LG OLED C3 65" (Evo) vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
LG's C3 OLED delivers superior picture quality with its self-emissive pixels, achieving 900 nits peak brightness and perfect blacks that LCD technology cannot match. Gaming performance is nearly identical (6ms vs 8ms input lag), both supporting 120Hz with VRR and ALLM. Audio output differs significantly,LG provides 40W 2.2ch with Dolby Atmos versus TCL's modest 24W 2.0ch setup. Smart TV experience favors LG with webOS 23 and triple voice assistant support (ThinQ AI, Alexa, Google), while TCL relies solely on Google TV. Connectivity is comparable, though LG offers three USB ports versus TCL's single port. At $1,200 more, the C3 justifies its premium through OLED's contrast superiority, brighter HDR performance, and comprehensive audio/software features. TCL's S555 provides respectable value for budget-conscious buyers seeking 4K gaming at 120Hz, but cannot match OLED's visual excellence. For those prioritizing picture quality and willing to invest, LG C3 is the clear choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the LG OLED C3 65" (Evo) if…
- →Perfect pixel-level black levels with infinite contrast ratio
- →Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG cover the full HDR ecosystem
- →4x HDMI 2.1 with 4K@120Hz, VRR, and ALLM — the gaming gold standard
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
LG OLED C3 65" (Evo)
Pros
- Perfect pixel-level black levels with infinite contrast ratio
- Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG cover the full HDR ecosystem
- 4x HDMI 2.1 with 4K@120Hz, VRR, and ALLM — the gaming gold standard
- α9 Gen6 AI processor upscales and enhances content intelligently
- Wide viewing angles — no color shift from the sides
Cons
- 900 nits peak brightness is dimmer than Mini-LED and QD-OLED competitors
- Risk of permanent OLED burn-in with static content
- webOS 23 includes home screen ads and sponsored content
- 40W built-in audio needs supplementing with a soundbar
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 | LG OLED C3 65" (Evo) | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.0 x 32.7 x 1.8 inches | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.0 x 35.2 x 11.8 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 40 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.2ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 6 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | OLED Evo (WOLED) | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 900 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | webOS 23 | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | LG ThinQ AI, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 3 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
Related Comparisons
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- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Sony X90L 65"
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED)
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Sony X85K 65" (LED)
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.
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