Sony X90L 65" vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
Sony's X90L dominates with a larger 65-inch Full Array LED display delivering 1300 nits of brightness and native 120Hz refresh rate, paired with Dolby Vision and superior gaming features like 8ms input lag, VRR, and ALLM support. Its Cognitive Processor XR handles upscaling impressively, while 20-watt dual-channel audio with Dolby Atmos creates immersive sound. TCL's S4 offers genuine 4K at 55 inches with decent HDR support but cuts corners significantly: only 400 nits brightness, 60Hz refresh, 30ms input lag, and no gaming optimizations. For casual viewing on a budget, the S4 delivers acceptable picture quality. However, the X90L's superior contrast, motion handling, gaming performance, and larger screen justify the premium for anyone seeking a capable mainstream flagship TV. Sony's option is the clear recommendation for serious enthusiasts.
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 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 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 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 X90L 65" | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 48.5 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.3 x 35.6 x 11.4 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 | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz (native) | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2 | Google Assistant |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Cognitive Processor XR | AiPQ Lite Processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
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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