TCL 85-Inch Class S5 4K UHD LED Smart TV with Google TV - Bright 4K

Our review of the TCL 85-In S5 4K UHD TV finds it best suited for families and gamers who want a very large screen with vivid color and smart features at a reasonable price. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a high brightness LED backlight and the TCL AIPQ processor, which together deliver a bright, detailed 4K HDR picture that holds up in well-lit rooms and during fast action. Setup is straightforward, the Google TV interface feels familiar, and the built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support make TV sound noticeably fuller than typical flat-panel speakers.

Key Features

• 4K UltraHD Resolution: Four times the detail of 1080p provides clearer textures and sharper text across the very large 85 in screen.
• High Brightness LED Backlight: Produces a brilliant image in sunlit or brightly lit living rooms so highlights remain visible.
• TCL AIPQ Processor with Deep Learning AI: Intelligently adjusts color, contrast, and clarity to improve each scene for a more cinematic 4K HDR experience.
• Game Accelerator 120 and ALLM: Reduces input lag and supports up to 120 VRR for smoother, more responsive gameplay on compatible consoles.
• HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision: Supports multiple HDR formats so movies and shows have stronger contrast and more accurate colors.
• Built-In Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos: Delivers deeper bass and improved spatial audio compared with typical TV speakers for a fuller listening experience.

Who It's For

The TCL 85 in S5 is ideal for buyers who want a true living-room centerpiece: families who watch varied content, gamers who need low latency and VRR, and anyone who wants a bright, large 4K screen without a premium flagship price. The strong color processing and HDR format support make it a good pick for movie nights and sports.

This model may be less suitable for buyers who need an ultra-thin bezel for a flush wall installation aesthetic or those requiring the absolute top-tier HDR peak brightness found in some higher-end mini-LED or OLED sets. If highest-end professional color grading is required, a pro reference monitor would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent picture punch from the High Brightness LED and AIPQ processor for the price.
• Large 85 in size delivers immersive viewing for movies, sports, and gaming.
• Good gaming features including Game Accelerator 120 and Auto Game Mode for reduced lag.
• Better-than-average audio with built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support.

Cons

• Not a true OLED, so blacks and contrast depth are not as perfect as top-tier alternatives.
• Extremely large size requires a spacious room and sturdy stand or wall mount planning.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The TCL 85 in S5 offers an outstanding combination of size, brightness, and smart features for its price, making it a strong value for families and gamers who want an immersive 4K experience. Its AIPQ processing, HDR PRO+ support, and gaming optimizations deliver a versatile TV that competes well against pricier alternatives while providing notable audio improvements over standard panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this TV work with voice assistants?
Yes, Google Assistant is built in and the TV is compatible with Alexa when used with supported devices.

Is this model good for gaming?
Yes, it includes Game Accelerator 120, VRR support, and Auto Game Mode to minimize input lag for responsive gameplay.

How is the sound quality?
Sound is better than typical TV speakers thanks to a built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos processing, plus an Enhanced Dialogue Mode for clearer voices.