Sony X90L 65" vs TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED)
The Verdict
Sony's X90L commands a significant premium at $1099 versus TCL's $599 S555, and delivers measurable advantages in peak brightness (1300 vs 800 nits) and superior Full Array LED backlighting that creates deeper blacks and better contrast than QLED. Sony's Cognitive Processor XR provides more refined upscaling and processing, while both share identical 8ms gaming input lag and VRR/ALLM support. TCL counters with newer Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, stronger raw speaker output (24W vs 20W), and exceptional value,delivering 4K 120Hz gaming at roughly 55% of Sony's cost. Picture quality differences favor Sony in bright rooms and HDR content, but the gap narrows in dark viewing environments. Choose the X90L for superior contrast and processor performance in a premium setup; select the TCL S555 for budget-conscious buyers seeking competent 4K gaming and streaming without sacrificing essential features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony X90L 65" if…
- →Sony's Cognitive Processor XR delivers best-in-class upscaling and color
- →Full-array local dimming produces excellent contrast for an LED TV
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for premium content
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 X90L 65"
Pros
- Sony's Cognitive Processor XR delivers best-in-class upscaling and color
- Full-array local dimming produces excellent contrast for an LED TV
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for premium content
- 120Hz with VRR makes it genuinely good for PS5 gaming
- Google TV has the widest app selection of any smart TV platform
Cons
- Blooming visible in dark scenes with bright highlights
- 20W speakers are average despite the Acoustic Multi-Audio branding
- Heavier than competing LED TVs at 48.5 lbs
- Google TV can feel sluggish and ad-heavy on the home screen
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 X90L 65" | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 48.5 lbs | 42.3 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.3 x 35.6 x 11.4 inches | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches |
| Dimensions | — | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 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 | QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (native) | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 800 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2 | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Cognitive Processor XR | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
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.
Explore more in tvs, see all Sony products or all TCL products. View full details for the Sony X90L 65" or the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED).