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:
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
7.4
Classic TV, YouTube
7.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.8
Gaming on console
8.9
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
7.4
Classic TV, YouTube
7.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.8
Gaming on console
8.9
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)
6.6
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
Verdict:
The TCL C69K / Q6C is a TV that perfectly targets gamers and movie fans on a reasonable budget. Its biggest strength is the combination of a VA panel with Mini-LED backlighting. Simply put, contrast is high and blacks are deep, making evening movie sessions look truly impressive. Add to that a 144 Hz refresh rate, which does wonders not only for sports but especially for gaming. And for gamers, it...
Rating
7.1/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.7
Classic TV, YouTube
6.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.3
Gaming on console
8.4
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
6.4
Utility functions
7.0
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.5
Verdict:
TCL C6K is a TV for those who want to combine gaming and watching movies with good contrast, all without breaking the bank. With its VA panel illuminated by Mini-LED, blacks are deep and contrast is high, making evening viewings look truly impressive. Additionally, it boasts decent brightness, which paired with Dolby Vision gives films a cinematic quality. Importantly, the smoothness of the image ...
Rating
7.1/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.7
Classic TV, YouTube
6.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.3
Gaming on console
8.4
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
6.4
Utility functions
7.0
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.5
Verdict:
The mid-range television segment is expanding rapidly, and TCL C75B demonstrates that it’s possible to get really solid equipment in this price category. This model is clearly designed with gamers in mind – the HDMI 2.1 port offers a lot of potential, providing VRR, ALLM, and impressive 144 Hz refresh rate in 4K (or 240 Hz in Full HD), which will certainly please both gaming and sports fans. The T...
Rating
6.6/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.4
Classic TV, YouTube
6.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.2
Gaming on console
8.4
TV as a computer monitor
7.6
Watching in bright light
4.9
Utility functions
6.6
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.6
Verdict:
The TCL P8K is a TV that immediately wins you over. It seems cheap, supposedly from a lower tier, but it can surprise you. This device shows that you can get a product with character at this price – and it's aimed at a specific group of users. Because let's be honest, the P8K is a television created with gamers in mind. Two HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR support, 4K at 120 Hz, HGiG, and even Dolby Vision in ...
Rating
6.6/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.1
Classic TV, YouTube
6.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.1
Gaming on console
8.1
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
4.6
Utility functions
7.4
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.7
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5/13/2025
