TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) vs Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
In contrast, the Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) is a premium choice, boasting features like a 600 nits peak brightness that makes HDR content pop. The key difference lies in how they handle brightness and refresh rates, making them suitable for different viewing experiences. Key specs: Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz and HDMI: 3 ports vs 4 ports.
Why compare these? The TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) (budget-friendly) and Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) (high-end) represent different approaches to tvs. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | TCL Class | Samsung The |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (1,708 reviews) | 4.1★ (11,272 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (VA panel) | Matte Display technology makes digital art look virtually indistinguishable from canvas |
| Main Drawback | Low peak brightness (~250 nits) means HDR content lacks 'pop' | Lack of local dimming means black levels suffer in dark rooms (edge-lit blooming) |
| Market Position | Budget | ✓Premium |
TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
43" / 50" / 55" / 58" / 65" / 75" / 85"
4K (2160p / 3840 x 2160)
LED LCD (Direct-lit LED backlight; typically VA panel)
60 Hz native (Motion Rate 120)
Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
43" / 50" / 55" / 65" / 75" / 85"
4K (3840 x 2160)
QLED LCD (Edge-lit VA Panel with Matte Display)
120 Hz native (55"-85"); 60 Hz native (43"/50")
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(11,272)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)
43" / 50" / 55" / 58" / 65" / 75" / 85"
4K (2160p / 3840 x 2160)
LED LCD (Direct-lit LED backlight; typically VA panel)
60 Hz native (Motion Rate 120)
Quad Core Processor 4K
4K Upscaling
Pros
- Excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (VA panel)
- Google TV interface is fast, modern, and app-rich
Cons
- Low peak brightness (~250 nits) means HDR content lacks 'pop'
- No local dimming to improve dark scene performance further
Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)
43" / 50" / 55" / 65" / 75" / 85"
4K (3840 x 2160)
QLED LCD (Edge-lit VA Panel with Matte Display)
120 Hz native (55"-85"); 60 Hz native (43"/50")
Quantum Processor 4K
4K AI Upscaling
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
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
Which one is better?
The Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) is the better buy for most people - its 600 nits peak brightness crushes the TCL Class S4’s 250 nits.
Who should buy each?
Choose the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) if: you want a budget-friendly option, enjoy casual gaming with low input lag, or prefer a simple Google TV interface. (60 Hz refresh, 3 ports hdmi)
Choose the Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) if: you appreciate stunning art display capabilities, want a higher refresh rate for smoother video, or need better HDR performance for cinematic experiences. (120 Hz refresh, 4 ports hdmi)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.1★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose TCL Class
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 11,272 reviews vs 1,708
→ Choose Samsung The
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung The
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose TCL Class
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) edges ahead with a 4.5★ rating compared to 4.1★. However, Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) or Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)?
TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) is the better choice if you prioritize excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (va panel). Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) wins if you value matte display technology makes digital art look virtually indistinguishable from canvas. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.1★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) and Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024)?
Key differences: TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) offers excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (va panel), while Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) stands out with matte display technology makes digital art look virtually indistinguishable from canvas. Consider that TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) low peak brightness (~250 nits) means hdr content lacks 'pop'. Meanwhile, Samsung The Frame LS03D QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) lack of local dimming means black levels suffer in dark rooms (edge-lit blooming). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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