Paweł Koper
If your lounge is heavily sunlit, and you're looking for a new television at the start of 2026, opting for OLED technology may not always be the best idea. In very bright rooms, high screen brightness is crucial, and this is best offered by Mini-LED models. Just like with other devices, now is the perfect time to buy a television from the 2025 range. We have prepared a comparison of three solid and affordable models that can handle reflections and provide excellent picture quality!
For those looking for maximum savings while maintaining modern technology, the C6K series from TCL (also known by the designations C69K or Q6C) is an almost unbeatable proposition. It is the cheapest QLED television using Mini-LED multi-zone backlighting from this Chinese manufacturer. Thanks to the large number of local dimming zones, this model offers a very decent level of blacks, which is a rarity in this price range. However, the most significant advantage in the context of bright rooms is its luminosity – the panel can generate brightness levels of up to 600 nits. Everything operates under the control of the Google TV system, which is a true multimedia powerhouse, providing access to almost every app available on the market.
A very good alternative to the TCL proposal is the Hisense E8Q. Although the manufacturer considers it a somewhat "slimmed-down" model compared to the U7Q series, our tests and research show that in everyday use, the picture quality is no different, and may even be identical! Hisense offers parameters very similar to TCL, but the key difference lies in the approach to the operating system. Instead of Google TV, the manufacturer opted for its own VIDAA system. It is extremely lightweight and fast, which means the TV responds to commands instantly. Moreover, Hisense does not forget about users who value traditional television, offering very well-developed features such as the ability to conveniently record TV channels directly onto USB memory.
The third option is aimed at those who are cautious about Chinese manufacturers and prefer to opt for proven solutions from market leaders. The Samsung QN80F is generally slightly more expensive than the previously mentioned pair, and although its specifications may look similar on paper, the devil is in the details. This model offers exceptional operational stability – everything here is fine-tuned to perfection. Samsung uses one of its best image processing processors, which is particularly noticeable when watching content in lower resolutions, as they are excellently sharpened. The Tizen OS is not only intuitive but also offers powerful support for smart home integration and great compatibility with mobile devices!
C6K vs E8Q vs QN80F. Which model should you choose for yourself?
The choice of a specific model from this trio should be primarily dictated by your individual needs, as each of them offers solid picture quality. If you’re after access to absolutely every possible app and enjoy personalising your gear, TCL with Google TV will be the most sensible choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a TV that operates quickly and allows for easy use of features such as recording shows, Hisense E8Q will be a hit. Meanwhile, those who spend a lot of time on the console and value brand reputation should turn their attention to Samsung QN80F. Each of these choices will guarantee you a bright, clear picture that performs well even on sunny afternoons.
