Compare: TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs Samsung DU8002 (IPS)

TCL MQLED85, or model C765, is a television that can truly surprise, especially in this price range. It is one of the cheapest models featuring mini-LED technology, which is immediately evident in the picture quality. The blacks are deep, and the brightness is sufficient even in a brightly lit room. Thanks to the large number of dimming zones, watching movies in the evening is a pleasure – the blacks are really deep, and the picture in dark scenes looks clear. However, it's not perfect – in some scenes, you may notice minor issues with small bright elements, but this is really a minor detail compared to what this model offers. Google TV performs excellently here – there are plenty of apps, and using the system is simply convenient. Voice control in Polish works flawlessly, which can be particularly useful if you don't want to type movie titles using the remote. Of course, there are minor shortcomings, such as the lack of recording capabilities, but these are not things that interfere with daily use. For gamers, it is also a fantastic option. Support for HDMI 2.1, VRR and low input lag means the television handles consoles well and competes effortlessly with more expensive models from Korean or Japanese manufacturers. At this price, it's hard to find something better when it comes to smooth and responsive gameplay. During testing, we encountered a few minor software issues, but it's hard to say whether that's a serious downside. We hope that TCL will release updates, so there’s a chance this issue will be resolved quickly. TCL MQLED85/C765 is an excellent choice if we are looking for a television with good picture quality and modern features at a reasonable price. It is a model that combines affordable mini-LED technology with a convenient Google TV system, and it’s also great for gaming. Minor software shortcomings are something you can live with, especially considering what this television offers in its class.

DU8002 is one of the models from Samsung's Crystal UHD series, which works well as a television for everyday, occasional use. The Smart TV system based on Tizen runs really well – it’s quick, has a rich selection of applications, and a user-friendly interface, making daily use easier. In home use, the television stands out with great viewing angles, ensuring that even people sitting at the side will have a good picture. It's worth mentioning the small, handy remote that can easily control external devices such as Canal+ decoders. This somewhat compensates for the lack of recording features and adds versatility to the television. As for gaming, the DU8002 will be sufficient for those who spend time in front of the television in a casual manner. Low input lag and the ALLM feature ensure that gameplay is smooth and comfortable. Due to the television’s segment, there are also some compromises – the IPS matrix provides good viewing angles, but this comes at the cost of contrasts, which are rather average. Additionally, low brightness can be a downside in well-lit rooms. In summary, the DU8002 is a solid choice considering its price. However, if we are thinking about a Samsung television and want a better experience watching high-quality content, it’s worth considering an upgrade to the Q60D model from the QLED series. For a little more, you can get better picture quality and a broader set of features, which could be a more satisfying investment.

TCL MQLED85/C765 stands out due to its use of a VA panel and Mini LED backlighting, which makes a huge difference compared to traditional backlighting systems. Mini LED, with its significantly smaller diodes, allows for more precise control of the screen's backlighting, resulting in much better contrast and deeper blacks. The model with a 55-inch diagonal that we are testing has an impressive number of over 700 local dimming zones, providing exceptional precision in image display. It's worth noting, however, that the number of backlighting zones may vary depending on the screen size – for larger diagonals, the number of zones naturally increases due to the larger screen area, allowing larger sizes to achieve better results in terms of contrast and black levels. Thanks to the enormous number of zones, the TCL MQLED85/C765 achieved results comparable to OLED screens on our first test pattern from the movie "Oblivion," offering nearly reference-level contrast. But what happens when we test this model in even more demanding conditions? How will the TV perform in tougher scenarios? Overall, the TCL MQLED85/C765 performs very well with black levels, but in some cases, the local dimming algorithm is not perfect. On dark backgrounds, smaller bright elements can lose clarity and brightness, as confirmed by our latest pattern from the Pioneer Kuro test disc. Despite some imperfections in the local dimming algorithm, and thus a slight occurrence of the HALO effect (which is a bright halo around bright objects on a dark background caused by deficiencies in the screen's local dimming), the results achieved by the TCL MQLED85/C765 are impressive, especially considering its price. This TV offers contrast and black depth that can compete with models that are even twice as expensive.

The DU8002 model in the 55-inch version is equipped with an IPS panel, which unfortunately does not favour high contrast. The result? Instead of deep black, we see shades of grey, which makes night scenes and darker parts of the film appear washed out and lacking in detail. The black in this model resembles a silvery sheen more than a deep, cinematic effect, which is a clear downside for fans of intense contrasts and dynamic images. In everyday use, such properties can significantly diminish the viewing experience.

The television TCL MQLED85/C765 performs well in handling HDR. In the tested movie scenes, where the screen is at 100% brightness, the model achieves impressive results around 1000 nits, providing intense and realistic rendering of HDR content. However, similar to contrast, the dimming algorithm may show some limitations. Despite a large number of Mini LED zones, the television does not always manage to "wow" the user with brightness in very challenging test scenes. For instance, in the scene from the film "Life of Pi," where a bright moon appears against a dark background, and in another scene from "Sicario 2," where a very bright light effect is visible against a dark background, the television did not reach maximum intensity. For users expecting a perfect HDR effect in such extreme cases, the TCL MQLED may come up a bit short. However, in terms of colours, the television stands out with a very high coverage of the DCI P3 colour gamut at 95%, which is an impressive result comparable to much more expensive models. TCL MQLED85 / C765 offers support for various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which is crucial for cinema image fans. Although this model achieves brightness over 1000 nits, the TCL MQLED85 may struggle to reflect details in very high-contrast scenes. For better HDR quality control, the C765 is equipped with dynamic tone mapping, making the image more realistic and natural depending on the content.

The HDR effect on the DU8002 television leaves much to be desired. A brightness level of 300 nits is unable to provide a true high dynamic range experience, making the content viewed resemble more standard SDR than impressive HDR. Scenes that should dazzle with brilliance and detail appear muted and lack depth. Nevertheless, the television deserves praise for its high coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette at 92%. This allows for vibrant and saturated colours, which may please viewers who prefer rich tones, even if the HDR effect does not fully meet expectations.

The television TCL MQLED85/C765 was tested in movie mode, which, while seeming to be the best setting from the manufacturer, is not without its flaws. The colour reproduction in HD/SDR mode MQLED85 shows certain shortcomings. In the analysis of white balance, there is a significant lack of blue colour, which can affect the overall image quality, particularly in bright scenes where blue shades are crucial for natural representation. The overall image may then appear too warm. As for gamma contrast, the graph shows that there is a large jump above the reference line of level 2.4 at the beginning, which may suggest significant dimming of brightness in darker areas, leading to loss of detail in blacks. Then for most of the time, the values are below this line, which can lead to loss of detail in the brighter parts of the image. Such a distribution may negatively impact the perceived image quality, especially when watching regular TV in HD quality.

In the case of the 4K HDR image quality of the TCL MQLED85/C765 television, there is a noticeable excess of red colour in the analysis of white balance. This excess can significantly impact the viewer's experience, leading to several notable effects. First and foremost, an excessive amount of red can make other colours, such as green or blue, appear muted or unnatural. This distortion of colour balance can result in an overall impression of "oversaturation," which detracts from the image's naturalness and authenticity. In terms of contrast, the EOTF (Electro-Optical Transfer Function) graph indicates that most values are above the reference line, suggesting an intense boost in brightness in the bright areas of the image. However, the exception is the start of the graph, where the EOTF line is below the reference, which may lead to excessive dimming of small light elements.

Users should be aware that despite using the best mode, which is movie mode, the television is not free from flaws in the context of image settings, so it is worth considering adjusting the settings to achieve better results.

DU8002 offers a Filmmaker mode, which is supposed to provide authentic image reproduction in line with the creators' intentions. Unfortunately, despite its promising name, the effects are far from ideal. The white balance in this mode shows significant drops in blue colour, leading to a noticeable yellowing of the image, as seen in our comparison photo. Colour Checker tests confirm these errors. Regarding brightness, the gamma characteristic is too low compared to the reference line of 2.4, resulting in excessive screen brightness. A similar problem occurs with 4K content – the EOTF responsible for brightness in 4K materials shows significant increases above the reference line, leading to overly bright small light elements. As a result, the Filmmaker mode in DU8002 does not meet expectations and instead of providing high quality, presents an image full of tonal and colour inaccuracies.

After professional calibration of the television TCL MQLED85/C765, its colour properties in film mode have significantly improved, resulting in much more satisfying visual experiences. Both in SDR and HDR modes, the white balance shows no serious errors, and the graph appears to be much better harmonised. Users can now enjoy natural colour reproduction, which is crucial for achieving an authentic experience while watching films. It is worth noting that in HDR content, there may be minor colour reproduction errors at the end of the graph, but these are significantly smaller than before calibration. As a result, characters and landscapes become more realistic, enhancing the depth of immersion in the story.

Regarding contrast, the gamma curve, responsible for HD quality, has been completely free of drops below the reference line, which means better visibility of details in dark scenes. However, there is still a slight boost at the beginning of the graph, which may affect the perception of bright elements. For HDR content, the EOTF curve also shows fewer errors, although some issues with reproducing mid-tones may still be noticeable. The EOTF curve measured on real film scenes still shows a significant brightness boost, so the image may appear more intense but artificially brightened. This is a typical problem for TCL brand televisions, which may appeal to untrained viewers but can frustrate those more familiar with an ideal image.

What benefits does professional calibration bring to film enthusiasts? Thanks to it, viewing becomes even more realistic and immersive, allowing every scene to be experienced fully, preserving details and natural colours.

Samsung is one of those companies that offers advanced tools to enhance picture quality in its televisions, including a 20-point white balance adjustment. Even in the budget model DU8002, after proper adjustments, surprisingly good results can be achieved. The white balance, especially for HD content, performs really well – tests on the Colour Checker palette confirm accuracy levels of 2–1.5, which indicates the significant capabilities of this television in colour reproduction. In 4K content, although not as perfect as in lower quality material, the overall picture looks much better.

The gamma brightness has also been significantly adjusted, meaning the image is not overly brightened and appears more natural. What about the EOTF curve? At first glance, it seems fine, but upon closer inspection, especially in film tests, it's clear that the television struggles due to its low-contrast panel. And the EOTF drops below the reference line. Nevertheless, the DU8002 is an example of a budget model where investing in calibration is worthwhile. Although construction flaws, such as the type of backlighting, cannot be completely eliminated, colour accuracy is surprisingly good, especially considering its price.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in the TCL MQLED85/C765 television is decent, although noticeable issues arise in both bright and dark test scenes. Particularly evident are the colour joins in the scene from the film "The Green Knight", where the red colour of the water transitions to black. Despite these imperfections, the overall gradient quality is acceptable and does not overly detract from the visual experience. The television handles most scenes well, offering satisfactory tonal transitions, contributing to an overall satisfying visual experience that won't spoil our cinematic enjoyment.

During the gradation tests on the DU8002, some imperfections were noted in most scenes, although they were not intense enough to immediately attract attention. The biggest challenge was bright colours, which did not always maintain smooth transitions. Nevertheless, more complex scenes towards the end of the test surprised positively, where the television performed better than expected, which had a positive impact on the final assessment.

We will now take another look at the tonal transitions on the TCL MQLED85/C765 TV, but in the context of lower image quality. Despite the presence of the "Gradual Smoothing" option, when set to "low", the effects are practically invisible, disappointing users who expect an improvement in image quality. On the other hand, the "high" setting yields minimal results, and worse still, it can blur important details, negatively impacting the sharpness and clarity of the displayed image. However, in the context of image scaling, the TV successfully displayed the image without overscan, meaning we do not lose any part of the view. The image looks quite decent, and details such as tree branches or the outlines of models do not show significant jaggedness, which positively affects the visual quality.

Smoothing tonal transitions on the DU8002 television leaves mixed feelings. Although the menu has an option for smoothing tonal transitions, in practice it yields no results and can even generate unwanted side effects.

Nonetheless, the television handles upscaling, or digital image processing, exceptionally well. The test pattern with the model looked really good – the image isn't overly jagged, and the overall presentation is decent and pleasing to the eye. This is definitely good news for those planning to watch traditional television on this model.

TCL MQLED85/C765 is equipped with a standard refresh rate panel of 120 Hz, with the possibility of increasing it to 144 Hz when connected to a powerful computer. The television also offers a multi-level motion smoother, which is mainly aimed at users wanting to improve the fluidity of motion in films. It allows for adjusting the intensity of the effect on a scale from 0 to 10, enabling precise tailoring of the image smoothness to individual preferences. The response time of the panel is decent, but not perfect. We can observe motion blur occurring behind both dark and medium objects.

The DU8002 with a 60 Hz panel is a television that performs better for watching movies than for intense gaming. The motion smoothing feature acts as a fluid enhancer, smoothing out movement and giving scenes a more fluid appearance, which is useful for movie sessions. In the context of gaming, this model is likely only suitable for occasional entertainment.

TCL MQLED85/C765 has achieved an impressive rating in the gaming features category, making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. The television supports all the latest technologies that significantly enhance the gaming experience. Among the key gaming features is ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), allowing the TV to automatically switch to low latency mode, minimising response time and ensuring smooth gameplay. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) supported from 48 to 144 Hz eliminates stuttering and screen tearing in dynamic game scenes. Additionally, the TV supports the Dolby Vision Game Mode, which provides better image quality in games with exceptional depth of colour and contrast. TCL MQLED85/C765 also features a decent but not the best implementation of HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group), optimising the display of HDR games, however, in the case of TCL, it causes bright details to wash out, resulting in some elements merging into a white blob - more on this can be read in the colour reproduction section. It supports various resolutions such as 1080p@120Hz, 1440p@120Hz, and 4K@120Hz, allowing gamers to enjoy higher image quality and better fluidity. The Game Bar feature allows for easy switching between game settings and quick control of parameters, which significantly simplifies adjusting the TV to individual needs. With support for G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, users of NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards will be pleased with the refresh rate synchronisation capabilities, eliminating tearing and stuttering issues, ensuring smoother and more immersive gameplay.

MQLED85/C765 is a television that combines advanced technologies and excellent support for gamers, making it the ideal choice for those looking to maximise their gaming experiences.

DU8002 is a television that is mainly suited for casual gamers. The 60 Hz panel won't provide the highest motion fluidity, so in dynamic games, you might miss that extra smoothness of the image. On the plus side, it has ALLM and HGiG functions, which automatically adjust the picture settings for HDR games, enhancing the gaming experience. Unfortunately, the TV only comes with HDMI 2.0 ports, so we have to forget about more advanced features like VRR or support for 4K at 120 Hz. Choosing this equipment means we will have to make do without a full set of gaming features.

Latency in the TCL MQLED85 television reaches impressively low levels under any conditions. Even the most demanding gamers will surely appreciate the minimal input lag of just 8 ms at 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR. Moreover, the latency remains at the same level even when Dolby Vision HDR is enabled, which is not the case with many competing models.

The input lag on the DU8002 is definitely one of its strong points. The lag is so low that every reaction on the screen is instantaneous, making gaming smooth and enjoyable. For gamers who enjoy dynamic titles and value quick response times, this television pleasantly surprises. Even though it lacks advanced gaming features or a higher refresh rate, the low input lag is a real advantage that makes a difference.

TCL MQLED85 works well as a computer monitor. Thanks to its support for chroma 4:4:4, the text on the screen is sharp and readable, which is essential for people working with text documents or spreadsheets. One of the biggest advantages of this model is its exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode, which is just 8 ms. This is a reference-level result that ensures smoothness and responsiveness, crucial for both gamers and those involved in video editing. However, it's worth noting that there is a slight issue related to font display on dark backgrounds. Upon zooming in on the tested font picture, it can be seen that horizontal lines are darker compared to vertical ones. This means that the sub-pixels in the TV may not fully illuminate in such cases, which can affect the quality of displayed text. Nonetheless, the overall performance of TCL MQLED85 as a computer monitor is very good and will certainly meet the expectations of many users.

The DU8002 performs excellently as a computer monitor. The 4:4:4 chroma support provides great text readability, so the texts appear sharp and clear, which is a big plus for longer work sessions and content browsing. For office tasks and everyday use, it really stands out. When it comes to gaming, the situation is a bit more complex – the 60 Hz refresh rate somewhat limits fluidity, which might not appeal to more demanding gamers. However, the low input lag is definitely an advantage, making games responsive and enjoyable. In short: super for work, less so for gaming.

The viewing angles on the TCL MQLED85 television are not its strong suit. The use of a VA panel causes the image to lose a significant amount of brightness when viewed at an angle. Changing the viewer's position, especially in a larger group setting, can make colours appear less saturated, and contrast may be less distinct. For this reason, it's recommended to sit directly in front of the screen to fully enjoy the picture quality. Although the television offers excellent colour reproduction from a direct view, the loss of brightness and detail at an angle can be problematic for those who plan to use the television in a larger room or from various locations.

DU8002 has really great viewing angles, thanks to the IPS panel. Even when looking at the screen from the side, the picture remains clear and the colours vibrant. This is a big plus, especially if we often watch movies with a larger group or work on a wide desk. You don’t have to worry about someone sitting on the side seeing a washed-out image – here, everything looks good, regardless of the angle.

MQLED85 performs reasonably well in daylight conditions, and it's worth noting the satin finish of the panel. While it doesn't excel at reducing reflections, it offers decent performance in various lighting conditions. An average brightness level above 600 nits is an impressive result, allowing for comfortable viewing even in well-lit rooms. As a result, the television performs well both during the day and during evening movie screenings, providing satisfactory picture quality.

The performance of the DU8002 television during the day is decent, although it doesn't stand out particularly. The satin display handles reflections mediocrely, so under strong sunlight, they may be noticeable. On the other hand, the stable brightness level of 300 nits works quite well in a slightly lit room, providing a clear image. This is a solid result that will satisfy for everyday use, though in heavily sunlit spaces, it may lack extra power.

TCL MQLED85 TV offers many features that enhance user comfort, with the central point of its functionality being the Google TV system. This modern interface allows for easy content browsing, as well as access to apps available in the Google Play store. Users can take advantage of voice search in Polish, which greatly simplifies navigation and allows for quick finding of interesting shows, movies, or apps. It's also worth noting that Google TV is currently the only system on the market that does not restrict Polish users' access to apps, offering the greatest availability among all available platforms. However, in the context of traditional TV watching, this television has its limitations. It does not offer a recording function, which may be a significant downside for those who would like to save their favorite programs. Additionally, the lack of Picture-in-Picture (PIP) option limits the ability to simultaneously track multiple video sources. On the other hand, the TV features a "MultiVision" function, which allows for screen splitting between the TV and a mobile device. This way, users can use apps on their phone while still watching a TV program. This solution will certainly appeal to those who enjoy multitasking and want to watch TV while also engaging with social media or browsing the internet on their smartphone. Despite some limitations, the TCL MQLED85 TV presents itself as a solid option for users who value modernity and functionality.

The Tizen system in the DU8002 television is a big plus. It runs smoothly, offering a lot of apps to choose from, although there are some limitations, such as the absence of Canal+. The voice control in Polish is a plus, simplifying daily navigation. Tizen also provides a solid foundation for building a smart home thanks to integration with SmartThings – a great option for those who want to manage devices at home from one place.

Among the useful features, we find AirPlay and Miracast, which make it easier to stream content from phones or laptops to the TV screen. The ability to connect devices via Bluetooth is another advantage. As for the downsides – the lack of a PiP (picture-in-picture) function and the option to record programs can be disappointing. Fortunately, the Samsung remote, although small and sleek, has its advantages. It can control external devices, such as set-top boxes, which often offer recording features, which can mitigate this drawback.

When it comes to design, the DU8002 is a true gem. It is one of the sleekest devices available on the market. With the right mount, it can be mounted on the wall, resembling a hanging frame with a picture – the effect is impressive and fits perfectly into modern interiors. Additionally, the adjustable width of the stand allows it to be matched to various pieces of furniture, although unfortunately, this option is not available in all sizes.

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

Playing files from USB on the DU8002 television is at a very good level, similar to most Samsung models. The television handles most popular audio, video, and photo formats, making multimedia playback convenient and hassle-free. Support for Polish characters in subtitles and the ability to change the font colour are significant advantages that users who like to customise their experience will appreciate. Among minor drawbacks, one could mention the lack of support for the HEIC photo format, popular among Apple users. Nonetheless, playback of files from USB is at a very satisfactory level and should meet the expectations of most users.

The sound of the television TCL MQLED85 can be described as decent, making it sufficient for everyday watching of movies, TV shows, and gaming. The speakers branded with Onkyo offer surprisingly good audio quality, and the sound does not crackle or distort even at higher volume levels.

The sound in the DU8002 is clear and crisp, but unfortunately it lacks bass – this is the effect of a slim profile that sacrifices sound depth for an elegant appearance. When it comes to playing audio files, we won’t find support for DTS here, which may be a downside for more demanding users. Fortunately, the television supports the Dolby Digital Plus codec, allowing for Dolby Atmos sound to be transmitted to other devices, such as soundbars. This means we can enjoy spatial sound that adds a new dimension to movies and music.

TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs Samsung DU8002 (IPS)

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

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound