Samsung The Frame 65" (2023) vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Samsung's Frame 65 commands premium pricing at $1499 versus TCL's S555 at $599, reflecting significant quality disparities. Samsung delivers superior picture quality with 1000-nit peak brightness compared to TCL's 800 nits, enabling more vibrant HDR performance and better contrast through its Quantum HDR technology. Audio capabilities favor Samsung with 40W versus TCL's 24W, plus Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound. Both offer identical 120Hz refresh rates and near-identical input lag (10ms vs 8ms), making gaming performance competitive. TCL surprisingly includes Wi-Fi 6 and achieves faster response times, while Samsung provides the celebrated art gallery mode that justifies its premium. For movie enthusiasts prioritizing picture quality and audio, Samsung's exceptional brightness and premium build justify the investment. TCL represents outstanding value for budget-conscious buyers seeking solid 4K gaming and streaming performance without spending nearly triple the price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung The Frame 65" (2023) if…
- →Art Mode displays artwork when off — blends into any room as wall decor
- →Matte anti-reflection screen eliminates glare and reduces fingerprints
- →Customizable bezels match any interior style — looks like a picture frame
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 The Frame 65" (2023)
Pros
- Art Mode displays artwork when off — blends into any room as wall decor
- Matte anti-reflection screen eliminates glare and reduces fingerprints
- Customizable bezels match any interior style — looks like a picture frame
- One Connect box hides all cables for truly clean wall mounting
- 4K@120Hz with VRR keeps it relevant for gaming
Cons
- Picture quality trails Samsung's Neo QLED and OLED models at similar prices
- Art Store subscription ($6/mo) needed for the full artwork gallery
- 1000 nits brightness is average for HDR performance
- Contrast and black levels lag behind OLED and Mini-LED alternatives
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 The Frame 65" (2023) | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 200 x 200mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 47.6 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.1 x 32.7 x 1.0 inches | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.1 x 35.6 x 7.7 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 40 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 10 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Quantum HDR, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | QLED | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Tizen OS | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
Related Comparisons
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- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs TCL QM8 65"
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Sony X90L 65"
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED)
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Sony X85K 65" (LED)
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 The Frame 65" (2023) or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).