Home Tech Land is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The TCL S470G was TCL’s 2023 warehouse-club version of its entry-level S4 Class 4K TV, sold mainly at Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. This TCL S470G review covers both of the sizes shoppers ask about most, the 58-inch TCL 58S470G and the 70-inch TCL 70S470G, because they share the same hardware, software, and picture performance. The series is now about three years old and has largely left store shelves, so we focus on what matters today: whether a clearance, open-box, or used S470G is still worth buying, and which current TVs replace it.
Quick verdict: The S470G is a basic 60-hertz (Hz) 4K TV with Google TV, Dolby Vision, and a wider color range than the regular S450G, but it has no local dimming, modest brightness, and weak contrast. At a deep clearance price, it makes a fine bedroom or spare-room TV. At anything close to its original price, TCL’s newer S5 series or a budget quantum-dot light-emitting diode (QLED) TV gives you more for the money. Check the TCL S470G price on Amazon, or compare it with the newer TCL S5 series on Amazon.
TCL S470G at a glance
| Spec | TCL 58S470G | TCL 70S470G |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | 2023 |
| Screen size (viewable) | 58-inch class (57.5 inches) | 70-inch class (69.5 inches) |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), 3,840 x 2,160 | 4K UHD, 3,840 x 2,160 |
| Backlight | Direct-lit light-emitting diode (LED), no local dimming | Direct-lit LED, no local dimming |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz native (Motion Rate 240 uses frame interpolation) | 60Hz native (Motion Rate 240) |
| High dynamic range (HDR) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG |
| High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) | 3 ports, 1 with enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) | 3 ports, 1 with eARC |
| Gaming | Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM); no variable refresh rate (VRR) | ALLM; no VRR |
| Speakers | 2 x 10 watts, Dolby Atmos processing, DTS Virtual:X | 2 x 10 watts, Dolby Atmos processing, DTS Virtual:X |
| Smart platform | Google TV with Chromecast built in | Google TV with Chromecast built in |
| Size with stand (W x H x D) | 50.6 x 31.5 x 11.8 inches | 61.7 x 36.7 x 13.4 inches |
| Weight with stand | 24.5 pounds | 38.6 pounds |
| Wall mount | Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) 200 x 200 millimeters | VESA 200 x 200 millimeters (check your manual for screw size) |
| Warranty | 3 years (includes a free HDMI cable) | 3 years (includes a free HDMI cable) |
| Original list price | $399.99 | About $630 |
Specs come from TCL’s 58S470G product page, Costco’s S470G specification sheet, and RTINGS’ S470G review. The S470G also came in 43-, 50-, and 85-inch sizes, and RTINGS lists 55-, 65-, and 75-inch versions as well.
TCL S470G vs. S450G: what the model number means
TCL’s 2023 S4 Class came in two main versions. The S450G went to general retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy, while the S470G went to warehouse clubs. The “G” at the end means the TV runs Google TV; TCL uses “R” for Roku and “F” for Fire TV models.
The two versions look alike on paper, but they don’t perform identically. According to RTINGS’ side-by-side comparison, the S450G has a much higher contrast ratio, so it looks better in a dark room. The S470G answers with a wider color gamut, which gives HDR content a little more richness, and a wider viewing angle. The club version also adds a metal frame, a three-year warranty instead of TCL’s usual one year, and an HDMI cable in the box.
This corrects a common claim, including one in an earlier version of this review: the S470G does not deliver deep blacks or “stunning” contrast. A wide viewing angle paired with low contrast usually points to an in-plane switching (IPS)-style panel rather than a vertical alignment (VA) panel. TCL doesn’t publish the panel type, and it can differ by screen size, so treat the RTINGS results as a guide rather than a guarantee for every unit.
Design and setup
The S470G has slim borders on three sides and a thin metal trim that makes it look a little more upscale than the plastic S450G. Two feet near the outer edges hold it up. On the 58-inch model, the feet sit 43.4 inches apart, and the TV measures 50.6 inches wide and 11.8 inches deep on its stand, so a console about 52 inches wide or more works well. The 70-inch model needs a stand at least 62 inches wide and about 14 inches deep.
Both sizes accept a VESA 200 x 200 wall bracket. The inputs sit on the back toward the right side, with the HDMI ports facing sideways, so wall mounting makes them a little harder to reach. Leave a few inches of space between the wall and TV or use right-angle HDMI adapters. If you plan to mount the 70-inch model, our guide to the best TV wall mounts for big screens covers brackets that fit this size.
A single button under the bottom edge powers the TV on and off and opens a basic control menu if you misplace the voice remote.
Ports and connectivity
Costco’s spec sheet lists the following connections for the 58- and 70-inch models:
- Three HDMI inputs, one with eARC for a soundbar or audio receiver
- One Universal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0 port
- One Ethernet port for a wired internet connection
- One radio frequency (RF) antenna and cable input with an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner
- One composite video input through a 3.5-millimeter adapter jack
- One optical digital audio output and one headphone output
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless headphones
The HDMI ports top out at 4K and 60 frames per second (fps), so the S470G can’t use the 4K and 120Hz modes that the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X support. They pass through Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS audio to a soundbar.
Picture quality
Color and HDR
The wider color gamut is the S470G’s main picture advantage over the S450G. RTINGS found that it helps HDR movies and shows look more vivid. Still, the TV lacks the brightness to make HDR highlights pop the way a QLED or Mini LED TV can, and it has no local dimming to keep dark areas dark next to bright objects. Dolby Vision support helps the TV map HDR content to its limited range, but don’t expect a dramatic HDR experience.
Contrast and dark-room viewing
Contrast is the S470G’s weak spot. Without local dimming and with a low native contrast ratio, blacks look gray in a dark room, and letterbox bars in movies stand out. RTINGS also found that the LG UR8000 beats it on contrast and peak brightness. Owners on deal forums such as Slickdeals describe the picture as “good but not great,” with the lack of local dimming as the main complaint.
Brightness and reflections
The S470G handles a dim or moderately lit room fine, but it struggles against direct sunlight and lamps facing the screen. Its glossy finish reflects bright objects, so position it away from windows if you can.
Viewing angles
Here the S470G does better than many budget TVs. RTINGS measured a wider viewing angle than the S450G and the LG UR8000, so the picture holds up better for people sitting off to the side. That makes the 70-inch model a reasonable pick for a wide sectional sofa.
Motion and gaming
The panel runs at a native 60Hz. TCL’s “Motion Rate 240” label refers to frame interpolation, not a true 240Hz refresh rate. Auto Low Latency Mode switches the TV into Game Mode when a console starts, which keeps input lag low enough for casual play. It lacks VRR, so you may see screen tearing in games with unsteady frame rates, and RTINGS found more blur behind fast-moving objects than on the LG UR8000. Serious gamers should look at our list of the best gaming TVs for PS5 and Xbox instead.
Sound
Two 10-watt downward-firing speakers get reasonably loud and keep dialogue clear, and Dolby Atmos processing and DTS Virtual:X add some width. Bass is thin, especially for action movies on the 70-inch model. A budget soundbar connected to the eARC port is the easiest upgrade. Browse budget soundbars on Amazon.
Google TV software and updates
Google TV pulls shows and movies from your streaming apps into one home screen, supports thousands of apps through the Google Play Store, and has Chromecast built in for casting from phones. The voice remote uses Google Assistant, and the TV also works with Amazon Alexa devices.
The main complaint from owners is sluggishness: menus can lag for a minute or so after the TV wakes up. 9to5Google’s review of the sister S450G noted the same delay and found that TCL made no firm commitment on how long it would provide software updates. In 2026, the built-in processor feels slow next to newer TVs. If apps stutter, a newer streaming stick plugged into an HDMI port can make the TV feel faster.
Reliability, lifespan, and warranty
TCL builds many of its own panels, which helps keep its prices low. The original version of this article claimed the S470G should last 100,000 hours, or five to seven years at eight hours a day. That math doesn’t add up: 100,000 hours at eight hours a day equals more than 30 years. In practice, budget LED TVs most often fail because of backlight strips or power boards rather than the panel itself, and most last for many years with normal use.
The S470G’s three-year warranty was a real advantage, but units bought in 2023 have now passed or are nearing the end of that coverage. If you buy a used or open-box unit, ask whether any warranty transfers, test it for dark backlight spots, and check that it still receives Google TV updates.
Is the TCL S470G discontinued?
Yes, for practical purposes. TCL replaced the S4 Class in 2024 with the S5 series, sold as the S551G at most retailers and as the S571G at some others. According to Notebookcheck, the S5 adds HDR10+ support alongside Dolby Vision and comes in sizes from 43 to 98 inches. The S470G still turns up on clearance, as open-box stock, and on resale sites. During its run, Costco sold the 58-inch model for $270 to $300 and the 70-inch model for about $400, and some stores later cleared out 58-inch units for under $150. Prices for remaining stock change often, so check current listings.
If you prefer to buy from a warehouse club, check Costco for TCL S470G listings. Costco’s current lineup usually includes newer club-exclusive TCL models such as the TCL Q77K.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wider color gamut than the regular S450G
- Wider viewing angle than most budget TVs
- Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support
- Google TV with Chromecast built in
- Three-year warranty and a free HDMI cable when new
- Very cheap on clearance
Cons
- Low contrast and grayish blacks
- No local dimming and limited HDR brightness
- 60Hz panel with no VRR or HDMI 2.1 features
- Glossy screen reflects bright lights
- Sluggish software and an aging processor
- Discontinued, with an uncertain update future
TCL S470G alternatives in 2026
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries TCL’s newer S5 and QLED models along with strong budget rivals in the 58- to 75-inch range. Most of these TVs fix at least one of the S470G’s weak spots.
Compare similar budget TVs on Amazon
| TV | Display type | Sizes | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL S5 (S551G) | Direct-lit LED, 60Hz, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ | 43 to 98 inches | The direct S470G successor | Check price |
| TCL Q6 (Q651G) | QLED, 60Hz, VRR | 43 to 98 inches | Better color and casual gaming | Check price |
| Hisense QD6 (QD6QF) | QLED, Fire TV | 43 to 100 inches | Fire TV homes that want quantum-dot color | Check price |
| Insignia F50 (2025) | 4K LED, Dolby Vision, Fire TV | Several sizes, including 70 inches | The cheapest 70-inch screen | Check price |
| TCL S470G | Direct-lit LED, 60Hz, wide color gamut | 43 to 85 inches | Clearance and used bargains | Check price |
- TCL S5 (S551G): TCL’s 2024 replacement for the S4 Class keeps the same simple formula but adds HDR10+ and a newer version of Google TV. RTINGS says the S551G replaces the S450G. See the TCL S5 on Amazon.
- TCL Q6 (Q651G): This entry-level QLED from 2024 adds quantum-dot color and VRR for gaming for a modest step up in price. See the TCL Q6 on Amazon.
- Hisense QD6 (QD6QF): Hisense’s 2025 budget QLED runs Fire TV and offers more color than a basic LED set. Our TCL vs. Hisense comparison explains how the two brands differ. See the Hisense QD6 on Amazon.
- Insignia F50 (2025): Amazon and Best Buy often discount the 70-inch model to around $300, which makes it one of the cheapest big screens with Dolby Vision. See the Insignia F50 on Amazon.
If you only need a 55-inch TV, our roundup of the best 55-inch TVs under $500 includes stronger picks in that size, and our bedroom TV size guide can help you decide between the 58- and 70-inch models.
Who should buy the TCL S470G?
Buy a TCL 58S470G or 70S470G if you find one on deep clearance or used in good condition, and you want a large, simple Google TV for casual streaming in a dim or moderately lit room. Its wide viewing angle suits family rooms where people sit off to the side.
Skip it if you watch a lot of movies in the dark, want bright HDR, play fast games on a PS5 or Xbox, or need a TV that will receive software updates for years. In those cases, a newer QLED such as the TCL Q6 or Hisense QD6 is worth the small price difference.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the TCL S470G and S450G?
The S470G is the warehouse-club version of TCL’s 2023 S4 Class. It has a wider color gamut, a wider viewing angle, a metal frame, a three-year warranty, and an included HDMI cable. The S450G has much better contrast, so it looks better in a dark room.
Does the TCL S470G have local dimming?
No. It uses a direct-lit LED backlight without local dimming, which is why its blacks look gray in a dark room.
Is the TCL 70S470G good for gaming?
It’s fine for casual gaming. Auto Low Latency Mode keeps input lag low, but the 60Hz panel, lack of VRR, and lack of 4K at 120Hz make it a poor match for competitive gamers.
What replaced the TCL S470G?
TCL’s 2024 S5 series (S551G and S571G) replaced the S4 Class. For better color and gaming features, the TCL Q6 (Q651G) QLED is the next step up.
Final verdict
This TCL S470G review finds a TV that was a solid warehouse-club deal in 2023, with a wider color range, wide viewing angles, and a generous warranty, held back by low contrast, no local dimming, and modest brightness. In 2026, the TCL 58S470G and 70S470G only make sense at a steep discount. Pay a little more, and the TCL S5, TCL Q6, or Hisense QD6 will serve you better for longer. Check the current TCL S470G price on Amazon.