Sony X80K 55" (LED) vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
Sony's X80K delivers superior picture quality with 500 nits brightness versus TCL's 400 nits, making highlights pop with more punch on the LED panel. Gaming performance favors Sony considerably,16ms input lag and ALLM support crush the S4's 30ms response time and absent ALLM, though neither supports VRR. Audio output differs meaningfully: Sony provides 20W with Dolby Atmos versus TCL's 15W without Atmos enhancement. Connectivity edges to Sony with four HDMI ports and two USB ports compared to three and one respectively. Both run Google TV with assistant support, but Sony includes Alexa compatibility. TCL compensates with aggressive pricing at $279 versus Sony's $699,a 60% discount that makes it attractive for budget buyers prioritizing value over performance. For gaming or movies where responsiveness and brightness matter, Sony excels. For casual streaming and basic TV needs on a tight budget, TCL delivers acceptable 4K viewing at remarkable savings.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony X80K 55" (LED) if…
- →Sony's X1 processor delivers noticeably better image processing than budget competitors
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provide a premium HDR experience
- →Google TV with Chromecast built-in handles streaming beautifully
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
Sony X80K 55" (LED)
Pros
- Sony's X1 processor delivers noticeably better image processing than budget competitors
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provide a premium HDR experience
- Google TV with Chromecast built-in handles streaming beautifully
- Triluminos Pro color engine produces natural, accurate colors
- Four HDMI ports for connecting multiple devices
Cons
- 60Hz panel with no VRR — not for gaming
- 500 nits brightness limits HDR impact
- Edge-lit LED without local dimming has poor contrast
- 20W audio is thin and tinny
- Bluetooth 4.2 limits wireless audio options
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 | Sony X80K 55" (LED) | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48.7 x 28.3 x 3.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 48.7 x 30.5 x 9.4 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) | 16 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 55" | 55" |
| Type | Direct LED (IPS / VA varies by size) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 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.
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