Roku Smart TV 65R6A5R review stunning 4K QLED with Dolby Vision

Description

Striking Design and Build Quality

The Roku Smart TV – 65-Inch Plus Series 4K QLED RokuTV was the centerpiece of my living room from the moment I set it up. Its bezel-less design is sleek and modern, making it look more like a piece of art than a traditional TV. The black finish adds a touch of sophistication, and at 49.6 pounds, it felt sturdy but not unreasonably heavy. I appreciated how it seamlessly blended into my décor, standing tall with its clean lines and minimalistic frame. It’s an undeniable beauty, but it’s not just about looks—this smart TV is thoughtfully designed for function as well.

The ambient light sensor is one of my favorite features. This adaptive technology means I never had to fiddle with the brightness when shifting from daytime viewing to late-night binge sessions. The screen adjusted itself automatically, which was a lifesaver for my eyes. However, I did notice that the TV stand required a bit more space on my console due to its wide legs. Wall-mounting might be a better option for those with limited room.

Performance That Pops

I was blown away by the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support. Watching nature documentaries felt like stepping into another world. The 4K resolution brought out the smallest details—whether it was the texture of an actor’s skin or the intricate patterns on a butterfly’s wings. The local dimming feature ensured deep blacks and bright highlights, creating contrast that felt vivid and lifelike.

What truly stood out was the QLED screen technology, which made colors look vibrant without being oversaturated. Even during dark scenes in movies, I didn’t have to squint to make out details. The TV’s 273-watt power consumption seemed reasonable, considering the amount of visual power it delivers. However, if you’re someone picky about viewing angles, the image quality might slightly degrade when viewed from the far side of the room. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Upsides

• Bezel-less design enhances aesthetics.
• Automatic brightness adjustment reduces manual effort.
• Dolby Vision and HDR10+ create stunning visuals.
• Built-in Dolby Atmos speakers improve sound clarity.
• Extensive free content through 400+ live TV channels.

Areas of Concern

• Stand design might require a larger console.
• Viewing angles could be better for wider seating setups.
• Remote finder feature, while useful, might be unnecessary for some.

Roku’s Seamless Streaming Experience

The integration of Roku’s streaming platform is where this TV truly shines. I found the interface to be intuitive and lightning-fast, with apps launching almost instantly. Whether I was streaming popular shows or exploring Roku’s free live TV channels, everything worked without a hitch. The inclusion of Roku Originals was a pleasant surprise, offering fresh content that felt exclusive.

The best Wi-Fi connectivity ensured there were no buffering issues, even during peak hours. The Roku Voice Remote Pro was another standout feature. Saying “Hey Roku” to search for a movie or control playback felt futuristic. Plus, the remote is rechargeable and comes with a lost remote finder—no more diving into couch cushions!

That said, I did notice that some less popular apps weren’t as polished as their mainstream counterparts. While they worked, they sometimes felt clunky compared to the seamless experience of Netflix or Hulu.

How It Compares to Market Rivals

When comparing this TV to similar offerings from Samsung and LG, the Roku Smart TV holds its ground well. Samsung’s QN65Q60AAFXZA, for instance, offers comparable QLED technology but lacks the extensive free streaming content that Roku provides. LG’s OLED65C2PUA boasts better viewing angles and deeper blacks due to its OLED panel, but it comes at a much higher price point.

Where Roku takes the lead is in its user-friendly interface and additional perks like Dolby Atmos certification. However, for gamers, the lack of advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) might be a drawback when compared to the competition. If gaming isn’t a priority, this TV offers excellent value.

Smart Spending

For the price, this TV delivers exceptional features, making it a fantastic value proposition. You’re getting a 65-inch QLED screen, Dolby Vision, and a built-in streaming platform that eliminates the need for external devices. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of high-end competitors, it balances performance and affordability beautifully.

I’d say it’s an excellent choice for movie enthusiasts, casual viewers, and anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup without breaking the bank. However, if you’re an avid gamer or require advanced calibration options, you might want to explore higher-end alternatives.

Additional information