TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) vs Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
With its native contrast ratio of around 5000:1, it delivers deep blacks, making it surprisingly good for dark rooms. However, if you're serious about HDR and gaming, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) is the real deal with its 1200 nits peak brightness, which brings HDR content to life like nothing else. In real-world use, the TCL's low peak brightness of 250 nits means HDR lacks the 'pop' you'd expect, especially if you're into bright, colorful scenes. The Sony, on the other hand, not only offers a stunning brightness but also excels in motion processing with its Cognitive Processor XR, making fast-paced action look smooth. If you’re a gamer, the SONY's 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag (just 9 ms at 4K) are serious advantages over the TCL's 60Hz refresh rate and 11 ms input lag, ensuring a competitive edge in gaming scenarios.
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TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
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 Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G)
Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
| Criterion | TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) | Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,708)Amazon | ★4.4(995)Amazon |
Screen Size | 43" / 50" / 55" / 58" / 65" / 75" / 85" | 55" / 65" / 75" / 85" / 98" |
Resolution | 4K (2160p / 3840 x 2160) | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Screen Type | LED LCD (Direct-lit LED backlight; typically VA panel) | LED LCD (VA Panel; Full Array Local Dimming) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz native (Motion Rate 120) | 120 Hz native |
Processor | Quad Core Processor 4K | Cognitive Processor XR |
Upscaling | 4K Upscaling | XR 4K Upscaling (XR Clear Image) |
HDR Formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (No HDR10+) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (No HDR10+) |
Peak Brightness | ≈250 nits (SDR/HDR Real Scene) – Limited brightness | ≈775 nits (SDR Real Scene); ≈1,200 nits (HDR 10% Window) – Brighter than previous X90K |
Local Dimming | No | Yes (Full Array Local Dimming; Zone count varies by size) |
Contrast | High native contrast (≈5000:1 to 8000:1 depending on size/unit) | ≈42,000:1 (with Local Dimming enabled) – Excellent black levels for non-OLED |
Color Gamut | Standard (≈75% DCI-P3); No Wide Color Gamut | ≈90% DCI-P3 (XR Triluminos Pro) |
HDMI Ports | 3x HDMI | 4x HDMI (2x HDMI 2.1; 2x HDMI 2.0b) |
HDMI 2 1 | No (HDMI 2.0 bandwidth on all ports); eARC supported on HDMI 1 | Yes (Ports 3 & 4 only support 4K@120Hz) |
VRR | No | Yes (HDMI Forum VRR, G-SYNC Compatible) |
Allm | Yes (Auto Low Latency Mode) | Yes (Auto Low Latency Mode) |
Input Lag | ≈11 ms @ 4K 60Hz (Game Mode) | ≈18 ms @ 4K 60Hz; ≈9 ms @ 4K 120Hz |
Audio Channels | 2.0 Channel | 2.0 Channel (Acoustic Multi-Audio) |
Audio Power | 20 W (10W + 10W); 30 W (15W + 15W) on 85-inch model | 30 W (10W x 2 Full Range + 5W x 2 Tweeters) |
Audio Features | Dolby Atmos pass-through; DTS Virtual:X; Dolby Digital Plus | Acoustic Multi-Audio; Dolby Atmos; Acoustic Center Sync (with compatible Sony soundbars); DTS Digital Surround |
Smart Platform | Google TV (Android TV) | Google TV (Android 10) |
App Store | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
Voice Assistants | Google Assistant (Built-in); Works with Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant Built-in; Works with Alexa; Works with Siri |
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 5 (802.11ac); Bluetooth 4.2; Ethernet (LAN); Optical Audio; Composite In (Hybrid) |
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") | 300 x 300 mm (55"/65"/75"); 400 x 400 mm (85"); 600 x 400 mm (98") |
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 34.0 x 13.6 in; 75": 65.7 x 39.1 x 15.6 in; 85": 74.5 x 44.0 x 18.0 in |
Weight | 55": 22.5 lbs; 65": 30.6 lbs; 75": 50.1 lbs (with stand) | 65": 55.1 lbs; 75": 78.5 lbs; 85": 109.3 lbs; 98": 151.8 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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Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
✓ Pros:
- • Cognitive Processor XR delivers industry-leading upscaling and motion processing
- • Significantly brighter than previous models, making HDR highlights pop
- • Full Array Local Dimming provides deep blacks and minimal blooming for the price
- • Includes ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV broadcasts (unlike many competitors)
✗ Cons:
- • Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and one is shared with eARC (challenging for users with 2+ consoles and a soundbar)
- • Viewing angles are narrow (VA panel typical; picture washes out from sides)
- • Blooming is still noticeable around subtitles or very bright objects in dark scenes
- • Refection handling is decent but struggles with direct sunlight compared to the X93L/X95L
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Which one is better?
The Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) is the better buy for most people - its 1200 nits peak brightness crushes the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) in HDR performance. That said, grab the TCL if you want to save money and still enjoy quality 4K content without breaking the bank.
Who should buy each?
Choose the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) if: you want a budget-friendly option for dark room viewing, enjoy casual gaming with low input lag, or prefer a user-friendly interface with Google TV. (60 Hz refresh, 3 ports hdmi)
Choose the Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) if: you want stunning HDR performance with bright highlights, need a TV that excels at motion processing for fast-paced content, or plan to use multiple gaming consoles with HDMI 2.1 support.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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). Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) is better if you prioritize cognitive processor xr delivers industry-leading upscaling and motion processing. 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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