TVs TCL
TCL Televisions – A Brand for Savvy Shoppers. Is It Still Worth It?
TCL is a brand that has built a reputation over the past few years as a manufacturer offering top specifications at the lowest prices. If you’re comparing televisions ‘on cold’, looking at the number of zones, HDR brightness or panel refresh rates – TCL often comes out on top. The Chinese manufacturer has adopted an aggressive strategy: premium hardware at a price that others reserve for mid-range products. At the same time, many users ask the same question: Where do the limits of these savings stand?
Key Facts About TCL - In Brief
1. Production of Own Mini-LED Panels (Technological Advantage)
TCL and CSOT are one company. This gives the firm access to Mini-LED technology “at the source,” producing backlighting with a huge number of zones. The result? TVs with contrast close to OLEDs can cost half of what Samsung or Sony charge.
2. Randomness of Units
Quality control is not yet at the level of Japanese or Korean competitors. Sometimes, you might receive a unit with a single dead pixel or a tiny speck under the glass. Therefore, purchasing online with the option of return is a sensible choice.
3. VA Panels - High Contrast, Poorer Viewing Angles
Most TCL models utilise VA panels. They provide beautiful blacks in the evening, but from the side, the picture loses its colours. They work best in a setup where the “sofa is directly in front of the TV.”
4. Software and Image Processing - The Weakest Element of the Puzzle
Google TV can be smooth, but it can also stutter. Motion smoothing features work, but they are not as natural as those in Sony. Upscaling is also “adequate,” but does not impress with low-quality content.
TCL vs Samsung
The most common dilemma for buyers: is it worth paying extra for Samsung when TCL offers Mini-LED at a better price?
Aspect | TCL (Mini-LED) | Samsung (Neo QLED / Mini-LED) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of dimming zones | Usually more at the same price | Usually fewer | Often, the contrast on TCL looks better than on Samsung, although the Korean brand counters with its backlight management. |
Contrast and blacks | Very high contrast, deep blacks | Very high contrast, deep blacks | Evening movie sessions often make a bigger impression on TCL, although they also look good on Samsung. |
HDR brightness | Very high peak brightness | High but often lower at a similar price | TCL can deliver stronger “brightness” in HDR effects in daytime scenes. |
Processing algorithms | Simpler, less advanced | More refined | Samsung better “hides” material imperfections and smooths out tonal transitions. |
Upscaling (SD/HD → 4K) | Decent but without finesse | One of the stronger points | TV channels and poorer sources usually look cleaner on Samsung. |
Operating system | Google TV – huge library of apps, but occasional stutters | Tizen – lightweight, fast environment, less flexibility than Google TV | TCL wins on the number of apps, Samsung on stability and smooth performance. |
Factory calibration | Often aggressive: strong colours, high sharpness | Usually more subdued, closer to reference | TCL requires a moment to set the movie mode, Samsung often works “straight out of the box”. |
Gaming | Excellent parameters: low input lag, high refresh rate, rich features for gamers | Very good support for gamers, refined menu and features | Both brands are suitable for gaming, TCL often tempts with specifications, while Samsung offers ergonomics and stability. |
TCL – pros
very high brightness in Mini-LED models, often higher than Samsung at the same price
more local dimming zones in comparable price brackets
very good contrast and deep blacks in evening viewing sessions
excellent parameters for gamers: low latency, high refresh rates, rich gaming features
full support for HDR formats, including Dolby Vision
attractive prices for large sizes (85–98 inches)
Google TV provides access to a very wide library of applications
TCL – drawbacks
image processing algorithms weaker than competitors
upscaling of HD/SD channels noticeably weaker than competitors
Google TV system can be less stable and can stutter
factory calibration often too aggressive (colour distortions, high sharpness)
poor viewing angles of VA models
Verdict:
TCL X11L is, without a doubt, a powerful showcase from the manufacturer and a TV that impresses in many areas. It’s clear the engineers focused on what matters most: peak brightness, blacks and contrast. The new quantum dots with an SQD filter do such a good job that colour saturation is on par with the top new RGB panels. And the blacks? The X11L can easily stand next to an OLED and doesn’t lose ...
Rating
8.6/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
8.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.9
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
7.3
Gaming on console
9.1
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
10.0
Utility functions
8.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
8.2
Available screen sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”
Technology: LCD VA, Mini-LED Super QLED (SQD)
Brand: TCL
Verdict:
The TCL C8L is without doubt one of the most intriguing Mini-LED TVs to reach our lab this year. It stands out above all for an excellent price-to-performance ratio. TCL has already got us used to aggressively priced screens, but with the C8 series the company pushes that even further. At a price that would typically only buy a mid-range model—or possibly two models like the C8K—here you get featu...
Rating
8.3/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.7
Classic TV, YouTube
7.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
7.2
Gaming on console
8.9
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
10.0
Utility functions
8.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
8.1
Available screen sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”
Technology: LCD VA, Mini-LED Super QLED (SQD)
Brand: TCL
Verdict:
TCL C7L is an incredibly successful Mini-LED television and a fully deserved successor to the hit model C7K. The list of advantages of this device is really long. At the top is the extremely high brightness of the panel. Thanks to this, the television handles brightly lit living rooms without any problems, offering a fantastic and dynamic image in HDR format. Huge applause is also due for the use ...
Rating
7.8/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.2
Classic TV, YouTube
6.8
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.4
Watching in bright light
8.8
Utility functions
7.8
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.7
Verdict:
The TCL C9K is a television that on paper looks like a showcase of the manufacturer's prowess – thousands of Mini-LED zones, a WHVA panel, audio system by Bang & Olufsen, full HDR format support, gaming at 144 Hz, and even 288 Hz at lower resolutions. It’s clear that TCL wanted to pack in absolutely everything they had that was best. And indeed – in many respects, the C9K can impress. The brig...
Rating
7.7/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
7.0
Utility functions
7.7
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.9
Verdict:
The C8K is proof that premium Mini LED technology doesn't have to cost as much as a premium product. With a high number of dimming zones and a new WHVA panel, the television offers excellent contrast, deep blacks, and very high brightness – everything we expect from a good viewing experience in the living room. The improved viewing angles are also impressive, as they no longer detract from the enj...
Rating
7.7/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.1
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
6.9
Utility functions
7.7
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.9
Buy this TV:
Verdict:
Once again, the manufacturer shows that despite being a relatively young player in Poland (but not globally) when it comes to the RTV market, it certainly cannot be said that it is a second-rate choice. The TCL C855 is an incredibly versatile device that performs well in various applications and excels in its price range. Thanks to Mini LED backlighting, the results for contrast and black levels a...
Rating
7.6/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.1
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
7.4
Utility functions
6.7
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.2
Verdict:
There are TVs that go through testing and at first glance seem to be just another "medium-range" option. The TCL C7K looks just like that - without grand claims of revolution, without ambitions to dethrone OLEDs. Yet, after spending a few days with this model, it's hard not to conclude that it's truly a successful piece of equipment. The biggest advantages? Very good picture quality at a reasonabl...
Rating
7.4/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.2
Classic TV, YouTube
6.9
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.8
Gaming on console
8.7
TV as a computer monitor
8.4
Watching in bright light
6.4
Utility functions
7.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.7
Verdict:
There are TVs that come for testing, and you immediately think: "oh, just another average one, probably like many others." And essentially... that's true. The TCL C7K doesn't try to dethrone OLEDs, nor does it scream "revolution!" from the box. And yet, after a few days of testing, it's hard not to think: "wow, this is really good gear." And that's exactly what the C7K is. The biggest advantage of...
Rating
7.2/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.7
Classic TV, YouTube
6.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.5
TV as a computer monitor
8.4
Watching in bright light
6.1
Utility functions
7.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.0
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 bla...
Rating
7.2/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.8
Classic TV, YouTube
6.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.5
Gaming on console
8.6
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
6.3
Utility functions
6.5
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.9
Available screen sizes: 32”, 43”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”
Technology: LCD VA, Mini-LED PFS LED
Brand: TCL
Verdict:
TCL A400 Pro is one of the most interesting lifestyle TVs we've tested so far. And not because it turns the whole idea of the "TV as a picture" upside down. In that respect it does roughly what the competition does: it should look good, blend into the interior and not be just another black slab in the living room. Its real strength lies elsewhere: in picture quality. This is the first TV of this k...
Rating
7.1/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.6
Classic TV, YouTube
6.9
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.6
Gaming on console
8.4
TV as a computer monitor
8.9
Watching in bright light
5.7
Utility functions
7.2
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.6
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