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 The Frame LS03D (2024) is not just an ordinary TV that you place in the corner and forget about after two days. Right away, it’s clear that the manufacturer aimed for more than just displaying movies. First, the "Art" mode grabs attention – with just a few clicks, we can turn The Frame into a digital gallery, showcasing works that, combined with the matte screen, really resemble a real painting in a frame. Speaking of frames, we have the option to customize its colour to perfectly match our interior. Additionally, in the package, we’ll find a wall mount, which allows the TV to be hung virtually “flat”, enhancing the impression of engaging with a piece of art rather than a typical screen. The matte display provides great protection against light reflections, and paired with high brightness (650 cd/m²), it performs well even in full sunlight. On top of that, we have a VA panel with quite decent contrast and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, so watching sports or playing dynamic titles looks really smooth and pleasing to the eye. Adding to this are the gaming features – VRR, ALLM, and HGiG – indicating that Samsung also thought about console and PC fans. As a result, Samsung The Frame can serve as both a picturesque decoration for the living room and a rather sensible gaming monitor. The mentioned One Connect is another handy gadget – it allows us to hide all cables in one place, requiring only a thin cable connecting the TV to that magic box. If we like order, this is a solution designed for us. Another advantage is the Tizen system – easy to use, fast, and full of apps. While it may not have absolutely everything (e.g., the Tidal app), it still offers a wide range of options when searching for additional streaming platforms. Of course, there’s no rose without thorns. The lack of local dimming is noticeable in dark scenes, where the blacks become less distinct. We also have to remember that there’s only one HDMI 2.1 port, so if we want to connect more devices at 4K and 120 Hz, we might feel limited. Besides, the viewing angles are rather average, so it’s better if the most important viewer (that’s us) sits directly in front of the TV. For Dolby Vision lovers, it won’t be the ideal choice either, as The Frame LS03D only supports HDR10 and HDR10+. Additionally, the sound – like in most slim TVs – is average, so it’s worth considering a soundbar if we care about clearer bass and a deeper sound. Despite these weaker points, The Frame still makes a great impression. It’s striking, stylish, and versatile – suitable for both watching the latest hits and displaying reproductions of paintings on the wall. If we value an extraordinary appearance, high brightness, and want to play something with low input lag, then this model will be a perfect choice. And while it may not be the leader in cost-effectiveness nor a technological "monster" in terms of picture quality, it has something that is simply likable. It’s a piece of equipment that stands out with its unique character and can fit into any interior, attracting attention both in TV mode and digital art gallery mode.