Introduction

For the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure (and the large screen real estate) of testing the K-65S30, a 65-inch HDR 4K Smart TV boasting Google TV. This review dives deep into its capabilities, exploring its strengths and weaknesses based on extensive real-world use.

Features

The K-65S30 is packed with features you’d expect from a modern smart TV. The 65-inch LED display provides a vibrant picture, although the 50Hz refresh rate isn’t the highest on the market. It supports 4K resolution and HDR, resulting in crisp visuals, though not quite the buttery smoothness of a 120Hz panel. The inclusion of Google TV is a significant plus, providing easy access to a wealth of streaming apps including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and many more (see specifications for full list). Navigation is intuitive and responsive. Connectivity is ample, with four HDMI ports and two USB ports, allowing plenty of room for your gaming consoles, Blu-ray players and other devices. The included remote is straightforward and easy to use.

Performance

Picture quality is generally excellent. Colors are rich and accurate in well-lit environments, and the 4K resolution provides stunning detail in high-quality content. However, in darker scenes, some shadow detail can be lost, and the 50Hz refresh rate is noticeable during fast-paced action sequences, resulting in slight motion blur. This is less noticeable when watching movies and more apparent during gaming. The smart features worked flawlessly during my testing, with Google TV offering a seamless streaming experience. The built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing but lack the depth and power for a truly immersive cinematic experience; a sound bar is recommended for a more impactful sound.

The TV’s performance was consistent throughout testing. It didn’t overheat, and there were no noticeable glitches or lags in the interface. The remote control, while simple, functioned perfectly, providing easy access to the Google TV interface and various input sources.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Large screen size, 4K resolution, HDR support, Google TV, ample connectivity, user-friendly interface, good color accuracy
• Cons: 50Hz refresh rate, subpar audio quality from built-in speakers, some shadow detail loss in dark scenes

Final Verdict

The K-65S30 offers a solid overall viewing experience for its price point. The large screen size, 4K resolution, and HDR support deliver an impressive picture, and Google TV makes accessing streaming services a breeze. While the 50Hz refresh rate and the built-in speaker quality are drawbacks, they’re easily mitigated by upgrading to a sound bar and are justifiable considering the overall package. If you’re looking for a large, feature-rich smart TV without breaking the bank, the K-65S30 is a worthy contender. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a solid everyday TV, especially if you prioritize picture quality over extremely high refresh rates.