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Why This Deal Works for Secondary Rooms
At $169 for a renewed unit, this 43-inch TCL (model 43S350G) solves a specific problem: you need a TV for a bedroom, dorm, kitchen, or guest room where streaming capability matters more than flagship picture quality. The 1080p resolution at 43 inches delivers roughly 51 pixels per inch—perfectly adequate for typical bedroom viewing distances of 6 to 10 feet.
Get This Renewed TCL Google TV for Under $170
The real value proposition is Google TV built into a screen size that fits secondary spaces without commanding new-TV pricing. You're paying for convenience and smart features in a package sized for rooms where a 55-inch 4K display would be overkill. If your priority is accessing Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming apps with voice control from bed or a dorm desk, this renewed TCL hits that brief without asking you to stretch your budget.
What You Get: Google TV, Voice Control, and 1080p Basics
The 43S350G is a 2023 model built around Google TV, which provides access to major streaming apps through a unified interface. Google Assistant is baked in, and the included voice remote lets you search for content, control playback, and manage smart home devices without reaching for your phone. The TV is also compatible with Alexa, so it'll fit into existing smart home ecosystems.
Key specs at a glance:
- Screen size: 43 inches (LED panel)
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD (1920 × 1080)
- Smart platform: Google TV with Google Assistant
- Voice control: Google Assistant built-in, Alexa-compatible
- Connectivity: 2 HDMI ports
- Audio: Approximately 19W output
- HDR support: HDR10 (picture quality limitations apply)
- Condition: Amazon Renewed
This is not a feature-rich TV. You get two HDMI ports, which is tight if you're plugging in a game console, streaming stick, and cable box simultaneously. Audio output is modest at around 19W, so don't expect room-filling sound without external speakers. But for a bedroom setup where you're streaming a show before sleep or catching up on YouTube in a dorm, the basics are covered.
The Renewed Reality: What to Expect from Amazon's Program
Amazon Renewed products are pre-owned units that have been inspected, tested, and refurbished to work like new. The catch: cosmetic condition can vary. Your unit may show minor scratches, scuffs, or signs of previous use. Accessories and packaging might differ from the original retail version, though the listing indicates a voice remote is included.
The upside is Amazon's return policy and guarantee, which covers renewed electronics if they don't meet your expectations. If the TV arrives with functionality issues or cosmetic damage you can't live with, you have recourse. Just set realistic expectations: you're not unboxing a pristine new unit, and small imperfections are part of the renewed territory. For a secondary-room TV, that's usually a fair trade for the price cut.
Before buying, review Amazon's Renewed guarantee details to understand coverage and return windows.
Where This TV Falls Short (And Why That's Okay)
Let's be direct: expert reviews rate the TCL S3/S350G series as disappointing for mixed-use performance. RTINGS, a respected TV testing outlet, calls this model underwhelming overall. Picture quality won't impress anyone accustomed to mid-range or premium displays. Colors lack vibrancy, contrast is limited, and while HDR10 support exists on paper, the panel can't deliver meaningful HDR performance.
The two HDMI ports will frustrate users with multiple devices. If you need to connect a game console, Blu-ray player, cable box, and soundbar, you'll be swapping cables or buying an HDMI switcher. Audio is thin, so most buyers will want a soundbar or external speakers for anything beyond casual viewing.
And critically, this is a 1080p TV in an era when 4K has become standard. You're not future-proofing with this purchase. If you're buying a primary living room TV for movie nights, gaming, or sports viewing, this isn't the answer. But if you're furnishing a bedroom or dorm where the TV will mostly stream sitcoms and YouTube videos, these limitations matter less. The sub-$170 price accounts for the compromises.
Who Should Buy This—And Who Should Skip It
Buy this if:
- You need a TV for a bedroom, dorm, kitchen, or guest room where viewing distance is 6+ feet
- Google TV's app ecosystem and voice control are more important to you than cutting-edge picture quality
- You're working with a tight budget and want smart TV features without paying for 4K
- You're comfortable with renewed products and Amazon's return policy
- Your device setup is simple (two HDMI ports will suffice)
Skip this if:
- You're shopping for a primary living room TV where picture quality and performance matter
- You need multiple HDMI ports for a complex device setup
- You want future-proof 4K resolution for a TV you'll keep for years
- You're a serious gamer or plan to use this as a PC monitor (1080p and limited ports are constraints)
- You're uncomfortable with the cosmetic variations and accessory uncertainties of renewed products
- The renewed price is within $30 of a new 4K model (check current pricing before committing)
If you're furnishing a bedroom, dorm, or kitchen and want Google TV's streaming smarts without the 4K price tag, this renewed TCL delivers the essentials for under $170. Just remember: this is a secondary-room TV, not a home theater star—but for casual streaming with voice control, it's a smart value play. Check the current renewed price and Amazon's return policy before you buy.
