TCL 40S325 40 Inch 1080p Smart LED Roku TV (2019)
TVs (2017-2019)
| 32-inch | 40-inch | 43-inch | 49-inch | 50-inch | 55-inch | 65-inch | |
| S305 (2017, HD) | 32S305 | 40S305 | 43S305 | 49S305 | |||
| S325 (2019, HD) | 32S325 | 40S325 | 43S325 | 49S325 | |||
| S405 (2017, 4K HDR) | 43S405 | 49S405 | 55S405 | 65S405 | |||
| S425 (2018 and 2019, 4K HDR) | 43S425 | 49S425 | 50S425 | 55S425 | 65S425 |
Even though the oldest TVs are from 2017, TCL told CNET that the only difference between them and the 2018/2019 models is in cosmetic design. They have the same picture quality and features. (These models are not available in the UK and Australia.)
We've reviewed the S305 and S405 in 2017 and for this review we compared them with two new 2019 review samples, the 43-inch 43S325 and the 50-inch 50S425. Yes, the cosmetics are slightly different, with the newer sets having black stand legs instead of silver, and slightly different frames around the picture. We also saw some minor differences in image quality (see below for details). But overall not much has changed in two years, and the CNET ratings are the same for all of them.
In other words, you're fine buying the 2017 (S305 and S405) versions for as long as they remain on the market. TCL's representative said they'd be slowly phased out and replaced by the newer models (S325 and S425) this year.
Here's where I mention that the S305 and S325 models have 720p in the 32-inch size, and 1080p resolution (aka full HD) in the 40- and 43-inch sizes, and they can't do high dynamic range (HDR). Meanwhile the S405 and S425 models have 4K resolution and HDR capability.
As you can see on the chart, for most sizes there's no overlap: The 32- and 40-inch sizes are HD only, while the 50-, 55- and 65-inch sizes are 4K HDR only. Most people choose a TV size first, then worry about everything else, so there's not much of a choice in those sizes.
Where sizes overlap (43- and 49-inch) there's typically a $30 to $70 difference. For most buyers in this price range, I don't think it's worth paying that difference. You're better off saving the money and getting the 1080p, HD, non-HDR versions instead of the 4K HDR versions. Yes, you could see some improvement in image quality with some 4K HDR material, but it will be minor at best. See the image quality section below for more.
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