TCL 85S551G 85" specifications and in-depth review

TCL 85S551G 85"

Manufacturer: TCL

The TCL 85S551G is a large-format 84.6-inch television built on an LED-backlit LCD panel with a native 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 px. It supports all four major HDR formats — Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG — and runs a built-in smart TV platform with Chromecast, AirPlay, and compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri with Apple HomeKit, making it one of the few sets in its class to cover all three major voice ecosystems. A smartphone can also be used as a remote, and USB recording is available for saving broadcast content directly to external storage.

The display renders 10-bit color depth across over 1 billion colors, with 178-degree viewing angles both horizontally and vertically, an anti-reflection coating, and an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment. The refresh rate is 60Hz. Connectivity includes three HDMI 2.1 ports, one USB port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2, along with Miracast and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Audio is handled by a stereo speaker system rated at 2 x 15W with a built-in subwoofer, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, and both HDMI ARC and eARC for external audio routing.

Pros
  • Full HDR format coverage across HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG ensures compatibility with a wide range of streaming and physical media content
  • Voice assistant support spans Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri with Apple HomeKit, covering all three major ecosystems in a single set
  • The built-in audio system includes a subwoofer and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X without requiring an external sound system
  • Both HDMI ARC and eARC are available, allowing lossless audio passthrough to compatible external audio devices
  • USB recording support allows broadcast content to be saved directly to an external drive
  • Bluetooth 5.2 and Miracast support provide flexible wireless device connectivity and screen mirroring options
Cons
  • The 60Hz refresh rate limits the smoothness of fast-moving content such as sports or action sequences
  • Only one USB port is available, restricting simultaneous connection of multiple USB devices
  • Wi-Fi tops out at Wi-Fi 5 with no Wi-Fi 6 support, which may limit wireless throughput in demanding environments
  • There is no external memory slot, so local media playback depends entirely on USB-connected storage
  • The physical remote is not rechargeable, requiring conventional battery replacements over time
  • At 35,788 g, the substantial weight makes repositioning or solo installation particularly difficult
Who is this for?

The TCL 85S551G is a strong fit for households that want a large-screen television with broad content compatibility, as its support for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG covers virtually every HDR format used across streaming services and physical media. Users embedded in mixed device ecosystems will find the simultaneous support for Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri with Apple HomeKit particularly useful, as it allows seamless integration with smartphones, smart speakers, and home automation setups across all three major platforms. The built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio system with a subwoofer also makes it a reasonable choice for viewers who want an immersive audio experience from the set itself without immediately investing in a separate soundbar.

Who is this NOT for?

Viewers who watch a lot of fast-moving content — such as live sports, action films, or gaming — will find the 60Hz refresh rate a noticeable limitation, as it cannot deliver the motion smoothness that higher refresh rate panels provide. With only one USB port and no external memory slot, users who need to connect multiple USB devices simultaneously or play media from memory cards will find the connectivity options restrictive. Those who prioritize future-proof wireless performance may also be underwhelmed by the Wi-Fi 5 ceiling, particularly in environments with high network traffic or when streaming high-bandwidth content wirelessly.

Display:

display resolution 4K (UHD)
Display type LED-backlit, LCD
screen size 84.6"
resolution 3840 x 2160 px
pixel density 52 ppi
display colors 1070 million
bit depth 10-bit
refresh rate 60Hz
supports HDR10
supports HDR10+
supports Dolby Vision
supports HLG
has anti-reflection coating
has an ambient light sensor
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º

The TCL 85S551G uses an LED-backlit LCD panel measuring 84.6 inches with a 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 px at 52 ppi, rendered in 10-bit color depth across over 1 billion colors. The display runs at a 60Hz refresh rate and covers all four major HDR standards — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG — for broad content compatibility. Viewing angles reach 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, and the screen includes an anti-reflection coating along with an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment.

Connectivity:

Has Bluetooth
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
HDMI ports 3
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth version 5.2
USB ports 1
RJ45 ports 1
supports Miracast
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has an external memory slot
has a VGA connector
has a DVI connector

The TCL 85S551G provides three HDMI 2.1 ports, one USB port, and a single RJ45 Ethernet port for wired connections, along with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. There is no external memory slot, VGA connector, or DVI connector. Wireless options include Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 alongside Bluetooth 5.2, and the set supports Miracast for screen mirroring from compatible devices.

Audio:

supports Dolby Digital
audio output power 2 x 15W
supports Digital Out
supports Dolby Digital Plus
has SRS TheaterSound HD
has stereo speakers
has Dolby Atmos
has Dolby Audio
supports Dolby Virtual
has a subwoofer
has DTS:X
HDMI ARC / eARC HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC

The TCL 85S551G features a stereo speaker system outputting 2 x 15W with a built-in subwoofer, supporting Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos for object-based surround sound, while Dolby Virtual and SRS TheaterSound HD are not included. DTS:X is also supported for immersive audio decoding. Digital Out is available for connecting external audio equipment, and the set includes both HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC to accommodate compatible soundbars and AV receivers.

Design:

width 1889.8 mm
weight 35788 g
thickness 73.7 mm
height 1089.7 mm
volume 151771.519922 cm³
Supports VESA mount
maximum operating temperature 35 °C
lowest potential operating temperature 5 °C

The TCL 85S551G measures 1889.8 mm wide, 1089.7 mm tall, and 73.7 mm deep, with a total volume of approximately 151,772 cm³ and a weight of 35,788 g. The set supports VESA mounting for wall installation, and its rated operating temperature range spans from 5 °C to a maximum of 35 °C.

Features:

has Chromecast built-in
has AirPlay
has built-in smart TV
compatible with Google Assistant
works with Alexa
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit
supports a remote smartphone
has a rechargeable remote control
supports USB recording
standby power consumption 0.5W
has a search browser
has a sleep timer
has a child lock
warranty period 1 years
has voice commands

The TCL 85S551G runs a built-in smart TV platform with Chromecast and AirPlay for wireless casting, and covers all three major voice ecosystems through compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri with Apple HomeKit. Voice commands are available directly on the set, and a smartphone can serve as a remote control, though the physical remote is not rechargeable. Additional features include a built-in web browser, sleep timer, child lock, and USB recording for saving broadcast content to external storage. Standby power consumption is rated at 0.5W, and the set comes with a 1-year warranty.

Miscellaneous:

has a front camera
Final Verdict

The TCL 85S551G is a capable 84.6-inch television that covers the essentials well — its full HDR format support across Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, combined with universal voice assistant compatibility spanning Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri with Apple HomeKit, positions it as a versatile large-screen option for a broad range of households. The built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio system adds genuine value for everyday viewing without requiring external equipment, and the inclusion of both HDMI ARC and eARC keeps upgrade paths open. That said, the 60Hz refresh rate and limited USB and wireless connectivity do place a ceiling on its suitability for more demanding use cases. For viewers whose primary needs revolve around immersive HDR content, smart home integration, and a spacious screen, the TCL 85S551G delivers a well-rounded and cohesive package.

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