Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED) vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
Sony's X90K commands a significant premium over TCL's S4, and the performance gap justifies most of the difference. The X90K's Full Array LED backlighting with 1200 nits brightness delivers superior contrast and black levels compared to the S4's edge-lit design at 400 nits, making a meaningful difference in dark scenes and overall picture quality. Gaming performance heavily favors Sony with 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM support, and 8ms input lag versus TCL's 60Hz panel and 30ms lag, putting them in different categories for console gamers. Audio output differs by 5 watts (20W vs 15W), and Sony includes Dolby Atmos while TCL omits it. Both run Google TV and offer 4K resolution, but Sony's larger 65-inch screen and superior brightness make movie watching noticeably more engaging. The TCL S4 is a competent budget 4K TV at $279, excelling as a basic family television for casual viewing. However, the X90K at $1099 targets enthusiasts wanting genuine cinema-quality performance, advanced gaming features, and brighter, more detailed images. If your primary use is everyday streaming and basic viewing, TCL's value is hard to beat. For anyone prioritizing picture quality, gaming, or a larger display, Sony delivers substantially better performance.
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 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 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 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 X90K 65" (Full Array LED) | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.1 x 2.7 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.3 x 12.0 inches | 48.5 x 32.4 x 9.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 15 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch Acoustic Multi-Audio | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 8 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 55" |
| Type | Full Array LED (VA LCD) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 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 |
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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.
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