- Matching (Score) |
- Our verdict |
- Competing TVs |
- 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 |
- TV features |
- Apps |
- Playing files from USB |
- Sound |
- Panel details
TCL C8L / QM8L Review
C8L / QM8L
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Panel type: LCD VA Refresh rate: 144Hz Brand: TCL Resolution: 3840x2160 System: Google TV Model year: 2026
TCL C8L is undoubtedly one of the hottest releases in the Mini-LED TV market this year. On paper, this model has absolutely everything it needs to become a bestseller: impressive specifications, a proven Google TV system, and a full suite of features designed with gamers in mind. And all of this at a very affordable price. It is the direct successor to last year’s C8K model, which – let’s be honest – was surrounded by a lot of controversy, mainly related to the quality of the backlighting. What have the engineers managed to change in the new generation, and does the C8L redeem the faults of its predecessor? We checked it out!
TCL C8L - Our verdict
8.3
Overall rating
TCL C8L is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing Mini-LED televisions to arrive in our lab this year. This model stands out primarily due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio. TCL has accustomed us to aggressive pricing of its screens, but in the case of the C8 series, the manufacturer has managed to push the boundaries even further. For a price that often only allows for the purchase of mid-range models or two models like the C8K from the market competition, here we get features and specifications that are comparable to top models. The new image processor, four full HDMI 2.1 ports, support for extreme refresh rates, and impressive peak brightness thanks to a huge number of dimming zones are arguments that are hard to overlook.
However, when analysing the whole picture, we must honestly summarise the character of this television. The C8L is designed more for displaying “spectacular” images rather than strictly faithful ones. What do we mean by this? The software and algorithms managing the Mini-LED backlight zones have been tuned to prioritise visual impact – the image should be bright, contrasting, and striking in saturation. And what does that mean? The television tends to interpret the image on its own rather than sticking to certain studio standards. For most users seeking "greater" emotions in movies or games, this effect will likely be seen as a benefit. Conversely, purists and fans of perfectly natural images (like us 😉) might consider this behaviour too aggressive and not aligned with the director’s intent. Therefore, we leave the final evaluation on this matter to you.
Overall, despite this specificity, the TCL C8L is a television that we can, and even must, wholeheartedly recommend. It is primarily a premium-class product, doing literally everything right… to the point of pain. We would regard certain imperfections simply as characteristics of this device rather than flaws – mainly due to technological limitations that have already conditioned us with all Mini-LED televisions from every manufacturer on the market. Ultimately, the software refinement has given the new eight a significant boost, resulting in a mature, confident, and nearly complete device.
Advantages
Very good black – Mini-LED backlighting
High peak brightness – results reaching nearly 5000 nits
Remarkable performance during the day – massive backlight strength easily cuts through reflections on the panel
Pentonic 800 processor – noticeable quality leap in upscaling and the operation of digital functions
Four full HDMI 2.1 ports
Excellent specifications for gamers – exceptionally low input lag (below 10 ms), refresh rate up to 288 Hz with VRR, and support for HGiG and Dolby Vision Gaming
Google TV – system operates quickly and allows for the installation of a large number of applications
Good sound – audio branded with premium Bang & Olufsen
Disadvantages
Lack of creative fidelity – the television tends to boost brightness
Light smearing
Movies and series in UHD quality7.7
Classic TV, YouTube7.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)7.2
Gaming on console8.9
TV as a computer monitor8.6
Watching in bright light10.0
Utility functions8.3
Apps9.6
Sound quality8.1
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TCL C8L - Competing TVs in this price range
TCL C8L - TV appearance
HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality: Premium
Stand type: Central
Bezel color: Silver
Stand: Height adjustment
Flat design: No
Accessories: Stand
Visually, the TCL C8L is essentially a faithful copy of its predecessor. Is that a flaw? Absolutely not. We are dealing with a premium class construction that immediately reveals high-quality workmanship. The biggest impression comes from the fitting of the screen itself – it is completely bezel-less and, crucially, devoid of that characteristic internal black border that we know from most LCD panels or even OLEDs. This makes the image seem to almost spill over the edges of the casing. The frames themselves are metal (or finished with a material that perfectly mimics graphite-silver aluminium). TCL has also taken a sensible approach to mounting: for the most popular sizes (from 55 to 85 inches) a central stand has been used, while the massive 98-inch variants sit on two widely spaced legs. It’s worth adding that the back cover is flat across the entire surface, allowing this model to be mounted very close to the wall. The C8L really does look stunning.
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TCL C8L - Contrast and black detail
8/10
Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 2040 (34 x 60)
Result
156,600:1
Result
59,250:1
Result
17,400:1
Result
23,650:1
Result
9,250:1
Visibility of details in the lights:
The C8L model is certainly not lacking in one respect: its impressive specifications. In the 65-inch version we tested: the manufacturer packed in as many as 2040 independent local dimming zones (this number obviously increases or decreases with the screen diagonal). Such a dense arrangement of light points has a direct impact on black depth. The contrast we measured in film scenes reached impressive five- and six-digit values to one, which is a remarkable result in the world of LCDs. Is the algorithm perfect? Not quite. On small, bright elements displayed on a dark background, the trained eye can still detect a subtle halo effect and moments when the zones come to life, which is a natural feature of Mini-LED technology. Interestingly, in our test scene with the helicopter, the background was noticeably brighter than on competing screens. Unfortunately, TCL manipulates the brightness curve in a specific way, artificially boosting certain plans, which we do not have full control over from the device's menu. This is an evident flaw of this model that must be taken into account. Nevertheless, the black level on this model will be more than satisfactory for most viewers.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
TCL C8L - HDR effect quality
7.3/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 97.4%, Bt.2020: 90.3%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
Result
1637 nit
Result
701 nit
Result
1428 nit
Result
405 nit
Result
1728 nit
When it comes to HDR, the TCL C8L turns out to be a hellishly bright television – and I mean that literally. On a synthetic test pattern of 5%, our measuring equipment indicated a result exceeding 4500 nits. That's an almost cosmic result, considering that reference director's monitors, which we often refer to in our materials, usually operate around 4000 nits. Does this mean the C8L breaks barriers and climbs to the technological peak of Mini-LED? Not quite. Dry synthetic tests are one thing, and real film images are another. In real, varied scenes, the C8L hits around 1600 nits at its peak. That's still a very good result, ensuring a very high level of HDR dynamics, but it's clearly lower than what the manufacturer boasts in the specifications. The trouble begins with very small bursts of light – then the brightness can drastically drop to around 600 nits. The algorithm does everything it can to maintain deep blacks and minimise halo effect, but it does so at the cost of HDR impact. This is ideal evidence that laboratory test patterns rarely correlate with what we ultimately see on the screen.
Huge applause is due for colour reproduction, all thanks to the new generation of SQD (Super Quantum Dot) quantum dots. The coverage of the DCI-P3 palette reaches 97%, but the jaw-dropping measurements come from the notoriously demanding BT.2020 space. The C8L achieves an impressive 90% in this area, placing it alongside today’s top screens that feature RGB backlighting. Importantly, unlike some screens with Micro/Mini RGB backlighting, this effect is stable regardless of the scene being displayed. Of course, it’s important to remember that content mastered for such a wide gamut in films or series is still a rarity. However, the very fact that the panel has such a "reserve of colours" deserves huge admiration.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
How do these conflicting measurement results translate into real movie screenings? The image on the TCL C8L unfortunately presents a rather dual nature. On one hand, it cannot be denied that it can impress with its dynamics and colour saturation. All kinds of explosions, colourful fireworks, or demonstration materials simply look stunning, generating a 'jaw-dropping' effect - and here, the high-end technical parameters do a fantastic job. However, the matter of conveying an authentic directorial vision is completely different. The new Mini-LED from TCL has been tuned with a focus on 'spectacular' image rather than 'correct' image. Our measurements of the EOTF curve in films (responsible for brightness control) confirm that the television evidently shoots beyond the reference scale. This approach has its consequences: while bright areas of the image catch the eye, they often lack subtle details, and the bright details are simply overly clipped. This is a well-known and characteristic issue for the TCL brand in the way it tunes the image in its models. For us as users, it remains to either accept this or quietly hope for a software update that will temper the tendencies of the C8L in the future.
HDR luminance chart:
While the television itself is factory-set to generate the highest brightness possible and has clear issues with properly matching it to the displayed content (the dynamic tone mapping function leaves a lot to be desired), full support for premium HDR formats comes to the rescue. TCL has not been involved in format wars for years and in the C8L model offers support for practically everything: from the open standard HDR10+ to the key market player Dolby Vision, which can be found on almost every streaming platform. It is the presence of dynamic metadata that saves the day with the C8L. Thanks to this, the television receives precise instructions frame by frame, allowing it to recover some of the lost details. The image itself becomes more contrasted and definitely more vibrant. This should be regarded as a huge advantage that effectively masks the shortcomings of the factory tuning. Interestingly, TCL has announced support for Dolby Vision 2 format for this year's models – including the tested C8L. However, as of today, there is a lack of consumer materials that would allow testing this novelty in practice, so we will have to wait to verify these promises.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
5.3/10
We tested the TCL C8L in the best factory mode available in the menu of this television for image fidelity. We are, of course, talking about Filmmaker Mode, which has only recently been integrated into the software structures of this brand (last year in the "K" series). Thanks to it, the average user is able to achieve quite decent colour reproduction straight out of the box, although it is certainly not a flawlessly tuned mode. Looking at the factory white balance of our model – in both SDR and HDR material – there was clearly a lack of red component, which made the image noticeably cooler and slightly veered towards bluish-green hues. The issue of brightness management is also ambiguous, as we mentioned earlier. While in SDR content, the linearity of the Gamma parameter is really correct and consistently holds to the reference value of 2.4, in HDR, the situation looks much worse. Tracking the EOTF curve clearly shows that the television has significantly boosted brightness throughout the range, which can result in an excessively bright final image that is inconsistent with the creators' intent – and this is in a mode that, by definition, should avoid this. Of course, like every unit in our lab, this one was also subjected to professional calibration, and you can find the results below.
Color reproduction after calibration
7.5/10
As you can see, the results of the professional calibration of the TCL C8L are truly promising, thanks to the extensive adjustment tools the manufacturer has made available in the menu. Above all, we were able to completely correct the white balance – we eliminated the red deficit, which means the image finally stopped drifting into undesirable, cool hues. After this adjustment, the errors in the ColorChecker test dropped to almost reference values, consistently placing below the Delta E threshold of 2, which is below the visibility limit for the human eye.
With the test patterns looking so perfect, you might be wondering: why then the lower final score in this category? The answer lies in the brightness management described earlier. Even though in the menu we find sliders that allow for precise straightening of the EOTF curve on synthetic signals, when faced with actual film material (I recommend turning on the EOTF filter in movies now), it becomes clear that the television reacts to HDR metadata in its own way in most scenarios. As a result, the image can be slightly brightened and inconsistent with the creators' intentions – and for this lack of repeatability in real films, we had to deduct a few points from the C8L model.
TCL C8L - Smoothness of tonal transitions
9/10
The fluidity of tonal transitions in the C8L model is considered nearly exemplary. A well-tuned matrix along with algorithms ensures that the television handles the phenomenon of posterization well, which is the undesirable, layered separation of individual shades from one another. Subtle, minimal errors and minor shortcomings in gradation can only be noticed in extremely dark, demanding scenes. However, overall, when watching high-quality content in native resolution, the transitions between colours are incredibly smooth and vibrant.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
7.8/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
This year, the C8 series and higher models received probably the biggest and most anticipated upgrade in TCL's history, which pertains to digital image processing. The C8L model is the entry-level representative in the manufacturer's offer, equipped with the latest flagship chip MediaTek Pentonic 800 (marked in the menu as MT9655). It is thanks to its computing power that the feature called "Gradual Smoothing" finally works as it should. The algorithm effectively eliminates the unwanted phenomenon of posterization (ugly tonal transitions / banding of colours), doing so smartly enough that it does not degrade the sharpness of the remaining details.
The processor also handles upscaling lower-resolution content to 4K very well. While assessing this element can be purely academic, as the differences between today's televisions in this class are very subtle. The most important information in all of this is that TCL finally has nothing to be ashamed of compared to the competition.
TCL C8L - Blur and motion smoothness
7.7/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 144Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Brightness drop with BFI: 32%
TCL C8L has been equipped with a fast panel boasting a native refresh rate of 144 Hz. This specification will be appreciated primarily by demanding PC gamers, while most users – relying on consoles or television broadcasts – will utilise a stable 120 Hz. It is at 120 Hz that the motion processing algorithms handle image quality (in films/TV shows/sports). In the television's menu, we can find a section called “Motion Clarity”, which allows adjustment of the smoother to suit personal preferences. The algorithms perform well with both cinematic productions at 24 or 30 frames per second, as well as with dynamic sports broadcasts at 50 or 60 frames, ensuring appropriate fluidity.
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
Blur (1080p@288Hz):
In terms of the smearing of the C8L, it performs quite well, although it is definitely not the fastest panel we've tested. A slight trail can be observed following moving objects – including our test alien – especially on darker backgrounds. Overall, the result is fully satisfactory, considering that the TV features an LCD VA panel, which by nature is not known for the fastest pixel response times.
TCL C8L - Console compatibility and gaming features
9.8/10
- ALLM:
Yes
- VRR:
Yes
- VRR range:
48 - 288Hz
- Dolby Vision Game Mode:
Yes
- Correct implementation of HGIG:
Yes
- 1080p@120Hz:
Yes
- 1440p@120Hz:
Yes
- 4K@120Hz:
Yes
- Game bar:
Yes
For gamers – especially for owners of powerful PCs and multiple consoles simultaneously – the TCL C8L is a true beast. This is the first model in this manufacturer's lineup that is equipped with four full HDMI 2.1 ports with a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps. This is directly due to the use of the new Pentonic 800 processor, which we've mentioned before. Additionally, the TV seamlessly supports practically every gaming feature. It has an automatic game mode (ALLM) that reduces latency to minimal levels, as well as full variable refresh rate (VRR) operating in an impressive range of up to 288 Hz. It also supports standards such as G-Sync and FreeSync from Nvidia and AMD. When it comes to image display standards, there are no compromises either: the C8L offers complete support for HDR formats in gaming, including gaming Dolby Vision and the HGiG profile. We can conveniently manage all these features from a very readable gamer bar (Game Bar), which we can customise according to our own preferences. From a purely gaming perspective, the C8L really has no flaws – well, maybe apart from the previously mentioned slight ghosting. But other than that? It’s a no-nonsense machine for gamers.
TCL C8L - Input lag
10/10
In laboratory tests, we measured Input Lag at below 10 ms. For a gamer, this means a delay that is completely imperceptible. Importantly, this result can be further improved by forcing the PC to refresh above 120 Hz. We give a big plus for the Dolby Vision Game mode – the lag is just as low as in the classic SDR or HDR10 modes.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 14 ms | 2160p60: 13 ms | 2160p60 DV: 13 ms |
| 1080p120: 8 ms | 2160p120: 8 ms | 2160p120 DV: 8 ms |
| 2160p60: 13 ms | ||
| 2160p120: 8 ms |
TCL C8L - Compatibility with PC
8.6/10
Chroma 444 (max. resolution and refresh rate): Yes
Font clarity: Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, max. refresh rate): 7ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: RGB
Max refresh rate: 144Hz
G-Sync: Yes
The TCL C8L performs very well as a large-format monitor. The TV supports refresh rates up to 288 Hz at Full HD resolution, which will be appreciated by fans of e-sports titles and owners of less powerful graphics cards in AAA games. The device also works seamlessly with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync frame synchronization systems. Importantly, when working with text, the C8L displays most fonts correctly and clearly. While minimal rendering errors in the edges of letters and slight graininess around them can be noticed at close range, the issue completely disappears (or rather becomes less noticeable) when sitting at the normal recommended viewing distance from the screen.
TCL C8L - Viewing angles
4.5/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 74%
The TCL C8L uses a VA panel, which is typically not known for wide viewing angles. However, in this case, the manufacturer has implemented a proprietary panel WHVA 2.0 from TCL CSOT. Therefore, the viewing angles are definitely better than those of average VA panels, which is undoubtedly a positive aspect. The colours and contrast do not degrade as drastically when slightly off the main axis as is the case with most LCD screens. Overall, it is still a level lower than IPS panels, and even more so than OLED screens, but generally, as far as VA LCD panels go, the progress is quite noticeable.
TCL C8L - Daytime performance
10/10
Panel finish: Glare
Reflection suppression: Decent
Black levels during daytime: Very Good
TCL C8L is one of the brightest televisions we've tested to date. As you can see on the brightness chart (or rather, you may not see it) – its peak brightness reaches a staggering 5,000 nits (precisely 4,862)! Although with a full-screen white image this value drops to around 600 nits, the overall performance of this television during the day confidently suggests that it is an ideal screen for very bright, sunlit living rooms. Even though the glossy panel used here doesn't suppress reflections as aggressively as matte screens, the sheer power of the display can cut through most unwanted reflections coming from windows or other unnatural light sources like lamps.
Panel brightness
TCL C8L / QM8L : 1651 cd/m2
TCL C8L - TV features
8.3/10
System: Google TV
System performance: Very good
- HDMI inputs: 0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
- Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
- Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
- TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Classic features:
Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No - Recording programming: No
- Picture in Picture (PiP): No
- RF remote control (no need to aim): RF
- Backlit remote control: Yes
- Teletext: Yes
- Audio only mode: Yes
- Bluetooth headphones support: Yes
- Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio: Yes
Smart features:
- AirPlay: Yes
- Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
- Voice search: Yes
- Voice search in native language: Yes
- Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
SmartTV: Google TV
On the internet, you can still come across older reviews of the TCL brand, where users complained about slow performance or occasional interface freezes with the Google TV system. However, the C8L model shows a significant step forward. Thanks to the new processor and certain improvements, the stability and speed of Google TV are at a very high level. We can easily compare the functionality of this system with closed systems like Tizen or webOS from competing flagship models. It comes equipped with a complete package of features, led by the updated Gemini voice system.
Television Features
In terms of typical television functionality, the C8L reliably fulfills its role as a television 😉. Here, you'll find classic, standard solutions, such as a Bluetooth module for seamlessly pairing wireless headphones or the still-present teletext for managing integrated tuners. It is evident, however, that this model is designed primarily for modern streaming platforms. This is evidenced by the minimalist, modern remote, which – unlike the cheaper C7L – has been completely stripped of a traditional numeric keypad.
Sound connection options
HDMI audio:
Other audio outputs:
- Toslink: Yes
Wireless audio:
- Bluetooth: Yes
Supported audio formats (external HDMI eARC audio):
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1: Yes
- Dolby True HD 7.1: Yes
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC): Yes
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD: Yes
- DTS:X in DTS-HD MA: Yes
- DTS-HD Master Audio: Yes
Senior accessibility
- Numeric keyboard on TV: No
- Font size adjustment: Yes
- Audio description: Yes
TCL C8L - Apps
9.6/10
TCL C8L - Playing files from USB
9.4/10
| Maximum photo resolution: | Supported photo formats: |
|---|---|
| 4 Mpix | JPEG |
| 6 Mpix | HEIC |
| 8 Mpix | PNG |
| 10 Mpix | GIF |
| 12 Mpix | WebP |
| 16 Mpix | TIFF |
| 20 Mpix | BMP |
| 24 Mpix | SVG |
| 28 Mpix | |
| 32 Mpix |
The built-in file player from USB handles everyday tests without the slightest issues. It's great that the TV natively and efficiently opens even less standard photo formats, such as Apple's HEIC. We did encounter a few formats that the factory app couldn't manage, but in the case of Google TV, this poses no barrier. A huge advantage of this system is the ability to install any external player (e.g., VLC) directly from the Google Play store, which often completely resolves compatibility issues.
TCL C8L - Sound
8.1/10
78dB
Maximum volume
Supported codecs (TV speakers)
Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Dolby True HD 7.1
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
DTS-HD Master Audio
It may seem that in terms of sound, the TCL C8L will play exactly the same as last year's C8K. After all, it once again features an audio system co-branded with Bang & Olufsen in a 6.2.2 layout – with the same power and the same system capabilities, namely Beosonic technology. Nothing could be further from the truth. The new generation performed noticeably better in our listening tests. Why is that? To be honest – from a purely hardware perspective we don't know, but it's clearly visible in the graphs from our measurements. Perhaps TCL has simply improved the performance of the speakers with a new software update and better speaker driving.
But as we always say – these are still the television's speakers. We believe that anyone who wants to fully enjoy the potential of this television will still be forced to purchase a good soundbar or home theater system. The C8L offers full support for audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and niche DTS. Only by connecting an external audio system will you extract true, spatial sound from movies or games, enhancing what you see on this television.
Sound Quality Test:
Acoustic Measurements
78dBC (Max)
75dBC
TCL C8L - Panel details
Software version during testing: V8-0015T01-LF1V080.000644
Image processor: mt9655 2,5GB RAM
Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:
Backlight Type: Mini-LED QLED
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