If you are looking for a budget-friendly TV, you have landed on the right post. We always try to find the best possible TV solutions for our readers. We have two very similar TVs in this TCL R615 vs R617 comparison. In fact, for most users, it might be challenging to find any difference between these two models. So, keep reading the article to find out the most interesting features!
TCL R615 vs R617 – Quick Comparison
For unknown reasons, TCL decided to make these two TVs extremely similar. Basically, these TVs are just variants of the TCL 6 series. The biggest difference between the two comes down to different remote controls.
Older 6 Series models were limited to only one size. Since production couldn’t keep up with high demand, TCL decided to include different screen sizes of each model. In 2019, the screen sizes increased to three – 55, 65, and 75 inches.
| TCL R615 | TCL R617 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Sizes | 55, 65, and 75 inches | 55, 65, and 75 inches |
| Screen Panel | VA Panel | VA Panel |
| Processor | Dual-core processor | Dual-core processor |
| Operating System | Roku TV 8.0 | Roku TV 8.0 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz (120Hz CMI) | 60Hz (120Hz CMI) |
| Variable Refresh Rate | No | No |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Contrast Ratio | 5000: 1 | 5000: 1 |
| HDMI Ports | 3 (HDMI 2.0) | 3 (HDMI 2.0) |
| USB Ports | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Speakers | 16 Watts | 16 Watts |
At first glance, the TCL R615 and R617 have a lot in common. Their design and features are practically the same. Thanks to their high native contrast and full-array local dimming feature, they have a good dark scene performance. So, in this article, we will highlight all of their advantages and disadvantages to help you choose the right model.
TCL R615
Pros:
- High contrast ratio
- Decent gaming performance
- Excellent choice for watching movies
- Suitable for dark environments
Cons:
- Subpar viewing angles
- No voice control via remote
TCL R617
Pros:
- Voice control via remote
- Shortcut buttons for apps on the remote
- Suitable for streaming services
- Fantastic contrast ratio
Cons:
- No VRR support
- Narrow viewing angles
Features Face to Face
Panel Technology
Both TVs are equipped with VA panels. One of the downsides of VA panels is narrow viewing angles. You definitely can’t rely on this panel technology when planning wide seating arrangements.
However, VA panels are excellent at providing high native contrast. So, the TCL R615 and R617 might be good for those who like to watch movies or play games in dark environments.
Winner: Draw
Image Processor
TCL decided to equip these TV models with a dual-core processor. The processor can detect and correct color inaccuracy. So, if you want vivid and accurate colors on your TV, you can rely on TCL’s image processor solution.
Winner: Draw
Motion Technology
The TCL R615 and R617 have a native refresh rate of 60 Hz. Even though the manufacturer claims they have a 120 Hz Clear Motion Index, that doesn’t mean they support 120 Hz. TLC’s TVs with the Clear Motion Index use a combination of advanced signal processing and backlight scanning to improve the native refresh rate.
| Features | TCL R615 | TCL R617 |
|---|---|---|
| Response Time | 12.4 ms | 12.4 ms |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz (native refresh rate) | 60 Hz (native refresh rate) |
| Variable Refresh rate | No | No |
This is similar to Samsung’s Motion Rate or LG’s TrueMotion. Most often, these numbers only duplicate the actual refresh rate.
Since these models have a 60 Hz refresh rate, you can expect some motion blurring and flickering. When watching TV content with fast-moving objects, these problems can be pretty noticeable.
The TCL R615 and R617 don’t support variable refresh rate. However, they still have a good response time and high contrast ratio, which can increase your gaming experience.
Another thing related to increased gaming performance is low input lag. The input lag is between 17 and 20 milliseconds with the game mode activated. So, if you have a 1080p console such as PS4, these TVs can deliver decent gaming performance.
Winner: Draw
Picture Quality
The TCL R615 and R617 support 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolution at 60 Hz. However, these resolutions can’t work at 120 Hz since these TV models only support a 60 Hz refresh rate.
| Resolution | TCL R615 | TCL R617 |
|---|---|---|
| 4K/120Hz | No | No |
| 4K/60Hz/4:4:4 | Yes | Yes |
| 4K/60Hz | Yes | Yes |
| 1440p/120Hz | No | No |
| 1440p/60Hz | Yes (forced resolution) | Yes (forced resolution) |
| 1080p/120Hz | No | No |
| 1080p/60Hz/4:4:4 | Yes | Yes |
Contrast Ratio / Black Level
Both TV models have a high native contrast ratio of around 5000: 1. This contrast ratio enables them to display deep blacks, especially in dark scenes.
Even if we compare these TCL models to other high-end TVs with VA panels, their contrast ratio is high. In other words, these TVs are a great choice for watching content in dark rooms.
Winner: Draw
Local Dimming
Unlike other TVs in this price range, the R615 and R617 have the full-array local dimming feature. It further improves the contrast ratio to 6000: 1.
Unfortunately, you may notice blooming around moving objects due to the lack of local dimming zones. TCL has decided to increase the number of local dimming zones on the 75-inch models to reduce this problem. The 75-inch TVs have 160 local dimming zones.
In general, if you turn on this feature, you can expect slightly deeper blacks and a better picture in dark rooms.
Winner: Draw
Peak Brightness
Peak brightness is the parameter that shows how a TV displays content in bright rooms. These TCL 6 TV models can reach 700 Nits when displaying the SDR content. Therefore, they can fight the glare in most bright rooms.
When displaying the HDR real content, they can hit around 840 nits. In other words, they have fantastic HDR and SDR brightness!
Winner: Draw
Color
If you like a wide color gamut, you can choose either of these TVs. They deliver realistic colors thanks to TCL’s NBP Photon Technology. However, they have a good color gamut but could struggle with outdoor scenes.
They provide the same performance when it comes to color volume and gradient performance. There might be some banding in darker red, green, and gray shades.
Winner: Draw
Viewing Angle
If you are okay with narrow viewing angles, these models might be a good fit for you. On the contrary, if you prefer wide seating arrangements, they probably won’t be a great choice. They have VA panels, so you can expect the picture quality to degrade as soon as you move from the center.
There is a significant color shift, brightness loss, and color washout as soon as you move 20 to 30 degrees from the center.
Winner: Draw
Reflections / Anti-glare
Both TVs have a semi-gloss finish. As you may know, this finish helps the TV to reduce direct reflection and improve your watching experience. This is exactly the case with the R615 and R617 models. They are very good at reflection handling.
They might struggle if you place them in direct sunlight or opposite from the source of light. However, they should be fine for most rooms.
Winner: Draw
Sound Quality
The 6 series comes with two speakers, each 8 Watts strong. The only exception is the 75-inch variants which have 30 Watts speakers. All variants support the Dolby Digital Plus and the Dolby Digital.
The speakers do a good job when it comes to dialogues. But, they don’t produce a strong bass. So, if you want to watch action movies or listen to music, consider getting a soundbar.
Winner: Draw
Smart TV Platform
Roku TV 8.0 is clean, smooth, and easy to use. It contains hundreds of apps such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, and many more.
| OS Features | TCL R615 | TCL R617 |
|---|---|---|
| OS Version | Roku TV 8.0 | Roku TV 8.0 |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Easy |
| Smoothness | Very Smooth | Very Smooth |
| Time to Load YouTube | 3 s | 3 s |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| USB Recording PVR | No | No |
| Timeshift | No | No |
In addition to streaming services, you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies from external devices such as SSD drives. The USB Playback feature is also available on both models.
Winner: Draw
Connectivity
Inputs
The inputs are placed on the side of the TVs. Therefore, it is much easier to mount these TVs on the wall.
However, neither of the models supports USB 3.0 or HDMI 2.1. Each model supports HDMI 2.0 via three ports and USB 2.0 through one port. They also have an ethernet port and digital optical audio out.
Winner: Draw
Voice Assistants
As we mentioned earlier, the most significant difference between these TV models is their remotes. The TCL R615 TV is equipped with the Roku TV RC280 remote. This simple remote has only 20 buttons necessary to perform basic TV activities. The Roku TV RC280 doesn’t have the voice command feature or any app button.
| Remote Control | Roku TV RC280 | Roku TV RC580 |
|---|---|---|
| TV | TCL R615 | TCL 617 |
| Compatible Devices | TCL Roku TVs from 2014 and 2015 | TCL Roku TVs from 2016 and later |
| Maximum Range | 30 Feet | 30 Feet |
| Battery Description | Alkaline | Alkaline |
| Number of Batteries | 2 AAA batteries | 2 AAA batteries |
| Voice Command | No | Yes |
| Netflix button | No | Yes |
| Sling Button | No | Yes |
| Hulu Button | No | Yes |
| Starz button | No | Yes |
However, the R617 TV comes with the Roku TV RC580 remote which supports voice commands. Additionally, it has Netflix, Sling, Starz, and Hulu buttons. So, this remote provides easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google.
Winner: TCL R617
Wireless technologies
It’s a little unusual that both models don’t support Bluetooth. However, WiFi support can help you overcome the lack of Bluetooth connectivity.
The TCL R615 and R617 support internet connection (2.4GHz & 5GHz). For instance, you can connect your laptop to the TV wirelessly. Another benefit of using WiFi is automatic color calibration via the IPQ engine app.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the TCL R615 or the TCL R617, you won’t make a mistake. These TVs offer great value for the money. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money to buy a TV with decent performance, these TCL models might be the best choice for you.
In this TCL R615 vs R617 comparison, you have been able to see these TVs meet the most common requirements. In other words, they support 4K resolution, have a good response time, low input lags, and vivid colors. They are suitable for gaming and watching movies.
The TCL R617 is slightly better when it comes to remote controls. If you like to use voice commands, this TV could be a good choice. But bottom line, both TVs are more than capable of displaying HDR and SDR content.
Related Read: TCL 5 Series vs 6 Series: Which Roku TV should you choose?
