Hisense A6K 55" (UHD LED) vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
Both 55-inch budget 4K TVs deliver solid value at their price points, but with distinct strengths. Hisense A6K offers superior picture quality with 350-nit brightness, Direct LED backlighting for better contrast control, and lower input lag (14ms vs 30ms), making it more responsive for gaming. TCL S4 counters with slightly higher peak brightness at 400 nits and the more intuitive Google TV platform versus Hisense's VIDAA U6 interface. Audio output is comparable (16W vs 15W, both 2.0ch stereo). TCL saves $50 at checkout but lacks VRR/ALLM gaming features. The Hisense A6K's superior motion handling and display technology justify the modest premium, particularly if gaming responsiveness matters. For streaming-focused buyers prioritizing interface simplicity, TCL S4 remains a compelling alternative.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Hisense A6K 55" (UHD LED) if…
- →55-inch 4K at $329 is one of the cheapest large-screen TVs available
- →Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support at a budget price is impressive
- →VA panel provides decent contrast for the price
Buy the TCL S4 55" if…
- →Extraordinary value at $279 for a 55-inch 4K Google TV
- →Google TV offers access to virtually every streaming service out of the box
- →Lightweight and easy to install — great for bedrooms, kitchens, or secondary rooms
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Hisense A6K 55" (UHD LED)
Pros
- 55-inch 4K at $329 is one of the cheapest large-screen TVs available
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support at a budget price is impressive
- VA panel provides decent contrast for the price
- Lightweight at 25.4 lbs — easy to handle and wall-mount
- Alexa built-in for voice control without an external device
Cons
- 60Hz panel with no VRR — not suited for gaming
- 350 nits is very dim — HDR is essentially non-functional
- VIDAA OS has a limited app selection compared to Google TV
- 16W audio is weak and tinny — external speakers are mandatory
- No HDMI 2.1 or Dolby Atmos
TCL S4 55"
Pros
- Extraordinary value at $279 for a 55-inch 4K Google TV
- Google TV offers access to virtually every streaming service out of the box
- Lightweight and easy to install — great for bedrooms, kitchens, or secondary rooms
- Decent picture for casual streaming at typical 8–10 foot viewing distances
Cons
- 60Hz panel is not suitable for gaming or fast-motion sports content
- Low peak brightness of ~400 nits struggles in bright, sunlit rooms
- No HDMI 2.1 — limits PS5 and Xbox Series X to 4K@60Hz only
- 15W audio output is thin and lacks bass — an external soundbar is recommended
- No VRR or ALLM means gaming performance is not a priority for this model
Full Specifications
| Spec | Hisense A6K 55" (UHD LED) | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.1 x 3.2 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.0 x 8.7 inches | 48.5 x 32.4 x 9.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 16 | 15 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 14 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Direct LED (VA LCD) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | VIDAA U6 | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 3 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | AiPQ Lite Processor |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in tvs, see all Hisense products or all TCL products. View full details for the Hisense A6K 55" (UHD LED) or the TCL S4 55".