Dark scenes look washed out…
Black levels are more of a dark grey in dim lighting. Fine for daytime viewing but in a dark room movie night, the lack of local dimming shows.
Source: Amazon reviewerHome Entertainment
TCL 55S555 S5 QLED 4K Smart TV, 55-inch (2024)
Budget TVs
The TCL S5 55-inch (ASIN B0BKQ5F3YW) delivers QLED color, Dolby Vision, and Google TV for around $499 CAD on Amazon.ca — the strongest value in the sub-$500 Canadian TV market.
ClearPick Score
7.7 / 10
Decent
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Budget TVs
TCL 55S555 S5 QLED 4K Smart TV, 55-inch (2024)
~$499 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
✅ No extra cost to you
📖 See our guideHisense vs TCL: What Budget TV Buyers Say After 1 Year
✅ What Works
- QLED quantum dot color at $499 CAD is genuinely impressive — colors are vivid and accurate in ways that edge-lit LED TVs at the same price can't replicate. Daylight viewing performance is strong, with high brightness that holds detail in brightly lit rooms.
- Google TV is well-implemented and snappy on the S5 — apps launch quickly, the universal search works across all major Canadian streaming services, and Chromecast is built in. First-time smart TV buyers will find this much easier to navigate than Hisense's or Samsung's alternatives.
- Setup is fast — TCL walks you through Wi-Fi, Google account, and streaming app setup in under 10 minutes with on-screen prompts. The remote is ergonomic and the quickstart guide is actually useful.
- For a second TV, bedroom TV, or first 4K upgrade from an older set, the S5 represents extraordinary value. The picture quality difference from 1080p content on this screen is night-and-day, and the QLED color makes streaming look punchy and alive.
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- No Mini-LED backlighting means local dimming performance is limited — dark scenes in movies will show more grey crush and less punch than the Q6 or competing Mini-LED models. The trade-off is the lower price.
- Only one HDMI 2.1 port means only one device can run at 4K 120Hz — if you have both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X, one will be limited to 4K 60Hz or you'll need to swap cables.
- 60Hz native panel is adequate for movies and casual gaming, but competitive gamers and sports fans accustomed to 120Hz will notice the difference on fast motion. This is expected at $499 but worth knowing before purchase.
- The 35W speaker is thin on bass and doesn't fill larger rooms well — anyone watching in a room larger than 200 sq ft will benefit from even a basic soundbar. It's not bad, just limited by physics and the price point.
What Real Buyers Are Saying
What buyers love
“"My first 4K TV and I'm stunned at the picture. Netflix HDR content looks like a cinema. Couldn't believe this was under $500."”
Source: Amazon reviewer
“"Set it up in 15 minutes and everything just worked. Google TV found all my streaming apps automatically."”
Source: Amazon reviewer
“"Best bedroom TV I've ever had. Clear picture, good enough sound for a small room, smart TV that actually works."”
Source: Reddit
“"Replaced a 7-year-old 1080p Samsung and the jump in picture quality is incredible. The QLED colors are genuinely vivid."”
Source: Amazon reviewer
Common complaints
Only one HDMI 2.1 port…
I have a PS5 and Xbox and only one gets 4K 120Hz. I have to pick which one is primary and use an adapter for the other.
Source: Amazon reviewerSpeaker sounds tinny at high volume…
The built-in speakers work fine at 40% volume but crank it up for a party or action movie and it loses clarity fast. Budget soundbar is basically required.
Source: Reddit60Hz shows stutters in sports…
Hockey pucks and fast camera pans blur a bit. I knew this before buying so it's my fault, but I wish I'd spent the extra $300 for the 120Hz model.
Source: Amazon reviewerClearPick Verdict
The TCL S5 55-inch is the best 55-inch TV under $500 in Canada — QLED color, Dolby Vision, and Google TV at a price that undercuts almost every competitor. The absence of Mini-LED and a single HDMI 2.1 port are real trade-offs for power users and gamers, but for casual viewers, bedrooms, and first 4K upgrades, the S5 is nearly impossible to beat at its price.
