TL;DR
- TCL has introduced its first sets based on Google TV.
- Unlike Android TV models, the 5- and 6-series sets pack more advanced screens with QLED and mini-LED tech.
- The 5-series starts at $599.99, while the 6-series climbs to $949.99.
The Google TV experience is the centerpiece of the new TCL models, as you might guess. Google’s front end aggregates content and otherwise makes it easier to find movies and shows regardless of the app or service. You’ll also get hands-free Google Assistant support to steer your TV and smart home devices.
The 5-series is the ‘starter’ option in the TCL Google TV lineup, but still sits above the basic 3- and 4-series Android units. You’ll find 4K QLED panels in 50-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, with support for Dolby Vision HDR (plus HDR10 and HLG) and Dolby Atmos sound. You’ll also find an auto game mode and four HDMI ports that include one with eARC for improved sound quality.
Read more: The best Android TV devices you can buy
Move up to the 6-series Google TV models and you’ll mostly see TCL make improvements to picture quality. The 55-, 65- and 75-inch 4K TVs all boast mini-LED backlighting for better contrast. If you’re a gamer, you might also appreciate a THX Certified Game Mode with promises of low lag married to strong picture quality.
Prices are largely in line with the competition. Pre-orders for the TCL 5-series Google TV models start at $599.99 for a 50-inch set and scale up to $1,299.99 for the 75-inch giant. The 6-series, meanwhile, starts at $949.99 for a 55-inch panel and climbs to $1,799.99 for the 75-inch version. These won’t compete with TCL’s own 8-series or high-end 8K and OLED TV rivals, but they could strike a healthy balance between picture quality and cost.
Notably, TCL is keeping comparable Roku TV sets on sale alongside the Google editions, at least for now. That’s a rare level of choice — you can pick a TV based on the software ecosystem you prefer, not just the specs that meet your needs.
