Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's CU8500 offers solid entry-level 4K performance at an attractive $479 price point, featuring HDR10+ support, 350-nit brightness, and ALLM gaming mode with 11ms input lag. However, TCL's 6-Series R655 ($749) substantially outperforms it across nearly every dimension: its mini-LED QLED panel delivers exceptional contrast with 1500-nit peak brightness, supports Dolby Vision HDR, includes 120Hz refresh rate with VRR for smooth gaming (7ms input lag), and provides superior audio with 30W Dolby Atmos sound. Connectivity advantages favor TCL with Wi-Fi 6, four HDMI ports, and Google TV's superior app ecosystem compared to Samsung's Tizen. While the Samsung excels as a budget-conscious choice with respectable specs, the TCL 6-Series represents significantly better overall value for those willing to invest $270 more, delivering flagship-level picture quality, gaming features, and smart platform capabilities that justify the premium.
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 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) if…
- →Best picture quality under $800 — Mini-LED at this price is remarkable
- →Supports both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ — covers every HDR format
- →1500 nits peak brightness rivals TVs costing twice as much
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 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED)
Pros
- Best picture quality under $800 — Mini-LED at this price is remarkable
- Supports both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ — covers every HDR format
- 1500 nits peak brightness rivals TVs costing twice as much
- 4K@120Hz with VRR and ALLM — excellent for PS5 and Xbox Series X
- Google TV platform with wide app support and Chromecast built-in
Cons
- TCL software updates are slower and less frequent than Samsung/LG
- Build quality and remote feel budget-oriented
- Some blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds
- Sound quality from 30W speakers is average — soundbar recommended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 37.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | 48.2 x 27.8 x 3.0 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 inches | 48.2 x 30.4 x 11.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 30 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 11 | 7 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | Mini-LED QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 1500 |
| 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 |
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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 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED).