I'm looking for a mid range $1000 - $1700 tv (AUD) and right now I've got three to choose from (in no particular order):
TCL C6US 55"
Sony X7500F 55"
(A bit more pricy) Sony X85F 55"
the TCL is looking like a steal with the exact same specs (minus the '200hz' refresh of the X85F but with a sound bar built-in and $200 less.
Thanks for your feedback.
Shield TV all the way. After purchasing one, I found it works so damn well that all 3 of our TVs now have one. It's the Cadillac of set top boxes.
I have a 55' TCL C7006. It looks quite premium for 639 Eur - brushed metal frame, JBL soundbar looks and sounds very nice. The panel is nice although the viewing angle is a bit narrow and backlight uniformity is not ideal - though you can't expect it in edge-lit displays. Very aggressive local dimming - I turn it off when connected to PC, as the whole area around the cursor becomes a dark-ish blob. Runs Android 7 (Oreo upgrade expected this fall). Menus don't lag (at least noticeably), you can sideload apps / connect mouse via USB. Video streaming runs smoothly in 4k. Where it starts to struggle a bit is if you try to play games - some take forever to start, although they tend to run ok after loading. I has a few preinstalled apps that you cannot delete (only hide from menu) - some asian TV, Asphalt Nitro game. Also has it's own appstore and launcher - both lame.
I have the TCL 55 4k with built in roku, it's ok, to be honest I can't tell from 1080 to 4k but that's me. It's a fine TV
Buy the TV with picture quality, inputs, etc that you want and need. Add a box if the software experience doesn't work for you or in a few years when the updates stop or your needs change.
Don't worry about the tvs smarts get the best picture you can and add smarts with the money you save later you will save money because you get a much wider choice than the 3 you have it down to
I am waiting for 55DC760 here in Europe. It is month and still not shipped.
Any TV with ATV built in is going to be weak, spec-wise.. especially when made by the same company that makes those crap (IME) Roku TV's.
Mid-range? Jesus.
I would go out of my way to get a TV without any built-in "smart" features at all.
Mate, please highly consider putting $200-300 AUD aside for a Nvidia shield TV. It runs the pants off any built in android tv into a tv set.
I have a shield connected to my 2016 Bravia (android tv). I can control the shield with the Sony remote and the shield turns off and on when I turn the tv on.
The menu is so much faster, can play up to Wii games via emulation, and will receive updates.
I'd say go for the TCL and get a Shield Tv. Chuck it behind the tv and you'll be set.