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VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TV vs TCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G)

Both are 40-inch 1080p 60 Hz smart TVs with HDR and voice assistant support, so the picture basics are close. The VIZIO is the better pick for picture quality: QLED with a full-array backlight gives it wider color and stronger contrast than the TCL's plain LED panel. The TCL runs Google TV, which most people find faster and better organized than VIZIO OS, and it has more inputs, including a headphone jack and composite. Owners rate both around 4.3 out of 5; the VIZIO has far more ratings behind that score.

  • Choose the VIZIO if color and contrast matter most and you mostly stream from built-in apps.
  • Choose the TCL if you want Google TV, more ports, and a remote with voice control and app shortcuts.

Prices

  • VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TV: $138.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • TCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G): $151.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Difference: the VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TV is $13.99 cheaper than the TCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G) today
VIZIO
VIZIO 40" Class Quantum Full HD 1080p QLED Smart TV (VFQ40M-10)

VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TV

VIZIO 40" Class Quantum Full HD 1080p QLED Smart TV (VFQ40M-10)

4.3(5,311 ratings)
$138.00at WalmartChecked 5 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • QLED color and full-array backlight beat a basic LED panel
  • Wide app selection plus free WatchFree+ live TV
  • Bluetooth for private headphone listening
  • Large base of owner ratings
Cons
  • Only 2 HDMI ports
  • VIZIO OS is slower and less tidy than Google TV
  • 1080p caps detail on a 40-inch screen
TCL
TCL S3 40" Class 1080p FHD LED Smart TV (40S350G)

TCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G)

TCL S3 40" Class 1080p FHD LED Smart TV (40S350G)

4.3(760 ratings)
$151.99at Best BuyChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Google TV is fast and easy to navigate
  • Voice remote with one-touch app buttons
  • More connections, including headphone jack and composite
  • Light at about 11 lb without the stand
Cons
  • Plain LED panel with weaker color and contrast
  • Fewer owner ratings to judge long-term reliability
  • No VRR or high frame rate support for gaming

What separates them

VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TVTCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G)
Panel technologyQLED with quantum dots and a full-array backlightStandard LED edge-lit panel
Smart platformVIZIO OS with WatchFree+ free channelsGoogle TV with 250+ free live channels
Inputs2 HDMI, USB, Ethernet, optical audioHDMI, USB-A, Ethernet, optical, composite, headphone jack
RemoteStandard remote; phone app for controlVoice remote with one-touch streaming shortcuts
HDRHDR10 over HDMIHDR10
Refresh rate60 Hz60 Hz
Gaming featuresNo VRRNo VRR, no HFR
Owner feedback4.3 of 5 from over 5,300 ratings4.3 of 5 from about 760 ratings

Price history

$199.00$120.00
Nov 1Nov 10
  • VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TV: lowest $120.00 on Nov 4 at Walmart; $136.99 on Nov 10.
  • TCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G): lowest $149.99 on Nov 10 at Target.

Prices at every store

VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TV

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $138.00Checked 5 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Sam's ClubNew

    In stock

    $151.80+ $41.70 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Sam's Club
  • Sam's ClubNew

    Availability unknown

    $151.80Checked Nov 3
    Visit Sam's Club
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $211.11Checked Nov 3
    Visit Amazon
All 4 stores and price history →

TCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G)

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $151.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $167.76+ $16.49 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $199.00Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • BeachcameraNew

    In stock

    $199.00Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Beachcamera

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecVIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TVTCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G)
screen_size40 in32 inches, 40 inches, 43 inches
colorBlackBlack
Resolution1080p Full HD1920 x 1080
Refresh rate60 Hz60 Hz
High DefinitionYesYes
HDTV Format1080p1080p
Screen FormFlatFlat
Display TypeQLEDLED
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon AlexaGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
HDRYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Opti…Bluetooth, HDMI
Width35.2 in wide35.1
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecVIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TVTCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G)
Depth2.8 in deep3.5 in deep
HDMI Ports2 HDMI ports2 HDMI ports
Supported Streaming ServicesHulu, Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Pandora, H…Netflix, YouTube, HBO, Disney+
Screen Resolution1920x1080 (Full HD)1920x1080 (Full HD)
BluetoothYesYes
Smart TVYesYes
Weight11.2 lb7.5 lb, 13.9 lb, 20.5 lb
DisplayQLED—
BrandVIZIO—

What reviewers say

VIZIO 40" Quantum QLED Smart TV

  • 4.3 / 55,311 ratings

Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 5,311 ratings, buyers generally see it as a strong small-room value with good picture for the price. Complaints tend to center on the 1080p resolution and limited ports rather than the panel itself.

What people mention
  • Picture qualityPraisedOwners say the QLED panel looks colorful and bright for a budget set.
  • ValuePraisedBuyers call it a lot of TV for the money.
  • ResolutionCriticisedSome wish it were 4K instead of 1080p.
  • PortsCriticisedTwo HDMI inputs are seen as tight for multiple devices.

TCL S3 40" 1080p Smart TV (40S350G)

  • 4.3 / 5760 ratings

Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 760 ratings, buyers treat the S3 as a solid value small TV. Most praise the picture for the price and the Google TV app selection; complaints center on sound and the occasional slow menu.

What people mention
  • Picture qualityPraisedOwners say the 1080p picture looks sharp and bright for a budget set.
  • SoundCriticisedReviewers find the built-in speakers thin and recommend a soundbar or headphones over Bluetooth.
  • Smart interfaceMixedGoogle TV is liked for its apps, but some say navigation can be slow.
  • ValuePraised

Questions and answers

Which has the better picture?
The VIZIO. Its QLED panel with a full-array backlight produces wider color and deeper contrast than the TCL's standard LED panel. Both are 1080p at 60 Hz, so sharpness and motion are similar.
Which is better for streaming?
The TCL. Google TV has a cleaner home screen, faster navigation and a voice remote. The VIZIO counters with WatchFree+ and a solid built-in app set, but its interface feels slower.
Which is better for gaming?
Neither is a gaming TV. Both are 60 Hz with no VRR and no high frame rate mode. The TCL's extra HDMI and composite inputs help if you plug in older consoles.
Is the VIZIO worth stepping up to over the TCL?
If color and contrast are your priority, yes. If you care more about the smart interface and connections, the TCL is the better fit. The gap is in panel quality, not size or resolution.
Can I use headphones with either?
Yes. The VIZIO pairs Bluetooth headphones. The TCL has a 1/8-inch headphone jack and Bluetooth. The VIZIO's Bluetooth route is cleaner for wireless listening.
Which lasts longer?
There is no reliable long-term data on either model. Both carry the same 4.3 owner rating, but the VIZIO's score rests on far more ratings, which makes it the more tested of the two.

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More comparisons

  • VIZIO 40" Class Quantum Full HD 1080p QLED Smart TV (VFQ40M-10) vs Pioneer 40" Class LED Full HD (1080p) Smart Roku TV
  • VIZIO 40" Class Quantum Full HD 1080p QLED Smart TV (VFQ40M-10) vs Roku 40-inch Select Series Full HD Smart TV
  • VIZIO 40" Class Quantum Full HD 1080p QLED Smart TV (VFQ40M-10) vs TCL 40" Class S-Class 1080p FHD HDR LED Smart Google TV - 40S350
  • Roku 40-inch Select Series Full HD Smart TV vs TCL S3 40" Class 1080p FHD LED Smart TV (40S350G)

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best 40 inch TVs under $300
  • Best 40-inch TVs
Television type
QLED TVs
—
Model numberVFQ40M-10—
Display TechnologyLCD—
Maximum Resolution1080p (FHD)—
Connections—Optical S/PDIF, 1/8" Headphone Jack, HDMI, USB-…
Height (without legs) (")—20.0
Height (including legs) (")—22.0
Wireless & Streaming—Chromecast
NFC—No
Local dimming—Yes
Smart Home System—Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
MHL—No
No. of Composite (pcs)—1
HFR—No
VRR—No
Weight (without legs) (lb)—11.2
Operating System—Google TV
Speaker output (total) (W)—19
CEC—No
Buyers see it as a lot of TV for a low price.