After my 7 year old Sony flagship model TV failed recently, I knew I couldn't afford the OLED TV I wanted so I started researching mid-range priced mini-LED TVs that would offer me something close to the picture quality and features I was used to. I looked at comparable models from Hisense, Samsung, LG and even the TCL R655 (2022 model). I AM THRILLED THAT i FOLLOWED MY INSTINCTS AND BOUGHT THE TCL R646. The picture quality is absolutely STUNNING, it was more affordable than recent model releases and has all the features, bells and whistles to future proof this TV for at least a few years. I have a complete Dolby Atmos home theater setup and needed my TV to at least play well with my existing technology. Surprisingly, the R646 has brought new features and therefore new life to my home theater. The TV has two HDMI 2.1 inputs, one with eARC and several other features, like mini-LED tech, that makes the picture bright, with gorgeous color and contrast and deep blacks. The R646 is identical to this year's TCL R655 except the former uses the Google TV interface and the latter, latest model returns to Roku. As a Sony TV owner, I love Google TV so choosing the R646 for several hundred dollars less than the R655 was a no-brainer. And PLEASE BEWARE OF EARLIER REVIEWS. I understand that the R646 was released in 2021 with a ton of significant glitches, but TCL has cured all the issues with the several firmware updates it has made throughout 2022. Therefore, though a 2021 model technically, it is perfectly on par with the 2022 model in terms of picture quality and features. It's unfortunate that this TV had a rough launch because it definitely resulted in poor reviews that now deceptively make this look like an average TV. It is not. It's an exceptional mid-range TV for the price and lives up to the TCL 6 Series reputation.

TV works great with my Xbox series X and being able to play at 120hz. It makes the gameplay feel so much smoother. This TV supports every new feature that the XSX has. The picture quality is very good, I came from a Samsung TV (KS8000) which still has very good picture quality but where the TCL beats it is the black levels. I was really impressed by how deep the blacks are. OLED TVs still have deep blacks but this is getting really close. You hardly see any graying when there black in the screen. As for some saying the apps are buggy, I have not encountered any issues at all. I've already used Netflix, Hulu, sling tv, Disney Plus, YouTube, Crunchyroll and several more and i have not had any issues. I also have a previous TCL with Roku and I can say the Google TV feela so much smoother. It's not perfect, it can definitely be a bit more organized. I haven't found a way to edit the app list so my most used apps are at the front but I'm sure the platform will continue to improve. I setup my soundbar immediately since I have a Vizio Dolby Atmos one so I have not used the speakers. I don't usually use them as i feel most modern sets don't have the greatest speakers. Overall all, this is definitely one of the best gaming TV's you can buy right now. Any of the next gen consoles will work perfectly with this tv.

A month review: Finally....this is a tv that has a hdmi 2.1 slot for 4k at 120hz on the xbox series x...and has an adjustable stand width. (I didn't want to upgrade my tv stand at the same time) I just dont understand how other companies have not thought about their customer base like this... The picture quality is what I expected...yes the tv is a litte thicker and heavier than others...but still looks refined with great picture quality. I have the google version of this tv (not the roku)...and it has performed to my standards. I have not had any of the glitches that other reviewers have talked about. (Maybe it was fixed in an update) sometimes I may accidentally click the wrong button on the remote and try to reverse the course and it has to think for a second...but thats expected... If you're looking for a tv to utilize your next gen gaming system while not breaking the bank...check this out.

For context, I bought both the 6-Series and the 2022 5-Series. This TV blew the 5-Series out of the water. It's better on everything: more vibrant and crispier videos, better contrast, better reflection handling, deeper black, much faster response especially for watching sports. As far as Google TV goes, it's pretty fast. My guess is that most of the previous bugs were fixed. I wish there were an option to turn off ads on the Home screen though. Just a few tips: - Make sure to check for dead pixels and dirty screen effect after you get the TV (search for "Run this video on your TV now" on Youtube). - Recommended picture settings: Turn off Eco mode in Settings. Choose Movie mode and Warm color temperature. If you want to do further color calibration, search for "R-Tings TCL R646 calibration settings". - Enable App only mode by going to Settings, Accounts and Sign-in for a cleaner Home screen. - To use Google Assistant to turn on and off your TV, make sure the physical Mic switch on the back of the TV is at On position. Then go to Settings, System, Power and Energy, turn on both Quick Start and Screenless Service.

4 1/2 stars. Great picture, flawless panel. Even better than my Sony Bravia X900E. Upscaling of less than 4K not as good as my Sony but color, motion, contrast and deep black and lack of blooming better than TV's twice the price. Yes, Google software OS is still a bit glitchy and quirky, not Apple smooth and reliable, but at this price, quality, and value I can handle it until more updates come down the pike.