Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Both TVs deliver solid value in the budget 4K segment, but they serve different priorities. Samsung's CU8500 excels as a compact entry-level option with sleek design and adequate brightness (350 nits) for typical viewing, though its 60Hz refresh rate and lack of VRR limit gaming appeal. TCL's S555 dominates on specs,its larger 65-inch QLED panel reaches 800 nits peak brightness for superior HDR impact, supports 120Hz with VRR for console gaming, includes Dolby Vision, and provides Wi-Fi 6 plus an extra HDMI port. Audio remains comparable at 20-24 watts. Input lag favors TCL (8ms vs 11ms). For bright rooms, gaming, or sports content, the S555's superior contrast and motion handling justify the $120 premium. Samsung works better for smaller spaces on tight budgets. Recommend TCL for most buyers seeking future-proof features; Samsung for apartment dwellers prioritizing value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) if…
- →Affordable 4K at $479 makes it one of Samsung's best budget options
- →Crystal Processor 4K handles decent upscaling for the price
- →Tizen OS provides a full smart TV platform with all major apps
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 CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD)
Pros
- Affordable 4K at $479 makes it one of Samsung's best budget options
- Crystal Processor 4K handles decent upscaling for the price
- Tizen OS provides a full smart TV platform with all major apps
- HDR10+ support for compatible content
- Slim design with clean aesthetics for the price segment
Cons
- 60Hz panel — no 120Hz or VRR for gaming
- 350 nits brightness is too dim for convincing HDR
- 20W speakers are weak — external audio recommended
- Only 3 HDMI ports, none are HDMI 2.1
- No Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision
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 CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 65" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | 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 CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).