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Check the current price of the TCL 43S551G on Amazon
The TCL 43S551G (the 43-inch S5 from the 2024 model year) is a straightforward streaming TV. It has a 4K panel, Google TV built in, and a voice remote, at a size that suits bedrooms, guest rooms, dorms, and first apartments. It isn't a showpiece, and it has some real trade-offs. At the right price, though, it covers the basics well.
On price: the regular price is $298.99. We'd only call this a deal when the current Amazon price sits meaningfully below that. If it's at or near list, there's no urgency, so wait for a markdown.
Check the current price of the TCL 43S551G on Amazon
What You Get: 4K, Google TV, and Voice Control in a 43-Inch Package
The 43S551G is a 43-inch 4K UHD LED TV that puts streaming first. Here's what's confirmed:
- Display: 43-inch 4K UHD LED, 60 Hz native refresh rate
- Platform: Google TV built in, with Chromecast built-in
- Voice: Google Assistant with a voice remote, and compatible with Alexa
- HDR: HDR support (see the note on formats below)
- Ports: Three HDMI inputs and one USB port
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5, according to Consumer Reports' testing
- Model: 43S551G, 2024 model year
Before you buy, check the exact listing for specific HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, as well as features like VRR, AirPlay, or audio formats. Retailer pages can describe these differently by size, firmware, or region.
Picture Quality: Good Enough for Streaming, But Not a Showpiece
This is a budget TV, and the picture reflects that. Consumer Reports found excellent fine detail, but images could look over-sharpened, and color accuracy was only acceptable. Reviews from Best Buy customers are more upbeat, with owners describing the 4K picture as vibrant and the built-in sound as surprisingly capable. Amazon reviewers also praise the picture and price, though some raise concerns about dark-scene contrast.
For everyday streaming of shows, movies, and YouTube on a smaller screen, that's a reasonable trade at this price. If you're picky about color accuracy or contrast, this isn't the set for you.
Google TV, Chromecast, and Voice: The Real Selling Points
The software is where this TV earns its keep. Google TV puts your streaming apps and recommendations in one interface, and Owners frequently describe setup as easy and the interface as intuitive.
- Voice remote: Google Assistant lets you search for titles, launch apps, and ask questions without typing.
- Alexa compatibility: If your home runs on Alexa, you can use that for voice control as well.
- Chromecast built-in: Cast videos, music, and more from a phone or tablet straight to the screen.
For a second-room TV that mostly runs Netflix, YouTube, and the like, this is the main reason to consider it.
Gaming and Ports: Fine for Casual Play, But Plan for Limited Inputs
The panel is 60 Hz native. Terms like "Motion Rate 240" and "Game Accelerator 120" are marketing labels, not native refresh rates, so don't read them as a 120 Hz or 240 Hz panel. That makes this a TV for casual console play, not for serious gamers who want high-refresh performance.
The port count matters too. With three HDMI inputs and one USB port, you can cover a console, a soundbar, and a streaming device or cable box, but not much more. If you plan to connect several devices, budget for an HDMI switch or a soundbar with HDMI passthrough.
Brightness and HDR: A Limitation in Sunny Rooms
Brightness is the S5's most important limitation. In its comparison with TCL's Q651G (Q6), RTINGS found the S551G less bright, especially for HDR and in rooms with ambient light. The Q6 also had better SDR brightness and color accuracy.
The S5 does support HDR, but don't expect much HDR impact. This set suits dim-to-moderate lighting, like a bedroom, better than a sunny living room.
Reliability and Return Policy: Test It Right Away
Customer reviews are mixed on reliability. Some buyers report black screens, rebooting, Wi-Fi dropouts, or units that wouldn't power on. Treat this as a reason to be diligent, not a reason to panic. Unbox it as soon as it arrives, run it for a while, connect it to Wi-Fi, and try your actual apps and devices. Confirm the return window on the Amazon listing (typically 30 days) and check the warranty coverage so you can act quickly if something's off.
Who Should Buy This TV (and Who Should Spend More)
A good fit if you:
- Want a simple, streaming-first TV for a bedroom, guest room, dorm, or first apartment
- Like Google TV and a voice remote
- Watch mostly in dim to moderately lit rooms
- Can get it at a meaningful discount from the $298.99 regular price
Look at a step-up model if you:
- Watch in a bright room or care about HDR impact. TCL's Q6 offers better brightness and color accuracy at a higher price, so compare it at the same size.
- Care about color accuracy and a natural-looking picture
- Want high-refresh gaming or plan to connect many devices
- Want cinematic sound, in which case plan on a soundbar either way
The Bottom Line
The TCL 43S551G is a practical, no-fuss small 4K TV whose strengths are Google TV, voice control, and Chromecast. Its weaknesses are limited brightness, acceptable-not-exceptional picture quality, and a modest port count. If the current Amazon price is meaningfully below $298.99, it's a sensible pick for a second room. At full price, it's easy to wait.
See the TCL 43S551G on Amazon
