TCL 40MS53P1 Review (1080p 40-Inch): Is This Full HD Smart TV Worth Buying?

Read our in-depth TCL 40MS53P1 review covering display quality    Full HD 1080p resolution    smart features    sound    gaming performance    pros    cons    and whether this 40-inch TV is worth buying in 2026.

TCL 40MS53P1 Review (1080p 40-Inch): Complete Buying Guide

If you’re searching for an affordable 40-inch Full HD smart TV    the TCL 40MS53P1 is one of the models that frequently appears in search results. It offers a 1920×1080 Full HD display    modern smart TV capabilities    HDR support    Wi-Fi connectivity    and multiple HDMI ports while remaining budget-friendly.

But is the TCL 40MS53P1 actually worth buying?

This detailed TCL 40MS53P1 review covers everything you need to know    including picture quality    smart features    gaming performance    sound quality    connectivity    energy efficiency    advantages    disadvantages    and who should buy it.

Quick Verdict

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Pros

• Crisp Full HD 1080p resolution
• Excellent value for money
• Slim modern design
• Good HDR support
• Fast smart TV interface
• Wi-Fi and streaming apps
• Multiple HDMI ports
• Low power consumption

Cons

• No 4K resolution
• Basic built-in speakers
• 60Hz refresh rate only
• Limited brightness for HDR
• Not ideal for competitive gaming

For buyers wanting an affordable television for streaming movies    watching sports    and everyday entertainment    the TCL 40MS53P1 offers excellent value.

TCL 40MS53P1 Specifications

Feature	Details
Screen Size	40 Inches
Resolution	Full HD (1920 × 1080)
Display Type	LED
HDR	Supported
Refresh Rate	60Hz
Operating System	Smart TV Platform
Wi-Fi	Yes
Bluetooth	Available on select regions
HDMI Ports	Multiple HDMI Inputs
USB Ports	Yes
Audio Output	Stereo Speakers
Wall Mount	VESA Compatible

 

Design and Build Quality

One of the strongest points of the TCL 40MS53P1 is its clean    modern appearance.

The television features:

• Slim bezels
• Lightweight construction
• Premium-looking finish
• Stable dual-leg stand
• Wall-mount compatibility

Despite being an entry-level TV    it looks significantly more premium than many competing models.

The thin borders help maximize screen space while making movies feel more immersive.

Display Quality

Full HD 1080p Resolution

The biggest selling point is its 1920 × 1080 Full HD resolution.

Compared with older 720p televisions    the improvement is immediately noticeable.

Benefits include:

• Sharper movies
• Better sports viewing
• Clearer subtitles
• Improved gaming visuals
• Better streaming quality

For a 40-inch display    Full HD still delivers impressive clarity.

Color Accuracy

Colors appear vibrant without becoming oversaturated.

The television performs well when watching:

• Netflix
• Disney+
• YouTube
• Prime Video
• Live TV

Skin tones look natural while landscapes display good depth.

Brightness Performance

The brightness is suitable for:

• Bedrooms
• Apartments
• Offices
• Small living rooms

In very bright rooms with direct sunlight    reflections become more noticeable.

Contrast Performance

The LED panel delivers respectable contrast.

Black levels are decent for everyday viewing although they cannot compete with OLED televisions.

Dark movie scenes remain enjoyable with acceptable shadow detail.

HDR Support

The TCL 40MS53P1 supports HDR-compatible content.

Although HDR on a Full HD LED panel is not as dramatic as premium televisions    users still benefit from:

• Better highlights
• Improved color depth
• Enhanced contrast
• More realistic scenery

Streaming HDR movies looks better than standard SDR content.

Smart TV Features

The TCL 40MS53P1 includes modern smart functionality.

Popular streaming services are easily accessible.

Users can enjoy:

• Netflix
• YouTube
• Prime Video
• Disney+
• Music apps
• Screen mirroring

Navigation feels responsive for daily use.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Built-in Wi-Fi makes streaming simple.

After connecting to your home network    you can immediately begin streaming Full HD content without requiring additional devices.

User Interface

Menus are intuitive.

Even first-time smart TV users should have little difficulty navigating settings    applications    and streaming services.

App loading times are generally quick.

Picture Modes

Several viewing modes improve the experience depending on the content.

Examples include:

• Standard
• Movie
• Sports
• Dynamic
• Game

Movie mode offers the most natural color reproduction.

Gaming Performance

Casual gamers will find the TCL 40MS53P1 perfectly adequate.

It performs well for:

• Nintendo Switch
• Xbox Series S (1080p)
• PlayStation consoles
• Casual PC gaming

Advantages include:

• Low enough input lag
• Smooth gameplay
• Sharp Full HD graphics

However    competitive gamers may prefer televisions with:

• 120Hz refresh rates
• HDMI 2.1
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

Motion Handling

The native 60Hz refresh rate handles:

• Movies
• TV shows
• Sports
• YouTube videos

Fast-moving scenes show minor blur    which is expected in this price category.

Sound Quality

The built-in stereo speakers perform adequately for:

• News
• Daily television
• Podcasts
• YouTube

Dialogue remains clear.

For a more cinematic experience    adding a soundbar greatly improves:

• Bass
• Surround effect
• Volume
• Movie immersion

Connectivity Options

The television includes several useful ports.

Typical connectivity includes:

• HDMI
• USB
• Audio output
• Ethernet (varies by region)
• Wi-Fi

This allows users to connect:

• Gaming consoles
• Blu-ray players
• Streaming devices
• USB drives
• Soundbars

Streaming Performance

Streaming Full HD content is smooth on a reliable internet connection.

The TV handles:

• Netflix 1080p
• YouTube Full HD
• Live streaming
• On-demand services

Buffering depends more on internet speed than on the television itself.

Energy Efficiency

LED technology keeps electricity usage relatively low.

For users upgrading from older LCD televisions    energy savings may be noticeable over time.

Everyday Viewing Experience

The TCL 40MS53P1 works well for:

• Family entertainment
• Children’s rooms
• Bedrooms
• Student apartments
• Guest rooms
• Offices

The 40-inch size is ideal for viewing distances of approximately 5 to 8 feet.

Who Should Buy the TCL 40MS53P1?

This television is ideal for:

Budget Buyers

Excellent value without sacrificing smart features.

Students

Affordable and compact.

Families

Simple interface with popular streaming apps.

Bedroom TVs

The 40-inch size fits comfortably in most bedrooms.

Casual Gamers

Good Full HD gaming performance.

Who Should Skip It?

This TV may not be the best option if you need:

• Native 4K resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Premium HDR brightness
• Dolby Vision gaming
• Advanced local dimming

Power users may benefit from upgrading to a higher-end TCL QLED model.

TCL 40MS53P1 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable price
• Full HD 1080p resolution
• Good smart TV platform
• HDR compatibility
• Attractive slim bezels
• Easy setup
• Reliable streaming performance
• Multiple connectivity options
• Low energy usage

Cons

• No 4K
• Average speaker quality
• Limited HDR impact
• 60Hz refresh rate
• Basic remote compared to premium TVs

TCL 40MS53P1 vs Other Budget TVs

Compared to similarly priced competitors    the TCL 40MS53P1 offers:

• Better software experience
• Reliable streaming
• Attractive industrial design
• Consistent Full HD picture quality
• Good overall value

While premium brands may offer brighter displays or enhanced audio    the TCL balances features and affordability well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TCL 40MS53P1 a 4K TV?

No. It features a 1920 × 1080 Full HD resolution.

Does the TCL 40MS53P1 support Netflix?

Yes.

Netflix is supported through the smart TV platform.

Is the TCL 40MS53P1 good for gaming?

Yes.

It’s suitable for casual gaming with modern consoles at 1080p    though it lacks advanced gaming features such as 120Hz and VRR.

Does it have Wi-Fi?

Yes.

Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless streaming and app access.

Can it be wall mounted?

Yes.

It supports VESA-compatible wall mounting.

Does it support HDR?

Yes.

HDR-compatible content can be played    though the effect is modest compared to high-end TVs.

Final Verdict

The TCL 40MS53P1 (1080p 40-inch) is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a dependable    budget-friendly smart TV. It combines a crisp Full HD display    modern streaming capabilities    HDR compatibility    Wi-Fi connectivity    and a sleek design into an affordable package.

While it doesn’t offer 4K resolution or premium gaming features    it delivers strong performance for everyday entertainment    making it well suited for bedrooms    apartments    offices    and smaller living spaces.

For anyone prioritizing value over cutting-edge specifications    the TCL 40MS53P1 is a smart purchase that balances affordability with a satisfying viewing experience.