A Comprehensive Comparison of the TCL 55V6BK 55-inch 4K Ultra HD HDR TV with Other Popular Televisions in the UK
When shopping for a new TV, the number of choices can be overwhelming. To help make the decision easier, we’ve taken a detailed look at the TCL 55V6BK 55-inch 4K Ultra HD, HDR TV, Smart Android TV, and compared it to several other popular televisions in the UK market, focusing on essential aspects such as picture quality, smart features, audio performance, and price.
1. TCL 55V6BK 55-inch 4K Ultra HD, HDR TV
Key Features:
- Display: 55-inch 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution
- HDR Support: Yes (HDR10)
- Operating System: Android TV with Google Assistant
- Smart Features: Access to Google Play, built-in Chromecast, and voice search with Google Assistant
- Audio: Dolby Audio with a total speaker output of 20W
- Connectivity: 3 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support
- Price Range (in the UK): £350-£450
Strengths:
- Price-Performance Ratio: The TCL 55V6BK is a budget-friendly option that provides excellent value with its 4K HDR capabilities and Android TV platform.
- Android TV Integration: Access to the full Google ecosystem, including Google Play Store, Chromecast, and Google Assistant voice control, offers a smooth and familiar smart TV experience.
- Wide HDR Format Support: It supports HDR10, offering enhanced contrast and colors, which are especially beneficial for movies and gaming.
Weaknesses:
- Audio Quality: The built-in 20W speakers with Dolby Audio are decent for everyday use, but audiophiles may find it lacking in depth, particularly when compared to TVs with more advanced audio features.
- Limited HDR Range: While it supports HDR10, it doesn’t support more advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision, which can be a downside if you’re looking for a more cinematic experience.
2. Samsung UE55AU7100 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV
Key Features:
- Display: 55-inch 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- HDR Support: Yes (HDR10+)
- Operating System: Tizen OS
- Smart Features: Samsung Smart Hub with access to various streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+
- Audio: Dolby Digital Plus with 20W speakers
- Connectivity: 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support
- Price Range (in the UK): £400-£500
Strengths:
- Picture Quality: With HDR10+ support, the Samsung UE55AU7100 offers superior contrast and color enhancements compared to the TCL 55V6BK, making it ideal for watching HDR content.
- Tizen OS: Samsung’s Tizen operating system is smooth and user-friendly, with plenty of pre-installed apps, including popular streaming platforms.
- Brand Reliability: Samsung has a well-established reputation for quality and durability, giving it an edge in long-term reliability.
Weaknesses:
- No Dolby Vision: Although it has HDR10+, the lack of Dolby Vision can be seen as a downside for those looking for the most advanced HDR formats.
- Price: It is more expensive than the TCL 55V6BK, but the price hike comes with better HDR support and overall picture quality.
3. LG 55UP75006LF 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV
Key Features:
- Display: 55-inch 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- HDR Support: Yes (HDR10, HLG)
- Operating System: WebOS
- Smart Features: AI ThinQ with Google Assistant and Alexa support, access to Netflix, Prime Video, and more
- Audio: 20W speaker output with AI Sound and Virtual Surround
- Connectivity: 2 HDMI ports, 1 USB port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Price Range (in the UK): £400-£500
Strengths:
- WebOS Platform: LG’s WebOS is highly intuitive and smooth, offering quick access to popular apps and a customizable interface.
- AI-Powered Features: The inclusion of AI ThinQ gives users voice control options with both Google Assistant and Alexa, making it one of the most versatile smart TVs in this price range.
- Solid Performance for the Price: The LG 55UP75006LF offers reliable performance and a balance between smart features and display quality for a competitive price.
Weaknesses:
- Audio Performance: Like the TCL and Samsung models, the sound quality from the built-in speakers might fall short for audiophiles or movie lovers who crave deeper bass and more immersive audio experiences.
- Limited HDR: While it supports HDR10, it lacks Dolby Vision support, making it less appealing for viewers seeking the best possible picture quality.
4. Sony Bravia KD55X80K 55-inch 4K Ultra HD TV
Key Features:
- Display: 55-inch 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- HDR Support: Yes (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision)
- Operating System: Android TV
- Smart Features: Google Assistant, Chromecast built-in, access to Netflix, Prime Video, and more
- Audio: 20W speakers with Dolby Atmos support
- Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Price Range (in the UK): £600-£700
Strengths:
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: With support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the Sony Bravia KD55X80K offers an immersive visual and audio experience, making it one of the best TVs for cinema lovers.
- Picture Processor: Sony’s advanced picture processor helps deliver sharper images, better motion handling, and more accurate colors, even compared to other higher-end models.
- Android TV Integration: Like the TCL 55V6BK, the Sony Bravia model runs on Android TV, providing users access to Google’s suite of services and apps.
Weaknesses:
- Price: This is the most expensive model in the comparison, which might not appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
- Audio Output: Although the audio quality is better than many other 55-inch models due to Dolby Atmos, some may still prefer to use external sound systems for a truly cinematic sound experience.
5. Hisense 55A6BGTUK 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV
Key Features:
- Display: 55-inch 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
- HDR Support: Yes (HDR10, Dolby Vision)
- Operating System: VIDAA U4.0
- Smart Features: Access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Freeview Play
- Audio: 20W speakers with DTS Virtual: X
- Connectivity: 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Price Range (in the UK): £350-£400
Strengths:
- Dolby Vision Support: The Hisense 55A6BGTUK stands out for its Dolby Vision support at a budget-friendly price, offering a more dynamic HDR viewing experience than many similarly priced models.
- Smooth Interface: Hisense’s VIDAA U4.0 OS is fast, user-friendly, and provides access to all the key streaming services.
- Value for Money: With Dolby Vision and solid 4K performance at a low price point, this TV offers exceptional value for those looking for an affordable, feature-rich option.
Weaknesses:
- Operating System: While VIDAA U4.0 is decent, it lacks the range of apps and overall refinement found in Android TV or WebOS.
- Audio: Like most TVs in this price range, the built-in 20W speakers may not deliver the cinematic audio experience some users expect.
Data-Driven Comparison Table
| TV Model | Display Size | Resolution | HDR Formats | Operating System | Audio | Price Range | Smart Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL 55V6BK | 55 inches | 4K UHD | HDR10 | Android TV | 20W Dolby Audio | £350-£450 | Google Assistant, Chromecast |
| Samsung UE55AU7100 | 55 inches | 4K UHD | HDR10+ | Tizen OS | 20W Dolby Digital+ | £400-£500 | Samsung Smart Hub |
| LG 55UP75006LF | 55 inches | 4K UHD | HDR10, HLG | WebOS | 20W AI Sound | £400-£500 | AI ThinQ, Google/Alexa |
| Sony Bravia KD55X80K | 55 inches | 4K UHD | HDR10, Dolby Vision | Android TV | 20W Dolby Atmos | £600-£700 | Google Assistant, Chromecast |
| Hisense 55A6BGTUK | 55 inches | 4K |
UHD | HDR10, Dolby Vision | VIDAA U4.0 | 20W DTS Virtual:X | £350-£400 | Netflix, YouTube, Freeview Play |
Personal Recommendation
After analyzing the key data and features of the TCL 55V6BK in comparison with other popular 55-inch 4K TVs in the UK, I would recommend the Hisense 55A6BGTUK for those who want the best value for money. It offers Dolby Vision HDR, which enhances picture quality at a lower price than the Sony Bravia, and it competes strongly with Samsung and LG in terms of smart features.
However, if brand reputation and superior HDR support are your priority, the Sony Bravia KD55X80K is an excellent choice, albeit at a higher cost. It offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, making it a premium pick for a more immersive viewing experience.
For a budget-friendly choice with solid overall performance, the TCL 55V6BK still stands out, especially with its Android TV capabilities.
Currently, there are some great deals on the TCL 55V6BK 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV in the UK:
- Amazon has the TV available for £273, which is the lowest price it has ever been, thanks to a £25 discount from its usual price of around £349【13†source】. This deal makes it an attractive option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4K smart TV.
- AO.com lists the TCL 55V6BK at a similar price, offering it for £299【12†source】. Although it’s slightly higher than the Amazon price, AO often includes additional services like delivery and setup, which could be beneficial.
- Argos is also selling the same model for around £299.99, but you might find some promotional codes or deals that could lower the price further【11†source】.
If you’re considering other brands, LG’s 55UR78006LK model is priced at £307.20, while Samsung’s UE65CU8070 is at £349.98, reflecting the current market competition in the same category.
Overall, Amazon’s deal seems to be the most cost-effective right now for the TCL 55V6BK. You can check it out here on Amazon.
