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The 2020 TCL 6-Series R635 was the more feature-rich 4K Roku TV, with mini-LED backlighting, quantum-dot color, Dolby Vision HDR and gaming features. The 4-Series S435 was a simpler, lower-cost 4K set. The R635 could make sense for viewers who wanted stronger HDR and more gaming options; the S435 better fit basic TV and streaming. These are historical model comparisons, not a guide to current prices or availability.
Which TVs are being compared?
Here, “4-Series” means the 2020 Roku TV S435, and “6-Series” means the 2020 Roku TV R635. TCL also sold 4-Series variants with different model numbers: S434 denotes an Android TV version, while S431 and S433 were retailer variants. Check the full model number on a listing rather than assuming every TCL 4-Series has the same platform or ports. RTINGS’ S435 review identifies the series’ size variants as 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches. TCL announced the R635 in 55-, 65- and 75-inch sizes. TCL’s August 2020 announcement
How do the S435 and R635 differ?
| Feature | 4-Series S435 | 6-Series R635 |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Basic, lower-cost 4K Roku TV; RTINGS describes it as an okay low-cost TV. RTINGS | Higher-tier Roku TV with mini-LED backlighting and quantum-dot color. TCL |
| HDR and backlighting | 4K content support; the supplied model review does not establish the R635’s mini-LED and Dolby Vision feature set for this TV. | TCL advertised Dolby Vision HDR and up to 240 Contrast Control Zones. Those are manufacturer specifications, not a guarantee of uniform real-world performance. TCL, August 2020 |
| Gaming | RTINGS found slow response time and black smear, making it a weaker gaming choice. RTINGS | Supports VRR and Auto Game Mode. RTINGS says it can run at 120Hz, but without HDMI 2.1 bandwidth: the cited tradeoff is 4K at 60Hz or up to 1440p at 120Hz. RTINGS |
| Original U.S. launch price | Not stated in the cited S435 review. | 55-inch: $649.99; 65-inch: $899.99; 75-inch: $1,399.99. These were TCL’s starting prices announced August 11, 2020, not current prices. TCL |
What the R635 adds for picture quality
TCL described the R635’s backlight as using thousands of mini-LEDs and up to 240 contrast-control zones, alongside QLED quantum-dot color and Dolby Vision HDR. The design aimed to improve contrast and color compared with a basic 4K set. Independent testing gives a more qualified picture: RTINGS’ R635 review reports strong contrast and SDR brightness, plus a wide color gamut for HDR, but also blooming around bright objects, mediocre local dimming, uniformity issues and narrow viewing angles.
Room layout matters
The R635’s narrow viewing angle can make the picture less consistent for viewers seated far to the side. If the main seating is spread across a wide room, that limitation may matter more than the feature list. For a centered seat and HDR viewing, the R635’s contrast, brightness and color capabilities are more relevant.
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#1 Best Overall
- Easy Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to help you find movie titles, launch or change channels, even switch inputs, using just your voice. Also available through the Roku mobile app.
- Stunning 4K Ultra HD: Enjoy breathtaking 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD. Plus your favorite HD shows, movies, and sporting events are enhanced to near Ultra HD resolution with advanced 4K Upscaling.
- Free Wall Mount: Enjoy a better view and angle from your living room or bedroom by mounting your TV on the wall, giving it a unique look and saving space with the wall mount (No TV stands and minimal aesthetic details that do not affect TV performance)
- 4 HDMI inputs (1 ARC): Connect all your favorite devices through the 4 HDMI inputs including 1 HDMI ARC to easily sync audio and video sources for better quality sound.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant: Ask the Google Assistant and Alexa to turn on your TV, change channels, control volume and more
Which one is better for gaming?
The R635 is the more capable gaming option of these two 2020 sets. TCL listed VRR and Auto Game Mode among its R635 features, and RTINGS describes the set’s 120Hz operation with an important resolution and connection caveat: it lacks HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, so the cited choices are 4K at 60Hz or up to 1440p at 120Hz. Match that tradeoff to the output modes your console or PC actually uses; do not mistake “120Hz” for 4K at 120Hz.
RTINGS found the S435’s slow response and black smear less suitable for gaming. It remains usable as a basic television, but those traits can be distracting in fast-moving games.
Rank #2
- 4K UltraHD Resolution: Experience incredible detail with 4X the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs
- QLED (Quantum Dot Technology): Rich, vibrant colors covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space to bring images to lifeQLED – Quantum Dot Technology: Rich, vibrant colors covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space to bring images to life
- 120Hz Panel Refresh Rate: Watch action-packed movies, fast-paced video games, and live sports with an ultra-smooth viewing experience, free of motion blur
- TCL AIPQ Pro Processor: Powerful, advanced processor that intelligently optimizes the color, contrast, and clarity for an unrivaled 4K HDR experience
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Advanced spatial audio processing can be found in movies, TV shows, and video games
Which TV makes more sense for your use?
Choose the R635 if
- You want the stronger HDR-oriented feature set, including Dolby Vision and quantum-dot color.
- You value VRR and Auto Game Mode and can work within its 4K/60Hz or up-to-1440p/120Hz bandwidth tradeoff.
- Your seating is mostly centered, reducing the impact of its narrow viewing angle.
Consider the S435 if
- You mainly watch shows or stream 4K content and want a basic set rather than the R635’s more ambitious picture features.
- You are comparing a specific listing where the S435’s lower-cost positioning matters more than gaming responsiveness or local-dimming performance.
RTINGS says the S435 displays 4K content well and upscales lower-resolution material, but describes it as a basic television rather than a strong gaming pick. The better choice therefore depends on the exact screen size, room seating, content and gaming inputs—not the series number alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are these TVs still a good buy?
The comparison is useful for understanding the models’ original positions, but it does not establish what either costs or whether either is in stock now. The R635 was replaced by the R655 in 2022, according to RTINGS. TCL’s announcement for the newer R655 describes a different generation, so do not transfer its specifications to the R635. TCL’s R655 announcement
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K Ultra HD: 4K resolution delivers stunning detail and remarkable visual experience.
- High Dynamic Range: HDR delivers bright and accurate colors for a lifelike viewing experience.
- Google Assistant Built-in: Your TV is more helpful than ever. Use your voice to find movies, stream apps, play music, and control the TV. Ask Google to find a specific title, search by genre, or get personalized recommendations by saying, “what should I watch?” Even get answers like sports scores, control smart home devices, and more. Press the Google Assistant button on the remote to get started.
- What you want to watch, all in one place: Choose from 700,000+ movies and shows from across your favorite apps, intelligently organized just for you. Tune into live shows, curate watchlists, and get recommendations based on what you have watched and what interests you. Finding what to watch has never been easier with TCL Google TV.
- Thousands of Streaming Apps: Enjoy thousands of movies and shows available to stream including sports, news, music, kids and family, food, science and tech, fitness, foreign language and so much more with the Google TV OS.
If considering a listing, verify the model number, size, condition, seller and price, then compare the exact set with alternatives available at that time. The 2020 launch prices above are historical reference points only; they do not establish present-day value or availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dimensions (W x H x D): TV without stand: 44. 1 X 25. 7 X 3. 2 inches, TV with stand: 44. 1 X 28 X 8 inches
- Smart functionality delivers all your favorite content with over 500,000 movies and TV episodes, accessible through the simple and intuitive Roku TV
- Pairs 4K Ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color, and detail of high dynamic range (HDR) for the most lifelike picture
- Direct lit LED produces great picture quality. Stand Separation Distance 39.6 inches
- Inputs: 3 HDMI 2. 0 with HDCP 2. 2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB (media player), RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out, Ethernet
Rank #4
- A treat for the eyes: Sharp 4K brings out rich detail on our 43" flat screen TV, while colors pop off in lifelike clarity with HDR10. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
