Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TV vs TCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV

The Q Class is the better TV and the one to buy if you can stretch for it. Its QLED panel, 120Hz refresh with 144Hz VRR, up to 1,000 nits and 200+ local dimming zones give real HDR punch and smooth gaming that the S Class cannot match. The S Class is a solid basic 4K set with the same Google TV platform and wide HDR format support, but its 60Hz panel and edge-lit backlight show in motion and contrast. Reviewers and owners consistently rate the Q Class higher for picture quality and gaming; the S Class is fine for casual viewing in a bright room.

  • Choose the TCL S Class if you want a straightforward 55-inch 4K Google TV for everyday shows and movies and do not need high brightness or gaming features.
  • Choose the TCL Q Class if you watch HDR content, play games on a console or PC, or care about contrast and motion smoothness.

Prices

  • TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TV: $239.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • TCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV: $333.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TV is $94.00 cheaper than the TCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
TCL
TCL 55" S Class 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV with Google TV

TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TV

TCL 55" S Class 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV with Google TV

$239.99at Best BuyChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Same Google TV interface and voice remote as the Q Class
  • Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
  • Simple setup for casual viewing
Cons
  • 60Hz panel limits motion smoothness and gaming
  • No local dimming, so blacks look gray in dark scenes
  • Three HDMI ports, fewer than the Q Class
  • Lower brightness than the Q Class
TCL
TCL 55" Q Class 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV

TCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV

TCL 55" Q Class 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV

$333.99at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • QLED panel with up to 1,000 nits and 200+ dimming zones for strong HDR
  • 120Hz panel with 144Hz VRR for smooth gaming
  • Four HDMI inputs
  • 30W speakers and Dolby Vision IQ
Cons
  • Costs more than the S Class
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 only, no Wi-Fi 6
  • Local dimming can show blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds

What separates them

TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TVTCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV
Panel technologyStandard LED LCDQLED with quantum dot layer
Refresh rate60Hz native, Motion Rate 240 with MEMC120Hz native with 144Hz variable refresh rate
Brightness and contrastHigh brightness LED backlight, no local dimming listedUp to 1,000 peak nits with 200+ local dimming zones
HDR formatsDolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLGDolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
HDMI inputs3, one with eARC4
Gaming featuresNo VRR or high frame rate support listed144Hz VRR, suited to consoles and PC
AudioDTS Virtual:X, wattage not listedDTS Virtual:X, 30W speakers
Smart platformGoogle TV with voice remoteGoogle TV

Price history

$899.99$239.99
Oct 30Nov 10
  • TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TV: lowest $239.99 on Nov 9 at Best Buy; $239.99 on Nov 10.
  • TCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV: lowest $562.68 on Nov 10 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TV

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $239.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by brandsmartusa (99.5% positive, 37,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $632.82Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • eBayOpen box

    Availability unknownSold by brandsmartusa (99.5% positive, 37,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $632.82Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • TCLNew

    Out of stock

    $599.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit TCL

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

TCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $699.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by elitevaluedeals.81 (98.8% positive, 2,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $333.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $562.68Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • PhoNecessityCheck price at PhoNecessity
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecTCL S Class 55" 4K Google TVTCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV
DTS VirtualXX
Works withAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKitAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
Screen size55"55 in
Resolution4K UltraHD Resolution4K, 3840 x 2160 pixels
Refresh rate60Hz120 Hz
HDR formatsHDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLGDolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG
HDMI inputs3 HDMI Inputs including one with eARC4 (Rear)
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Dual Band 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Display resolution3840 x 2160—
Motion rateMotion Rate 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion—
ProcessorTCL AIPQ Processor with Deep Learning AI—
BacklightHigh Brightness LED Backlight—
Show all 20 specsShow fewer specs
SpecTCL S Class 55" 4K Google TVTCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV
Smart OSGoogle TV Smart OS with Voice Remote—
Height30—
Panel type—QLED
Variable refresh rate—144Hz
Peak brightness—Up to 1,000 Peak Nits
Local dimming zones—Up to 200+ Dimming Zones
USB ports—1 (Rear)
Speaker output—30 W

What reviewers say

TCL S Class 55" 4K Google TV

Owners of TCL's entry 4K sets generally call them good value for everyday streaming, with easy Google TV setup and solid picture for the price. Complaints center on black levels, brightness in bright rooms and the 60Hz panel for gaming.

What people mention
  • Picture qualityMixedOwners find the picture good for the money in a dim room but flat in dark scenes and bright rooms.
  • Black levelsCriticisedWithout local dimming, dark scenes look gray rather than deep black.
  • Google TVPraisedSetup is quick and the app selection and voice remote are well liked.
  • GamingCriticisedThe 60Hz panel and lack of 120Hz input limit fast-paced gaming.

TCL 55" Q Class QLED Google TV

Owners and reviewers generally praise the TCL Q Class for its bright, colorful picture and gaming features at its price. Many mention that black levels and off-angle viewing are not as good as those of Mini-LED TVs, and some find the Google TV interface cluttered with ads.

What people mention
  • Picture qualityPraisedReviewers say the QLED panel delivers bright, saturated colors and good HDR highlights.
  • Black levelsCriticisedOwners note that dark scenes can look grayish because local dimming is not as precise as on Mini-LED sets.
  • GamingPraisedGamers appreciate the 120 Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and low input lag.
  • Viewing anglesCriticisedColors and contrast fade when watching from the side, according to reviewers.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming, the S Class or the Q Class?
The Q Class. It has a 120Hz panel with 144Hz variable refresh rate, while the S Class is 60Hz with no VRR listed. Console and PC gamers will notice the difference in motion.
Is the Q Class worth stepping up to over the S Class?
Yes for most people who watch HDR movies or play games. The QLED panel, local dimming and higher brightness are visible improvements. The S Class is enough for basic daytime viewing.
Which has better HDR?
The Q Class. Both support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, but the Q Class reaches up to 1,000 nits with 200+ dimming zones, so highlights and blacks separate more clearly.
Do both run Google TV?
Yes. Both use Google TV and work with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. The S Class includes a voice remote.
Which lasts longer?
Neither has a documented lifespan advantage. Both are LED-based TCL sets with similar build. The Q Class has more features that can fail, but panel life is comparable.
How many HDMI ports does each have?
The S Class has three, one with eARC. The Q Class has four. If you connect a console, soundbar and streaming box, the Q Class leaves more room.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • TCL 55" Q Class 4K QLED HDR Smart TV with Google TV vs TCL 55" QM7L Series 4K Mini LED Smart Google TV Dolby Vision HDR Gaming - 55QM7L
  • TCL 55" S Class 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV with Google TV vs TCL 55" QM7L Series 4K Mini LED Smart Google TV Dolby Vision HDR Gaming - 55QM7L

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best 55-inch Google TV smart TVs under $1,500