TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs TCL S4 55"
The Verdict
Both TVs deliver solid 4K Google TV experiences, but they serve different needs. The 5-Series S555 65" commands its larger screen with QLED technology, 800-nit brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and full gaming features (VRR, ALLM, 8ms input lag),ideal for gaming and sports. Its 24W audio and Dolby Vision/HDR10+ support elevate movies considerably. However, the S4 55" offers exceptional value at less than half the price ($279), sacrificing screen size and gaming responsiveness (30ms lag, no VRR) but maintaining respectable picture quality with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The S4's 400-nit brightness and 60Hz refresh handle everyday content well, though 5-Series' superior panel and gaming prowess justify the premium for competitive players and home theater enthusiasts. Choose the S555 for a feature-rich 65" experience; pick the S4 if budget constraints dominate and you prioritize basic 4K content consumption.
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 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
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 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 | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) | TCL S4 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 42.3 lbs | 28.7 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches | 48.5 x 32.4 x 9.2 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 24 | 15 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 8 | 30 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 55" |
| Type | QLED (VA LCD) | LED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 400 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | AiPQ Lite Processor |
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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