Compare: TCL C855 vs TCL P7K / P79K

Once again, the manufacturer shows that despite being a relatively young player in Poland (but not globally) when it comes to the RTV market, it certainly cannot be said that it is a second-rate choice. The TCL C855 is an incredibly versatile device that performs well in various applications and excels in its price range. Thanks to Mini LED backlighting, the results for contrast and black levels are very solid, allowing for a deep and vivid image. It is worth noting that the television's algorithm effectively manages to maintain uniformity of blacks, and the blooming effect is rarely noticeable. This backlighting is also a strong point for the television in HDR content, although with some reservations. The TCL C855 can achieve brightness levels of up to 1800 nits, which is an impressive result; however, brightness can drastically drop, even to around 200 nits, when a bright but small element appears on the screen. Another drawback is the boosted mid-tones, which can lead to a loss of contrast and reduce the image's alignment with the director's vision. The television also performs excellently when connected to a console or a powerful PC. In this category, the TCL C855 truly shows its strength, offering extremely low latency and high-quality gameplay, thanks to the full implementation of HDMI 2.1 features. The Google TV operating system is another advantage, providing the user with nearly unlimited possibilities for installing applications, even those outside the official store, thanks to support for APK files.

In summary, the TCL C855 is the ideal choice for those who know what they expect from a television. It is a good, versatile piece of equipment that, although not perfect, offers great picture quality, low gaming latency, as well as a flexible and expanded operating system.

It’s time to gather all observations. The TCL P7K / P79K is a television that smartly juggles compromises, offering significantly more in its price range than one might expect. Its undeniable advantage is the VA panel, which guarantees deep blacks and high contrast, while an impressively rich package for gamers (with VRR and support for 120 Hz at lower resolutions) makes it a phenomenal choice for console owners. The whole thing is tied together by a functional Google TV system. Of course, the low peak brightness means that HDR content lacks spectacular highlights, and the TV's performance in sunlit rooms is limited. And while, at its relatively low price, the P7K / P79K is quite a decent option, its biggest rival turns out to be… its more refined sibling, the P8K. Often FOR a small extra fee, we get a device that is a class above – with a native 4K 144 Hz panel, significantly better audio system, and generally higher operational quality, which is reflected in its much higher rating on our portal. Therefore, the final verdict must be as follows: if your budget is absolutely non-negotiable, the P7K / P79K will be a good and cost-effective choice. However, if you can afford to add a small amount, the P8K model will offer significantly more and will ultimately be a more satisfying investment.

TCL C855 uses a high-contrast VA panel. The ANSI contrast (without dimming) reached a very respectable 5238:1, which allows for at least very good black levels. Additionally, the panel is equipped with multi-zone Mini LED backlighting, which is divided into 1344 independent dimming zones for the 65-inch model. This number allows for very good results in our tests. It is worth noting that TCL, as one of the few manufacturers, offers such a panel specification without spending excessively, unlike the classic big four manufacturers. As you can see, in the vast majority of scenes we've prepared, the results are impressive, particularly in the first three scenes, as even in the third, with a result of 54,000:1, it cannot be said that the black levels and contrast are weak, as they are more than satisfactory. These worsen in two scenarios: scenes with film strips and when there are many elements surrounded by black on the screen. And just as the last of the test scenes still has excellent contrast, in the final tested scenario, a slight blooming of blacks can be noticed. The frame from the film "Oblivion" performed excellently on TCL C855, and the level of black can even be compared to OLED screens, which is no small feat. It is also worth noting the good separation of lights, which is not an easy thing to achieve. Our flagship scene from "Sicario 2" also performed well in terms of contrast, but it is evident that details are lost in the blacks on the first, second, and third planes. The operation of the backlight control algorithm, which minimizes halo/blooming effects to an absolute minimum, deserves praise as well. However, it is worth noting that very small elements, such as stars, can sometimes be completely dimmed by the TCL C855.

In discussions about image quality, the conversation almost always begins with the issue of black depth and contrast, which are parameters defining the plasticity and realism of the viewed world. And here, the TCL P7k/P79k immediately lays its strongest advantage on the table – a VA-type panel. It is its construction that ensures the native relationship between the brightest and darkest parts of the image is more than satisfactory, especially in the context of the price segment this model represents. In the majority of scenes, the achieved black has a noble depth, which allows for building an engaging spectacle for the viewer. To illustrate the scale, it's worth mentioning that competing constructions based on IPS panels often offer results that are even four or sometimes five times lower, which constitutes a chasm in direct comparison. Of course, as we venture into the territory of budget-oriented models, we must be aware of certain compromises. Thus, in the discussed television, we will not find an advanced local dimming system that could further enhance the impression of contrast. The absence of this feature is, however, fully understandable and constitutes a logical consequence of the product's positioning in the market – this technology in TCL's portfolio for 2025 has been reserved for higher-positioned, more prestigious series marked with the letter "C".

TCL C855 delivers a highly varied HDR effect. On one hand, the television truly shines, while on the other, it resembles a lower model with FALD backlighting. Such a state of affairs is regularly observed with this brand, so it was not a surprise for us. The first and last scene, which has large light elements, looks phenomenal, "shining" with brightness levels of 1470 and 1820 nits respectively. Such effects will certainly make many people squint, while simultaneously feeling the extraordinary dynamism of the scene itself. You can truly feel as if you were inside the movie. The situation drastically changes when small or minor elements with high luminance surrounded by black appear on the screen. The TCL C855, to avoid the halo effect, significantly reduces brightness to a level of even 240 nits, which is a disappointing outcome, causing the film to not look like it was shot in HDR. The HDR effect in TCL C855 makes watching dynamic scenes more engaging, and the viewer can feel like they are part of the action. Even with smaller elements of high luminance, the television manages to maintain details without excessive dimming. Moreover, the TCL C855 test shows that the brightness of the image is adapted to scenes with a large amount of detail, increasing viewing comfort.

When it comes to assessing HDR performance, we need to be clear and straightforward without any marketing fluff: the P7K/P79K is not and never was meant to be a champion in this area. The maximum peak brightness that this panel can generate hovers around just 300 nits. This represents a threshold, a sort of thin red line between what can be considered barely satisfactory HDR signal and what is, in reality, only slightly better than standard dynamic range (SDR), unfortunately leaning towards the latter. Synthetic tests confirmed this harsh reality – our measurements taken during movie sessions showed that the luminance in key bright scenes rarely exceeded 200-250 nits. Therefore, this is not a TV that would allow content created in a wide tonal range to truly shine, and that must be openly acknowledged.

Unfortunately, the issue of colour reproduction is presented just as conservatively. Although the manufacturer positions this model within the "QLED" family, owing to the use of a PFS LED filter, the results do not match the heightened expectations. The coverage of the wide DCI-P3 colour gamut reaches only 86%. Compared to the market, this is at best an average result, since most devices that utilise additional layers to expand the colour spectrum easily achieve values at a minimum of 90-92%.

The best factory mode for the TCL C855 is "Film," and it is on this mode that we conducted all our tests. However, like every mode predefined by the manufacturer, it had flaws that are worth correcting to achieve an image that is as close as possible to what the film producer intended. We will look at the colour characteristics in both SDR and HDR materials. Taking the former into account, we see a clear dominance of green in the white balance, which, as you might guess, gave an unpleasant greenish tint to the entire image. Examining a very important gamma chart, responsible for the contrast of the image, we see a significant deviation from the reference line marked at 2.4. From the left, we can observe a strong spike in the measured value, which at this point caused contrast exaggeration and blending of details into a dark blob. This state of affairs persisted for quite a while, up to 20% of the chart’s value, before then diving below the reference. This, in turn, meant that the image was brightened and contrast decreased significantly. The factory mode performed somewhat better in HDR materials, as the white balance looked quite good, except for the second half, where green again took over. Looking at the EOTF curve, which, unlike gamma, shows the rate of brightness increase, we see primarily two errors: the darkest scenes were too dark, and the brightest ones were overexposed. This, by the way, could be observed in the scene from the film "Pan" in the check paragraph for the TV's HDR.

Every reliable assessment of image quality must start with selecting the most optimal, factory preset mode. In the case of the tested P7K/P79K model, the choice was made without hesitation for the "Film" mode. It is the mode that presents an image closest to the intentions of its creators, avoiding both the exaggerated brightness of the dynamic mode and the excessive dimming known from eco settings. And it must be admitted that, for a device in this price range, the factory calibration is surprisingly decent, although it is not without a few stumbles. The most noticeable shortcoming turned out to be the not entirely correctly set white balance. A slight dominance of the blue component gives the image a subtly cool, frosty character, straying from the ideal neutrality that the director intended to show us. The television handles the reproduction of greyscale in the standard dynamic range much better – the gamma curve is almost exemplary. The only slight reservation can be made for the darkest parts of the image, where a delicate deviation from the norm causes a loss of some detail in the shadows. The most significant challenge, however, for the TCL software was interpreting the HDR signal, as illustrated by the EOTF curve. The television follows its own, rather free path here – the darkest details are disproportionately brightened, followed by a noticeable slowdown in brightness increase for mid-tones. Fortunately, most of these imperfections are of a software nature, which can be eliminated. With that thought in mind, we proceeded to the process of professional calibration.

TCL, just like the vast majority of manufacturers, provides advanced calibration tools in its televisions. Here we find 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustments as well as an advanced colour management system. The results, as you can see, are very good and in SDR materials we have significantly approached the reference image. We eliminated both the green tint and the gamma issue, although there is still a slight "kink" at the very beginning. It went a bit worse with HDR materials, which the television ChooseTV C855 did not allow us to model properly. We only managed to slightly adjust the EOTF curve and significantly improve the colours themselves.

The calibration process turned out to be spot on, especially in the context of standard dynamic range (SDR) content. We successfully managed to eliminate the tendency of the television to showcase cool tones, restoring white to its natural neutrality. Moreover, the precise adjustment allowed us to correct a slight error in the gamma curve, enabling the darkest parts of the image to regain proper depth, without any signs of unnatural brightness. The results are measurable and impressive – in the ColorChecker test, the vast majority of colour reproduction errors fell below the perceptual threshold, achieving a deltaE value of below 2. This is a result that more expensive models would not be ashamed of. Unfortunately, in the case of HDR content, we encounter a wall in the form of the panel's structural limitations. And although we managed to bring the colours into line, the software's specifics mean that the television still adapts brightness in its own way, as evidenced by the persistent, non-standard EOTF curve. To summarise, calibration adds tremendous value, but it is important to be aware that it won't overcome certain physical barriers. The slightly elevated blacks, resulting from the lack of local dimming, and limited peak brightness mean that HDR content won't always be able to showcase its full potential. This is simply not the main task of this display; its true strength, especially after professional tuning, lies in viewing SDR material.

Nevertheless, an important aspect in assessing image quality are tonal transitions. To achieve a clear image free from posterisation effects, the television must demonstrate very good algorithms for smoothing out colour gradation. We must admit that the applied feature in TCL C855 called "Gradual Smoothing" is one of the better ones we have had the opportunity to test. Practically every scene performs very well here, and nothing can be faulted. The best example of this is the scene from "The Green Knight", which is the most demanding due to the vast number of fine and subtle transitions in the fog. The C855 effectively smooths everything present in the scene and allows the viewer to experience its entire suspense. The only moment where a slight posterisation can be noticed is in a frame from the film "The Green Knight", where the reds in the top left section of the screen contrast against each other.

The issue of the fluidity of tonal transitions, or popular grading, is another area where the P7K / P79K evokes mixed feelings and surprises with its dual nature. If we were to assess solely its ability to render smooth colour gradients, we would undoubtedly award it a solid score of 8/10. Unfortunately, this entire positive image is disrupted by the use of very aggressive and visually unpleasant dithering. This artifact is particularly noticeable on demanding test screens – such as the one depicting an actor submerged in red water – where rough, unnatural textures appear on uniform colour planes, revealing the digital nature of the image. This is particularly disappointing as it is not a new problem. It seems to be a sort of hangover from previous generations of budget TCL models, which is a shame, as it marred what is fundamentally a quite competent image and is a mistake that could have been avoided.

Once again, we will look at the function of smoothing tonal transitions, but this time also image scaling. The latter is particularly important when watching materials of lower quality, such as some TV programs or older films. We will focus on the function responsible for tonal transitions. Interestingly, just like in the scenes in the previous test, it performed splendidly and smoothed out practically all the choppiness, but here it had problems. Using the menu responsible for the operation of this function, we found that none - not even the strongest - setting helped.

The image scaling in TCL C855 is characterised as one of the best we have had the opportunity to test so far. The image is sharp, but in a way that could be described as natural to our eye. Even small, fine branches do not have jagged contours, and there is no white halo around figures, which is characteristic of weaker scaling systems.

After a series of harsh evaluations, thankfully, it’s time for some praise, and this is deserved by the TCL AiPQ image processor for its work in the field of digital processing and content scaling. It should be noted right away that we are not talking about the level known from flagship models; nonetheless, in the price segment represented by the P7K/P79K, the results achieved are more than solid. The function that smooths tonal transitions performs particularly well, effectively eliminating posterization, which are the characteristic bands often visible in materials with higher compression, for instance, from choose.tv. The algorithm can elegantly remove unwanted gradients, which ultimately looks really good. The television also handles upscaling competently, which means the task of raising low-resolution materials to 4K standard. The resulting image, although it may seem a bit too sharp out of the box, is fortunately not a problem. The software allows for free adjustment of this parameter using a sharpness slider, allowing the final appearance to be easily tailored to personal preferences.

The maximum refresh rate that we can set on TCL C855 is 144 Hz. Naturally, this is only possible when connecting the TCL C855 TV to a very powerful PC. Otherwise, we will operate at a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is recommended if we primarily want to watch sports or content with a high level of motion dynamics. For those who require high fluidity of image, the manufacturer has implemented a multi-level motion smoother. It has been divided into two separate sliders that adjust the sharpness of moving images (Blur Reduction) and judder (Judder Reduction). Both sliders can be set in the range of 0 to 10, with each level affecting the degree of smoothing, so everyone can find their sweet spot. We present a setting that allows for slight smoothness without the soap opera effect.

The panel of TCL C855 features a very good response time. This is especially important, as VA panels often have issues with so-called ghosting, which is the effect where a black halo can be noticed behind a fast-moving object.

The issue of fluidity and sharpness of motion image is inextricably linked to the fundamental parameter of the panel, and in the case of the TCL P7K/P79K, we are dealing with a panel that has a native refresh rate of 60 Hz. This specification at the outset defines its capabilities and makes it hard to unequivocally recommend it to enthusiasts of dynamic sports broadcasts. During quick camera movements, the image loses sharpness, and the panel also shows a slight tendency to smudge, which may be noticeable to more sensitive viewers. Fortunately, not everything in this aspect has been left to chance. The manufacturer has implemented a simple motion smoothing system, which is primarily used in film materials recorded at 24 or 30 frames per second. Thanks to a dedicated slider, the user can decide on the final nature of the motion – from maintaining a fully cinematic, slightly jerky image, to achieving a very smooth, almost theatrical effect. It is a simple yet effective tool that allows one to adjust the viewing experience to their own preferences.

The TCL C855 television is equipped with full HDMI 2.1 ports with a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. During our tests, we confirmed the seamless operation of all functions that come with this standard. As you can see, all the checkboxes light up green, which will certainly be appreciated by gamers, both console and those using the television as a computer monitor. Additionally, the TCL C855 supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-Sync, which can be easily activated in the graphics card settings. Users with very powerful setups can provide a 144 Hz signal to the C855, which the television handles effortlessly. It's also worth mentioning the implementation of the HGIG mode, which, due to the shortcomings of the "Game" mode, is overly bright, making it difficult to configure properly on-screen. Fortunately, the television performs excellently with the Dolby Vision format.

The TCL C855, as one of the first manufacturers, has equipped its televisions with a special GameBar feature that allows extensive setting changes on the fly, without the need to exit the game. It includes functions such as an additional crosshair grid, black level correction, and settings for individuals with disabilities. In the photo, we see the next generation of this solution.

In summary, the TCL C855 television will be an ideal solution for those looking for a screen for any kind of electronic gaming. With all the features supporting such entertainment, it is incredibly engaging. It should also be emphasized that it has very low input lag, regardless of the selected settings, including with the Dolby Vision HDR format.

Although on paper the native 4K@60Hz matrix might suggest that the TCL P7K/P79K is not a TV tailored for gamers, the reality turns out to be surprisingly different. On the contrary, the manufacturer has ensured a rich set of features that make it a very friendly companion for next-generation consoles. Onboard, we find key technologies such as ALLM, which provides automatic switching to low-latency mode, and VRR, or variable refresh rate, which eliminates screen tearing. The list is rounded off with support for Dolby Vision Gaming and a simple yet functional Game Bar. However, the real and extremely pleasant surprise is something else. It turns out that the TV effortlessly supports a high refresh rate signal of 120Hz, but at lower resolutions – 1080p and 1440p. This is fantastic news for console owners, who know how rarely games run in native 4K at a full 120 frames per second. The option to choose between higher resolution and doubled smoothness is therefore an incredibly sensible compromise.

In summary, while the P7K/P79K may not be the target screen for the most passionate, tournament gamers, it offers a package of options for casual or occasional console users that is hard to find among many competitors at this price point.

The lag time of the TCL C855 is astonishingly low in every scenario. Even the most passionate gamers will surely appreciate the very low input lag at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR, clocking in at just 7 ms. Furthermore, the lag at these same settings, but with Dolby Vision HDR enabled, remains at the same level, which isn't so obvious with competing models. Therefore, the TCL C855 deserves the highest rating and recommendation.

Completing this rich package for gamers is a parameter that has a direct impact on comfort and performance in gameplay – input lag. Already in native 60 Hz mode, the television can boast an excellent result of just 15 ms. However, the real magic happens when switching to 120 Hz mode, where the lag drops almost by half, reaching values below 10 ms. Such responsiveness ensures that every command from the controller is transmitted to the screen in the blink of an eye, which will be appreciated not only by professionals but by anyone who values smooth and direct interaction with the game.

TCL C855 when connected to a computer as a monitor performs very well. This is thanks to the very low latency between the mouse-eye-screen and the excellent readability of fonts, which comes from the proper implementation of chroma 4:4:4 at all resolutions, including 4K@144Hz. The subpixel layout is BGR, which does not negatively impact usage in Windows. However, the situation may change when using macOS or other software that may not be able to adjust fonts to this subpixel layout. Additionally, the TV has minor issues displaying fonts on a black background, for which we deducted some points.

We finally arrive at the area that can undoubtedly be described as the biggest achilles heel of the TCL P7K/P79K – its compatibility with a PC. This is paradoxical because on paper, everything looks promising. The presence of G-Sync and support for high refresh rates at lower resolutions could suggest that it will also be a great monitor. Unfortunately, practice brutally verifies these assumptions. The key problem is the lack of support for full 4:4:4 chroma sampling. In everyday use, this translates to terrible font rendering quality – they, especially coloured ones, become jagged, surrounded by artifacts, and simply poorly readable. And that’s not all, as in PC mode, the problem of aggressive dithering also becomes apparent, giving the whole image an artificial, overly digital look. The only consolation in this situation is the fact that in games we can take advantage of the extra hertz and G-Sync technology, but these are not advantages that could compensate for the fundamental shortcomings in displaying a static interface. The verdict is therefore clear: while it may still hold up as a screen solely for gaming with a PC, in the role of a monitor for work or browsing the internet, the P7K/P79K simply performs poorly.

A widely known drawback of VA panels without an angle coating is their poor performance regarding viewing angles. The same is true for the TCL C855, where even a slight off-axis shift leads to significant image washout and colour degradation.

Moving on to the issue of viewing angles, we enter a realm where VA matrix technology dictates unavoidable conditions. As expected, this is the weak point of this model. It is enough to step away from the screen axis to observe a gradual degradation of the image: colours begin to fade, contrast noticeably drops, and blacks lose their depth. In direct confrontation with IPS panels, which are renowned for their generosity in this aspect, the VA matrix must concede superiority to its competitor. Is there a silver lining? Paradoxically, yes. Weak viewing angles are indeed the price we consciously pay for the fundamental advantage of this technology – a significantly higher native contrast and deeper blacks viewed head-on. Thus, we can say that this is a television that favours the viewer sitting in the “ideal” spot, offering them a maximally vivid image at the cost of universality.

The glossy finish of the panel on the TCL C855 prevented it from achieving the highest rating for TV performance during daytime viewing, although it is precisely due to this that the blacks during the day are very good. Thanks to the high brightness in SDR content, the actress's face strongly stands out through reflections. However, a downside of the panel is that light hitting directly on the TV "spills" out rather than being contained in one spot. Generally speaking, if sunlight doesn't hit the panel, the TCL C855 will be a very good choice for brightly lit rooms.

The last practical test for any television is its daily performance in daylight conditions when it must compete with ambient light. In this competition, the TCL P7K / P79K starts with a certain advantage due to its satin screen coating. Its structure does quite well at suppressing direct reflections, dispersing them and protecting the image from excessive colour fading or brightening of blacks. However, passive combat against reflections is one side of the coin. The other is the active ability to "punch through" bright surroundings, and here one of the key limitations of this model comes to light. The previously mentioned peak brightness of around 300 nits is simply too low to ensure a fully comfortable and dynamic viewing experience in a heavily sunlit lounge. In such conditions, the image may lack punch, and scenes with lower brightness may lose readability.

TCL C855 operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage compared to TVs equipped with proprietary systems from manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive can be challenging or often downright impossible. With Google TV, we have the option to install almost any application, both from the official store and directly from internet repositories via APK files.

This system also offers many conveniences in terms of control. We can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which significantly simplifies entering queries. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, we can utilise voice control features using the remote, which works very well, although there can be minor issues with translating functions and options. It’s worth mentioning that Google TV regularly receives updates that improve functionality and introduce new options. We can also confirm that according to reports from users of older models, the software can have its off days, and sometimes it does have its "bad day".

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to its powerful CPU, it runs very smoothly, does not freeze, and has no issues with stuttering for a significant part of its usage. This is definitely the best option for those who want to make the most of the TCL C855 TV’s capabilities and appreciate the openness of the system.

Smart Features – the power of Google TV

The heart and operational brain of the TCL P7K / P79K is the Google TV system, which in itself is a huge advantage. This platform opens access to an almost endless library of applications from the Play Store, ensuring we won't miss any key streaming service. Integration with other devices is exemplary – Apple device owners will appreciate the seamless cooperation thanks to AirPlay, while users of Windows and Android systems can easily take advantage of screen mirroring features. The Google Assistant also deserves a mention, as it handles voice search in Polish exceptionally well, remaining one of the most effective and convenient solutions of its kind on the market. The operation of the system on the tested model can be described as "above average." The interface is mostly smooth, but during testing, it experienced occasional slowdowns and even sporadic "freezes" that required a moment of patience. Minor hiccups are also noticeable in the translation of some system messages, which can be clumsy – these are merely minor oversights on TCL's part that do not affect overall functionality.

Classic Features

In the age of smart systems, traditional television functions often take a back seat, and this case is no different. A significant advantage is the inclusion of a classic remote control with a numeric keypad, which does not require precise aiming at the screen for communication, significantly enhancing user comfort. The presence of Bluetooth technology for connecting external devices, such as headphones or speakers, also counts as a plus. However, this is essentially where the list of conveniences ends. It's evident that TCL has placed nearly everything on the Google TV card, treating classic features as an absolute minimum. Thus, we won’t find options for recording programs from built-in tuners to a USB drive or the once-popular PiP (Picture-in-Picture) feature. It is therefore a basic package that simply works but offers nothing beyond what is essential.

The default media player on the TCL C855 handles practically all the media we've prepared for it very well. Almost every video format is supported. However, an important downside may be the lack of a font colour change feature. There are hardly any issues with photos and their maximum resolution. It's definitely worth noting the absence of support for Apple's HEIC and SVG files. On the other hand, we can play audio files without any problems, and we don't think many of you are using AIFF or DSD64. One undeniable advantage of the C855 and its operating system is that at any time we can download another player from the app store that will play anything.

The built-in media player in the P7k/P79k model is at least a curious case, putting us in quite an unusual situation. On one hand, its engine handles the decoding of most popular video formats, which is of course good news. On the other hand, we encountered a surprising and frustrating issue – the default application has a fundamental problem with correctly displaying Polish diacritic characters in subtitle files. Instead of letters like "ą", "ę" or "ż", empty squares or random, illegible symbols appeared on the screen. Fortunately, thanks to the flexibility of the Google TV system, this problem can be easily circumvented. Installing an alternative, advanced player, such as the tried-and-true VLC or KODI, fully resolves this inconvenience. The situation is strange in that this flaw did not occur in other TCL models we tested earlier. So we are dealing with a clear software oversight, which, hopefully, will be corrected in a future update.

When assessing the sound on the TCL C855, we pay attention to several key aspects, such as whether the tones are clearly audible and do not interfere with each other, as well as whether none of them dominates the others. In the case of the TCL C855, the sound performs well – it is balanced and does not evoke any negative feelings. Generally, the sound is simply good.

For those with a home theatre system, the TCL C855 offers a wide range of audio codecs, including the two most important ones: DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos. This ensures high sound quality that will satisfy users seeking better audio experiences.

In terms of the built-in audio system, the TCL P7k/P79k presents a level that can be described as functional and adequate, but lacking in audiophile ambitions. The speakers play quite loudly, and dialogues in films and TV shows are conveyed clearly and without distortion, which is crucial for everyday use. However, the audio scene definitely lacks the foundation of low frequencies. This is a direct consequence of the absence of a dedicated subwoofer – an element that in the higher P8K series, took the form of a large Onkyo subwoofer at the back of the cabinet, which contributed to its sound strength. Here, that element is simply missing, making the sound seem flatter and devoid of the depth that creates a cinematic atmosphere. We also noticed a peculiar issue with the software – when attempting to set the maximum volume, the TV automatically reduces it. It's hard to definitively say whether this is a form of protection against distortion or a minor software glitch, but it's a shame, as the power reserves seem to be a bit greater.

TCL C855 vs TCL P7K / P79K

Advantages

Disadvantages

Our verdict

TV appearance

Where to buy

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

Daytime performance

Panel details

TV features

Classic features:

Smart features:

Smart Features – the power of Google TV

Classic Features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound