TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) vs Vizio V-Series 55"
The Verdict
The TCL 5-Series S555 65" delivers substantially better value for most buyers, offering a significantly larger 65-inch screen versus Vizio's 55-inch panel, plus superior gaming features with 120Hz refresh rate, 8ms input lag, VRR, and ALLM support compared to the V-Series' 60Hz and 20ms lag. Picture quality favors TCL with 800 nits brightness and QLED technology, doubling the Vizio's 400 nits output. Both support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, but TCL's brighter panel handles HDR content more effectively. The TCL also includes Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, better audio with 24W speakers, and four HDMI ports versus three on the Vizio. Vizio does offer slightly better smart TV flexibility with multiple assistant integrations built-in, though TCL's Google TV is straightforward. At $599 for a 65-inch QLED with gaming optimization against $299 for a 55-inch basic LED, the TCL represents superior performance and screen real estate per dollar. The Vizio suits buyers with tight budgets and smaller rooms, but the TCL's advantages in brightness, gaming responsiveness, refresh rate, and size make it the stronger choice for most home theater setups.
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 V-Series 55" if…
- →Very affordable at $299 for a 55-inch 4K TV with Dolby Vision support
- →AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in enable easy casting from phones and tablets
- →SmartCast is straightforward and quick to navigate for basic streaming needs
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 V-Series 55"
Pros
- Very affordable at $299 for a 55-inch 4K TV with Dolby Vision support
- AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in enable easy casting from phones and tablets
- SmartCast is straightforward and quick to navigate for basic streaming needs
- Lightweight at 30.6 lbs — easy to mount or move between rooms
Cons
- 60Hz panel is unsuitable for gaming or watching fast-motion sports content
- SmartCast app ecosystem is more limited than Google TV or Tizen
- Only three HDMI ports — none support HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
- Low brightness and basic LED backlighting delivers mediocre HDR impact
- No VRR or ALLM, and ~20ms input lag makes it a poor choice for gamers
Full Specifications
| Spec | TCL 5-Series S555 65" (QLED) | Vizio V-Series 55" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 200 x 200mm |
| Weight | 42.3 lbs | 30.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.0 x 3.2 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.6 x 12.3 inches | 48.6 x 32.1 x 8.9 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 24 | 20 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.0ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 8 | 20 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| 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 | SmartCast |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant | Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| USB ports | 1 | 1 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 3 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | Vizio IQ Active Processor |
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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.
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