Samsung S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED) vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's S95C commands a premium price that reflects genuine technological superiority. Its QD-OLED panel delivers 2000 nits peak brightness compared to TCL's 800 nits, creating dramatically superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. The Samsung excels in HDR performance with Quantum HDR OLED certification, while the TCL offers competent but less refined Dolby Vision support. Gaming performance favors Samsung with 5ms input lag versus TCL's 8ms, plus 144Hz support in Game Mode for smoother motion. Audio represents another gap: Samsung's 70-watt 4.2.2ch Object Tracking Sound Pro system with Dolby Atmos creates immersive spatial audio, while TCL's 24-watt 2.0ch setup handles basics adequately. Connectivity advantages go to Samsung with Wi-Fi 6E, dual USB ports, and Bluetooth 5.3. TCL's strength lies purely in value: at $599, it delivers solid 4K 120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM support for a fraction of the cost. Both panels measure similarly in physical dimensions and offer comparable VESA compatibility. Choose Samsung for a reference-quality cinematic experience with exceptional gaming credentials. Select TCL if budget constraints matter more than picture quality refinement.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED) if…
- →QD-OLED delivers infinite contrast with the brightest OLED colors available
- →2000 nits peak brightness crushes traditional OLED TVs in lit rooms
- →Ultra-thin 0.4-inch panel is strikingly elegant wall-mounted
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 S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED)
Pros
- QD-OLED delivers infinite contrast with the brightest OLED colors available
- 2000 nits peak brightness crushes traditional OLED TVs in lit rooms
- Ultra-thin 0.4-inch panel is strikingly elegant wall-mounted
- 144Hz with VRR makes it one of the best gaming OLEDs
- 70W 4.2.2ch built-in audio system is best-in-class for a TV
Cons
- No Dolby Vision — Samsung uses HDR10+ exclusively
- Risk of OLED burn-in with static content like news tickers
- $2,599 is expensive despite QD-OLED performance gains
- One Connect box adds complexity to cable management
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 S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED) | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 41.7 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 56.8 x 32.5 x 0.4 inches | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 56.8 x 34.5 x 10.1 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 70 | 24 |
| Speakers | 4.2.2ch Object Tracking Sound Pro | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 5 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR OLED, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | QD-OLED | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (144Hz via Game Mode) | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 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 S95C 65" (4K QD-OLED) or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).