TCL S45K Series 50S45K 50"

The TCL S45K is a budget 50-inch 4K TV with Dolby Vision and Google TV. Picture quality is below average and gaming is weak, but it's fine for casual streaming. At CAD 300 it's a decent deal, at CAD 430 it's overpriced.

The 4K resolution and AiPQ processor do a decent job with streaming content, and Dolby Vision support is a nice touch at this price. But the Direct LED backlight means no local dimming, so contrast and black levels are limited. Gaming is a weak spot, with a 60Hz panel and no VRR to speak of. The 20W 2.0 channel speakers are serviceable for dialogue but won't fill a room. Connectivity is also thin, with just three HDMI ports and one USB.

Against the Sony BRAVIA 5 and Hisense U8, the TCL S45K gets outclassed in picture quality and gaming. The Sony and Hisense both offer better HDR performance and higher refresh rates. The Roku Pro Series is a closer budget rival, with a simpler interface and similar specs. The LG OLED G5 and Samsung QN90F are in a completely different league, but they also cost several times more. For the money, the TCL holds its own against the Roku, but it's not in the same conversation as the Sony or Hisense.

Pricing is all over the place in Canada, ranging from CAD 300 to CAD 430 depending on the vendor. At the low end, it's a reasonable deal for a 50-inch 4K smart TV. At the high end, you're paying too much for what you get. If you can find it closer to CAD 300, it's a decent budget pick. Otherwise, save your money or look at a step-up model.

The TCL S45K is a 50-inch 4K TV that gets the basics right and not much else. It's a Direct LED panel with Dolby Vision, Google TV built in, and a 60Hz refresh rate. For a budget living room screen, that's a reasonable starting point.

But our database tells a less flattering story. Picture quality lands in the bottom half of TVs we track, gaming is near the bottom, and the audio is just okay. It's a fine screen for casual streaming, but don't expect it to punch above its price.

Skip this if you care about gaming, since the 60Hz panel and lack of VRR will frustrate you. Also skip it if you want deep blacks and strong HDR, because the Direct LED backlight can't deliver that. And if you're sensitive to software glitches, the reported crashes and remote issues are a red flag.

This TV is for someone who wants a big screen for casual streaming and doesn't care about gaming or critical picture quality. It's a fine bedroom or secondary TV. If you're a movie buff or gamer, look elsewhere. The S45K is a budget screen that delivers budget results.