TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED)
The Verdict
Both TVs deliver solid value for budget-conscious buyers, but they target different needs. TCL's 5-Series S555 offers a massive 65-inch QLED screen with 800-nit brightness and 8ms input lag, ideal for spacious living rooms and casual gaming at $599. Its larger panel compensates for less advanced backlighting. Conversely, TCL's 6-Series R655 packs Mini-LED technology with exceptional 1500-nit peak brightness, superior contrast control, and Dolby Atmos audio into a compact 55-inch form factor,better for smaller spaces and demanding viewers willing to spend $150 more. Gaming performance is nearly identical with 7ms lag on the R655 versus 8ms on the S555. Choose the S555 if screen size matters most and your room accommodates 65 inches; select the R655 for superior picture quality, premium audio, and tighter spaces where contrast and brightness depth justify the premium.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) if…
- →Best picture quality under $800 — Mini-LED at this price is remarkable
- →Supports both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ — covers every HDR format
- →1500 nits peak brightness rivals TVs costing twice as much
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED)
Pros
- Best picture quality under $800 — Mini-LED at this price is remarkable
- Supports both Dolby Vision AND HDR10+ — covers every HDR format
- 1500 nits peak brightness rivals TVs costing twice as much
- 4K@120Hz with VRR and ALLM — excellent for PS5 and Xbox Series X
- Google TV platform with wide app support and Chromecast built-in
Cons
- TCL software updates are slower and less frequent than Samsung/LG
- Build quality and remote feel budget-oriented
- Some blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds
- Sound quality from 30W speakers is average — soundbar recommended
Full Specifications
| Spec | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) | TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 42.3 lbs | 37.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches | 48.2 x 27.8 x 3.0 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches | 48.2 x 30.4 x 11.3 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 24 | 30 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 8 | 7 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 55" |
| Type | QLED (VA LCD) | Mini-LED QLED (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 1500 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
Related Comparisons
- TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) vs Vizio P-Series Quantum 65"
- TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) vs Vizio OLED 55"
- TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) vs Vizio M7 Q-Series 55"
- TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) vs Vizio M-Series 55"
- TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) vs TCL QM8 65"
- TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED) vs TCL Q7 55" (QLED)
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 TCL products or all TCL products. View full details for the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) or the TCL 6-Series R655 55" (Mini-LED QLED).