VIZIO 65 Inch 4K Smart TV, V-Series UHD LED HDR Television Review

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Design and Build Quality
The VIZIO V-Series 65-inch TV has a minimalist design typical of many budget-friendly televisions. It has slim bezels that maximize screen real estate, giving it a sleek and modern look that fits well in most living rooms or home theaters. The stand is simple, providing adequate support, though wall mounting is an option many users might prefer for a cleaner look. Overall, the build quality is decent for a TV at this price, but it doesn't have the premium feel of more expensive models.
Display and Picture Quality
At 65 inches, the VIZIO V-Series offers an immersive viewing experience, particularly in 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels). The large screen size makes it an excellent choice for bigger rooms or home theaters. The 4K Ultra HD resolution delivers crisp and clear visuals, especially when watching native 4K content. Colors appear vibrant thanks to VIZIO’s full-array LED backlighting, which improves brightness and contrast over edge-lit models.
However, while the TV supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, its HDR performance is somewhat limited due to its lower peak brightness and lack of local dimming. As a result, HDR content doesn’t pop as much as it would on higher-end models, with highlights that aren't as vivid and blacks that aren't as deep. This might be noticeable during scenes with high contrast or detailed shadows. For regular content like streaming shows, sports, or gaming, the TV delivers satisfactory performance, but for those who want a true cinematic experience, it may fall short.
Smart Features and Performance
The V-Series 65-inch model runs on VIZIO’s SmartCast platform, which provides access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and TH-cam. While the platform is functional, it is not as polished or user-friendly as competitors like Roku or Amazon Fire TV. Navigation can feel sluggish at times, and some users may find the app selection more limited compared to other platforms.
However, the built-in Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast allow users to stream content directly from their smartphones, tablets, or laptops, which is a major convenience. The TV also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control for hands-free operation through compatible devices. While these integrations are helpful, the TV’s remote does not have a built-in voice assistant, so you’ll need a separate Alexa or Google Assistant device to make use of the voice control features.
Audio Quality
The built-in speakers on the VIZIO V-Series are functional but basic, which is typical for most flat-screen TVs in this price range. The sound is clear enough for dialogue and casual watching, but it lacks bass and overall depth. For users who want a richer audio experience, pairing the TV with an external soundbar or home theater system would make a significant difference. The TV does support DTS Virtual
, which tries to simulate surround sound, but it’s no replacement for a dedicated audio system.
Connectivity and Gaming Features
This V-Series model is equipped with three HDMI ports, allowing users to connect multiple devices such as gaming consoles, streaming devices, or Blu-ray players. It also supports HDMI ARC, which is useful for connecting a soundbar. The TV includes WiFi 5 and Ethernet options for internet connectivity, and Bluetooth functionality for wireless audio.
For gamers, the V-Series includes a Game Mode that reduces input lag, making it a solid option for casual gaming. However, the TV’s 60Hz refresh rate may not satisfy more competitive gamers who prefer smoother motion for fast-paced action games. The lack of HDMI 2.1 support means that next-gen gaming consoles, which support higher frame rates, won’t be able to take full advantage of the TV’s capabilities.
Conclusion
The VIZIO 65-Inch 4K Smart TV, V-Series UHD LED HDR Television is a well-rounded entry-level 4K TV that offers a large screen, decent picture quality, and useful smart features at an affordable price. While it doesn't have the cutting-edge performance of higher-end models, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly large TV with the basics covered.
Positive Points:
Affordable price for a 65-inch 4K TV
Full-array LED backlighting for better brightness and contrast
Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG
Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, and voice assistant compatibility
Game Mode for reduced input lag during gaming
Negative Points:
Limited HDR performance due to lower peak brightness and no local dimming
SmartCast platform can be slow and lacks app variety
Average audio quality, benefits from a soundbar or external speakers
60Hz refresh rate may not satisfy competitive gamers