Samsung CU8000 55" vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's CU8000 delivers decent value for budget-conscious viewers at 55 inches, offering HDR10+ support and Tizen OS with dual voice assistants. However, TCL's 5-Series S555 represents substantially better overall performance despite its $200 premium. Its 65-inch QLED panel produces 800 nits of brightness versus Samsung's 300 nits, enabling superior contrast and vibrant colors in bright rooms. TCL includes VRR for gaming, 120Hz refresh rate, faster 8ms input lag, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity,critical advantages for gaming and streaming. The larger screen size alone provides meaningful value improvement. Audio capabilities are comparable (both 2.0ch, ~20W), though TCL edges ahead with 24W and superior HDR format support including Dolby Vision. Samsung's weakness in gaming features and display brightness becomes apparent for modern content consumption. For most buyers, TCL's superior gaming performance, brighter display, and next-gen connectivity justify the investment. Choose Samsung only if 55 inches suffices and budget is paramount.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung CU8000 55" if…
- →Very affordable entry into Samsung's 4K smart TV lineup
- →HDR10+ support improves contrast in compatible content
- →Tizen OS is a mature, full-featured smart TV platform
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 CU8000 55"
Pros
- Very affordable entry into Samsung's 4K smart TV lineup
- HDR10+ support improves contrast in compatible content
- Tizen OS is a mature, full-featured smart TV platform
- Lightweight and easy to wall-mount at 27 lbs
- Crystal Processor 4K provides decent upscaling from 1080p
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz for smooth gaming or sports
- Low peak brightness limits HDR impact
- No VRR or HDMI 2.1 — poor for next-gen consoles
- 20W speakers sound thin — a soundbar is essential
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 CU8000 55" | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 27.1 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.8 x 30.8 x 8.8 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) | 12 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 65" |
| Type | Crystal UHD 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 | 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.
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