Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED) vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Sony's X90K commands a $500 premium over TCL's 5-Series, justified primarily by superior picture quality. Sony delivers 1200 nits peak brightness versus TCL's 800 nits, enabling more impactful HDR performance and better contrast control through its full-array backlighting. Gaming performance is identical with 8ms input lag and VRR/ALLM support on both models. TCL counters with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, HDR10+ support, and slightly more powerful audio (24W vs 20W), though neither excels sonically. For competitive gamers and movie enthusiasts demanding premium contrast and brightness, Sony's superior display engineering justifies its cost. Budget-conscious buyers comfortable with good-but-not-exceptional HDR will find TCL's value proposition compelling. Choose Sony for flagship picture quality; choose TCL for meaningful savings without major gaming compromises.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED) if…
- →Excellent Sony image processing at a competitive mid-range price
- →Full Array Local Dimming provides solid contrast for an LED TV
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for home theater HDR experience
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 X90K 65" (Full Array LED)
Pros
- Excellent Sony image processing at a competitive mid-range price
- Full Array Local Dimming provides solid contrast for an LED TV
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for home theater HDR experience
- 120Hz with VRR and ALLM — capable gaming display
- Google TV with Chromecast built-in for seamless streaming
Cons
- Only 2 of 4 HDMI ports support 4K@120Hz
- 20W audio is very weak — soundbar essential
- Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5 are behind current standards
- Some blooming visible with full array backlighting in dark scenes
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 X90K 65" (Full Array LED) | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.1 x 2.7 inches | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.3 x 12.0 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 24 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch Acoustic Multi-Audio | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 8 | 8 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Full Array LED (VA LCD) | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 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
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Vizio P-Series Quantum 65"
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Vizio OLED 55"
- TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs TCL QM8 65"
- 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"
- Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED) vs Vizio P-Series Quantum 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.
Explore more in tvs, see all Sony products or all TCL products. View full details for the Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED) or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).