LG UT70 50" vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
LG's UT70 offers solid 4K performance at an attractive entry-level price point, delivering 300 nits brightness and competent smart features via webOS 24. TCL's 5-Series S555 significantly outperforms it with a larger 65-inch QLED panel, exceptional 800-nit brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and superior gaming specs (8ms input lag vs. 14ms). Picture quality differences are substantial,TCL's superior contrast, color volume, and HDR performance justify the $270 premium. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate TCL's gaming-ready features and faster response times. Both offer adequate audio at 20-24W without Dolby Atmos. For basic streaming and movies on a budget, the LG suffices, but TCL's QLED technology, brightness advantage, and gaming capabilities make it the better all-around television. Recommend TCL 5-Series S555 for most buyers seeking value-oriented premium performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the LG UT70 50" if…
- →webOS 24 smart TV platform at budget pricing — best-in-class software for the price
- →AI-assisted upscaling from the α5 processor improves SD/HD content
- →Magic Remote with point-and-click navigation included
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 UT70 50"
Pros
- webOS 24 smart TV platform at budget pricing — best-in-class software for the price
- AI-assisted upscaling from the α5 processor improves SD/HD content
- Magic Remote with point-and-click navigation included
- Lightweight and easy to mount at 21 lbs
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or VRR for gaming
- Low brightness limits HDR impact
- No Dolby Vision — only basic HDR10
- Narrow viewing angles typical of budget VA panels
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 UT70 50" | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 21.2 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 44.1 x 28.2 x 8.3 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 14 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 50" | 65" |
| Type | LED | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 300 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | webOS 24 | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | ThinQ AI, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | α5 AI Processor 4K Gen 7 | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 4 |
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 LG products or all TCL products. View full details for the LG UT70 50" or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).
