Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
To try to better understand how long a TV should last, we're running 100 TVs through an accelerated longevity test for the next two years. We've just posted our 1-year video update with our latest findings on temporary image retention, burn-in, and more!

TCL 3 Series 2019 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v1.6
Reviewed May 31, 2019 at 10:20 am
Latest change: Test bench update Mar 08, 2021 at 03:03 pm
TCL 3 Series 2019 Picture
5.9
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
5.7
Movies
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
6.6
TV Shows
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
6.8
Sports
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
6.3
Video Games
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
4.5
HDR Movies
4.1
HDR Gaming
6.8
PC Monitor
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the TCL 3 Series 2020

The TCL 3 Series S325 is an entry-level 1080p LED TV with mediocre picture quality. It has a very good contrast ratio but lacks a local dimming feature to deliver a great dark room performance. It can't get very bright to fight glare and is more suitable for a dim or an average-lit room where blacks will also look better. The TV doesn't support HDR, but on the upside, its SDR image accuracy is excellent. The gray uniformity is mediocre and some dirty screen effect is evident. Motion handling is decent and the input lag is very low for the highest supported resolution of 1080p @ 60Hz. The TV's Roku smart interface is the same as higher-end models, but it's not as smooth.

Our Verdict

5.9 Mixed Usage

The TCL 3 Series is a mediocre TV for mixed usage. It can't deliver a great dark room performance, so watching movies is disappointing. It's more suited for watching sports or TV shows in an average lit room where it can handle reflections well. The S325 is a good TV for casual gaming, but more serious gamers will find its features limiting.

Pros
  • Very low input lag.
  • Excellent pre-calibration image accuracy.
Cons
  • No HDR support.
  • Cannot get bright.
  • Doesn't support 4k.
5.7 Movies

The TCL 3 Series has a disappointing movie performance. The contrast ratio can produce deep blacks, but there is no local dimming feature to improve dark room performance. It only has a resolution of 1080p and can only display judder-free movies from a 24p signal like a DVD or a Blu-ray.

6.6 TV Shows

This is a decent TV for watching TV shows. It's more suitable for an average-lit room like a kitchen or a garage, as it can't get very bright to fight glare, but will handle reflections well. The S325 runs the Roku Smart TV, which gives you access to a large number of streaming channels. You will certainly find the one that hosts your favorite TV show.

6.8 Sports

This is a decent TV for watching sports. It's more suitable for an average lit room, as it can't get bright to fight glare. The gray uniformity is mediocre and there is some dirty screen effect that might bother serious sports fans. The response time is fast but most sports fans will notice a small blur trail behind fast-moving balls or pucks.

6.3 Video Games

This is a good TV for playing video games. It has a very low input lag and it feels very responsive. The response time is fast, but you will notice a small blur trail behind fast-moving content. Unfortunately, the supported resolutions are limited to a maximum of 1080p @ 60Hz, and the TV doesn't support FreeSync or any other advanced gaming features, which will disappoint the more serious gamers.

4.5 HDR Movies

The TCL 3 Series does not support HDR. If you are looking for a TCL that supports HDR, check out the TCL 4 Series S425.

4.1 HDR Gaming

HDR is not supported. If you are looking for a TCL that supports HDR checkout the TCL 4 Series S425.

6.8 PC Monitor

The TCL 3 Series has decent performance as a PC monitor. It can display proper chroma 4:4:4 when in 'PC" mode, but the TV has a maximum 1080p @ 60Hz resolution. The viewing angles are only mediocre and you will notice some uniformity issues at the sides if you sit up close. The input lag is very low, and the TV feels very responsive, but the response time, although fast, will still leave a small blur trail behind fast-moving content. The TV has a VA panel so permanent burn-in should not be a concern.

  • 5.9 Mixed Usage
  • 5.7 Movies
  • 6.6 TV Shows
  • 6.8 Sports
  • 6.3 Video Games
  • 4.5 HDR Movies
  • 4.1 HDR Gaming
  • 6.8 PC Monitor
  1. Updated Mar 08, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.6.
  2. Updated May 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
  3. Updated Feb 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
  4. Updated May 31, 2019: Review published.
  5. Updated May 29, 2019: Early access published.
  6. Updated May 28, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
  7. Updated May 27, 2019: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  8. Updated Apr 16, 2019: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the 40" (40S325). For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 43" (43S325) and 49" (49S325) versions. The 32" (32S325) version has a 720p resolution.

Some retailers also sell the TCL 32S327, which is a 1080p model, and the TCL 32S321. We don't expect any other significant differences in performance between the S325, S327, and S321, but there may be some minor cosmetic and technical differences we are not aware of.

If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their TCL S325 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

Size Model  Resolution
32" 32S321 720p
32" 32S327 1080p
32" 32S325 720p
40" 40S325 1080p
43" 43S325 1080p
49" 49S325 1080p

The 40" TCL S325 we tested was manufactured in Dec 2018.

Compared To Other TVs

Comparison picture

Top left: TCL S425 (43S425). Bottom left: TCL S305 (40S305). Middle: TCL S325 (40S325). Top right: Vizio V Series 2019 (V505-G9). Bottom right: Samsung N5300 (UN32N5300). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

The TCL S325 is a mediocre TV with a passable picture quality and a versatile set of smart features. See our recommendations for the best budget TVs and the best smart TVs.

TCL 3 Series 2020
32"

The TCL 3 Series 2019 and the TCL 3 Series 2020 are similar TVs. We tested the 40 inch 3 Series 2019, which has a 1080p resolution, but the 32 inch variant 3 Series 2020 that we tested has a 720p resolution. The 2019 model feels better-built, has better reflection handling, a quicker response time, and lower input lag. However, the 2020 model's Roku interface is smoother to navigate.

Hisense H4F
32" 40"

The TCL 3 Series 2019 and the Hisense H4F have different panel types. The TCL has a VA panel and can display deep blacks in a dark room, while the Hisense is more suitable if you have a wide seating arrangement as the image remains accurate at an angle. The TCL has a slightly lower input lag, which is an attraction to gamers.

TCL 4 Series 2019
43" 49" 50" 55" 65" 75"

The TCL 4 Series/S425 2019 is much better than the TCL 3 Series S325. The TCL S425 supports HDR and has a better dark room performance, thanks to its higher native contrast ratio. The TCL S425 supports 4k and has a faster response time, which is great for watching sports and playing video games.

Vizio V Series 2019
40" 43" 43" 50" 55" 55" 60" 65" 65" 70" 75"

The Vizio V Series 2019 is a much better TV than the TCL 3 Series S325. The Vizio supports 4k resolution and can display HDR content. It can get brighter and can be placed in a brighter room than the TCL S325. The Vizio has better dark room performance thanks to its higher native contrast ratio and better black uniformity. The TCL has a little lower input lag, which might be important to some gamers.

Samsung N5300
32" 43"

The TCL 3 Series S325 and the Samsung N5300 have different panel types, each with their advantages and disadvantages. The TCL S325 has a VA panel and can display deeper blacks thanks to the higher native contrast ratio; it's more suitable for a dim room. The Samsung is more suitable if you'll be watching from the side, as it has wider viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel. The TCL has a much lower input lag that will please gamers, and can display judder-free movies from a DVD or a Blu-ray.

TCL S Series/S305 2018
28" 32" 40" 43" 49"

The TCL 3 Series S325 is slightly better than the 2017 TCL S Series S305. The S325 has a faster response time, and fast-moving content has less blur trail and a much lower input lag that will please gamers. The S305, on the other hand, has less stutter and can remove judder from its native apps.

LG UK6300
43" 49" 50" 55" 65"

The LG UK6300 and the TCL 3 Series/S325 2019 have different panels, each with their advantages and disadvantages. The TCL has a VA panel and it's more suitable for a dark room as it can display deeper blacks, but you have to sit straight in front to enjoy the most accurate image. The LG, on the other hand, is better for a wide seating arrangement as the image remains accurate for wider angles thanks to its IPS panel. The LG supports HDR and 4k resolution, although it has the RGBW pixel pattern which does result in some artifacts.

Samsung Q50/Q50R QLED
32"

The Samsung Q50/Q50R QLED is much better than the TCL 3 Series/S325 2019. The Samsung has a much higher native resolution, better contrast, and a much better color gamut. The TCL has better viewing angles, and it can remove judder from 24p sources.

+ Show more

Test Results

Design
Design
Style
Curved No

The TCL 3 Series S325 has a decent design. It has a plastic stand that supports the TV well but allows a little wobbling if you accidentally nudge the TV. The back has two distinct parts. The lower compartment houses most of the electronics, whereas the upper part is thinner and is made of metal. Unfortunately, there is no provision for cable management. The build quality is decent, and you should have no issues with the TV.

Design
Stand

The stand is made of plastic; it supports the TV well, but allows a little wobbling if the TV is nudged. It's almost as wide as the TV.

The footprint of the 40" model is 30.5" x 7.3".

Design
Back
Wall Mount VESA 100x100

The back of the TV has two distinct parts: the top part, which is made of metal, and the lower part, which houses most of the electronics and is made of plastic. There is no provision for any cable management. The back resembles the S425 a lot.

Design
Borders
Borders 0.55" (1.4 cm)

The borders are plastic and are not distracting in any way.

Design
Thickness
Max Thickness 2.95" (7.5 cm)

The TV is an average thickness, but is thinner than the 2017's S305. It will protrude slightly if you wall-mount it, but the inputs are facing sideways so you can reach them with ease.

6.5
Design
Build Quality

The build quality of the TCL 3 Series is decent. The TV feels solid with no gaps or loose ends, and it's very similar to the S425. You should have no issues with it.

Picture Quality
8.1
Picture Quality
Contrast
Native Contrast
3,426 : 1
Contrast with local dimming
N/A

The TCL 40S325 has a great native contrast ratio. Blacks look good in a dark room, but not as a good as on the S425. It is very similar to 2017's S305. Unfortunately, the TV doesn't have a local dimming feature to improve the appearance of blacks further.

4.7
Picture Quality
SDR Brightness
Real Scene Peak Brightness
174 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
185 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
196 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
196 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
196 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
196 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
184 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
196 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
196 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
196 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
196 cd/m²
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
0.005

Disappointing SDR peak brightness for the TCL 3 Series. Although it's slightly better than the S425, the TV can't get bright enough for a bright room. It is more suitable for an average-lit or dim room.

We measured the peak brightness after calibration, using the 'Movie' Picture Mode and Color Temperature set to 'Warm.'

If you don't care about image accuracy, you can obtain higher brightness levels. We were able to reach 251 nits with the 'Vivid' Picture Mode, Contrast set to 'Max' and Color Temperature set to 'Cool.'

0
Picture Quality
Local Dimming
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
Direct

The TCL 40S325 does not have a local dimming feature. The video is for reference only.

0
Picture Quality
Local Dimming In Game Mode
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
Direct
0
Picture Quality
HDR Brightness
Real Scene Highlight
N/A
Peak 2% Window
N/A
Peak 10% Window
N/A
Peak 25% Window
N/A
Peak 50% Window
N/A
Peak 100% Window
N/A
Sustained 2% Window
N/A
Sustained 10% Window
N/A
Sustained 25% Window
N/A
Sustained 50% Window
N/A
Sustained 100% Window
N/A
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
N/A

HDR is not supported.

0
Picture Quality
HDR Brightness In Game Mode
Real Scene Highlight
N/A
Peak 2% Window
N/A
Peak 10% Window
N/A
Peak 25% Window
N/A
Peak 50% Window
N/A
Peak 100% Window
N/A
Sustained 2% Window
N/A
Sustained 10% Window
N/A
Sustained 25% Window
N/A
Sustained 50% Window
N/A
Sustained 100% Window
N/A
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
N/A
6.4
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity
50% Std. Dev.
3.809%
50% DSE
0.221%
5% Std. Dev.
2.359%
5% DSE
0.126%

The gray uniformity is mediocre. There is evident clouding all around the screen and a significant amount of dirty screen effect which will disappoint sports fans. In dark scenes, there are obvious uniformity issues at the sides of the screen, but the center is a little better.

6.8
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity
Native Std. Dev.
1.454%
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
N/A

The TCL 40S325 has decent black uniformity. Backlight bleed is evident throughout the screen, but it is most noticeable in very dark scenes when watched in a dark room. This performance is slightly worse than 2017's S305.

6.2
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Color Washout
41°
Color Shift
43°
Brightness Loss
43°
Black Level Raise
39°
Gamma Shift
9°

The TCL 40S325 has mediocre viewing angles. Gamma shifts quickly as you move off center, and this affects the scene brightness. Although black levels don't rise quickly, all grays converge towards the same lightness, which causes the image to wash out and to look less lively. Those sitting from the side will not enjoy the same image accuracy. This is very similar behavior to the Vizio V Series. If you want a TV with better viewing angles, check out an IPS TV like the LG UK6300.

7.6
Picture Quality
Reflections
Screen Finish
Semi-gloss
Total Reflections
4.9%
Indirect Reflections
0.5%
Calculated Direct Reflections
4.3%

The reflection handling of the TCL 3 Series is very good. As long as you don't place the TV in front of a large window, you should have no issues with distracting reflections.

8.7
Picture Quality
Pre Calibration
White Balance dE
1.16
Color dE
1.87
Gamma
2.20
Color Temperature
6,869 K
Picture Mode
Movie
Color Temp Setting
Warm
Gamma Setting
N/A

The pre-calibration accuracy is excellent. There are a few inaccuracies both in the grays and in the colors, but even enthusiasts will have a hard time spotting them.

The gamma follows the curve relatively well, but some dark scenes are darker and other brighter scenes are brighter than they should be. The color temperature is a little cold, giving the screen a slightly bluish tint.

8.7
Picture Quality
Post Calibration
White Balance dE
1.16
Color dE
1.87
Gamma
2.20
Color Temperature
6,869 K
White Balance Calibration
No
Color Calibration
No

The phone app that comes with this TV does not allow for calibration, so there is no way to calibrate this TV. This is a similar case to the S305 but very different from the higher-end TCL TVs.

You can see our recommended settings here.

8.0
Picture Quality
480p Input

Upscaling of low-quality content such as DVDs is good.

8.0
Picture Quality
720p Input

720p content such as cable looks good. The image isn't too soft and details are preserved.

10
Picture Quality
1080p Input

Native 1080p content looks excellent.

Note: the 32" models of the S325 and S321 variants are 720p, as you can also see here.

0
Picture Quality
4k Input

4k is not supported.

0
Picture Quality
8k Input
Picture Quality
Pixels
Type LED
Sub-Type
VA
6.8
Picture Quality
Color Gamut
Wide Color Gamut
No
DCI P3 xy
73.93%
DCI P3 uv
81.50%
Rec 2020 xy
53.39%
Rec 2020 uv
60.88%

The 3 Series does not have a wide color gamut, but rather a standard color gamut. It's only good enough for non-HDR content using the Rec 709 color space. When compared to the S305, the performance is just a bit better but not noticeable with the naked eye.

6.0
Picture Quality
Color Volume
Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
69.9%
10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
17.5%
Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
50.1%
10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
12.5%

Mediocre color volume. The TV only has a standard color gamut and is unable to produce a full range of colors in the various luminosities.

6.0
Picture Quality
Gradient
Color Depth
8 Bit
Red (Std. Dev.)
0.134
Green (Std. Dev.)
0.194
Blue (Std. Dev.)
0.136
Gray (Std. Dev.)
0.476

The TCL 40S325 has mediocre gradient performance. Banding is evident in all colors and the TV has no setting to improve this.

10
Picture Quality
Temporary Image Retention
IR after 0 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 2 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 4 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 6 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 8 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 10 min recovery
0.00%

There is no temporary image retention on the TCL S325.

10
Picture Quality
Permanent Burn-In Risk
Permanent Burn-In Risk
No

We don't expect VA panels to experience permanent image retention, as the VA panel in our long-term test appears immune.

Motion
7.6
Motion
Response Time
80% Response Time
5.2 ms
100% Response Time
15.4 ms

The response time is fast but not as fast as most modern TVs. It's a big improvement over 2017's S305, and only slightly slower than the S425. There is some overshoot in the 0-20% transition, which can cause some haloing in really dark scenes, but otherwise, it shouldn't be very noticeable.

4.7
Motion
Flicker-Free
Flicker-Free
No
PWM Dimming Frequency
180 Hz

The TCL 3 Series uses PWM to dim the backlight but only at lower (below 31/100) brightness levels. The flicker frequency is only 180Hz, and this might bother some people.

4.5
Motion
Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
Optional BFI
No
Min Flicker For 60 fps
180 Hz
60Hz For 60 fps
No
120Hz For 120 fps
N/A
Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
180 Hz

The TV doesn't have BFI option to make motion crisper. However, when you dim the backlight below a certain level (31/100) the TV introduces flicker. This acts as a BFI feature and makes motion look clearer.

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
No
Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
No

Just like in the higher-end model S425, there's no motion interpolation feature on the S325.

7.7
Motion
Stutter
Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
26.3 ms
Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
1.3 ms

You should not have serious issues with stutter on this TV. The TV's response time is such that each frame of a movie, or low fps content, does not stay on the screen for too long, and the transition looks smoother.

5.6
Motion
24p Judder
Judder-Free 24p
Yes
Judder-Free 24p via 60p
No
Judder-Free 24p via 60i
No
Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
No

The TCL 3 Series can display judder-free movies only over a 24p signal like a DVD or a Blu-ray. In all other cases, including native apps, movies have judder. There is no specific feature to turn on to remove judder.

0
Motion
Variable Refresh Rate
Native Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate
No
HDMI Forum VRR
No
FreeSync
No
G-SYNC Compatible
No
4k VRR Maximum
N/A
4k VRR Minimum
No VRR support
1080p VRR Maximum
N/A
1080p VRR Minimum
No VRR support
1440p VRR Maximum
N/A
1440p VRR Minimum
No VRR support
VRR Supported Connectors
No VRR support

The TCL 40S325 has a 60Hz panel and does not support more advanced features such as FreeSync.

Inputs
9.6
Inputs
Input Lag
1080p @ 60Hz
12.1 ms
1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
40.1 ms
1440p @ 60Hz
N/A
4k @ 60Hz
N/A
4k @ 60Hz + 10-Bit HDR
N/A
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
N/A
4k @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
N/A
4k @ 60Hz With Interpolation
N/A
8k @ 60Hz
N/A
1080p @ 120Hz
N/A
1440p @ 120Hz
N/A
4k @ 120Hz
N/A
1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
N/A
1440p with VRR
N/A
4k with VRR
N/A
8k with VRR
N/A

The TCL 3 Series has an outstanding low input lag when in 'Game' mode. If you want low input lag while in 'PC' mode you have to enable 'Game' mode. Chroma 4:4:4 is displayed properly only when in 'PC' mode.

We encountered the same issue as on the S425. During our test, there were times where we had to turn off the TV or disconnect and reconnect the HDMI to get the lowest input lag. We assume that this is an issue with the HDMI handshake. When we changed to 'Game Mode,' it went to an in-between state that had a higher input lag. This should not be a common issue for most users.

1.7
Inputs
Supported Resolutions
Resolution 1080p (except 32")
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
No
1440p @ 60Hz
No
1440p @ 120Hz
No
4k @ 60Hz
No
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
No
4k @ 120Hz
No
8k @ 30Hz or 24Hz
No
8k @ 60Hz
No

The highest resolution this TV supports is 1080p @ 60Hz. When it detects a PC, it switches automatically to 'PC' mode and, unlike the S305, it can display chroma 4:4:4 properly. There is not practical way to use the TV with a PC and be outside of PC mode.

Note: the 32" models of the S325 and S321 variants are 720p as you can also see here.

Inputs
Advanced Console Compatibility
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
No
PS5, 4k @ 120Hz + HDR
No
PS5, 4k @ 120Hz
No
PS5, 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
No
PS5, 1440p @ 120Hz
No
PS5, 1080p @ 120Hz
No
PS5, Variable Refresh Rate
No
Xbox Series X, 4k @ 120Hz + HDR
No
Xbox Series X, 4k @ 120Hz
No
Xbox Series X, 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
No
Xbox Series X, 1440p @ 120Hz
No
Xbox Series X, 1080p @ 120Hz
No
Xbox Series X, Variable Refresh Rate
No
Inputs
Inputs Specifications
HDR10
No
HDR10+
No
Dolby Vision
No
HLG
No
HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
No
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
CEC Yes
HDCP 2.2 Yes (HDMI 1,2,3)
USB 3.0
No
Variable Analog Audio Out Yes
Wi-Fi Support Yes (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz)

The TCL 3 Series supports CEC, but it can only control volume and power on a receiver. The CEC did not work with our Blu-ray player.

Inputs
Input Photos
Inputs
Total Inputs
HDMI 3
USB 1
Digital Optical Audio Out 1
Analog Audio Out 3.5mm 1
Analog Audio Out RCA 0
Component In 0
Composite In 1 (incl. adapter)
Tuner (Cable/Ant) 1
Ethernet 0
DisplayPort 0
IR In 0
SD/SDHC 0
Inputs
Audio Passthrough
ARC
Yes (HDMI 3)
eARC support
No
Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
No
DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
No
5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
Yes
5.1 DTS via ARC
Yes
5.1 Dolby Digital via Optical
Yes
5.1 DTS via Optical
Yes

If you wish to enable Dolby Digital, you must select the Dolby D/DTS setting for both optical and ARC.

Sound Quality
5.3
Sound Quality
Frequency Response
Low-Frequency Extension
169.51 Hz
Std. Dev. @ 70
4.21 dB
Std. Dev. @ 80
4.57 dB
Std. Dev. @ Max
7.38 dB
Max
89.1 dB SPL
Dynamic Range Compression
4.63 dB

The frequency response of the TCL 3 Series S325 is disappointing. The low-frequency extension (LFE) is at about 170Hz which practically means that the TV has no bass. The response above the LFE point is okay, and the TV can produce intelligible dialog. The TV can get fairly loud, but some compression and pumping artifacts at higher volume become evident.

5.9
Sound Quality
Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80
0.059
Weighted THD @ Max
0.303
IMD @ 80
19.35%
IMD @ Max
61.76%

Disappointing distortion on the TCL 40S325, worse than the S305. The overall amount of THD produced at 80dB SPL is low, and there is not a big jump in THD at Max SPL either. Unfortunately, IMD is very high, especially at max volume.

Smart Features
7.0
Smart Features
Interface
Smart OS Roku TV
Version 9.0.0
Ease of Use
Easy
Smoothness
Not Smooth
Time Taken to Select YouTube
4 s
Time Taken to Change Backlight
4 s
Advanced Options
Some

The interface is simple and easy to use, but it is not very smooth. There are some advanced options, but not as many as the R617 or even the S425. The TV lacks a gamma setting and does not allow for any calibration. This TV's replacement, the TCL 3 Series 2020, has much smoother menu navigation.

0
Smart Features
Ad-Free
Ads
Yes
Opt-out
No
Suggested Content in Home
Yes
Opt-out of Suggested Content
No

Although we didn't see any ads during our testing, we have previously found that TCL TVs have ads, as can be seen here on the TCL S405. We expect the S325 to also have ads. To opt out of personalized ads, you must enable the 'Limit ad tracking' option in the Advertising menu.

8.0
Smart Features
Apps and Features
App Selection
Great
App Smoothness
Not Smooth
Cast Capable
Yes
USB Drive Playback
Yes
USB Drive HDR Playback
N/A
HDR in Netflix
N/A
HDR in YouTube
N/A

The TCL 3 Series has the same large number of apps as higher end TCL models like the R617 or the S425. The Roku interface calls its apps 'Streaming Channels,' but they work like normal apps. Unfortunately, navigating and using the apps is laggy and some apps seem to hang for a few seconds before they react to your actions. On the upside, the interface allows you to cast from your phone or playback from a USB. This TV doesn't support HDR, and thus there is no support for HDR in any of the apps.

6.0
Smart Features
Remote
Size
Small
Voice Control
No
CEC Menu Control
No
Other Smart Features
No
Remote App Roku

The remote is very basic, and looks identical to the S305's remote, with different choices for quick launch buttons. The volume controls are on the side of the remote and can be hard to find the first time.

Smart Features
TV Controls

The controls are located on the underside in the center of the TV, under the TCL logo and far back. It consists only of one button that can only power on or off the TV and select the input source.

Smart Features
In The Box

  • Manual
  • Remote
  • Composite Breakout Adapter
  • Batteries

Smart Features
Misc
Power Consumption 29 W
Power Consumption (Max) 56 W
Firmware 9.0.0 build 4151-48