Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED) vs TCL Q7 55"
The Verdict
Samsung's S90C dominates with QD-OLED technology delivering superior contrast, deeper blacks, and exceptional 1300-nit peak brightness compared to TCL's QLED panel at 1000 nits. Gaming performance favors Samsung with 6ms input lag versus TCL's 8ms, plus 144Hz Game Mode support. Audio output nearly doubles at 40W with 2.1ch versus 20W 2.0ch. TCL Q7 offers compelling value at one-third the price with Wi-Fi 6, Google TV, and respectable gaming features including VRR/ALLM. Picture quality gap is substantial,Samsung's QD-OLED produces noticeably better color accuracy, motion handling, and HDR impact. For premium home theater and gaming performance, Samsung S90C justifies its premium; for budget-conscious buyers accepting QLED limitations, TCL Q7 delivers solid 4K gaming. Recommend Samsung S90C for enthusiasts, TCL Q7 for value-first buyers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED) if…
- →QD-OLED at $1,599 is the most affordable OLED with quantum dot color
- →Infinite contrast ratio with perfect black levels
- →144Hz with VRR — excellent for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming
Buy the TCL Q7 55" if…
- →Both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ support — rare at any price
- →120Hz with VRR for smooth gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X
- →1000-nit brightness delivers genuine HDR punch for under $500
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED)
Pros
- QD-OLED at $1,599 is the most affordable OLED with quantum dot color
- Infinite contrast ratio with perfect black levels
- 144Hz with VRR — excellent for PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming
- Vivid, wide color gamut coverage exceeds traditional WOLED
- Ultra-slim panel at 0.4 inches looks stunning mounted
Cons
- 55-inch S90C uses a different (WOLED) panel in some regions — verify before buying
- No Dolby Vision support
- 40W audio is weaker than the S95C — soundbar recommended
- Wi-Fi 5 only on the 55-inch model
TCL Q7 55"
Pros
- Both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ support — rare at any price
- 120Hz with VRR for smooth gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X
- 1000-nit brightness delivers genuine HDR punch for under $500
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for faster streaming
- Google TV with built-in Chromecast and Dolby Atmos decoding
Cons
- Only three HDMI ports — one fewer than many competitors
- QLED — no local dimming means contrast trails Mini-LED options
- Build quality feels cheaper than Sony or Samsung at this price
- Google TV home screen can be cluttered with recommendations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung S90C 55" (4K OLED) | TCL Q7 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 33.5 lbs | 29.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.2 x 27.7 x 0.4 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.2 x 30.2 x 9.3 inches | 48.4 x 30.4 x 11.5 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 40 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.1ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 6 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR OLED, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | QD-OLED | QLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (144Hz via Game Mode) | 120Hz (native) |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | AiPQ 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 S90C 55" (4K OLED) or the TCL Q7 55".