The TCL C635 is a Smart TV that arrives in Europe to combine a series of technologies sought by the consumer, such as advanced image and greater fluidity, but without charging the same as competitors with similar configurations.
Does this set of features make the product a good option in the domestic market? TechSmart tested a 55-inch unit and tells all the details for you now, in this full review.
The design of this model does not deviate from the standard seen on the market. This means that we have a very thin body, with only 81 mm of panel thickness. In addition, the weight does not exceed 15.7 kg when the base is mounted. Speaking of which, TCL preferred a pair of little feet to a centralized stand.
Even so, the user can choose between mounting them a lot on the sides or a little more in the center. They stand out in the look by having a silver color to match the bottom edge of the device. Despite this, both are constructed of plastic. If you want to put it on the wall, here is the VESA standard, to accept any common support on the market.
This TV’s set of ports is on one side, while the power outlet is located on the other. An order already observed in other models of the brand. The C635 offers three HDMI 2.1 inputs to ensure the best features of the latest generation consoles.
In addition, you will also find a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, a coaxial port for a common antenna, a digital audio port, an auxiliary port and an RJ-45 port for wired internet.
In the box, you will find the user manual, the power cable, an auxiliary output adapter to connect an RCA cable, the remote control and a pair of batteries.
Speaking of control, this is the same as seen on the P635. This means that you will have shortcuts to various streams, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus and Globoplay, in addition to the possibility of using voice commands through the microphone button. But we’ll talk about that later.
The accessory also features a key to go directly into the settings and another that allows switching between the different input sources. Overall, it’s not as compact as Samsung’s, nor as cluttered as LG’s.
One of the highlights of this model is the presence of a QLED panel in its configuration. The presence of a layer of quantum dots improved the brightness level and made the screen colors more vibrant. We still feel the lack of deeper blacks, but nothing that less demanding users will miss, since the material is well above a common LED.
Remembering that we are talking here about a TV with 4K resolution. We noticed a high quality on platforms with Ultra HD content. And even those that are Full HD, the upscaling does not disappoint to provide a good view.
Streams also feature Dolby Vision technology, which enhances the images displayed and makes the colors more vivid and faithful to the original. The technology always appears in the left corner when activated, as well as Dolby Atmos in the sound part.
And speaking of audio, TCL has inserted two ONKYO speakers, which generate a total of 20 W of power. They provide good balance between frequencies, with a slight low to bass.
In any case, you won’t get distortion at maximum volume. The problem is that this also impacts the sound power, which is below expectations for a TV of this size.
This is yet another TCL model equipped with Google TV. The interface comes with a number of features more than a regular Android TV. Right away, you will already see an integration with the Google Account, when pulling settings saved in it to the television itself.
Not to mention that the initial setup is done through the Google Home app. Just use your cell phone to add the device to your cell phone and follow the steps on the TV to connect to fifth generation Wi-Fi if you don’t prefer cable and install your favorite apps.
With everything properly managed, the system flows very well in general and stands out for the ease of finding content of interest. The main menu itself already has some suggestions for movies and series from different streaming services, divided by genres or categories.
Another option is through TCL Channels, a branded platform that brings together not only some on-demand titles, but also integrates Pluto TV’s live channels. Speaking of channels, connecting a common antenna requires an automatic search for channels, but without detecting them instantly.
The presence of the integrated Google Assistant is another feature of this television. Through activation by voice commands or the microphone button on your controller, you can ask the device to open an application or generate an action on other smart devices in your home.
We also tested several of the main streams, to know the quality of each one. Some, like Netflix, Disney Plus, and YouTube, login seamlessly with your Google Account. Others, such as Prime Video and Globoplay, require you to enter by reading a QR Code.
They all run smoothly, without any hiccups or crashes. Even the first login didn’t take as long as expected. The quality pleases, whether in on-demand content or in live signals, as in the case of ESPN broadcasts by Star Plus.
As much as it is not a TV designed directly for the gamer audience, some features promise to attract this audience here. One of the main ones is the 120 Hz refresh rate, but not in a conventional way.
TCL uses DLG technology to improve smoothness by reducing latency to avoid the blurring of faster images. Although it is not the native technology, this expansion works well and allows for greater smoothness in your gameplay.
Remembering that this TV has HDMI ports in version 2.1, as we said at the beginning. It is responsible for making the most of new generation consoles, with gains in bandwidth. We tested it on PlayStation 5 and saw images and sound compatible with what Sony’s video game can deliver on a high-end TV.
TCL even offers Game Center, an app that offers a slew of games to install and play right on your TV. In some titles, the phone can become your joystick. But don’t expect such a satisfying experience, both in fluidity and in the quality of the game itself.
After all, is the balance positive for C635? We understand yes. As much as it can be considered a mid-range Smart TV, there are some very interesting features here.
One of them is the QLED panel, which improves contrast and brightness, for an above-average display, although the blacks do not reach the level of an OLED. The ONKYO sound completes the high quality multimedia set, even if the power does not reach the ideal. Another highlight is the 120 Hz rate, but don’t expect the same smoothness from DLG technology delivered by a panel with that frequency natively.
Perhaps the main functionality here is the presence of Google TV. The search giant’s interface makes it easy to access your favorite titles, organizes options by genres well and even integrates a series of entries with your Google Account, for faster access to apps. Not to mention the Google Assistant, which makes it possible to control most of your TV through voice commands.
slim designControl with good number of buttonsQLED screen with good contrast and brightnessQuality ONKYO soundGoogle TV SystemBuilt-in Google Assistantvariety of apps
low power audioPanel could have deeper black120 Hertz rate without being nativeLow variety of games
The 55-inch TCL C635 does not yet have a suggested price for the Europeian market. We understand that this is a product to compensate in the range of R$ 3,000. Thus, it would be below direct rivals such as QNED80, from LG, and Q70, from Samsung, two that provide quantum dot technology, in addition to 120 Hertz natively.
Did you like this Smart TV that combined QLED, 120 Hz, Google TV and Onkyo sound in the same product? Would I buy a unit of it for you? Feel free to comment in the space below.
