TCL 65R617 review
Apr 28, 2020
See price The TCL 65R617 is an inexpensive model from TCL’s R6 series, which was introduced to the market in 2018. There are only two TV’s (55-inch and 65-inch) offered in the series. The...
Read More65S517 vs 65R617: Entry-Level TVs with Roku Smart Platform
The 65S517 vs 65R617 is aimed to compare two high-end large TVs. The 65S517 belongs to the 5-Series and the 65R617 to the 6-Series. Both TVs were released in 2018 and present 4K Ultra HD Smart LED-backlit TVs.
Picture
The TCL 65S517 vs 65R617 picture quality comparison shows both models produce a premium quality with Dolby Vision HDR. They both provide a lifelike and immersive image.
The Dynamic Contrast tech, integrated into the 65S517, receives content data from Dolby Vision to improve picture quality so that every detail in bright and dark scenes can be clearly visible. While the Contrast Control Zone of the 65R617 does the same thing, optimizing picture quality up to 120 zones.
Both models have a 240Hz native refresh rate that makes them totally ready for gaming and any other activity that implies fast-motion scenes. They are also LED-backlit that contributes their energy efficiency.
Features & performance
When it comes to smart features, the TCL 65R617 vs 65S517 comparison shows that the models are identical in this category. Both TVs run on the Roku TV OS that is common for almost all TCL TVs. There are more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes in its database. It also has a simple interface that provides access to Netflix, Amazon Video, YouTube, Hulu, etc. Both support wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant devices.
The TVs can be controlled via Roku mobile app or via remote. The app is a more multifunctional type of control as it allows accessing the advanced picture quality settings. The remote is really small (especially if you compare it with standard TV remotes) and has only 20 buttons, allowing for simple navigation.
Both of the compared TVs are supplemented with a pair of 8W 2-channel stereo speakers that are compliant with Dolby Digital sound processing technology. Despite this, they won't provide enough sound for a full-fledged home theater system.
Design & build quality
Speaking of the design, it should be mentioned that they both are similar in size, having a 65- inch diagonal. The dimensions are almost identical: 57.2 x 35 x 11.6 inches for the 65S517 versus 57.1 x 35.7 x 11.6 for the 65R617 (with stand).
Both models have typical TCL design, with a black plastic-made body and about 0.5-inch thick frame. They also have a slight lip at the bottom of the rear panel due to which they are almost 3 inches thick in profile.
The models have the same set of connectors, located on their back panel: 3 HDMI ports, one USB 2.0, composite video input, optical digital output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
TCL 65S517 pros & cons
Pros
- Does a great job at upscaling 1080p content to 4K.
- The OS remembers all the passwords to access any app.
Cons
- No specs on the sensitivities of the digital tuners in the manual.
- There is a 30-second lag time after turning the TV on.
- Backlight bleeding — there is some light coming from corners, especially noticeable in dark scenes.
TCL 65R617 pros & cons
Pros
- Pairs easily with a universal remote control.
- Straightforward Roku interface.
Cons
- Huge screen banding issue.
- The volume buttons on the remote are placed inconveniently so the user can accidentally push them every time picking it up.
- Bluetooth can be paired only with other Roku devices only.
