TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) vs Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
The TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) is the budget option here, but it surprisingly delivers deep blacks with a high native contrast ratio of around 5000:1. In contrast, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) offers a stunning peak brightness of approximately 1200 nits, making HDR content really pop. If you're serious about picture quality, this difference in brightness is a game changer. 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 Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) (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 | Sony BRAVIA |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (1,708 reviews) | 4.4★ (995 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (VA panel) | Cognitive Processor XR delivers industry-leading upscaling and motion processing |
| Main Drawback | Low peak brightness (~250 nits) means HDR content lacks 'pop' | Only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and one is shared with eARC (challenging for users with 2+ consoles and a soundbar) |
| 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)
Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
55" / 65" / 75" / 85" / 98"
4K (3840 x 2160)
LED LCD (VA Panel; Full Array Local Dimming)
120 Hz native
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)
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
Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)
55" / 65" / 75" / 85" / 98"
4K (3840 x 2160)
LED LCD (VA Panel; Full Array Local Dimming)
120 Hz native
Cognitive Processor XR
XR 4K Upscaling (XR Clear Image)
Pros
- Cognitive Processor XR delivers industry-leading upscaling and motion processing
- Significantly brighter than previous models, making HDR highlights pop
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)
Which one is better?
The Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) is the better buy for most people - its peak brightness of 1200 nits crushes the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) at 250 nits. That said, grab the TCL if you want to save money and still enjoy good performance for casual viewing.
Who should buy each?
Choose the TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) if: you want a budget-friendly option, enjoy deep blacks in dark rooms, or need a low input lag for casual gaming. (60 Hz refresh, 3 ports hdmi)
Choose the Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) if: you watch a lot of HDR content, prioritize bright and vibrant colors, or need advanced upscaling for varied media. (120 Hz refresh, 4 ports hdmi)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose TCL Class
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,708 reviews vs 995
→ Choose TCL Class
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Sony BRAVIA
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 4.4★. However, Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) 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 Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)?
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). Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) wins if you value cognitive processor xr delivers industry-leading upscaling and motion processing. Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) and Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023)?
Key differences: TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) offers excellent native contrast ratio produces deep blacks (va panel), while Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) stands out with cognitive processor xr delivers industry-leading upscaling and motion processing. Consider that TCL Class S4 4K LED Smart TV (S4 / S450G) low peak brightness (~250 nits) means hdr content lacks 'pop'. Meanwhile, Sony BRAVIA XR X90L Full Array LED 4K TV (2023) only two hdmi 2.1 ports, and one is shared with earc (challenging for users with 2+ consoles and a soundbar). 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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