small rooms.

We recommend purchasing the VESA support, a tool that provides a better installation to adapt the television according to your needs. This will make the depth increase a bit, but nothing that bothers the placement, on the contrary, it allows a better integration .

Because the front is free and thanks to the thin bezels it has, it can provide a view with touches of elegance. It does not achieve a minimalist style, but it does generate a certainly modern look . The presence in general looks good for having a black chassis.

Unfortunately, not everything can be positive and the rear part seems less attractive at the appearance level, since it has a more voluminous space , therefore, the recommendation to use the VESA support is also recommended. Another detail is that the construction feels somewhat weak.

tcl S5200

Connectivity

It does not have such complete connectivity, in fact,  it only integrates the essential connectors for correct work depending on what we need . Of course, it seems to us that they could implement some extra ports to have the possibility of connecting several devices at the same time.

We find two HDMI 1.4 inputs that by version will be able to support 4K signals, but only at 24 Hz, which is not recommended because the transmission quality is low. In this version they have also added support for 3D  and  the new type D connector .

We have a single USB 2.0 port that will be really useful for a television with these capabilities, first of all, it allows you to play videos, images and music from compatible units. However, its main benefit is the ability to record content with an 80GB drive.

It has an attractive wireless section that has a  Wi-Fi connection, although it only works with 2.4 GHz signals  . Likewise, it works with  Bluetooth  that gives us the possibility of connecting certain devices without having to use a cable to establish the connection.

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Image quality and functions in general

The TCL 40S5200 offers an acceptable image. It does not mean that the quality is incredible , in fact, it will have some negative points, but compared to other models of its competition it does offer superior quality, especially since here we have better optimization.

The first thing to keep in mind is that it has a Full HD resolution  that improves a lot compared to the HD Ready that we usually see on many low-end televisions. Therefore, we will see scenes with more precise details, obviously not reaching the realism that 4K can deliver.

The first disadvantage is found in its  LED backlighting  that offers regular performance, especially since it does not have local dimming, which directly affects lighting and we will notice it even more if the television is in dark or bright environments.

TCL S5200 looks great in any enviroment

What rescues the image is that they include  Micro Dimming technology  that improves contrast and brightness levels, obviously the difference will not be impressive, but we do notice the improvement. It also offers  HDR support  that focuses on other essential parameters.

In this way we have a more enjoyable image quality, although we can recommend placing the television in an area that has more balanced lighting to avoid a little more loss of quality. Mention that it works with a maximum frequency of 60 Hz .

Sound

It may be the weakest aspect, since it has regular audio that is made up of two speakers with a maximum power of 16W , which is below the common 20W in the mid-range. This detail is usually affected because the current content is very demanding.

Even the mid-range is starting to fall short, so we expect to see changes in future models. It includes Dolby Digital Plus technology that tries to improve the sound so that we can receive an enveloping and precise experience, but the reality is that it still falls short.

Software analysis / Smart TV and more noteworthy features

Thanks to the fact that it works with Android we are going to enjoy a better experience at the level of entertainment or whatever it is possible to do

Possibly the most attractive thing about the TCL 40S5200  is that it works with  Android TV , a popular system that has many interesting features. We must consider that it does not include the most recent version, but it will work quite well and it maintains most of the functions that we need.

Among the most striking we find an extensive application store so that you can download your favorite applications, yes,  the most popular are already pre-installed , which facilitates access from the first use. We must be careful, since not all of them are functional.

We may use the  Google Assistant  to  facilitate searches or other activities that can be controlled in such a way. Finally, mention that it also works with  Chromecast , which allows you to stream content from various devices with acceptable quality.

TCL S5200: Pros and cons

PROS:

• Nice design
• connectivity
• Good image quailty
• enhancement technologies
• Google Assistant
• integrated chromecast
• Price

CONS:

• Could include more ports
• Backlight

Specifications: