TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs TCL Q7 55" (QLED)
The Verdict
Both TVs deliver impressive value in TCL's QLED lineup, but they serve different needs. Product A offers a larger 65-inch screen ideal for spacious living rooms, though it achieves 800 nits brightness compared to Product B's superior 1000 nits. Product B compensates with full-array local dimming for better contrast control and boasts faster 7ms input lag versus 8ms, plus Dolby Atmos audio versus basic 2.0ch speakers. Both feature 120Hz refresh rates, VRR/ALLM for gaming, and Google TV with identical connectivity. At the price difference of just $50, Product B's superior picture processing, brighter display, and audio features make it the better choice for picture quality enthusiasts and gamers, despite the smaller screen size. Choose Product A only if screen size is paramount.
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 Q7 55" (QLED) if…
- →Excellent price-to-performance — QLED with FALD at just $549
- →1000 nits brightness makes HDR content look impactful
- →Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for universal HDR support
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 Q7 55" (QLED)
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance — QLED with FALD at just $549
- 1000 nits brightness makes HDR content look impactful
- Both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for universal HDR support
- 120Hz with VRR and Game Accelerator for responsive gaming
- Dolby Atmos and 30W speakers improve on budget TV audio
Cons
- Build quality and bezels feel budget-oriented
- TCL software updates lag behind major brands
- FALD zones are limited — visible blooming in dark scenes
- Remote control lacks premium feel and backlight
Full Specifications
| Spec | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) | TCL Q7 55" (QLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 42.3 lbs | 31.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches | 48.3 x 27.9 x 3.0 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches | 48.3 x 30.5 x 9.5 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) | QLED with Full Array Local Dimming (VA LCD) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 1000 |
| 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
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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