Hisense U8K 65" (Mini-LED ULED) vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Hisense U8K delivers superior picture quality with mini-LED backlighting producing 2000 nits peak brightness versus TCL's 800 nits, resulting in dramatically better contrast, HDR impact, and dark scene detail. Gaming performance favors Hisense with 144Hz refresh rate and 6ms input lag compared to TCL's 120Hz and 8ms response. Audio capabilities lean toward Hisense with 40W 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos support versus TCL's 24W 2.0-channel setup. Both feature Google TV, Wi-Fi 6/6E, and similar game mode features like VRR and ALLM. TCL S555 remains an excellent budget option with solid fundamentals and exceptional value at $599. However, Hisense U8K's $500 premium justifies itself through mini-LED excellence, significantly brighter HDR performance, superior gaming specs, and enhanced audio. Choose U8K for premium picture quality and gaming; select TCL for budget-conscious buyers seeking competent 4K QLED performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Hisense U8K 65" (Mini-LED ULED) if…
- →2000 nits with Mini-LED at $1,099 is the best brightness value on the market
- →144Hz with VRR — ideal for PC gaming and next-gen consoles
- →Both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ — supports every HDR format
Buy the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) if…
- →65-inch 4K with 120Hz and VRR at $599 is outstanding value
- →Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support — rare at this price
- →QLED color enhancement produces vivid, saturated colors
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Hisense U8K 65" (Mini-LED ULED)
Pros
- 2000 nits with Mini-LED at $1,099 is the best brightness value on the market
- 144Hz with VRR — ideal for PC gaming and next-gen consoles
- Both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ — supports every HDR format
- Wi-Fi 6E and 4 HDMI 2.1 ports for modern connectivity
- Quantum dot color with over 1000 dimming zones for excellent contrast
Cons
- Hisense software updates and smart TV experience trail Samsung/LG
- Some blooming visible with Mini-LED despite high zone count
- Brand perception is still below premium competitors
- Remote control quality feels cheap compared to the TV's price
TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
Pros
- 65-inch 4K with 120Hz and VRR at $599 is outstanding value
- Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support — rare at this price
- QLED color enhancement produces vivid, saturated colors
- Wi-Fi 6 and four HDMI ports (one HDMI 2.1) handle modern setups
- Google TV platform with Chromecast built-in
Cons
- Only 1 HDMI 2.1 port — the other 3 are HDMI 2.0
- 800 nits is decent but not as impressive as the 6-Series
- No Dolby Atmos — audio is basic
- Edge-lit local dimming with limited zones shows blooming
Full Specifications
| Spec | Hisense U8K 65" (Mini-LED ULED) | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.0 x 33.0 x 2.7 inches | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.0 x 35.5 x 11.4 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 40 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.1ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 6 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Mini-LED QLED (VA LCD) | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
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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 U8K 65" (Mini-LED ULED) or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).