Hisense U8N 65" vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Hisense U8N delivers premium picture quality with Mini-LED backlighting, achieving 3000 nits brightness versus TCL's 800 nits, resulting in superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more impressive HDR performance across Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+. Gaming capabilities favor the U8N with 144Hz refresh rate and 7ms input lag, though both support VRR and ALLM. Audio differs significantly: Hisense provides 60W with 2.1.2ch Dolby Atmos versus TCL's modest 24W stereo setup. TCL S555 compensates with exceptional value at half the price ($599 vs $1099), offering solid 4K gaming fundamentals and reliable Google TV performance for casual viewers. Build quality edges to Hisense's heavier construction (64.4 lbs), while TCL's thinner profile suits minimalist setups. For cinephiles and competitive gamers seeking premium visuals and immersive audio, the U8N justifies its premium. Budget-conscious buyers seeking capable mid-tier performance should choose TCL.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Hisense U8N 65" if…
- →144Hz panel at 3,000+ nits for under $1,100 — remarkable specs-per-dollar
- →Two HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K@144Hz for PC gaming and next-gen consoles
- →IMAX Enhanced certification alongside Dolby Vision for broad HDR ecosystem coverage
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 U8N 65"
Pros
- 144Hz panel at 3,000+ nits for under $1,100 — remarkable specs-per-dollar
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K@144Hz for PC gaming and next-gen consoles
- IMAX Enhanced certification alongside Dolby Vision for broad HDR ecosystem coverage
- Wi-Fi 6 and 60W Dolby Atmos audio punch well above the price class
- Hi-View Engine X delivers accurate upscaling and natural motion processing
Cons
- Only two of the four HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1 — the other two are HDMI 2.0
- Mini-LED blooming artifacts are more visible than on premium Samsung or Sony panels
- Hisense's long-term software support and update cadence trails LG and Sony
- Local dimming can occasionally dim fine detail in dark HDR scenes
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 U8N 65" | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 400 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 64.4 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.4 x 37.8 x 13.2 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 60 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.1.2ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 7 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Mini-LED ULED | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 3000 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Hi-View Engine X | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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 U8N 65" or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).