TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) vs Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024)
If you're after jaw-dropping visuals, the Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024) takes the crown with a peak brightness of over 3000 nits, which absolutely crushes the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)'s 250 nits. This means HDR content on the Hisense pops with stunning highlights, while the TCL struggles to deliver that 'wow' factor. In real-world usage, the TCL offers excellent contrast with a native ratio of around 5000:1, making it a solid pick for dark rooms. However, its lack of brightness means if you watch in well-lit spaces, you might feel let down. So, the choice really hinges on whether you prioritize budget-friendly performance or premium visuals that shine in any setting.
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TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) vs Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024)
TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024)
| Criterion | TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) | Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,708)Amazon | ★4.25(918)Amazon |
Screen Size | 43" / 50" / 55" / 58" / 65" / 75" / 85" | 55" / 65" / 75" / 85" / 100" |
Resolution | 4K (2160p / 3840 x 2160) | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Screen Type | LED LCD (Direct-lit LED backlight; typically VA panel) | Mini-LED with Quantum Dot; VA Panel (55"/65"/85"/100"); ADS Pro Panel (75" only) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz native (Motion Rate 120) | 144 Hz native (VRR from 48Hz-144Hz) |
Processor | Quad Core Processor 4K | Hi-View Engine PRO |
Upscaling | 4K Upscaling | 4K Upscaling (AI-powered) |
HDR Formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (No HDR10+) | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
Peak Brightness | ≈250 nits (SDR/HDR Real Scene) – Limited brightness | ≈3,000+ nits (HDR Peak 10% Window); ≈850-900 nits (SDR Real Scene) – Class-leading brightness |
Local Dimming | No | Yes (Full Array Local Dimming Pro; up to 2,000+ zones depending on size) |
Contrast | High native contrast (≈5000:1 to 8000:1 depending on size/unit) | ≈280,000:1 (with Local Dimming on VA models); 75" ADS model will have lower native contrast but wider angles |
Color Gamut | Standard (≈75% DCI-P3); No Wide Color Gamut | ≈96% DCI-P3 (Quantum Dot Color) |
HDMI Ports | 3x HDMI | 4x HDMI (2x HDMI 2.1; 2x HDMI 2.0) |
HDMI 2 1 | No (HDMI 2.0 bandwidth on all ports); eARC supported on HDMI 1 | Yes (Ports 3 & 4 support 4K@144Hz; Port 3 is eARC) |
VRR | No | Yes (FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible, HDMI Forum VRR) |
Allm | Yes (Auto Low Latency Mode) | Yes (Auto Low Latency Mode) |
Input Lag | ≈11 ms @ 4K 60Hz (Game Mode) | ≈14 ms @ 60Hz; ≈6 ms @ 120Hz |
Audio Channels | 2.0 Channel | 2.1.2 Channel (Multi-Channel Audio) |
Audio Power | 20 W (10W + 10W); 30 W (15W + 15W) on 85-inch model | 50 W (2x 15W Main + 20W Subwoofer + 2x 5W Up-firing) |
Audio Features | Dolby Atmos pass-through; DTS Virtual:X; Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos; DTS:X; WiSA Ready; IMAX Enhanced |
Smart Platform | Google TV (Android TV) | Google TV (Android 12) |
App Store | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
Voice Assistants | Google Assistant (Built-in); Works with Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant (Hands-free); Works with Alexa |
Casting | Chromecast Built-in; Apple AirPlay | Chromecast Built-in; Apple AirPlay 2 |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac); Bluetooth 5.0; Ethernet (LAN); Optical Audio Out | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; Ethernet (LAN); Digital Audio Output (Optical) |
Tuner | ATSC 1.0 / Clear QAM | ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) / Clear QAM |
Vesa | 200x200 mm (43"/50"/55"); 300x300 mm (58"); 400x300 mm (65"); 400x400 mm (75"); 600x400 mm (85") | 400 x 300 mm (55"); 400 x 400 mm (65"); 600 x 400 mm (75"/85") |
Dimensions With Stand | 55": 48.3 x 29.8 x 10.1 in; 65": 57.0 x 34.7 x 11.6 in; 75": 65.7 x 39.8 x 13.5 in | 65": 57.0 x 35.7 x 11.4 in; 75": 65.8 x 40.8 x 12.8 in |
Weight | 55": 22.5 lbs; 65": 30.6 lbs; 75": 50.1 lbs (with stand) | 65": 68.3 lbs; 75": 87.1 lbs (with stand) |
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TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (VA panel)
- • Google TV interface is fast, modern, and app-rich
- • Supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos (rare at this price point)
- • Very low input lag (~11ms) makes it decent for casual gaming
✗ Cons:
- • Low peak brightness (~250 nits) means HDR content lacks 'pop'
- • No local dimming to improve dark scene performance further
- • Narrow viewing angles (picture washes out from the side)
- • Limited to 60Hz with no VRR or HDMI 2.1 bandwidth for next-gen consoles
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Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024)
✓ Pros:
- • Incredible HDR peak brightness (3,000+ nits) crushes glare and makes highlights visually stunning
- • Excellent reflection handling and black levels (especially on VA models)
- • Includes ATSC 3.0 tuner and Wi-Fi 6E (future-proof connectivity)
- • Built-in 2.1.2 audio system with subwoofer delivers better-than-average TV sound
✗ Cons:
- • The 75-inch model's ADS panel has significantly lower contrast than the other sizes
- • Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and one is shared with eARC (limiting for multi-console users)
- • Viewing angles are narrow on the 55", 65", and 85" VA models
- • Out-of-the-box color accuracy often requires calibration compared to Sony or LG
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Which one is better?
The Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024) is the better buy for most people - its 3000+ nits peak brightness blows the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) away.
Who should buy each?
Choose the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) if: you want a budget option with excellent contrast for dark rooms, you mainly watch in low-light conditions, or you need a low input lag for casual gaming. (60 Hz refresh, 3 ports hdmi)
Choose the Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024) if: you want incredible HDR performance with peak brightness over 3000 nits, you play competitive games and need a fast refresh rate, or you want superior audio with a 50W speaker system.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) excels if you value excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (va panel). Hisense U8N Mini-LED ULED 4K Google TV (2024) is better if you prioritize incredible hdr peak brightness (3,000+ nits) crushes glare and makes highlights visually stunning. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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