TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV vs Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV — 7.5/10
The Samsung UN65RU8000 outperforms the TCL 55S525 in brightness (350 nits vs 250 nits per RTINGS), upscaling quality (4.5/5 vs 3.8/5 per Tom's Guide) and smart platform richness (Tizen vs Roku per CNET). However, the TCL is considerably cheaper and still offers solid 4K performance, making it a sensible choice for tight budgets (per Consumer Reports). Overall, Samsung wins on performance and features, while TCL wins on value.
See the interactive comparison →TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV Overview
The TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV is a compelling option in the TV space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Strong overall performance
Cons
- May not suit all budgets
Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV Overview
The Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Strong overall performance
Cons
- No HDMI 2.1 support
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV and Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV tends to lead in performance, while the Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV stands out for value.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV if…
- You prioritize the leading option in this category
Buy the Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV if…
- You want a strong alternative with different trade-offs
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV. The Samsung UN65RU8000 outperforms the TCL 55S525 in brightness (350 nits vs 250 nits per RTINGS), upscaling quality (4.5/5 vs 3.8/5 per Tom's Guide) and smart platform richness (Tizen vs Roku per CNET). However, the TCL is considerably cheaper and still offers solid 4K performance, making it a sens
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV or Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV?
The Samsung UN65RU8000 outperforms the TCL 55S525 in brightness (350 nits vs 250 nits per RTINGS), upscaling quality (4.5/5 vs 3.8/5 per Tom's Guide) and smart platform richness (Tizen vs Roku per CNET). However, the TCL is considerably cheaper and still offers solid 4K performance, making it a sensible choice for tight budgets (per Consumer Reports). Overall, Samsung wins on performance and features, while TCL wins on value.
What are the scores for TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV and Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV?
TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV scores 6.5/10 and Samsung UN65RU8000 65 Inch 4K UHD TV scores 7.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
Is the TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV worth the price?
The TCL 55S525 55 Inch 4K UHD TV offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize TCL's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
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