Samsung CU8000 55" vs TCL S4 55"
Both 55-inch 4K TVs deliver solid value, but they excel in different areas. Samsung's CU8000 ($399) features superior brightness at 300 nits with Crystal UHD LED technology and includes ALLM for gaming, plus dual voice assistant support (Bixby and Alexa). Its 20W audio system and Crystal Processor 4K provide better overall processing. However, TCL's S4 ($279) punches above its weight with 400 nits brightness, Dolby Vision support, and Google TV's superior app ecosystem—a $120 price advantage that's substantial. Gaming performance favors Samsung with 12ms input lag versus TCL's 30ms, though neither supports VRR. For movie enthusiasts prioritizing brightness and HDR versatility, TCL offers exceptional value. Budget-conscious buyers seeking faster gaming response and brand reliability should consider Samsung. TCL S4 wins overall value; Samsung CU8000 justifies premium pricing for gaming and processing power.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8000 55" | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 27.1 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.8 x 30.8 x 8.8 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) | 12 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Crystal UHD LED | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 300 | 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 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 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 CU8000 55" or the TCL S4 55".