

If anything, it’s super simple by design. The remote is a bit ugly, though I wager most will not be bothered by it. This is the first remote from TCL that I’ve used that is quite different from the rest, mainly due to the fact that it’s driving Google TV and not Roku. That might not be the only reason to get that version either, but more on that later.

If you are dead set on AirPlay, pick up the Roku version which does support it. If you were hoping to find AirPlay, I’m sorry to disappoint: the Google TV version I reviewed does not support it at all.


Basically, most casual buyers will find everything they need here, but PS5 and Xbox Series X owners will miss the lack of HDMI 2.1 support.įor wireless connectivity, the television supports dual-band WiFi and Chromecast. Like the entire television’s design, it’s just fine but doesn’t stand out compared to the excellent cable management of either the Vizio OLED or LC C1.Īs far as ports are concerned, the TCL 5-Series features composite video inputs, a 3.5mm headphone jack, one RF input, an Ethernet port, a single USB 2.0 port, one digital audio input, and three HDMI 2.0 ports, one of which supports eARC for your audio devices. TCL included a set of very small plastic loops that cables can be run through and down the inside of each foot, which reduces how much clutter you’ll see from the front, but doesn’t go above and beyond. While it technically even has some cable management, it’s not the best. The 5-Series has a very thin bezel, simple base, and straightforward legs. The design and layout of the 2021 5-Series is what I’d call “adequate but not exemplary.” For an $800 65-inch QLED 4K television, I think that’s probably a safe choice by the company.ĭesign-wise, the TCL 5-Series is as unexciting as it is inoffensive, and while it doesn’t take any big risks, it likewise doesn’t suffer from any notable gaffes. 10 Images TCL 5-Series 2021 – Design And Build
