Samsung CU7000 50" vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's CU7000 offers solid 4K performance at an entry-level price point, featuring HDR10+ support and a Crystal Processor for basic upscaling. However, TCL's 5-Series S555 provides substantially better value despite doubling the investment,its QLED panel delivers significantly brighter 800-nit peak brightness versus Samsung's 250 nits, enabling superior contrast and HDR impact. TCL's 120Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate support, and superior 8ms input lag make it considerably more gaming-friendly than Samsung's 60Hz, VRR-less panel. Additionally, TCL includes more HDMI ports (4 vs 3), Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and Dolby Vision support. Google TV also offers more app flexibility than Tizen OS. While Samsung excels as a budget-conscious option for casual viewing, TCL's larger screen size, advanced display technology, and feature-rich specifications make it the clear recommendation for anyone prioritizing picture quality and gaming performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung CU7000 50" if…
- →Under $280 for a 50-inch Samsung 4K TV is exceptional value
- →Tizen smart TV platform with all major streaming apps
- →HDR10+ support at this price point is uncommon
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
Samsung CU7000 50"
Pros
- Under $280 for a 50-inch Samsung 4K TV is exceptional value
- Tizen smart TV platform with all major streaming apps
- HDR10+ support at this price point is uncommon
- Light enough to mount with a basic bracket
- Simple setup with Samsung's guided setup wizard
Cons
- Very low brightness limits HDR performance significantly
- 60Hz panel — not suitable for gaming or fast-moving sports
- No VRR or HDMI 2.1 features
- Mediocre viewing angles — color shifts off-center
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 | Samsung CU7000 50" | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 44.3 x 28.1 x 8.2 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 | Crystal UHD LED | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 250 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Crystal Processor 4K | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 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 Samsung products or all TCL products. View full details for the Samsung CU7000 50" or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).