Sony X85K 65" (LED) vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Sony's X85K commands a $400 premium with its Direct LED IPS panel and Dolby Vision mastery, delivering superior color accuracy and viewing angles that justify the cost for cinephiles. TCL's S555 counters with a brighter QLED VA panel (800 nits vs 700), sharper gaming credentials (8ms input lag), and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity,all at nearly 40% less. Both handle 4K/120Hz admirably with VRR/ALLM support. Sony edges ahead in picture sophistication and audio tuning (Dolby Atmos calibration), while TCL punches above its weight class with superior brightness and gaming responsiveness. For competitive gaming or bright rooms, TCL delivers exceptional value; for home theater and mixed content, Sony's premium processing justifies the investment. The S555 represents genuinely intelligent budget shopping, but the X85K's dimensional superiority in black levels and color volume seals its recommendation for discerning viewers with the budget to match.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony X85K 65" (LED) if…
- →120Hz with VRR at $999 makes it a capable mid-range gaming TV
- →Wide viewing angles from IPS panel suit family viewing
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR support
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
Sony X85K 65" (LED)
Pros
- 120Hz with VRR at $999 makes it a capable mid-range gaming TV
- Wide viewing angles from IPS panel suit family viewing
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR support
- Sony X1 processor handles upscaling and motion well
- Google TV platform with Chromecast built-in
Cons
- IPS panel has poor black levels — contrast is a weakness
- No local dimming — black uniformity suffers in dark scenes
- 700 nits brightness is modest for HDR performance
- 20W speakers need external audio support
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated for a 2022 TV
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 | Sony X85K 65" (LED) | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 43.2 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.1 x 33.1 x 3.0 inches | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.1 x 35.8 x 13.4 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 10 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Direct LED (IPS panel) | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 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 TCL Q7 55" (QLED)
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED)
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Sony X90L 65"
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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