TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Vizio OLED 55"
The Verdict
The TCL 5-Series S555 and Vizio OLED represent different value propositions at dramatically different sizes and prices. TCL's 65-inch QLED panel delivers brighter peak brightness at 800 nits versus Vizio's 600 nits, making it superior for bright rooms and HDR content pop. Its larger 65-inch screen provides significantly more immersive viewing for the same $599 price point. However, Vizio's OLED technology offers inherent advantages: perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and superior color accuracy that QLED simply cannot match. Vizio's panel is also thinner at 1.5 inches and lighter at 33.5 lbs, plus it includes Dolby Atmos audio support versus TCL's basic 2.0ch setup. Gaming performance favors TCL slightly with 8ms input lag compared to Vizio's 10ms, though both are responsive. The 10-inch screen size gap is meaningful - 65 inches versus 55 inches creates entirely different viewing experiences. TCL wins decisively on value per inch and raw brightness for mainstream buyers. Vizio justifies its $400 premium for OLED picture quality and build refinement, appealing to home theater enthusiasts. For most living rooms seeking maximum screen size and brightness on a budget, TCL delivers better overall value. For those prioritizing picture quality above all else and accepting the smaller footprint, Vizio's OLED technology is worth the investment.
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 Vizio OLED 55" if…
- →Most affordable 55-inch OLED at $999 — perfect blacks at a budget price
- →Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos — supports all major formats
- →120Hz with VRR and ALLM — capable gaming display
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
Vizio OLED 55"
Pros
- Most affordable 55-inch OLED at $999 — perfect blacks at a budget price
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos — supports all major formats
- 120Hz with VRR and ALLM — capable gaming display
- Infinite contrast ratio with pixel-perfect black levels
- 4x HDMI ports including HDMI 2.1 for next-gen consoles
Cons
- SmartCast OS is the weakest smart TV platform — buggy and slow
- Only 600 nits peak brightness — dimmer than LG and Samsung OLEDs
- Vizio has exited the TV market — long-term software support uncertain
- Image processing quality trails LG, Sony, and Samsung OLED models
- Build quality feels inferior to similarly priced LG A2 OLED
Full Specifications
| Spec | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) | Vizio OLED 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 300 x 300mm |
| Weight | 42.3 lbs | 33.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches | 48.2 x 28.0 x 1.5 inches |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches | 48.2 x 29.7 x 10.0 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 24 | 30 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 8 | 10 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 55" |
| Type | QLED (VA LCD) | OLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 600 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | SmartCast (Chromecast built-in) |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
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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 Vizio products. View full details for the TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) or the Vizio OLED 55".
