TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

Direct compare

C765 / MQLED85

Info

Neo QLED / QN85D / QNX1D

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”98”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Tizen

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

7.2

7.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.8

    6.6

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.6

    6.8

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.5

    6.7

  • Gaming on console

    8.6

    8.9

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    6.3

    7.3

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    7.7

  • Apps

    10.0

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    7.0

Advantages

  • Great choice for gamers - lots of features, low input lag, 144Hz

  • High panel brightness - good performance during the day

  • Good black levels and contrast

  • Comprehensive Google TV

  • Premium build at a low price

  • Nice contrast - Miniled backlighting

  • Very good for gamers - 120Hz, 4xHDMI 2.1, low input lag

  • Tizen operating system with SmartThings and AirPlay support – wide integration and flexibility

  • Very high brightness 825 cd/m² – good performance in bright rooms

  • Pleasant sound with noticeable bass

Disadvantages

No like
  • Average viewing angles

  • No recording function

  • No recording feature

  • Limited support for multimedia formats, no DTS audio format

Our verdict

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.

Samsung QN85D is the entry-level model in the Neo QLED series for 2024, but it certainly doesn’t come across as a "budget" option. It’s a television that combines modern technology with convenient smart features. During tests, the Tizen system operated smoothly, and integration with the SmartThings ecosystem made it easy to connect other devices in the home. If we use Apple devices, AirPlay works flawlessly, which is convenient, especially for viewing photos or videos from our phone. As for its performance during daily use, it simply works very well. The television handles viewing even in bright rooms – its brightness is sufficient that there’s no need to cover the windows. Additionally, the stable central stand not only looks good but also adds confidence that the device is standing securely and will definitely fit on smaller furniture. There is a lack of recording function, but the solar remote control, which operates decoders (e.g. Canal+) and the PiP function are practical additions that anyone who enjoys spending time watching regular television will appreciate. As for the picture – because that’s the most important thing in a TV – the QN85D makes a great impression. The VA panel provides very good blacks – especially if we watch the television head-on. Thanks to miniLED backlighting, the television better controls the light, resulting in much more detail visible in dark scenes. When it comes to motion fluidity, the television performs excellently thanks to the 120 Hz refresh rate – both games and matches are enjoyable to watch. If we’re gaming, low input lag combined with an excellent motion smoother and game bar will be a significant advantage – gameplay will be a pleasure. Samsung QN85D is a versatile television that will perform well for both everyday television watching and more demanding sessions or gaming on a console. Although it lacks some features, such as recording, its picture quality, motion fluidity, and smart capabilities definitely make up for these shortcomings. If we’re looking for a modern yet affordable Mini LED model, QN85D will be a very good choice.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
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

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

7.7/10

7.6/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 720 (36 x 20)

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 120 (12 x 10)

Contrast:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

30,150:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

17,500:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

9,500:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,750:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

107,750:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

27,100:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

62,500:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

8,750:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Contrast and black detail

Result

4,950:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

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.

Samsung QN85D for 2024 is the first model from the NeoQLED series to use a VA panel, offering significantly better blacks than IPS/ADS technologies. The 55-inch version has 160 dimming zones, which may not be an impressive number compared to competing models from China. In larger sizes, the number of zones is greater, which naturally translates to better contrast. The contrast results are good, but certain limitations are evident.

With smaller elements on the screen, the limited number of zones causes issues – the TV either tries to maintain a high brightness level, resulting in a halo effect around objects, or it dims too much, as observed in the test scene from the Pioneer disc. Additionally, in the same scene where the TV showcased its highest capabilities (Oblivion) in contrast, it also has significant problems with light separation. You can see how the TV struggles to maintain the best black at the cost of detail in the whites. You can't have it all. Both of these effects impact the perception of contrast, making the performance weaker in more challenging conditions. However, compared to TVs without local dimming technology, the results are very positive and can be surprising.

HDR effect quality

6/10

5.3/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 94.6%, Bt.2020: 77.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

1016 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

365 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

765 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

235 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

1178 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

999 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

335 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

562 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

182 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D Brightness measurement

Result

855 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

TCL MQLED85 / C765

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.

Samsung QN85D leaves us with mixed feelings regarding HDR quality. It can shine in synthetic luminance tests, reaching even 1000 nits – which makes scenes like those from 'The Meg' or the start of 'Life of Pi', where the screen is all bright, look truly impressive. However, in practice, the device has its limitations – especially when smaller bright elements appear on the screen. In such moments, brightness noticeably drops, and the HDR effect loses its punch. At brightness levels around 200-300 nits, the magic of HDR simply fades away, not delivering spectacular effects. However, it’s not that the television completely disappoints – coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut at 95% is quite decent, although it doesn’t stand out against the best competitors. Colours are well-rendered, but it's clear that HDR could make a bigger impression if brightness could be better controlled.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

6.3/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

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.

Samsung QN85D TV has been tested in the best available mode – Filmmaker. While one might expect its name suggests a mode perfectly suited for films, unfortunately, it has several significant issues.

When it comes to white balance for HD content, there is a noticeable dominance of red and blue, which makes the entire image take on pinkish hues – this is also confirmed by Colour Checker tests. This effect disturbs the naturalness of skin tones and many other elements, which is particularly evident in more demanding scenes. Initially, the white balance for 4K HDR content seems correct, but at the end of the graph, there is a significant spike in blue hues, affecting the final image quality and making the colours appear unnatural.

The gamma brightness characteristic is also not ideal – although it generally stays close to the reference value, there is a slight drop below 2.4, which can impact the perceived depth of shadows. The EOTF curve responsible for 4K content does not perform any better. There is a clear boost compared to the reference curve, leading to excessive brightness in some areas, thus losing the cinematic quality that the Filmmaker mode should provide. While it might initially seem that the effect is cinematic, unfortunately, the number of errors in colour and brightness reproduction is too significant to call it flawless.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

7.9/10

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.

After professional calibration of the Filmmaker mode on the Samsung QN85D television, a significant improvement is noticeable, especially for HD/SDR content. The white balance has been completely free of major errors, and the brightness characteristics for this type of content have been significantly adjusted, allowing for a more natural and realistic image. Television, YouTube films, and other HD materials now look much better, with appropriately balanced colours and without the exaggerated hues that previously marred the experience.

However, the biggest issues arise with 4K HDR content. Despite the calibration, it's hard to speak of significant improvement in white balance here – the differences are cosmetic rather than essential. Brightness, governed by the EOTF curve, seems to be set according to the reference level in synthetic tests at first glance, but has its limitations during actual viewing in films. When analysing the EOTF curve in real film scenes, it becomes clear that the television struggles to maintain consistency in brightness. The effect is that mixed scenes still have their darkest elements boosted, leading to exaggerated contrasts, and completely dark scenes remain too dark, which negatively affects the visibility of details.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

7.6/10

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.

When it comes to tonal transition fluidity on the Samsung QN85D television, it’s generally very good. The tonal transitions are smooth, and there are no significant artifacts. However, more demanding users may notice some issues in certain scenes. For example, when blending darker colours, like in the scene with the red sea, subtle shortcomings can be observed. Similarly, in the case of lighter colours – the scene from the film 'The Martian' shows slight gradation issues, leading to subtle but noticeable transitions between shades. Despite these minor shortcomings, most users should be satisfied. The results are of a high standard and in most cases provide smooth, natural transitions between colours.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.1/10

7/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

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.

When checking the fluidity of tonal transitions in low-resolution materials on the Samsung QN85D television, it’s worth noting the noise reduction feature, which significantly improves problematic tonal transitions. On the other hand, this feature also has its downsides – it removes film grain, which is an important element of many productions, giving them authenticity, and it can also soften the image. This may appeal to those who prefer a smoother picture; however, for lovers of the authentic look of films, using this feature should be considered carefully.

Regarding image scaling, the television performs very well. The model's figure is presented correctly, without noticeable distortions, and the branches in the background do not have excessive artificial sharpness, which is often a problem when scaling lower resolution materials. The high capabilities of the image processor are evident here, which can effectively process lower quality materials, ensuring good final quality.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.5/10

7.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
75%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

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.

Samsung QN85D TV is equipped with a 120 Hz refresh rate panel, which should satisfy both gamers and sports enthusiasts by offering a smooth and dynamic image. There are options to enhance fluidity, such as the blur and judder reduction feature, which allows precise motion fluidity adjustments on a 10-point scale. The blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, making action scenes more readable, while judder reduction smooths out motion, eliminating the “judder” effect. Ghosting is generally well controlled, though minor imperfections can be visible in more demanding scenes, especially when an object moves against a dark background. Additionally, the TV offers a BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature at a 60 Hz refresh rate, which can significantly improve motion fluidity experience, although at the cost of image flicker, which might be bothersome for some users.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

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.

The Samsung QN85D television is an excellent choice for gamers, offering a wide range of features that enhance the gaming experience and make it even more exciting. With a 120 Hz refresh rate panel, the image is incredibly smooth, which is crucial during dynamic scenes in action games. The television also boasts low input lag, allowing for nearly instant reactions to player commands, which translates into better control over characters and events on the screen.

In addition, the QN85D Samsung supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) technologies, which optimise image smoothness and reduce delays by automatically adjusting the television to the needs of gamers. Moreover, the Xbox app allows for cloud gaming without the need for a console, which is a big plus for those who want to enjoy their favourite titles without additional hardware – a feature that sets Samsung televisions apart.

The Auto Motion Plus Game feature is another aspect worth highlighting. This motion smoothing technology creates the illusion of more frames per second – as a result, games at 30 fps appear smoother, resembling gameplay at 45 fps, while games at 60 Hz come closer to 90 Hz. Most importantly, this feature does not introduce significant lag, ensuring that gaming comfort is not compromised. This allows gamers to enjoy a smoother image without compromising responsiveness.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.9/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
14 ms
1080p120
8 ms
10 ms
2160p60
16 ms
14 ms
2160p120
8 ms
10 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
14 ms
2160p120
8 ms
10 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms

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.

Samsung QN85D impresses when it comes to input lag value. The television achieves outstanding results – below 15 ms for 60 Hz content and around 10 ms for 120 Hz content. This allows gamers to enjoy instantaneous responses to their actions, especially in dynamic games where every millisecond counts. Such low input lag makes gameplay more responsive and natural, enhancing the overall experience while playing.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

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
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
8ms
10ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

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.

Samsung QN85D could be a good option as a computer monitor. Thanks to support for chroma 4:4:4 (available only in "Game" mode), text on the screen is clear and easy to read, which is crucial for those working with word documents or spreadsheets. A major advantage of this model is its exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode – just 9 ms, which is really impressive and provides high fluidity and responsiveness, making it suitable for both work and gaming. However, there are some drawbacks. When displaying fonts on a dark background, an issue arises – when zooming in on an image, it can be seen that the horizontal lines are darker than the vertical ones. This is due to the fact that the sub-pixels in those areas do not light up fully, which may be a result of oversight on the manufacturer's part in optimising the algorithm responsible for displaying thin lines. As a result, the quality of text on a dark background is not ideal. Despite this, the television still remains a very good choice as a PC monitor, especially considering the low input lag and support for chroma 4:4:4.

Viewing angles

3.2/10

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
80%
84%

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.

The Samsung QN85D television, due to its VA panel, has quite poor viewing angles. When viewed from the side, colours lose their intensity, and the image becomes noticeably less contrasted. This is a typical drawback of VA panels, which offer significantly worse picture quality when viewed from wider angles. However, directly in front of the television, the situation looks much better – the VA panel then provides deep blacks and better contrast, which is a big plus if the television is mainly watched while sitting directly in front of the screen.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.3/10

7.3/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D: 825 cd/m2

TCL MQLED85 / C765: 618 cd/m2

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.

Samsung QN85D TV performs very well in bright daylight conditions. Although the satin panel moderately suppresses reflections, the brightness level of 825 cd/m² is truly impressive. Even in direct sunlight, the television handles itself very well, providing a clear and sharp image, and the largest external light sources do not pose a significant problem. This makes this model a good option for rooms with a lot of natural light.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
V8-T653T01-LF1R134
1120
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TCL MQLED85 / C765

Samsung Neo QLED QN85D / QNX1D

TV features

7.1/10

7.7/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Tizen
  • 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
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    Yes
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • 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
    Yes
  • 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

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.

Samsung QN85D offers a wide range of smart features, thanks to the Tizen platform. Users have access to applications and features such as SmartThings, allowing management not only of Samsung devices but also equipment from other brands, creating a complete smart home ecosystem. The TV also supports AirPlay, enabling convenient content streaming from Apple devices directly to the screen, enhancing flexibility and comfort in everyday use.

Model QN85D also stands out in terms of unique features. The TV features Daily+, offering a variety of daily content such as fitness exercises or workspace. Additionally, the attractive appearance of the TV, while not as slim as last year's models, still presents well. The central stand provides solid support and adds character to the device, giving the TV a more elegant look.

In terms of user features, the TV is equipped with a remote that controls set-top boxes, such as Canal+, allowing easy control of most home equipment with a single device. The TV also has a PiP (Picture-in-Picture) function, enabling simultaneous viewing of two image sources. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks that can be noticed is the lack of a recording function, which may be a significant downside for some users.

Playing files from USB

8.9/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
Yes
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
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

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.

The built-in player in the Samsung QN85D should satisfy most users. It handles popular video and audio formats without much trouble, offering solid support for the most commonly used codecs. However, more demanding users may notice some shortcomings – it is not possible to play photos in the HEIC format, popular in Apple devices, as well as a few other, less common photo formats.

Apps

10/10

9.3/10

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
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
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

6.9/10

7/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.9/10
    7/10
  • 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 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 on the Samsung QN85D television is pleasant, with a subtle sense of bass and clarity across the entire volume range. This is thanks to the built-in 2.2 40W speakers. Unfortunately, the lack of support for the DTS audio format may be problematic for users wanting to enjoy a full sound experience. In such cases, it will be necessary to use an external player to get support for this format.