TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546) vs Samsung 65" TU690T Crystal UHD Smart TV
We compare the TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546) and Samsung 65" TU690T Crystal UHD Smart TV head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546)
Scored 9/10 in our testing
TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546)
Best budget 55-inch TV — QLED color, Dolby Vision HDR, Google TV for under $400
Samsung 65" TU690T Crystal UHD Smart TV
Best Samsung TV for budget buyers — Tizen platform with Samsung ecosystem integration
Score Breakdown
| TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546) | Category | Samsung 65" TU690T Crystal UHD Smart TV |
|---|---|---|
| 9/10 ✓ | Performance | 8.8/10 |
| 9.3/10 ✓ | Features | 9/10 |
| 9.2/10 | Ease of Use | 9.2/10 |
| 9.3/10 ✓ | Value | 8.8/10 |
| 9/10 ✓ | Overall | 8.8/10 |
Specs Comparison
| TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546) | Spec | Samsung 65" TU690T Crystal UHD Smart TV |
|---|---|---|
| QLED 4K | Panel | 4K Crystal UHD (LED) |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR | HDR10+ |
| Google TV | Platform | Tizen Smart TV |
| Full-array local dimming | Local Dimming | Auto Low Latency Mode |
| 60Hz (120Hz Motion Rate | Refresh Rate | Samsung SmartThings, Alexa, Google |
TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546)
Pros
- + QLED color — significantly better than standard LED
- + Full-array local dimming for better contrast
- + Google TV — best smart platform at this price
- + Dolby Vision for HDR content
Cons
- − 60Hz native panel — not ideal for competitive gaming
- − Contrast ratio below Mini-LED alternatives
- − QLED on budget TVs less impressive than premium QLED monitors
Samsung 65" TU690T Crystal UHD Smart TV
Pros
- + Tizen OS — excellent Samsung ecosystem integration
- + Auto Low Latency Mode for gaming
- + Good upscaling processor for non-4K content
- + SmartThings smart home integration
Cons
- − No QLED or Mini-LED at this price tier
- − HDR10+ only (no Dolby Vision)
- − Standard LED — contrast below TCL QLED competitors
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546) comes out on top with an overall score of 9/10. TCL's 5-Series has been the recommended budget TV for years, and the QLED version with Google TV continues that tradition. QLED color is noticeably better than standard LED, particularly for saturated colors in sports and animated content. Full-array local dimming (not edge-lit) improves contrast for movies. Google TV gives you every major app including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Google Play. At $350-400 for 55 inches, this is the benchmark that competitors need to beat.
Buy the TCL 55" 5-Series 4K QLED Google TV (S546) on AmazonRead the full Best Budget 4K TVs 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 10 products.