LG QNED80 55" vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
LG's QNED80 delivers superior picture quality with quantum dot nanocel technology, 700 nits brightness versus TCL's 400, and native 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion. Gaming performance strongly favors LG with 10ms input lag, VRR/ALLM support, and 120Hz capability,ideal for console and PC gaming. Audio output reaches 20W on LG compared to TCL's 15W. TCL's S4 compensates with an accessible $279 price point and solid Google TV interface, making it suitable for casual viewers. Both offer 4K HDR and adequate connectivity, but LG's superior display brightness, color accuracy from QNED technology, and gaming features justify the premium investment. Choose LG QNED80 for premium performance and gaming; select TCL S4 if budget is paramount and gaming isn't a priority.
Who Should Buy
Buy the LG QNED80 55" if…
- →120Hz native panel with VRR at a mid-range price
- →Dolby Vision support for superior HDR compared to HDR10+ only TVs
- →webOS 24 is one of the best smart TV platforms available
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
LG QNED80 55"
Pros
- 120Hz native panel with VRR at a mid-range price
- Dolby Vision support for superior HDR compared to HDR10+ only TVs
- webOS 24 is one of the best smart TV platforms available
- Four HDMI ports with ALLM for multi-device setups
- Quantum Dot + NanoCell technology improves color accuracy
Cons
- Not OLED — contrast and black levels are significantly behind
- 700-nit brightness is modest for HDR highlights
- 20W speakers are underwhelming — needs a soundbar
- Edge-lit LED can show uneven backlighting in dark scenes
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 | LG QNED80 55" | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.5 x 30.7 x 9.3 inches | 48.5 x 32.4 x 9.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 15 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 10 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | QNED (Quantum Dot NanoCell) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (native) | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | webOS 24 | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | ThinQ AI, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | α8 AI Processor 4K | AiPQ Lite Processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
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.
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