Cello ZG0204: 40 Inch Cello - Review 🏆

The Cello ZG0204 40" Smart Android TV is a mid-range television that offers a good mix of features and performance at an affordable price point. Made by Cello Electronics in the UK, this 2020 model includes a 40-inch Full HD 1080p LED display, built-in Freeview HD tuner, integrated WiFi for smart connectivity, and support for popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more.

Key specs of this Android smart TV include a quad core processor, 8GB storage, 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Ethernet, optical audio out, and dual band WiFi. It comes with a simple remote control and has Google Assistant built-in for handsfree voice control. Overall, the Cello ZG0204 provides an impressive package for the price that makes it a great option for buyers looking for a budget-friendly 40" set.

Design

The Cello ZG0204 40” Smart Android TV has an attractive, modern design that will look great in any living room. It has slim bezels around the display that help keep the focus on the viewing experience. The TV is constructed out of sturdy plastic that feels durable and long-lasting.

The stand has a sleek curved shape with metal accents that provide stability. Setting up the stand is easy with the included screws and instructions. Once assembled, the stand has a wide footprint that prevents the TV from tipping over accidentally.

At just over 7 kg, this 40” TV is relatively lightweight compared to models with similar screen sizes. The rear of the TV is clean and tidy, with all the ports and inputs arranged together for a streamlined look. There is even a channel for cable management to keep wires and cords organized.

Aesthetically, the Cello ZG0204 has an elegant minimalist appearance. The bezels are thin enough that they don't detract from the screen, and the stand doesn't take up much space. The TV looks great both wall-mounted or placed on the included stand. Overall, the design is modern and stylish, perfect for the contemporary living room.

Additionally, another excellent option is the Cello ZBVD0223: 32 Inch. This 32” model features a sleek, compact design that’s perfect for smaller spaces like bedrooms or kitchens. It also has slim bezels similar to the ZG0204, ensuring a focused viewing experience. The lightweight build makes it easy to move around, and it includes all necessary ports arranged neatly at the back for hassle-free connectivity.

Display

The Cello ZG0204 40" Android TV features a large 40-inch screen with Full HD 1080p resolution. It uses an LED-backlit LCD panel, which provides good brightness, contrast and viewing angles.

The Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels results in excellent clarity and detail. You'll be able to see every blade of grass on sports pitches and make out intricate textures in nature documentaries. This high resolution also makes the Cello ZG0204 ideal for gaming, allowing you to spot enemies in the distance.

At 40 inches, the screen is a good size for most living rooms. It's large enough to provide an immersive viewing experience when watching movies, yet not overwhelmingly huge. You'll be able to sit a comfortable distance away without straining your eyes or missing out on the big picture.

Overall, the display quality of the Cello ZG0204 Android TV is very good for the price. The Full HD resolution and 40-inch screen size result in clear, detailed images that let you fully appreciate your favorite shows and movies.

If you are looking for a more compact option, the Cello Frameless LED: 32 Inch offers a sleek, frameless design in a 32-inch size. It delivers excellent picture quality with vibrant colors and sharp details, making it a perfect fit for smaller spaces like bedrooms or kitchens. Despite its smaller size, this model doesn't compromise on performance, providing a rich viewing experience.

Sound

The Cello ZG0204 40" Smart Android TV comes equipped with two 10W stereo speakers. These provide decent audio quality for casual viewing and smaller rooms. The speakers have enough power to fill a room without distortion at moderate volumes.

However, as is typical for flat panel TVs, bass response is lacking due to the slim form factor. Those looking for a more immersive cinematic audio experience may want to consider pairing the TV with a soundbar or external speaker system.

The TV has standard audio connections like RCA, optical and headphone out. It also supports modern HDMI ARC, allowing you to connect a soundbar via HDMI and control it using the TV remote. Overall the speakers will suit most buyers, but audio enthusiasts have the option to enhance the sound further.

Smart TV Features

The Cello ZG0204 40" Smart TV comes with Android TV 9.0 as its operating system. This provides access to the Google Play Store, giving you a wide selection of apps to download straight to your TV. Some popular streaming apps come pre-installed, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and BBC iPlayer. This means you can easily access your favorite shows and movies in up to 1080p Full HD resolution.

For voice control, the TV has Google Assistant built-in. You can use your voice to search for content, launch apps, control smart home devices, and more. The far-field microphones allow you to access Google Assistant from across the room. This hands-free control makes it quick and convenient to get the most out of your smart TV experience.

With Chromecast also built into this Cello Smart TV, you can cast movies, shows, photos, music, and more directly from your mobile device to the big screen. This provides easy streaming from thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps.

Overall, the smart TV capabilities packed into the Cello ZG0204 help make it an affordable option that doesn't skimp on features. The combination of Android TV, built-in streaming apps, Google Assistant, and Chromecast give you a range of ways to enjoy entertainment with this budget-friendly smart TV.

Connectivity

The Cello ZG0204 40" Smart Android TV offers ample connectivity options to hook up your devices and accessories. On the back of the TV, you'll find 3 HDMI ports for connecting Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming devices, and more in up to 4K resolution. There is also 1 USB port which allows you to play media files directly from a USB flash drive or external hard drive. For audio, there is an optical digital audio output to connect a soundbar or home theater system. Conveniently, the TV also has a headphone jack on the side panel so you can listen privately with headphones. The built-in WiFi allows for wireless streaming from services like Netflix and Prime Video. Additionally, the TV has an Ethernet port for wired internet connectivity if desired. With its array of connectivity options, the Cello ZG0204 makes it easy to create your ideal home entertainment setup.

Remote Control

The Cello ZG0204 comes with an easy-to-use and intuitive remote control that makes navigating the TV's menus and settings a breeze. The remote has a sleek, minimalist design that fits nicely in your hand. It's not too big or bulky, making it comfortable to hold.

The button layout is straightforward and follows conventions of most TV remote designs. All the primary buttons like power, volume, channel change, input selection, and shortcuts to services like Netflix and Prime Video are well-labeled and conveniently located. The number pad for channel entry is at the top. Below it are directional arrows and an OK/Select button. There are also dedicated buttons for Google Assistant voice control, settings menu, playback controls, and more. Everything is within easy reach of your thumb when holding the remote.

The buttons have a nice tactile feel and responsiveness. The remote connects to the TV via Bluetooth, so no need for line-of-sight, and the connection remains stable across reasonable distances. It allows you to control all the TV functions without any lag or delay. The remote runs on included AAA batteries. Overall, the remote design is functional, minimal, easy to use and complements the TV well.

Performance

The Cello ZG0204 40" Smart TV delivers a smooth and responsive performance whether you're watching live TV, streaming movies and shows, or browsing apps.

Picture Quality

With a 1080p Full HD resolution and support for HDR10, the ZG0204 produces vibrant and detailed images. Colors are rich and accurate while blacks are deep thanks to the LED backlighting. Fast-moving scenes in sports, action movies, and video games appear sharp with minimal motion blur. The picture looks great whether you're sitting right in front or further back on the couch.

Responsiveness

Navigating through menus, switching inputs, and launching apps is snappy on the ZG0204. The quad-core processor ensures smooth performance when multitasking between different apps and features. Commands registered quickly when using the voice remote to search for content.

Streaming Performance

Built-in WiFi (802.11ac) provides a stable internet connection for streaming. Apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more all played shows and movies smoothly in up to 1080p quality, with no buffering issues. The ZG0204 also supports Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast for wirelessly streaming content from other devices.

Pros & Cons

The Cello ZG0204 40” Smart TV offers many benefits as well as some drawbacks that are worth considering.

Pros

• Excellent value for money - With a price under £300, this 40" TV packs in loads of features and performs very well. The price makes it highly affordable.

• Good picture quality - It has a Full HD 1080p resolution LED panel that produces vibrant colors and good contrast. Images are sharp with decent black levels.

• Built-in Freeview Play - Get all the Freeview channels and on-demand players like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5 integrated seamlessly. Great for cord-cutters.

• Quick, easy setup - Just plug in and connect to wi-fi to get started. The initial tuning is fast and it's easy to install streaming apps.

• Voice control with Google Assistant - You can use voice commands to launch apps, search for content, get answers, and control smart home devices. Makes usage very convenient.

• Chromecast built-in - Wirelessly cast movies, shows, music, photos and more to the TV from compatible apps on your mobile device.

Cons

• Only 2 HDMI ports - With just 2 HDMI inputs, you may need an HDMI switch if you have more than 2 source devices.

• Mediocre sound - The 20W downward-firing speakers are just average in terms of sound quality and volume. External speakers may be preferable for an immersive experience.

• Limited app selection - It doesn't have every streaming service. Some notable omissions are ITV Hub, All 4 and My5.

• No HDR support - For better contrast and expanded color, you'll want a 4K TV with HDR. This is only Full HD without HDR.

• No TV stand included - You'll have to supply your own stand or wall mount it. A basic stand costs extra.

Conclusion

The Cello ZG0204 40" Smart Android TV is an excellent budget TV that offers great value for money. It has a sleek and modern design that will look good in any living room. The display quality is very good for the price, with vibrant colors and decent HD resolution. The built-in sound is average, so external speakers may be needed for an immersive audio experience.

Where this TV really shines is the smart TV features. It has Google Assistant for hands-free voice control and built-in Chromecast for wireless streaming. There is access to all the popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Connectivity options like HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and WiFi are ample. The remote is simple and easy to use.

Performance is smooth thanks to the quad-core processor and Android 9.0 software. Navigation through menus and apps is quick with minimal lag. Picture quality is good but not as sharp as 4K resolution TVs. The 60Hz refresh rate is decent for most content but may cause motion blur in fast action scenes.

Overall, the Cello ZG0204 40" Smart TV is a fantastic option for those seeking a budget TV with smart capabilities. It makes streaming content and web browsing very convenient. For the affordable price, it packs great features and delivers a solid performance. The excellent smart features and sleek design make this a great value purchase for most households. It's easy to recommend for anyone looking for good quality on a budget.