Tcl R646 mini led tv – A Review

MarouaJanuary 5, 2024

0 9 5 minutes read

Table of Contents

Introduction

tcl R646 mini led tv is TCL’s latest foray into mini LED backlit 4K TVs. As one of the most affordable mini LED options on the market, the tcl R646 mini led tv aims to bring high-end picture quality to a more mainstream price point. In this article, we’ll review the key features and performance of the TCL 6-Series R646 to see if it lives up to expectations.

Overview of the tcl R646 mini led tv

The 2022 TCL 6-Series R646 is a 4K QLED TV with a full array mini LED backlight. Key specs and features include:

Screen sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″
Resolution: 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels)
High dynamic range support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
Mini LED backlight with Contrast Control Zones
240 Hz native refresh rate
Roku TV (OS) built-in
Voice control compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

The 6-Series R646 replaces 2021’s excellent R635 models. The R646 brings a bump up in brightness, contrast and clarity thanks to the addition of quantum dot technology in the display and mini LED backlights with better local dimming.

Picture Quality with Mini LED Backlighting

The standout feature in the tcl R646 mini led tv is definitely the mini LED backlighting system. Mini LED displays use thousands of tiny LEDs in the backlight array, allowing for better brightness control compared to traditional full array LED backlighting.

The tcl R646 mini led tv has Contrast Control Zones, which means the screen is divided into distinct zones that can dim and boost brightness as needed. This helps achieve impressive contrast for deep blacks next vibrant colors in the same scene. TCL says the 65″ model has 160 zones while the larger 75″ model has 240 zones.

In testing, reviewers found the mini LED backlight made a noticeable impact, with impressive brightness, black levels and contrast. Though not quite on par with the latest OLED TVs, the picture quality showed a good step up from previous LCD/LED models.

The quantum dot technology in the R646 also helps improve color performance. With support for wide color gamut standards like Dolby Vision, the TCL can produce rich, accurate colors across the range.

Gaming Performance

Thanks to HDMI 2.1 ports and a native 120Hz panel, the tcl R646 mini led tv is well equipped for gaming. It has a low input lag measured around 15ms, which keeps gameplay feeling responsive.

With variable refresh rate (VRR) support and Auto Game Mode, the R646 also helps games look smooth without visual artifacts when frame rates fluctuate. The mini LED backlight allows bright, detailed highlights in gameplay without losing visibility in darker areas.

While it doesn’t match the ultra-fast response times of high-end gaming monitors, reviewers found this TCL fine for both casual and enthusiast gamers who want good visuals and smooth performance.

Smart TV & Streaming

As a Roku TV, the tcl R646 mini led tv offers one of the most robust streaming platforms available built-in. It gives you access to thousands of apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV, HBO Max and virtually any streaming service you could want without needing extra devices.

Roku’s software is straightforward to use, with easy search across providers. Unique features like Roku’s Live TV Channel Guide bring free ad-supported channels together into one interface so you can browse live TV offerings like Pluto, Tubi and more without toggling between apps.

The TCL remote included with the TV has dedicated buttons to popular services to make streaming more convenient. There’s also support for HDMI CEC if you prefer controlling the TV with another branded remote. Voice commands work through integrated mics or with Alexa/Google Home devices.

Sound System

One downside noted by reviewers is that the built-in speakers lack power and bass. But this is typical of slim LED TV form factors when sound isn’t designed around large bottom or rear-firing speakers.

If audio quality is important, the tcl R646 mini led tv has variable RCA outputs to connect a sound bar or surround sound system. eARC also provides higher bandwidth audio like Dolby Atmos pass-through if you have the equipment to decode it.

Most buyers pair this TV with a value-oriented sound bar like TCL’s Alto models for good surround sound without high costs. There are also high-end Atmos bars from Sonos, LG and others that integrate nicely for home theater setups.

Pros and Cons of the TCL 6 Series R646 4K Mini LED TV

Pros:

Excellent picture quality from mini LED backlight at affordable price
Sleek design with thin bezels
Very bright panel and deep black levels
Dolby Vision and wide color gamut
Smooth gaming performance with HDMI 2.1
Roku TV offers top-notch smart features
Easy to set up and use

Cons:

Mediocre built-in audio
No NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0 tuner
Lacks some higher-end features like OLED panel and HDMI 2.1 on all ports
Some blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds

Is the TCL R646 Mini LED Worth Buying?

The tcl R646 mini led tv earns positive reviews as an upper mid-range 4K TV with impressive visuals, gaming and streaming features. Reviewers praise the mini LED backlighting for making a noticeable impact on contrast and high dynamic range content for the price.

If you want advanced LED picture quality without the ultra-high costs of brands like Samsung and LG, the tcl R646 mini led tv is a strong value option. It provides performance that outdoes traditional LCD TVs by a clear margin.

Gamers will appreciate this model too thanks to HDMI 2.1 inputs, fast response times and variable refresh rate support. The smart TV features and Roku platform make it easy to set up and stream all the popular services.

For home theater fans seeking lots of premium bells and whistles, there are higher-end 4K sets with OLED panels, ATSC 3.0 tuners or better upscaling available. And audioheads will still want an external sound system.

But for the combination of mini LED picture boosting tech paired with solid smart features at this price, the TCL R646 stands out as a compelling mid-range choice that punches above its class in meaningful ways.

Frequently Asked Questions About the TCL R646 Mini LED 4K TV

What sizes is the TCL R646 available in?

The TCL R646 comes in 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch models spanning small to large living room needs. The 65-inch and 75-inch versions have higher Contrast Control Zone counts for superior contrast and backlighting performance.

How does the R646 compare to the Step-up TCL R745 QLED TV?

The R745 adds a sleeker design with thinner bezels, along with 8K upscaling and OD Zero mini LED technology for potentially better black levels and blooming control. But it comes at a higher price tag. The R646 delivers strong mini LED benefits for hundreds less.

Do all the HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1?

The R646 has 4 HDMI inputs but only ports 3 and 4 are HDMI 2.1 enabled, supporting 4K/120Hz input for the smoothest gaming and video playback. The other ports top out at 4K/60Hz.

Can the R646 connect to Wi-Fi and does it support smart assistants?

Yes, the TV has Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking. It works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices for hands-free voice control. There’s also a microphone in the remote for basic commands.

What warranty and return policy does TCL offer?

TCL provides a 1 year limited warranty covering defects. Many credit cards offer extended return protection benefits as well. Retailers generally accept returns within 2 weeks of purchase if the TV is unused with all accessories and packaging.