Samsung CU7000 50" vs TCL S4 55"
Both TVs target budget-conscious 4K buyers at identical $279 price points, but they emphasize different strengths. Samsung's CU7000 delivers a more compact 50-inch panel with superior gaming credentials—14ms input lag, ALLM support, and 250 nits brightness suit responsive gameplay. Its Crystal UHD LED technology and HDR10+ support provide decent color performance for the segment. TCL's S4 counters with a larger 55-inch screen and significantly brighter 400-nit panel, making it better for well-lit rooms and HDR content consumption. Dolby Vision support and Google TV's superior app ecosystem add value, though ALLM is missing and 30ms input lag disappoints gamers. Audio output differs minimally (20W vs 15W). Choose the Samsung CU7000 for gaming-focused users prioritizing responsiveness and compact sizing; select the TCL S4 if you want a bigger screen, brighter picture, and prefer Google TV's interface for general streaming and movies.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU7000 50" | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 44.3 x 28.1 x 8.2 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) | 14 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 50" | 55" |
| Type | Crystal UHD LED | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 250 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Crystal Processor 4K | AiPQ Lite Processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 3 |
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 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
Related Comparisons
Explore more in tvs, see all Samsung products or all TCL products. View full details for the Samsung CU7000 50" or the TCL S4 55".
