TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) vs Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
The TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) is the budget option here, but it brings some serious features for casual viewers. In real-world use, its native contrast ratio of 5000:1 makes for deep blacks, great for movie nights. However, if you want vibrant colors and a stunning design, the Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) shines with a peak brightness of 600 nits and a stunning matte display that makes art look lifelike. What matters most here is how these TVs perform in your living room. The TCL's low peak brightness of 250 nits means HDR content lacks that 'pop' effect, while Samsung's 600 nits offers a much brighter experience, especially for gaming or bright-room viewing. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate on the Samsung (55" and above) is a game changer, making fast-paced action look incredibly smooth—perfect for gamers and sports fans alike.
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TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart 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 Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
| Criterion | TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) | Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,708)Amazon | ★4(1,102)Amazon |
Screen Size | 43" / 50" / 55" / 58" / 65" / 75" / 85" | 43" / 50" / 55" / 65" / 75" / 85" |
Resolution | 4K (2160p / 3840 x 2160) | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Screen Type | LED LCD (Direct-lit LED backlight; typically VA panel) | QLED LCD (Edge-lit VA Panel with Matte Display) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz native (Motion Rate 120) | 120 Hz native (55"-85"); 60 Hz native (43"/50") |
Processor | Quad Core Processor 4K | Quantum Processor 4K |
Upscaling | 4K Upscaling | 4K AI Upscaling |
HDR Formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (No HDR10+) | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (No Dolby Vision) |
Peak Brightness | ≈250 nits (SDR/HDR Real Scene) – Limited brightness | ≈550-600 nits (SDR/HDR Real Scene) – Designed for art, not high-impact HDR |
Local Dimming | No | No (Edge-lit with Frame Dimming) |
Contrast | High native contrast (≈5000:1 to 8000:1 depending on size/unit) | ≈4,000:1 to 5,000:1 (Native) – Good blacks but no local dimming to improve them further |
Color Gamut | Standard (≈75% DCI-P3); No Wide Color Gamut | ≈100% Color Volume (Quantum Dot); Pantone Art Validated |
HDMI Ports | 3x HDMI | 4x HDMI (via One Connect Box) |
HDMI 2 1 | No (HDMI 2.0 bandwidth on all ports); eARC supported on HDMI 1 | Yes (Port 4 only, on 55"-85" models); No (43"/50" are HDMI 2.0 only) |
VRR | No | Yes (FreeSync Premium on 55"+; Basic VRR on 43"/50") |
Allm | Yes (Auto Low Latency Mode) | Yes (Auto Game Mode) |
Input Lag | ≈11 ms @ 4K 60Hz (Game Mode) | ≈10 ms @ 60Hz; ≈6 ms @ 120Hz (55"+) |
Audio Channels | 2.0 Channel | 2.0.2 Channel |
Audio Power | 20 W (10W + 10W); 30 W (15W + 15W) on 85-inch model | 40 W |
Audio Features | Dolby Atmos pass-through; DTS Virtual:X; Dolby Digital Plus | Object Tracking Sound (OTS); Q-Symphony; Dolby Atmos; Adaptive Sound Pro |
Smart Platform | Google TV (Android TV) | Samsung Tizen OS (2024) |
App Store | Google Play Store | Samsung Smart Hub; Samsung Gaming Hub; Samsung Art Store (Subscription req.) |
Voice Assistants | Google Assistant (Built-in); Works with Amazon Alexa | Alexa Built-in; Bixby; Works with Google Assistant |
Casting | Chromecast Built-in; Apple AirPlay | Apple AirPlay 2; Mobile Mirroring; Tap View |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac); Bluetooth 5.0; Ethernet (LAN); Optical Audio Out | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac); Bluetooth 5.2; Ethernet (LAN); Ex-Link (RS-232C) |
Tuner | ATSC 1.0 / Clear QAM | ATSC 1.0 (Digital) / Clear QAM (No ATSC 3.0) |
Vesa | 200x200 mm (43"/50"/55"); 300x300 mm (58"); 400x300 mm (65"); 400x400 mm (75"); 600x400 mm (85") | 200 x 200 mm (43"/50"); 400 x 300 mm (55"); 400 x 400 mm (65"/75"); 600 x 400 mm (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 | Note: Legs sold separately or included depending on retailer. Panel (65"): 57.4 x 32.8 x 1.0 in |
Weight | 55": 22.5 lbs; 65": 30.6 lbs; 75": 50.1 lbs (with stand) | 43": 19.6 lbs; 50": 26.9 lbs; 55": 37.5 lbs; 65": 50.3 lbs; 75": 78.0 lbs (Panel only) |
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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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Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
✓ Pros:
- • Matte Display technology makes digital art look virtually indistinguishable from canvas
- • Included Slim Fit Wall Mount and One Connect Box allow for a flush, wire-free installation
- • Pantone Validated colors ensure art reproduction is accurate and natural
- • Solid gaming performance on 55"+ models with 120Hz and VRR support
✗ Cons:
- • Lack of local dimming means black levels suffer in dark rooms (edge-lit blooming)
- • Only one HDMI 2.1 port (Port 4) restricts users with multiple high-end consoles
- • Samsung Art Store requires a monthly subscription for full access to artwork
- • No Dolby Vision support and mediocre HDR brightness compared to standard QLEDs
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Which one is better?
The Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) is the better buy for most people - its peak brightness of 600 nits crushes the TCL's 250 nits.
Who should buy each?
Choose the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) if: you want to save money without sacrificing too much quality, enjoy darker rooms for movies, or need a low-lag TV for casual gaming. (60 Hz refresh, 3 ports hdmi)
Choose the Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) if: you want vibrant colors and art reproduction, have a bright room for viewing, or plan to game on a large screen with smooth motion. (120 Hz refresh, 4 ports hdmi)
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). Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) is better if you prioritize matte display technology makes digital art look virtually indistinguishable from canvas. 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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