Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
Samsung's QN85C dominates across nearly every technical dimension compared to TCL's S4. The 65-inch Neo QLED features a Mini-LED backlight with 1200 nits peak brightness, delivering superior contrast and color accuracy that the S4's standard LED panel at 400 nits simply cannot match. Gaming performance heavily favors Samsung with 9ms input lag, 120Hz native refresh rate, and full VRR/ALLM support versus TCL's 30ms lag and 60Hz ceiling. Audio output differs significantly: Samsung delivers 60 watts through a 2.2-channel object tracking system with Dolby Atmos, while TCL manages only 15 watts from basic stereo speakers. The QN85C also includes Quantum HDR and HDR10+ alongside HDR10, offering richer HDR processing. TCL compensates somewhat with an aggressive $279 price point versus Samsung's $1399, making it appealing for budget-conscious buyers willing to accept lower brightness, no gaming features, and minimal audio presence. For anyone prioritizing picture quality, gaming responsiveness, or immersive sound, Samsung's premium investment delivers measurably better performance. TCL works for basic streaming and everyday viewing on a tighter budget, but you're sacrificing substantial capability. Samsung QN85C emerges as the clear winner for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) if…
- →65-inch Mini-LED at $1,399 offers strong price-to-performance
- →Wide viewing angles suit open floor plan living rooms
- →Full HDMI 2.1 suite with VRR and ALLM for gaming
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 QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED)
Pros
- 65-inch Mini-LED at $1,399 offers strong price-to-performance
- Wide viewing angles suit open floor plan living rooms
- Full HDMI 2.1 suite with VRR and ALLM for gaming
- Slim bezel and 1-inch depth for clean wall mounting
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K handles excellent upscaling
Cons
- ADS panel contrast ratio is weaker than VA alternatives
- Only Wi-Fi 5 — frustrating omission on a premium TV
- Blooming is more noticeable due to fewer dimming zones than QN90C
- No Dolby Vision limits HDR ecosystem compatibility
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 QN85C 65" (4K Neo QLED) | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.0 x 32.7 x 1.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.0 x 35.3 x 10.8 inches | 48.5 x 32.4 x 9.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 60 | 15 |
| Speakers | 2.2ch Object Tracking Sound | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 9 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 55" |
| Type | Neo QLED Mini-LED (ADS panel) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | AiPQ Lite Processor |
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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.
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