TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") vs Panasonic Z85A

Direct compare

C655 / C69B

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: WRGB OLED

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Amazon FireTV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

6.3

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.7

    8.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.6

    8.7

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.2

    8.5

  • Gaming on console

    7.7

    9.3

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    4.8

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    7.6

  • Apps

    10.0

    7.5

  • Sound quality

    6.6

    7.4

Advantages

  • High brightness of 450 nits

  • High native contrast

  • Google TV support with access to multiple streaming apps

  • Features for gamers, such as ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar, as well as Dolby Vision support in gaming mode

  • Very low input lag, even in Dolby Vision mode (13 ms)

  • Support for Apple AirPlay and the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth

  • Relatively low price

  • 120/144Hz and HDMI 2.1 in the 98' variant *

  • Perfect black and infinite contrast thanks to the WOLED panel

  • Great HDR quality with good coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut (98%)

  • Excellent picture quality after professional calibration

  • Full HDR package: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision

  • Low input lag: 5 ms (120 Hz) and 13 ms (60 Hz)

  • Support for ALLM, VRR, HGIG and Dolby Vision in games

  • Very good viewing angles

  • Smooth motion without blurring thanks to the 120 Hz OLED panel

  • Ability to record to USB and PiP function

  • AirPlay support

  • Pleasant sound quality with noticeable bass

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles due to the VA panel – the image loses quality when viewed from the side

  • No USB recording feature and no picture-in-picture (PiP) option

  • SDR brightness at 300 nits – too low for brightly lit rooms

  • The Amazon Fire TV system has a limited number of apps

  • Some system functions are poorly translated into Polish

  • No support for external subtitles in USB player

  • No support for DTS:X audio on the television

Our verdict

TCL C655 / C69B in larger sizes (55"+) is a QLED television from 2024 by a Chinese manufacturer, offered at a very attractive price. This model has many advantages that can appeal to a wide range of users. The first big plus is the Google TV operating system. In the TCL C655 / C69B and beyond, it provides a modern and intuitive interface along with voice command support in Polish thanks to Google Assistant. Easy access to popular streaming applications such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video makes everyday use of the television exceptionally convenient. Support for AirPlay and the ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth increase its versatility. A minor downside might be the lack of recording features and picture-in-picture (PiP), which may disappoint those accustomed to the full functionality of traditional television. Therefore, we recommend connecting an external decoder. As for gamers, the C655 / C69B, despite the lack of 4K support at 120 Hz, offers a lot. The television supports 120 Hz at lower resolutions (1080p and 1440p), so when smoothness of the image is more important than resolution itself, you can set the console to performance mode. As a gaming television, the C655 / C69B offers features such as ALLM (automatic low latency mode switching) and VRR (variable refresh rate), which ensure smooth images and minimize lag. It’s also worth mentioning Dolby Vision in low input lag gaming mode. The picture quality in the TCL C655 / C69B is also quite good, especially considering its price. The television boasts a high native contrast thanks to the VA panel and wide coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut with quantum dot (QLED) technology. Although the lack of local dimming (present in the C655 PRO version) sometimes affects the depth of black, in this price range, this model offers really solid picture quality that should satisfy most users.

The Panasonic Z85A is a basic OLED model from the Japanese manufacturer that fully utilises the potential of its panel. Thanks to OLED technology, we can expect phenomenal image quality in the highest resolution – perfect blacks, excellent contrast, and great HDR effect, especially after professional calibration. Additionally, it supports a full set of HDR formats, so we can easily choose a movie in the best possible quality. Although Panasonic is usually associated with home cinema equipment, the Z85A performs just as well with sports and games. The 120 Hz panel, support for VRR, ALLM, and even functional Dolby Vision in games ensure smooth gameplay without motion blur. The sound is also commendable – although there isn't an impressive soundbar like in the model Z95A, it is still quite pleasant with noticeable bass. Downsides? Primarily the Amazon Fire TV – the operating system that still has teething problems. Many popular apps are missing, and some features are either unavailable or poorly translated (e.g., lack of support for external subtitles). Another issue is the not-so-high brightness, typical of older WOLED panels – in a brightly lit room, this can be a problem. Despite these shortcomings, the Panasonic Z85A is a great option for movie enthusiasts and gamers looking for a versatile TV with outstanding image quality and solid sound. If we can overlook certain system limitations and the less-than-optimal brightness, the Z85A still has a lot to offer. However, if full comfort of use and a richer app ecosystem are crucial for us, then it's worth considering other OLED TVs from competitors as well.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

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Contrast and black detail

6.1/10

10/10

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,850:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,750:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,350:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,750:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

4,800:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Panasonic Z85A Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The television TCL C655 / C69B is equipped with a VA panel that offers above-average contrast, making the quality of black and depth of image distinctly better than with IPS panels. However, the lack of local dimming technology, which is available in the model with the "Pro" suffix, negatively impacts the quality of black. In some scenes, such as in the movie "Sicario 2," you can notice that the black takes on a navy hue, reducing the sense of immersion. Overall, the black is decent, but it could be better if the television were equipped with local dimming technology.

The Panasonic Z85A uses a WOLED panel, and that means one thing – perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Each pixel lights up and turns off independently, so there’s no smudging or halo effect around bright objects on the screen. Even in the most demanding scenes, the picture looks simply exemplary. In this regard, there’s no room for compromises, which are still present even in the most expensive LCD televisions. Here, Panasonic shines, utilizing organic technology supplied by LG Displays, and does so in truly impressive style.

HDR effect quality

5.2/10

6.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 94.0%, Bt.2020: 69.0%
DCI P3: 98.1%, Bt.2020: 73.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

364 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

416 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

484 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

400 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

450 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

812 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

775 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

812 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

808 nit

Review Panasonic Z85A Brightness measurement

Result

390 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Panasonic Z85A

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

Overall, the quality of the HDR effect in TCL C655 / C69B looks quite promising. The average value in the test patterns is around 450 nits, which already allows you to feel the light effects and better image dynamics. However, as mentioned earlier, this effect may be somewhat subdued by slight differences in bright and dark shades, resulting from the lack of local dimming technology. However, the DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 94% deserves high praise, and this is possible due to the use of a quantum dot (QLED) panel. This makes the colours vibrant and well-reproduced when watching HDR content.

The Panasonic Z85A is an OLED television, so you can immediately expect excellent effects in films. And indeed – our tests showed that the WOLED panel can achieve around 800 nits of peak brightness in optimal conditions. This is a solid result, performing well in most demanding HDR scenes, allowing viewers to enjoy a dynamic and detailed picture. However, like every OLED, the Z85A also has its limits. In very bright scenes that fill the entire screen – like the final sequence from the movie The Meg – the television reduces brightness to around 400 nits. This is standard behaviour for this technology, so if someone plans to watch films in a heavily sunlit living room, it is worth keeping this in mind. The coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 98% also deserves high praise. This allows the television to reproduce a wide range of colours that stand out with vibrancy and depth, while details in HDR scenes are sharp and precise. In short – the Panasonic Z85A delivers a solid HDR effect that will satisfy any film enthusiast.

Factory color reproduction

4.2/10

8.4/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The TCL C655 / C69B television offers a film mode that has been tested for colour reproduction quality. Although this mode is called film mode, it unfortunately has quite a few errors that the director would certainly not want to see when filming their work. Starting with image analysis, it's worth looking at the white balance – both in HD content and 4K HDR, the white balance has significant issues. In both cases, the red colour dominates, resulting in colours that are too warm, with an overall pink or yellow tint. This can be seen in the image below from the film "Star Wars." The Colour Checker test confirms these errors – the colour samples stray into incorrect shades, affecting the overall colour fidelity. The brightness characteristics are a lesser issue. However, they are not without flaws either. The gamma chart shows a strong spike at the beginning, which can cause the image to be overly bright, and the EOTF curve responsible for brightness in 4K HDR content also has significant fluctuations – it's evident how the television tries to maintain appropriate brightness, but it doesn't always succeed effectively.

The Panasonic Z85A offers many picture modes, but the Filmmaker mode definitely stands out from the rest. It's rare for a TV straight out of the box to be so well calibrated, and the unit we had the opportunity to test truly impressed us.

However, there were some minor shortcomings. In the SDR signal, we noticed a slight deficit of red and blue, which made the picture appear cooler than it should have been. This is particularly evident in the comparison image. In contrast, with 4K HDR material, the situation was the opposite – the surplus of red made the image seem warmer than intended by the creators. In terms of brightness characteristics (gamma) and maintaining an appropriate EOTF curve, it's hard to find faults. There are slight deviations, but they are so minimal that the average viewer is unlikely to notice them.

It's also worth highlighting that our observations relate to a specific unit of the TV. Two identical models may differ from each other due to natural production variances. Nevertheless, the piece we had in hand looks really solid and deserves praise. Now it's time for our calibration – we'll see if we can squeeze even more out of this screen!

Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

9.4/10

After calibrating the movie mode of the television TCL C655 / C69B , the white balance has been adjusted, and the colours look as they should – which is confirmed by only slight deviations in the Colour Checker test. The gamma is really good, which ensures that the television shouldn't have any issues with brightness in low-resolution material. Unfortunately, a similar EOTF characteristic is still noticeable, which is a natural occurrence in televisions that do not have local dimming – they simply struggle to "shine" brighter in a given part of the screen. Despite this design limitation, which cannot be bypassed, we recommend making adjustments in the settings, as the overall colour presentation looks really very good.

The Panasonic Z85A offers truly wide-ranging capabilities when it comes to picture settings, so we eagerly set about calibrating it. Although we mainly focused on adjusting the white balance, the final effect exceeded our expectations. Both HD and 4K HDR content now showcases nearly perfect colour reproduction, with minimal errors that are hard to catch with the naked eye. Well-calibrated TVs are a rarity, and we must admit – it’s truly satisfying. While the gamma and EOTF curve didn't require drastic adjustments, we managed to further stabilise their characteristics across the entire brightness scale. After calibration, the Panasonic Z85A is a true gem for home cinema enthusiasts. The picture is precise, the colours are natural, and every scene looks exactly as the director intended.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

7.5/10

Tonal transitions in TCL C655 / C69B are really quite good and deserve a high rating; however, the score has clearly been lowered for another reason - the image is unnaturally sharp despite the "sharpness" setting being at 0. This makes viewing the image unpleasant. While this may be unacceptable for purists, those who are less concerned about perfect image reproduction may find this effect attractive.

The Panasonic Z85A handles tonal transition fluidity really well. Colours blend naturally together without noticeable disruptions or visible bands. However, in brighter scenes, such as the opening sequence in the film Kingsman, slight imperfections can be seen. This is typical for WOLED panels, which have their limitations compared to Samsung Display's QD-OLED designs due to the use of white sub-pixels. The differences aren’t colossal, but a discerning eye will catch them, especially in more demanding scenes with subtle colour gradients. Despite these minor reservations, the Z85A presents a level that will satisfy the overwhelming majority of users. Tonal transitions are smooth, and the image maintains consistency even in complex scenes. This is a solid result that will rarely cause issues in everyday viewing of movies or series.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

7.4/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
No
OK
Smooth transition function
No
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Television TCL C655 / C69B handles tonal transitions in low-quality materials fairly well. The "Gradual Smoothing" feature on low settings effectively smooths out tonal transitions, but it also blurs important details, such as the texture of objects. A positive aspect is that it does not negatively affect film grain, which helps to maintain the natural look of the image. In terms of digital processing, the television adds artificial sharpness, which some users who prefer a sharper image might appreciate. However, for those who prefer a softer look, this may be a drawback. Another downside is that the image has been significantly cropped due to the so-called overscan, which reduces the field of view and cuts off the edges of the image.

Now that we know how the Panasonic Z85A handles tonal transitions in 4K material, it’s time to take a look at its "Gradation Smoothing" function. It works, but unfortunately not entirely effectively. Regardless of the chosen value – whether it’s low, medium, or high level – we couldn’t achieve perfectly smooth tonal transitions in our test sequence. We recommend setting this function to an intermediate level. While this may slightly blur fine details, at least it avoids the problem of losing film grain, which can be crucial for many viewers when watching classic productions.

When it comes to image scaling, the TV performs quite well. It’s noticeable that the image is slightly sharpened, and thin lines can sometimes appear a bit jagged. However, this is standard for most TVs, and fortunately, it can be adjusted using the sharpness slider. This gives us full control – we can achieve a more vivid, blurred image or a clearer one, although it may appear more "harsh" and artificially sharp. It all depends on the user's preferences and the type of content we’re watching. Overall, the scaling is at a solid level and should satisfy most users who are using lower resolution material.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.7/10

8.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
No
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
0%
37%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie (1080p 120Hz):

Smużenie ():

The television C655 / C69B is equipped with a 4K@60 Hz panel, which means it's best suited for watching movies and less dynamic content. It also features a "Flicker Reduction" function, allowing users to adjust the smoothness of the image – they can choose whether they prefer smoother motion or a more cinematic, frame-like effect. The television can also adapt to lower resolutions, such as Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, which will surely please gamers by offering a smoother image at the cost of resolution. It’s worth noting that this feature is available in sizes starting from 55"+. Additionally, the largest variant, 98", is equipped with a 144Hz panel with full motion smoothing.

The Panasonic Z85A features a 120 Hz panel, which will surely please both gamers and sports fans. Sure, it’s not 144 Hz like some gaming TVs, but in practice, the difference is really hard to notice. In games, the picture is stable and sharp, and during fast action, there’s no sign of any blurring. The same goes for sports – a player’s quick run or a car’s dynamic maneuver looks smooth and natural. The TV also has an “Intelligent Frame Creation” feature, which is a motion smoother. There are two sliders here – one controls motion blur reduction, while the other adjusts motion smoothness. With these, you can tailor the picture to your own preferences – whether you prefer a more cinematic effect with gentle transitions between frames or a maximally smooth image ideal for watching sport.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

10/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    40 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    No
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The TCL C655 / C69B TV offers an almost perfect set of features for gamers, supporting all the key technologies. It has an ALLM feature that automatically switches the TV to low latency mode, significantly improving responsiveness and minimising signal lag, which is especially important during dynamic gameplay. The VRR feature allows synchronisation of the screen refresh rate with the number of frames generated by the console, eliminating screen tearing and providing smoother gameplay.

The TV also supports Dolby Vision in gaming mode, ensuring better colour and contrast reproduction in games that support this format, and the Game Bar enables quick access to gameplay-related settings, such as response time, latency level, and other parameters. Unfortunately, the C655 / C69B does not support 4K resolution at 120 Hz (the 98" variant is the exception), which may be disappointing for more demanding gamers seeking the ultimate smoothness in high-resolution games. However, if we can forgo 4K, the TV offers support for Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, providing a smoother image and serving as a great alternative for those who prefer higher refresh rates at the expense of resolution.

Panasonic is mainly associated with home cinema televisions, but the Z85A shows that it can also step into the gaming world with a truly strong punch. It's a device that can easily be called a gaming beast – it has everything needed for comfortable gameplay.

Even though it has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, both operate at full bandwidth, so we can easily connect both a next-gen console and a gaming PC. All the key features are supported: ALLM automatically switches the television into game mode, VRR provides smooth visuals without stuttering and tearing, and with properly implemented HGIG and Dolby Vision, HDR games look really good – colours are vivid, details are sharp, and dark scenes are clear. We also find a Game Bar in the form of a transparent, circular menu. It may not look as impressive as the competition's, but it's intuitive and includes all the most important settings we’d want at hand during gameplay.

In summary – the Panasonic Z85A is a device that truly surprises with its gaming capabilities. It's a television where both console gamers and PC gamers will feel at home. It's smooth, dynamic, and just good.

Input lag

10/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
13 ms
1080p120
9 ms
5 ms
2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
5 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
5 ms

TheTCL C655 / C69B television offers an exceptional response time across all supported resolutions and refresh rates. Of particular note is its support for Dolby Vision with a response time of 13 ms, which is rarely seen in the competition. This allows gamers to enjoy outstanding responsiveness even when using advanced HDR effects, significantly enhancing the gaming experience.

Since the Panasonic Z85A has also been designed with gamers in mind, the input lag had to be refined. And indeed – the results are really excellent. At 120 Hz, the lag is just 5 ms, and at 60 Hz it's 13 ms. These are values that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers, whether we're talking about fast-paced shooters or precise fighting games. The responses to our movements on the controller are practically instantaneous, and the gameplay is smooth and responsive. Importantly, the Dolby Vision mode also works perfectly here. Just a few years ago, using Dolby Vision in games often came with high input lag, but in the Z85A, this problem has been effectively eliminated.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Average
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
13ms
5ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RWBG
Max refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Collaboration with PC on the TCL C655 / C69B TV works quite well, especially thanks to the 4:4:4 chroma support, which guarantees good readability of fonts. This is a significant advantage if the TV is intended to serve as a monitor for office work, where text display precision is key. Additionally, the low input lag ensures smooth operation, which both gamers and users who need quick responses to mouse or keyboard movements will appreciate. However, the TV has a 60Hz panel for 4K resolution, nevertheless TCL has ensured that users can enjoy smooth gameplay at 120Hz in 2K and Full HD.

One of the minor drawbacks that can be noticed is the fact that vertical lines sometimes show a one-pixel blackout. This can cause letters to appear slightly broken, which in certain situations may somewhat diminish work comfort, although overall this issue should not be very bothersome for less demanding users.

Using the Panasonic Z85A as a computer monitor performs really well. The text is readable and clear, making web browsing or working with documents not a major issue. However, one must keep in mind certain limitations of the WOLED panel – the characteristic way of displaying fonts may be bothersome for more demanding users, especially those who spend long hours working with text. In terms of gaming on PC, the television performs just as well as it does with consoles. Low input lag, 120 Hz refresh rate, and proper implementation of G-Sync and FreeSync ensure a smooth and responsive image without annoying stutters or tearing.

Viewing angles

2.5/10

7.4/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
81%
28%

The viewing angles on the C655 / C69B are rather weak, which is typical for a VA panel. Compared to IPS panels, which offer significantly better viewing angles and more uniform picture quality regardless of the viewer's position, the VA panel loses contrast and colours even with a slight deviation from the axis. Watching from the side results in noticeable degradation of picture quality – blacks become more washed out and colours lose their intensity. This is definitely not a television that will perform well in large rooms where viewers watch content from various angles.

The viewing angles on the Panasonic Z85A are really good – after all, it’s OLED. Whether we’re looking at the screen straight on or at a steep angle, the colours remain vibrant, and the contrast hardly loses quality. Of course, the Z85A falls slightly behind TVs with MLA micro-lenses or Samsung's QD-OLED panels, which currently set the highest standard in this respect. However, the differences are subtle enough that most users won’t notice them during regular viewing.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

4.8/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Average
Black levels during daytime
Good
Very Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Panasonic Z85A: 286 cd/m2

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85"): 484 cd/m2

Generally, TCL C655 / C69B offers quite good brightness at around 480 nits, which allows for comfortable use of the TV during the day. This brightness is satisfactory and makes the picture well visible even in bright sunlight. Unfortunately, the satin finish of the panel struggles somewhat with glare reduction, which can affect the visibility of the picture in very bright surroundings.

The Panasonic Z85A leaves a bit to be desired during the day. The panel, although satin finish, mediocrely suppresses reflections, which can be noticeable in bright rooms. The reflections are not excessively visible, but there is one catch – they take on a bluish hue. In some situations, especially in strong daylight, this can be slightly annoying and distract from the content on the screen. On top of that, the maximum brightness is just under 280 cd/m². That’s simply not enough to comfortably watch TV in a heavily sunlit room. If you plan to watch in the middle of a sunny day, you’ll need to close the windows to ensure the picture looks good.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Software version during testing
v8-r75pt01-lf1v195.000731
FIRE OS 8.1.1.2
Image processor
RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

7.1/10

7.6/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Amazon FireTV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    No
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    No
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    No
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

The TCL C655 / C69B television runs on the Google TV system, which is an extension of the popular Android TV. Google TV offers personalized content recommendations based on previously viewed materials and user preferences. Convenient and clear navigation in the interface makes it easy to find favorite movies, shows, and apps. This system supports the most popular streaming apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, giving users access to a wide range of content. Google TV also supports integration with the Google ecosystem, allowing control of the television using voice commands with Google Assistant. Additionally, users can easily sync the television with other devices within the smart home.

The C655 / C69B television provides convenience for daily use thanks to features that facilitate connectivity and interaction with other devices. It supports Apple AirPlay, enabling quick content sharing from Apple devices like iPhone or iPad directly to the television screen. The ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth, such as keyboards, mice, or headphones, further enhances user comfort. Unfortunately, the television does not offer USB recording capabilities or picture-in-picture (PiP) options, which may disappoint traditional TV users who are accustomed to these features. The lack of these options means that the TCL C655 / C69B may not be the ideal solution for those expecting full functionality, especially regarding recording favorite programs.

The TCL C655 / C69B boasts a solid design. The television is not one of the thinnest, and its bezels are not the narrowest, but they look modern and aesthetically pleasing. The legs included in the package deserve special praise – they are metal, adding stability, and also offer the possibility of adjustment, even for very narrow setups. This allows the television to be easily adapted to different types of TV stands, which is a practical convenience in many living rooms.

The operating system in the Panasonic Z85A is Amazon Fire TV, which is still a relatively new solution in the Australian market. Until now, we mainly associated it with portable smart devices, and now it is also arriving on televisions – similar to the flagship model Z95A.

On the plus side, the system operates smoothly and responsively. It is also quite intuitive, so navigation poses no major problems. Unfortunately, when it comes to the availability of applications, it's somewhat lacking. While the Amazon store does have icons for popular services like SkyShowtime, Rakuten, or Viaplay, they cannot be downloaded. This is a significant disadvantage for those who use these platforms regularly. Additionally, some functions are poorly translated, meaning that in certain areas, you have to guess what they are referring to. However, we believe that these are just growing pains and that over time they will be improved – both in terms of translations and application availability.

As for user features, things are much better. The television supports USB recording and the PiP (picture-in-picture) function. There is also support for AirPlay, which will certainly please users of Apple devices. It also has Bluetooth, but unfortunately, you cannot connect headphones to it – it only works with a keyboard or other controlling devices. Fortunately, you can connect headphones or a home theatre system via wired connection, which resolves this issue.

In summary – the Panasonic Z85A offers a solid set of user features that will perform well in everyday use. The Amazon Fire TV system is a step in the right direction, especially when compared to Panasonic's old system. However, at this time, it is difficult to praise it unequivocally. There is potential, but the manufacturer still has a lot of work ahead to ensure everything functions as it should.

Playing files from USB

8.3/10

3.1/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
WebP
No
No
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
No
Yes
12 Mpix
No
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
Yes
24 Mpix
No
Yes
28 Mpix
No
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

Thanks to the built-in player, the TCL C655 / C69B TV is capable of playing most file formats found on external storage, making it a versatile tool for consuming media. However, there may be some limitations in handling certain formats, which can be a hassle for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps eliminate compatibility issues. This gives users the option to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly increasing the functionality of the TV.

In terms of playback of files from USB, the Panasonic Z85A performs rather mediocrely. The built-in media player does handle most popular video formats, but it has one significant drawback – it does not support external subtitles. So, if we have older films on our drive or USB stick with separate subtitle files, we have to reckon with the fact that the television simply won't display them. This is quite a downside, especially for those who rely on their own media library rather than streaming services. Of course, this issue can be circumvented by using an external media player (e.g. via a console or Smart TV box), but it's an extra step that could be avoided if the built-in application were better developed.

Apps

10/10

7.5/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
No
Viaplay
No
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
No
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
No
SkyShowtime
No
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

6.6/10

7.4/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.6/10
    7.4/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

The sound in TCL C655 / C69B is surprisingly good, especially for this class of device. The 2x10W speakers combined with a 15W Onkyo subwoofer (for sizes 55"+) offer surprisingly good sound quality, including noticeable bass. The sound remains clear across the entire volume range, although the high tones could be a bit clearer. The support for DTS audio format is also a plus.

In terms of sound, the Panasonic Z85A is pleasantly surprising. The television delivers enjoyable and clear audio, and can generate noticeable bass that adds depth to both movies and music. The surround effect is also quite well reproduced, making watching films or playing games more immersive. Unfortunately, there is one “but”. The television does not support the DTS:X format, which is quite popular among more advanced home theatre systems. So, if we plan to use this audio standard, it will be necessary to connect the audio equipment first to the amplifier or soundbar, and only then to the television.