Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
Samsung's CU8500 delivers superior picture quality with its VA panel technology, offering deeper blacks and better contrast than TCL's standard LED display, plus HDR10+ support and brighter 350-nit peak brightness. Gaming performance favors Samsung with an 11ms input lag versus TCL's 30ms, and ALLM support ensures smoother gameplay on compatible devices. TCL counters with a lower price point ($279 vs $479), brighter native panel at 400 nits, Dolby Vision HDR support, and Google TV's more intuitive interface compared to Tizen. Audio output lags on both models at 20W and 15W respectively, neither impressive for a 55-inch screen. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing value and brightness, TCL S4 makes sense; for those wanting measurably better contrast, gaming responsiveness, and premium picture processing, Samsung's $200 premium justifies the upgrade. Samsung CU8500 emerges as the better overall performer.
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 S4 55" if…
- →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
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 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
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung CU8500 55" (Crystal UHD) | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 30.4 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 28.0 x 1.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.4 x 30.3 x 8.6 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) | 11 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Crystal UHD (VA LCD) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 3 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | AiPQ Lite Processor |
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 S4 55".