Hi there! As you shop for a new television in 2023, you’re likely weighing top-rated options from both Samsung and TCL. Below I‘ll compare these two top-selling TV brands across all key categories to help you determine the right model for your needs.
Comparing TV Titans Samsung and TCL
I‘ll be specifically contrasting Samsung QLED versus comparable TCL QLED smart televisions with 4K and 8K Ultra HD resolution. Models from entry-level all the way up to premium improvements like quantum dot and mini-LED technology will be covered.
Background on the Brands
First, let‘s briefly cover what these brands represent:
Samsung – This Korean electronics giant has reigned as the world‘s best-selling TV maker for 16+ years. They pile on cutting-edge display advances each new model year, with 2023 updates including expanded mini-LED backlighting down to lower price points. But you’ll pay a premium for Samsung‘s industry-leading picture quality and sleek Tizen smart platform.
TCL – Budget-mindedChinese manufacturer TCL has executed an impressive rise over the last 5+ years on the back of its partnership with streaming giant Roku. The intuitive Roku TV smart platform combined with Quantum Dot enhanced 4K and 8K QLED panels (plus premium mini-LED on higher-end collections) have made TCL a top 3 television brand. You’ll save hundreds opting for TCL but still enjoy superb HD and UHD performance.
Now let’s compare all the crucial television capabilities you’ll want to consider:
Visual Performance Comparison
| Specs | Samsung Q60B QLED | TCL 6 Series QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | QLED | QLED |
| Backlight Zones | Dual LED | Contrast Control (up to 240 zones) |
| Local Dimming | No | Yes |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes + Dolby Vision |
| Peak Brightness | ~600 nits | ~700 nits |
| Native Contrast | 6768:1 | 7680:1 |
| Colors | 100% DCI-P3 | ~93% DCI-P3 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | up to 120Hz VRR |
| User Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Samsung wins on paper with higher peak brightness, richer blacks with a higher native contrast ratio and perfect DCI-P3 wide color gamut coverage. However in real world viewing, TCL‘s Mini-LED powered 6-Series proves extremely close. With over 200 local dimming zones, Dolby Vision support and gaming friendly 120 Hz variable refresh rate, the TCL keeps up with the pricier Samsung.
Review site Rtings.com gives the nod ever so slightly to the Samsung but notes most buyers will be more than satisfied with TCL‘s stellar picture quality that rivals many premium sets.
Smart TV & Extra Features
You‘ll also want to weigh the platform and software when choosing between these two television makers:
Tizen OS – Samsung‘s slick proprietary smart interface keeps improving but still feels more restricted than TCL‘s options. Core apps like Netflix and Prime Video are supported along with Bixby voice assistance. Hands-free voice control response time lags behind Google Assistant and Alexa however. And while mostly unintrusive, some ads appear baked into the home screen experience with no way to disable them completely.
Roku TV – TCL‘s tight partnership with Roku means you‘ll enjoy the beloved Roku TV platform with its famously simple yet robust interface. Roku offers a vast channel selection, lightning-fast response times and universal search functionality across streaming services. Voice commands are smoothly managed by Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices.
If having thousands of apps plus an intuitive ad-free interface appeals to you, TCL holds a meaningful edge here over Samsung.
As for supplemental traits, both provide essential offerings like smart assistants, casting abilities and voice control remotes. But TCL goes further with thoughtful niceties like a handy headphone jack right on its displays to enjoy private viewing. And automated game modes make TCL models especially appealing for gamers who require low input lag and variable refresh rate support.
Audio Performance
While most enthusiasts wisely pair their television purchase with a soundbar for fuller sound, evaluating the native speakers still proves useful:
Samsung – Starting with the Q60B in Samsung‘s lineup, you‘ll receive a total 20 watt 2.0 channel speaker system with basic downward firing drivers. Dolby Audio processing provides a decent listening experience for casual TV viewing. But stepping up to the premium QN95C unlocks a seriously impressive 7.1.4 channel setup pumping out 90 watts of power. Object Tracking Sound even beams specific audio to follow movements shown on screen.
TCL – Base audio specs on TCL start lower with basic 10W rear firing speakers. But TCL counters by building their displays smartly to accommodate easy soundbar attachment. And their premium 6-Series model equals Samsung‘s middle-tier offerings with 30W total amplifcation power. Factor in a Roku-friendly JBL soundbar under $200 and you can beat Samsung audio at any price point.
If planning to rely on built-in sound, Samsung inches ahead. But TCL makes boosting sound extremely affordable. And external speakers always prove preferable to limited native TV audio regardless.
Sizing & Design Options
Dimensions, weight limits and cosmetic designs should impact your decision as well. Here Samsung pulls away from TCL substantially:
Samsung
- 24” up to 98” display options
- Slimmer bezels on premium collections
- Specialty form factors like rotating Sero & art framed "The Frame"
- Sophisticated color/finish offerings
- Compatible stands, wall mounts & hides cords
TCL
- 43” up to 75” models
- Value-engineering leads plain aesthetics
- Strictly flat panel rectangular shapes
- Mostly basic black colors
- Wall mount ready
TCL focuses engineering efforts purely on performance. So Samsung clearly leads in stylistic form factors and exotic designs. Evaluate your space and goals to decide if looks justify higher prices.
Pricing & Availability
With massive manufacturing capabilities and retail partnerships, both brands prove widely available online and locally:
Online
- Samsung.com, TCL.com
- Amazon, Best Buy
- Walmart, Target, Sam‘s Club
In Stores
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Costco
Seasonal pricing fluctuations impact budgets with sales ramping up around Black Friday through New Years and in early summer. Compare deals using sites like CamelCamelCamel.
I suggest buying from reputable dealers with generous return windows like Amazon, Best Buy and Costco. Consider protection plans for 3+ year peace of mind.
So where do current 2023 sale prices stand based on equivalent screen size and feature sets?
| Model | Launch Price | Current Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung 55" Q60B QLED | $1199 | $897 |
| TCL 55” R635 Mini-LED QLED | $949 | $699 |
For effectively matched visual performance plus a better smart TV interface, TCL saves you around $200+ over Samsung today.
The Verdict?
Evaluating all considerations from price to performance, TCL proves the superior value purchasing 4K televisions under $1000. Incredible HD image quality meets the preferred Roku/Google TV smart platforms.
However, Samsung justifies a premium for home theater aficionados wanting the best-in-industry color vibrancy, contrast and backlighting technologies like mini-LED powered Neo QLED. Plus exotic installations like outdoor viewing and rotating form factors currently remain exclusive to Samsung.
Within their respective budget and quality tiers, both companies produce excellent LED LCD televisions. Identify the right balance of price, features and performance that fulfills your needs. Feel free to reach out with any specific questions!
