Samsung QLED QN65B vs. TCL 5-Series Roku TV: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Kenyan Market

For Kenyan consumers seeking a high-quality television in 2025, the Samsung QLED QN65B (2022 model, e.g., QN65Q60BAFXZA) and TCL 5-Series Roku TV (2022 model, e.g., 55S555), both available in secondary or refurbished markets, offer compelling options in the mid-range segment. The Samsung QN65B, a QLED TV, delivers vibrant colors and gaming features, while the TCL 5-Series, also a QLED with full-array local dimming, emphasizes affordability and HDR performance. This article compares their quality, costs, and target audience, with prices in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) tailored for the Kenyan market, using data from RTINGS.com, BrandChoose.com, and Tom’s Guide.

Overview of the TVs

Samsung QLED QN65B

The Samsung QN65B (2022, Q60B series) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, dual-LED edge-lit backlighting, and no local dimming. Powered by the Quantum Processor 4K Lite and Tizen OS, it’s designed for bright rooms, streaming, and casual gaming, available in 43-, 50-, 55-, 60-, 65-, 70-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes.

TCL 5-Series Roku TV

The TCL 5-Series (2022, S555) is a 4K QLED TV with a VA panel, full-array local dimming (~60 zones), and quantum dot technology. Equipped with the AiPQ Engine and Roku TV, it’s optimized for budget-conscious buyers seeking HDR and streaming, available in 50-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes.

Quality Comparison

1. Picture Quality

• Samsung QLED QN65B (based on RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, dual-LED edge-lit, no local dimming.
• Brightness: ~450 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~350 cd/m² (SDR), suitable for moderately lit rooms.
• Contrast: ~6,000:1 native, good blacks but prone to backlight bleed.
• Color Performance: ~84% DCI-P3, vibrant colors with quantum dots.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~24° for color washout), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision).
• Upscaling: Quantum Processor 4K Lite, decent (~6.7/10), struggles with low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.
• TCL 5-Series Roku TV (based on RTINGS.com, BrandChoose.com):
• Panel Type: VA LCD, QLED, full-array local dimming (~60 zones).
• Brightness: ~500 cd/m² (HDR 10% window), ~400 cd/m² (SDR), slightly better for bright rooms.
• Contrast: ~7,000:1 with dimming, deeper blacks with less blooming than edge-lit.
• Color Performance: ~90% DCI-P3, more vibrant colors.
• Viewing Angles: Narrow (~25°), suited for direct viewing.
• HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, broader streaming compatibility.
• Upscaling: AiPQ Engine, fair (~4.8/10), less effective for low-quality content.
• Reflections: Good handling (~5.0% total reflections), semi-glossy finish.

Verdict on Picture Quality: The TCL 5-Series outperforms with slightly higher brightness (~500 cd/m² vs. ~450 cd/m²), better contrast (~7,000:1 vs. ~6,000:1), and Dolby Vision support, enhancing HDR streaming for platforms like Netflix. Its full-array local dimming (~60 zones) reduces blooming compared to the Samsung’s edge-lit panel, delivering deeper blacks. The Samsung QN65B offers vibrant colors (~84% DCI-P3) and decent upscaling (~6.7/10 vs. ~4.8/10), better for low-quality Kenyan broadcasts, but lacks Dolby Vision. Both have narrow viewing angles, favoring direct viewing setups.

2. Gaming Performance

• Samsung QN65B:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz, no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~10.0ms (4K@60Hz), responsive for casual gaming.
• Features: ALLM, no VRR or FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Adequate for single-player games.
• TCL 5-Series:
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz, no 4K/120Hz (HDMI 2.0).
• Input Lag: ~15.0ms (4K@60Hz), slightly less responsive.
• Features: ALLM, no VRR or FreeSync.
• Game Mode: Decent for casual gaming.

Verdict on Gaming: The Samsung QN65B has a slight edge with lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~15.0ms), making it more responsive for casual gaming. Both TVs lack 120Hz and advanced gaming features like VRR, limiting their suitability for next-gen consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X.

3. Sound Quality

• Samsung QN65B: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Object Tracking Sound Lite, Dolby Digital Plus, adequate (~6.5/10 score).
• TCL 5-Series: 2.0-channel speakers, 20W output, Dolby Atmos, adequate (~6.5/10 score).

Verdict on Sound: Both TVs deliver comparable audio with 20W output, suitable for small rooms but lacking bass. The TCL’s Dolby Atmos support offers slight immersion advantages when paired with a soundbar, while the Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound Lite enhances dialogue clarity. A soundbar is recommended for both to achieve cinematic audio.

4. Smart Features and Connectivity

• Samsung QN65B: Tizen OS, Bixby/Alexa/Google Assistant, three HDMI 2.0, two USB, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, SmartThings.
• TCL 5-Series: Roku TV, Google Assistant/Alexa, four HDMI 2.0 (one eARC), one USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, Chromecast.

Verdict on Smart Features: The Samsung QN65B’s Tizen OS is smooth with SmartThings and AirPlay for smart home integration, but it has fewer HDMI ports. The TCL 5-Series’ Roku TV offers a user-friendly interface with extensive app access and an extra HDMI port, ideal for streaming-heavy users. Both support voice assistants, but TCL’s Chromecast adds casting versatility.

5. Design and Build

• Samsung QN65B: Slim (~2.1 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 400×300, ~21.8 kg, good reflection handling (~5.0%).
• TCL 5-Series: Thicker (~2.9 inches, 65-inch), 0.4-inch bezels, VESA 300×300, ~18.1 kg, good reflection handling (~5.0%).

Verdict on Design: The Samsung QN65B’s slimmer AirSlim design enhances aesthetics for wall-mounting in Kenyan homes, but the TCL 5-Series is lighter, easing installation. Both handle reflections well, suitable for moderately lit rooms.

Cost Comparison (in Kenyan Shillings)

Prices are estimated based on 2022 pricing, adjusted for 2025 secondary/refurbished markets, using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 130 KSh (as of August 18, 2025, 7:31 PM EAT). Local pricing may vary due to import duties and availability. Check with retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers.

Samsung QLED QN65B Prices (based on RTINGS.com, Tom’s Guide)

• 55-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 65-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000
• 75-inch: $1,000–$1,200 ≈ KSh 130,000–156,000

TCL 5-Series Roku TV Prices (based on RTINGS.com, BrandChoose.com)

• 55-inch: $400–$500 ≈ KSh 52,000–65,000
• 65-inch: $600–$700 ≈ KSh 78,000–91,000
• 75-inch: $800–$900 ≈ KSh 104,000–117,000

Verdict on Cost: The TCL 5-Series is significantly more affordable (~KSh 52,000–117,000 vs. ~KSh 78,000–156,000), offering better value for budget-conscious buyers. The Samsung QN65B’s higher cost reflects its brand premium and slightly better upscaling.

Target Audience

• Samsung QLED QN65B:
• Ideal For: Brand-conscious viewers and casual gamers in moderately lit rooms. Its slim design and Tizen OS suit Kenyan homes with smart home setups.
• Use Case: Best for streaming, casual gaming, and low-quality content viewing.
• Budget: KSh 78,000–156,000, for buyers prioritizing brand reliability.
• TCL 5-Series Roku TV:
• Ideal For: Budget-conscious cinephiles and families in bright rooms. Its Dolby Vision and local dimming suit movie-focused setups and streaming.
• Use Case: Ideal for HDR movies, streaming, and general viewing in varied lighting.
• Budget: KSh 52,000–117,000, for value-driven buyers.

Final Verdict

Winner: TCL 5-Series Roku TV

The TCL 5-Series Roku TV is the superior choice for its higher brightness (~500 cd/m² vs. ~450 cd/m²), better contrast (~7,000:1 vs. ~6,000:1), and Dolby Vision support, delivering a more vibrant HDR experience for movies and streaming in bright Kenyan living rooms. Its full-array local dimming (~60 zones) reduces blooming, enhancing dark-room performance, and its lower cost (~KSh 52,000–117,000) offers exceptional value. The Roku TV platform’s extensive app access and extra HDMI port add versatility.

The Samsung QLED QN65B provides decent picture quality, better upscaling (~6.7/10 vs. ~4.8/10), and lower input lag (~10.0ms vs. ~15.0ms), making it suitable for low-quality content and casual gaming. Its slimmer design and Tizen OS appeal to brand loyalists, but its lack of Dolby Vision and local dimming limits HDR performance.

Recommendation: Choose the TCL 5-Series Roku TV for affordable, high-quality HDR viewing and streaming in bright or moderate lighting, with a budget of KSh 52,000–117,000. Opt for the Samsung QLED QN65B for casual gaming and brand reliability in dim rooms, with a budget of KSh 78,000–156,000. Verify pricing and availability through Kenyan retailers like Jumia, Kilimall, or authorized dealers as of August 18, 2025.

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