I want to provide you a detailed overview of TCL‘s smart TV lineup so you can decide whether one of their Roku TVs or standard Android models is the right fit.
What Are Roku TVs Anyway?
First question you may have – what makes Roku TVs different than regular smart TVs?
Roku is a streaming platform that powers over 30% of smart TVs in the US. They partner with brands like TCL to offer Roku‘s acclaimed software directly built into select TV models rather than needing an external Roku streaming stick.
So Roku TVs provide:
- Simple, intuitive menus designed specifically for streaming
- One home screen to search across top services like Netflix
- Robust app store with thousands of free and paid streaming channels
- Ability to add cable box to view live TV alongside streaming in one guide
- Support for controlling via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant devices
Now that you understand the basics of Roku TVs, let‘s examine how TCL‘s Roku TV lineup compares to their regular Android-based smart TVs.
Diving Into the Differences Between TCL Roku TV and TCL Smart TV Models
When researching TCL televisions, you‘ll notice they offer both Roku TVs and more standard Android smart TVs. How do TCL‘s implementations stack up?
A Side-By-Side Spec Comparison
Here‘s a head-to-head look at how core features measure up across categories:
| Feature | TCL Roku TV | TCL Android Smart TV |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Roku TV (purpose-built for streaming) | More standard Android TV |
| Display Sizes | 24" – 85"+ models available | Typically 32" – 75"+ |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa + Google Assistant compatible | Only works with Google Assistant currently |
| Resolution Range | 720p to 8K models offered | 1080p up to 4K models offered |
| HDR Formats | Most support basic HDR10/HLG, Dolby Vision only on select models | Entry-level models lack HDR, mid-range sets add HDR 10/HLG |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Audio processing | Also equipped with Dolby Audio |
| Gaming Capabilities | Select models have THX certified game mode, VRR up to 120hz | AMD FreeSync VRR supported on some models |
Both TCL lineups cover the major smart TV basics but take slightly different approaches.
Operating System & Interface Differences
The biggest variation comes down to the underlying platform.
Roku TVs give you:
- Simple home screen with apps/inputs easily accessible
- Ability to bookmark favorite streaming channels
- Universal search searches across all connected services
- For You section provides personalized suggestions
Reviews praise Roku TV‘s simplified control and excellent search functionality.
Meanwhile Android TVs offer:
- Interface more focused on app grid rather than services
- Tighter Google integration with Play store apps/games access
- Content recommendations powered by Google algorithms
Android TV puts apps front and center rather than streaming channels. Their home page surfaces videos, games, music apps tailored to your usage rather than just shows and movies.
So Roku caters to dedicated streamers while Android splits focus between video, music, games and applications.
Display Size Options
Roku gives you more flexibility on extremes – with smaller 24" to giant 85"+ TCL Roku TVs filling tight spaces or expansive home theaters. Android models start at 32", maxing out at 75" currently.
Voice Assistant Support
Prefer Alexa? Roku TVs work with Amazon‘s assistant. Married to Google‘s ecosystem? Android TV focuses solely on Google integration. Roku hedge their bets working with both major assistants while TCL‘s Android sets cast their lot with Google.
HDR Format Support
More affordable TCL series tend to only support baseline HDR10/HLG formats. Stepping up to premium 6/8-Series Roku TVs gains Dolby Vision while it‘s still absent even on TCL‘s highest-end Android sets. So Roku wins for best HDR support.
Audio Quality
This is an even match with both TCL Roku and Android TVs coming equipped with the same Dolby Audio post-processing technology for enhanced sound.
Gaming Features
Here‘s where it gets complicated. Casual gamers may appreciate Roku TV‘s automatic low lag game mode and variable refresh rate on select models best suited to console play. However TCL‘s Android TVs court hardcore PC/console gamers with bleeding edge HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K/120fps gaming. There‘s a trade-off between widespread gaming conveniences (Roku) and max next-gen specs (Android) when it comes to TCL‘s TV gaming support.
Hope breaking down those difference points helps provide some clarity! Now let‘s move on to analyzing the actual pros and cons of TCL Roku TV vs Android smart TV.
Strengths of TCL Roku TV Models Over Android Sets
Based on TCL Roku TV specs and reviews, the Roku platform provides:
A Superior Streaming Experience
- Simpler interface prominently highlights streaming content
- Roku Channel offers free movies and TCL originals
- Universal search seeks across 4,500+ channels
- Finds where to stream shows/movies cheapest
Reviewers universally praise Roku TV‘s intuitive control and visual presentation prioritizing streaming ease-of-use.
Broader Smart Home & Voice Control
- Control Roku via Amazon Alexa or Google Home
- TV can be included in Alexa/Google daily routines
- Private listening routes sound to mobile device
TCL Roku TVs play friendly providing multi-assistant support and innovative audio streaming functionality.
Stronger Gaming Value
- Select models THX certified for gaming
- Auto low-lag mode under 20ms input latency
- Variable refresh rate on some models
While not matching Android TV‘s cutting edge specs, Roku still provides a quality big screen gaming experience perfect for casual players.
Advantages of TCL‘s Android Smart TVs Over Roku
However TCL Android televisions counter with their own advantages:
Deep Google Integration
- Controlling TV via Google Home voice devices
- Casting content from Android phones or Chrome
- Natively runs Play store apps like YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV
- Stadia game streaming built-in
For those embracing Google‘s ecosystem, TCL Android TVs create a unified experience tightly integrating phones, home devices and television content.
Customization & Control
- Sync your Android smart devices and content to your TCL Android TV
- Sideload unique apps not available in Play store
- Tailor home screen with favorite video/music/game apps
Android TVs invite you to personalize your space with ability to install niche apps relative to Roku‘s more locked down OS.
Cutting Edge Gaming Specs
- Latest HDMI 2.1 ports enable 4K 120fps
- AMD FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate support
- 144hz displays and sub-10ms input lag ideal for competitive play
While only available currently on high-end Chinese TCL models, Android TV provides a showcase for optimal fast-twitch console/PC gaming.
Now let‘s move on to breaking down ideal use cases for each TV type.
Which TCL TV Is Better for Streaming, Gaming and More?
Based on their respective strengths summarized above, here is how TCL Roku and Android smart TVs typically stack up for varying customer needs:
For Streamers
The Roku TV platform still provides the best overall lean-back streaming experience covering more services with better search and recommendations. Casual viewers just want something easy for Netflix and such without complexity – Roku delivers.
For Smart Home Owners
Those invested in whole home control will appreciate Roku TV‘s flexibility integrating with either Alexa or Google gear. Android limits you to Google-centric homes. Roku also offers private listening features ideal for parents and such.
For General Use & Cable Replacement
If you want just one TV good for movies, news, Internet video and live sports – Roku leans more well-rounded. Android TV lacks certain streaming services and is heavier on standalone applications over cable-like integrations.
For Gamers
As outlined earlier the gaming choice involves trade-offs. Roku TVs provide a friendlier casual gaming experience catering to console/cloud gaming. But competitive esports require Android TV‘s cutting edge HDMI 2.1 feature set to keep up with gaming PCs and next-gen platforms.
Obviously there‘s overlap in capabilities but viewing the options through these usage lenses hopefully helps direct you.
Final Verdict: TCL Roku or Android TV?
Let me leave you with some closing advice based on what we‘ve covered.
Those wanting the best streaming platform at reasonable prices have to go TCL Roku TV. Roku still sets the standard for intuitive control and content breadth that casual viewers desire. It works wonderfully as an affordable cable replacement too with live TV integration.
However media buffs and techies may gravitate toward TCL Android TV models instead. Android offers flexibility to sideload apps and content not found on Roku devices. And spec-hungry gamers need to look at flagship TCL Android TVs to access cutting edge gaming connectivity.
So rather than declaring one TV type an outright "winner" – I recommend choosing the TCL television lineup that best matches your needs:
TCL Roku TV If You Want…
- Outstanding streaming for Netflix and such
- Multi-assistant smart home compatibility
- Fantastic value across all budgets
TCL Android TV If You Prioritize…
- Tight Google Assistant integration
- Latest display specs for visual fidelity
- Ultimate gaming performance
I hope overviewing TCL‘s Roku and Android advantages assists you in picking the perfect TCL television. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
