Searching for a budget-friendly 43-inch 4K TV, you can’t pass by the TCL 43S425. This model supports 4K UHD resolution and HDR format delivering natural and detailed picture performance. It also has the ability to upgrade HD content to near-4K quality. When I was testing the TV for this TCL 43S425 review, I found that this feature works especially well when watching old movies.
The TV can be connected to Alexa or Google Assistant smart device. This will enable you to search for movies and TV shows, switch between channels, and change inputs hands-free using only voice commands.
This model is based on the Roku TV platform. It allows you to choose from 500,000 movies and TV shows and comes with preloaded Netflix, Amazon Video, YouTube, ESPN, Hulu, and many other streaming apps. The interface is very responsive and has no lags.
The TCL 43S425 specs include different wired connectivity options: 3 HDMIs, USB port, RF, composite, 3.5mm headphone jack, optical audio out, and Ethernet. The TV is Wi-Fi compatible but, unfortunately, doesn’t have Bluetooth.
The 43S425 can be controlled using the provided remote control or via Roku mobile app. The remote is small and lightweight and has only 20 buttons. The volume controls are situated on the side of the remote.
The TV is equipped with plain 16W stereo speakers that don't support any specific technologies for improved sound reproduction.
The TCL 43S425 43-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Roku LED TV is based on a VA display panel that ensures deep blacks. This model also doesn’t have reflection issues, but, even at its peak brightness, it isn’t vivid enough for a brightly lit room. The viewing angles are narrow, and you will have to sit right in front of the TV in order to avoid picture quality deterioration.
Despite the fact that the TCL TVs aren’t known for being ads-free, in this 43S425 review, I can honestly say that I didn’t manage to notice any annoying, unnecessary ads during testing. The only ads I saw was suggested content (it generates based on your search history) on the home page.
This model is suitable for casual gaming. The fast-moving content looks crisp and the TV has an Auto Low Latency mode. However, the absence of FreeSync support may disappoint advanced gamers.
The TV’s frame, stand, and back panel are made of black plastic. The TV stands on two V-shaped legs that provide decent support while having a small, space-efficient footprint (32.2 x 7.3 inches). This model doesn’t offer any kind of cable management but is compatible with a 100 x 100 VESA mount. The TV itself has a slim profile so it won’t stick out when wall mounted. The bezels aren't very thin but not too thick enough to annoy you during viewing (0.59 inches).
The TV comes with a TCL 43S425 manual and Composite In adapter.
AAC
WAV
WMA
MP3
Other
MKV
OGG
FLAC
AC3
Depth, Cm/in
7.62/3.1
Height, Cm/in
56.90/22.40
Width, Cm/in
97.03/38.20
Colors
black
Weight With Stand, Kg/lbs
7.5/16.53
Depth With Stand, Cm/in
19.3/7.59
Height With Stand, Cm/in
62.23/24.5
Width With Stand, Cm/in
97.03/38.20
Weight, Kg/lbs
7.4/16.31
Optical Digital Audio Output (S/PDIF)
1
Composite Video Input
1
USB
1
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi 5GHz
WI-FI
VGA Input
1
Ethernet (RJ45)
1
Component Video Input
1
Analog Audio Output (3.5 Mm)
1
Display Type
VA
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR10
Resolution, Pixels
3840 x 2160
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Full HD
Refresh Rate, Hz
60
4K/UHD
Display Colors
1.07 billion
Screen Size, Inch
43
Display Area, %
90.25
Display Height, Cm/in
52.94/20.84
Display Width, Cm/in
94.11/37.05
SCREEN DESIGN
flat
VESA Mount
Landscape/Portrait Pivot
Removable Stand
VESA Interface
100 x 100
Amazon Video
Hulu
Netflix
Other
MKV
HBO
DivX
Other
MKV
MPEG-4
H.263
H.264
H.265
Panel Technology
Clear Motion
Pixel Density, Ppi
103
Pixel Pitch, Cm/in
0.0245/0.0096
Panel Bit Depth, Bits
8
Native Refresh Rate, Hz
60
Manufacturer
Backlight Technology
Direct LED
Speakers
stereo
DTS Decoder
Dolby Surround
Dolby Atmos
Speakers Power, W
16
Operating System
Roku TV
Digital
Analog
Other
MKV
MOV
MP4
WMV
AVI
Watch And Record
Digital Recording
Vertical, Degrees
178
Horizontal, Degrees
178
Model
Dual-core
Microphone
Camera
Mobile App
Amazon Alexa Compatible
Google Assistant
2D To 3D
has not
3D
Manual
43s425.pdf
SMART TV
Display Type
VA
Brand
TCL
Screen Sizes In Series
43, 49, 50, 55, 65, 75
Series
S425
Aspect Ratio
16:9
VOICE REMOTE
REMOTE CONTROL