TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs Haier K85F

Direct comparison

C765 / MQLED85

Info

K85F / K85FUX

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

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.2

5.4

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.8

    5.2

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.6

    5.2

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.5

    4.6

  • Gaming on console

    8.6

    6.4

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    6.0

  • Watching in bright light

    6.3

    4.1

  • Utility functions

    6.5

    5.5

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.6

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    4.8

Advantages

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

  • High brightness of the panel - good performance during the day

  • Good black levels and contrast

  • Advanced Google TV

  • Premium build at a low price

  • Low input lag, excellent for gaming

  • Surprisingly good media player via USB

  • High contrast and decent black levels (VA panel)

  • Good text readability in PC monitor mode

  • Presence of gaming features: ALLM and VRR

  • Access to numerous applications thanks to GoogleTV

Disadvantages

No like
  • Average viewing angles

  • Missing recording function

  • Catastrophic image quality in HDR mode

  • Low quality of workmanship and fitting of materials

  • Slow, stuttering and poorly translated Google TV system

  • Very poor sound quality from the built-in speakers

  • Problematic remote control (and no batteries included)

  • Poor viewing angles

  • Low brightness and weak anti-reflective coating

  • Low colour gamut coverage

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 with mini-LED technology, which is immediately evident from 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 films in the evening is a pure pleasure – the blacks are genuinely deep, and the image in dark scenes appears clear. However, it is not perfect – in some shots, you can notice minor issues with small bright elements, but this is really a trifle compared to what this model offers. Google TV works excellently here – there are plenty of applications, and using the system is simply convenient. Voice control in Polish operates flawlessly, which can be particularly useful if you don’t want to type film titles using the remote. Of course, there are minor shortcomings, like the lack of recording features, but these are not things that hinder everyday use. For gamers, it is also a great option. Support for HDMI 2.1, VRR, and low input lag make the television handle consoles well and compete effortlessly with more expensive models from Korean or Japanese manufacturers. It's hard to find something better in this price range concerning smooth and responsive gameplay. During testing, we encountered a few minor software issues, but it's difficult to say if this is a significant drawback. We hope that TCL will release updates, so there is a chance this issue will be resolved quickly. TCL MQLED85/C765 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a television with good picture quality and modern features at a reasonable price. This model combines accessible mini-LED technology with a convenient Google TV system, while also performing exceptionally well in gaming. The minor software shortcomings are something you can live with, especially considering what this television offers in its class.

The debut of the Haier brand in the European television market with the K85F model feels hurried, and after thorough testing, it seems almost unfinished. Analyzing this product leads us to a fundamental conclusion: its biggest problem is not the quality of the panel used. This, considering the price segment, is simply average, with the typical advantages of VA technology in the form of high contrast and equally typical disadvantages, such as poor viewing angles. What truly disqualifies this model as a home entertainment centre is the glaring lack of engineering refinement and, above all, software development. The list of shortcomings is long and starts from the very first contact with the device. Sloppy assembly, which could have been avoided during quality control, a poorly optimised and badly translated Google TV system, or annoying issues with basic functions like pairing the remote – all contribute to the picture of a product that seems to have been released to market without due diligence. The catastrophic image quality in HDR mode, resulting not only from low brightness but also from a complete lack of intelligent adaptation to the signal, only adds to this disappointing picture. However, it turns out that this model has a surprising second face. One needs to look at it not through the lens of a home television, but rather as a large and inexpensive display for special tasks. Then its shortcomings become less important, and unexpected advantages come to the fore: a fantastically working media player with USB, remarkable font readability from a PC, and access to a vast application database. In this role – as a screen in a conference room, hotel lobby, or simple advertising player – the Haier K85F performs surprisingly well. For the typical user looking for a reliable and simply well-functioning television for the living room in 2025, however, the Haier K85F is a proposal that is incredibly difficult to recommend with a clear conscience. It is a product full of contradictions, which fails in its primary, intended function on too many fronts.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality
BuildQuality-Good
BuildQuality-Budget
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Black
Stand
Fixed
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

7.7/10

5.6/10

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

Local dimming function: No

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 Haier K85F Contrast and black detail

Result

3,550:1

Review Haier K85F Contrast and black detail

Result

5,200:1

Review Haier K85F Contrast and black detail

Result

5,350:1

Review Haier K85F Contrast and black detail

Result

5,400:1

Review Haier K85F Contrast and black detail

Result

3,500:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail
Review Haier K85F Contrast and black detail
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail
Review Haier K85F Contrast and black detail

TCL MQLED85/C765 stands out due to its use of a VA panel and Mini LED backlighting, which makes a significant difference compared to traditional backlighting systems. Mini LED, with its considerably smaller diodes, allows for more precise control of the screen's backlighting, resulting in much better contrast and deeper blacks. The 55-inch model we are testing has an impressive number of over 700 local dimming zones, providing exceptional precision in image display. However, it is worth noting 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 displays to achieve better results in terms of contrast and black levels. Thanks to the vast number of zones, the TCL MQLED85/C765 achieved a performance comparable to OLED screens on our first test scene from the film "Oblivion," offering nearly reference-level contrast. But what happens when we test this model in even more demanding conditions? How will the television perform in more challenging scenarios? Overall, the TCL MQLED85/C765 performs very well in displaying blacks, 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 recent test scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc. Despite some imperfections in the local dimming algorithm and the slight occurrence of the HALO effect (which is a bright halo around bright objects on a dark background caused by screen local dimming deficiencies), the results achieved by the TCL MQLED85/C765 are impressive, especially considering its price. This television offers contrast and black depth that can compete with models that are even half again as expensive.

Well then, let’s get to the point, which is how the Haier K85F handles black levels and contrast. The key information is that the television uses a VA panel, which has a significant impact on the image quality in dark scenes. It is precisely because of this that the contrast is really solid – our measurements showed values around 5000:1, which is much better than that of popular IPS panels.

However, one must remember that we are talking about equipment from the lower price range. Therefore, one cannot expect any advanced technologies, such as local dimming. The backlighting works across the entire surface of the screen all the time. How did this look during viewing? We took the film “Oblivion” with its cosmic landscapes for a test, and also checked classic black bars in other productions. The effect was quite decent. The black had good depth, but it was not perfectly pitch black – a subtle, navy blue glow could be seen, indicating that the panel's backlighting was still active.

HDR effect quality

6.2/10

3.4/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 81.8%, Bt.2020: 61.4%

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 Haier K85F Brightness measurement

Result

217 nit

Review Haier K85F Brightness measurement

Result

212 nit

Review Haier K85F Brightness measurement

Result

278 nit

Review Haier K85F Brightness measurement

Result

250 nit

Review Haier K85F Brightness measurement

Result

273 nit

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

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 HDR effect quality
Review Haier K85F HDR effect quality

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

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 HDR effect quality
Review Haier K85F HDR effect quality

Static HDR10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 HDR effect quality
Review Haier K85F HDR effect quality

HDR luminance chart:

Haier K85F

HDR luminance

TCL MQLED85 / C765

HDR luminance

The television TCL MQLED85/C765 handles HDR well. In the tested movie scenes where the screen is covered with 100% brightness, the model achieves impressive results of around 1000 nits, providing intense and realistic rendering of HDR content. However, similar to contrast, the dimming algorithm may exhibit certain 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 example, 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 on a dark background, the television did not reach maximum intensity. For users expecting perfect HDR performance in such extreme cases, the TCL MQLED may be slightly disappointing. However, in terms of colours, the television stands out with very high coverage of the DCI P3 colour palette 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 significant for cinema image enthusiasts. Although this model achieves brightness over 1000 nits, TCL MQLED85 may struggle to reflect details in very high-contrast scenes. For better HDR quality control, C765 is equipped with a dynamic tone mapping option, making the image more realistic and natural depending on the content.

Let’s now turn to one of the hottest topics in the world of televisions, namely the quality of HDR effect. In the case of the Haier K85F model, we must unfortunately make it clear: if you are looking for equipment to watch content in a wide dynamic range, you should avoid this model at all costs. The main problem is its very low peak brightness, which during our tests barely reached 250 nits. To give you a better idea of what that means – such a value is fine for watching standard SDR content, but it is absolutely insufficient to showcase any real benefits of HDR. The image simply lacks the "power" to generate bright, striking highlights. All our measurements and tests on specialist patterns only confirmed this. As if that weren't enough, the television also struggles with colour reproduction. In this budget build, we won't find any technologies to expand the colour palette, such as quantum dot layers (marketed as "QLED"). As a result, the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space, which is crucial for HDR materials, is only around 80%. In practice, this means that the image will not only be dark but also devoid of the vibrant, saturated colours that the director wanted to show us.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

3.8/10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Factory color reproduction
Review Haier K85F Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Factory color reproduction
Review Haier K85F Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

The television TCL MQLED85/C765 was tested in movie mode, which, although it seems to be the best setting from the manufacturer, is not without flaws. The colour reproduction in HD/SDR mode MQLED85 shows some shortcomings. In the analysis of white balance, there is a significant lack of blue, which can affect the overall image quality, especially in bright scenes where blue shades are crucial for natural representation. The overall shape of the image may then appear too warm. Regarding gamma contrast, the graph shows a large jump above the reference line of 2.4 at the beginning, which may suggest significant dimming of brightness in darker areas, leading to loss of detail in black. Then, for most of the time, the values lie below this line, which may lead to loss of detail in brighter parts of the image. Such a distribution can negatively impact perceived image quality, particularly when watching regular television in HD quality.

In the case of 4K HDR image quality of the TCL MQLED85/C765, there is a noticeable excess of red in the analysis of white balance. This excess can significantly affect the viewer's experience, leading to several significant effects. Firstly, 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 "over-saturation," which detracts from the naturalness and authenticity of the image. As for contrast, the EOTF (Electro-Optical Transfer Function) graph indicates that most values are above the reference line, suggesting an intense boost in brightness in bright areas of the image. However, there is an exception at the beginning of the graph, where the EOTF line is below the reference line, which can 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 terms of image settings, so it is worth considering adjusting the settings to achieve better results.

Well, how does the television perform with colours straight out of the box, without any interference from our side? The Haier K85F offers a full range of picture modes, such as Dynamic and Eco, but for anyone who wants to watch films according to the creators' intentions, only one really matters: Film mode. That is where we focused our tests, and unfortunately, its name has little to do with reality. The picture in the factory settings is very far from what we could call cinematic fidelity and requires numerous adjustments. Let's start with the white balance, which has a noticeable deficiency of red. In practice, this means that the entire image has a cool, bluish tint. The situation is even worse regarding brightness management, namely the gamma curve (for SDR) and EOTF (for HDR). Their graph resembles a real rollercoaster, which has a disastrous impact on the viewing experience. This results in unnatural dimming of SDR content, causing details in shadows to be lost, and in the case of HDR – excessive brightness, which further exacerbates the issue of clipping. Such a combination, namely too cool white combined with chaotic brightness and excessive blue saturation, results in significant errors in colour reproduction. Our measurements on the specialist ColorChecker chart revealed errors (Delta E) regularly reaching and exceeding values of 8-9. Put simply, errors above the threshold of 3 are already easily noticeable to the naked eye, so such a result means that the colours on the screen are simply heavily distorted.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

6.2/10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Color reproduction after calibration
Review Haier K85F Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Color reproduction after calibration
Review Haier K85F Color reproduction after calibration

After the professional calibration of the television TCL MQLED85/C765, its colour properties in movie mode have significantly improved, resulting in a much more satisfying visual experience. Both in SDR and HDR modes, the white balance shows no serious errors, and the graph appears much better harmonised. Users can now enjoy natural colour reproduction, which is crucial for obtaining an authentic experience when watching films. It is worth noting that in HDR content, there may be slight colour reproduction errors at the end of the graph, but these are much smaller than before calibration. As a result, characters and landscapes become more realistic, enhancing the depth of immersion in the story.

In terms of contrast, the gamma curve, responsible for HD quality, has been completely free of drops below the reference line, meaning better detail visibility in dark scenes. Nevertheless, 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 exhibits smaller errors, although certain issues with medium tone reproduction may still be noticeable. The EOTF curve measured on actual movie scenes still shows a significant brightness boost, making the image appear more intense but artificially brightened. This is a typical problem for TCL televisions, which may appeal to inexperienced viewers, but can be irritating for those more familiar with an ideal image.

What benefits does professional calibration bring for film enthusiasts? Thanks to it, viewing becomes even more realistic and immersive, and each scene can be fully experienced, preserving details and natural colours.

Well, is there anything that can be done about this picture? Can professional calibration save the situation? The answer is both yes and no. It must be clearly stated that there are certain limitations we cannot overcome. The constraints of the design itself, meaning simply a poor panel and its narrow colour coverage, make it impossible to expect a reasonable HDR effect – we won't mislead you on that. The biggest beneficiary of our adjustments is undoubtedly the SDR mode, and it is indeed for watching such content, after calibration, that this television starts to make sense. We managed to somewhat tame the white balance. Although the television only offers basic 2-point adjustment (rather than precise 20-point), so it's not perfect, we successfully eliminated that unpleasant, cold "chill" in the picture. Above all, however, we noted a significant improvement in brightness management. The gamma curve, which previously resembled a rollercoaster, looks like an almost perfectly straight line after calibration. This is a sign that the television can finally display images without artificially dimming or brightening them. The conclusion is simple: even with such a cheap television, professional adjustment of the settings can achieve a lot and extract the maximum potential from it.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

7.6/10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier K85F Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier K85F Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier K85F Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier K85F Smoothness of tonal transitions

The fluidity of tonal transitions in the television TCL MQLED85/C765 is quite decent, although some issues are noticeable in both bright and dark test scenes. In particular, colour blending is evident in the scene from the film "The Green Knight", where the red colour of the water transitions to black. Despite these imperfections, the overall quality of gradation is acceptable and does not overly detract from the visual experience. The television handles most scenes well, offering satisfactory tonal transitions, which contributes to an overall pleasing visual experience that will not spoil our cinema enjoyment.

It’s time to address a matter that goes unnoticed by many, but can be very irritating to the discerning (and not just) eye. We are talking about the fluidity of tonal transitions, or how smoothly the screen displays transitions between very similar shades of a single colour – for example, on a clear blue sky. We must admit that in this category, the Haier K85F performs quite decently considering its price. In bright scenes, such as the aforementioned sky or vast landscapes in the film "The Martian", there are no strong, distinct bands. Indeed, if you look closely, you will notice minimal imperfections, but generally, the effect is more than satisfactory. However, the situation changes when darker scenes appear on the screen, such as murky corridors in games or night landscapes. Here, banding, or the posterisation effect, becomes much more visible. Transitions in shadows and greys are no longer as smooth and can irritate the more sensitive eye. It’s not a level that would completely disqualify the television, but it’s clear that this is an area where costs have been cut.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.1/10

4/10

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

Smooth transition function

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier K85F Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier K85F Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Let’s take another look at the tonal transitions in the TCL MQLED85/C765 television, but in the context of poorer image quality. Despite the presence of the "Gradual Smoothing" option, when set to "low," the effects are practically invisible, disappointing users expecting an improvement in image quality. On the other hand, the "high" setting produces minimal results, and worse still, it can blur significant details, negatively affecting the sharpness and clarity of the displayed image. However, in the context of image scaling, the television successfully displayed the image without overscan, meaning we do not lose any part of the view. The image looks rather decent, and details such as tree branches or the outlines of models do not exhibit significant jaggedness, which positively impacts the visual quality.

Let's move on to digital processing and image scaling, specifically how the Haier K85F handles lower resolution signals, such as those from standard television. Right from the start, we encounter an extremely annoying and completely incomprehensible issue – overscan that is enabled by default. This means that the television artificially enlarges the image, cropping its edges, and this happens on every source, even 1080p. To see the full frame, you have to dig through the screen settings each time and manually switch the format to "expand to 16:9". It's a detail, but it's devilishly frustrating. The very act of scaling content to 4K resolution can be summed up in one word: acceptable. And that's about it. The image processor does not strip details from the picture, nor does it generate jagged edges or other artifacts. It simply does its job, without any fireworks. It's alright, but nothing more. However, the biggest and most noticeable shortcoming in the digital processing section is the absence of a smooth tonal transition feature. This is an algorithm that could significantly reduce the annoying banding effect we mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not provide such a solution, condemning us to watch the imperfections of the panel and low-quality materials in full view.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.5/10

4.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
No
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
-
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
-
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

TCL MQLED85/C765 is equipped with a panel featuring a standard refresh rate of 120 Hz, with the capability to increase to 144 Hz when connected to a powerful computer. The television also offers a multi-level motion smoother, primarily aimed at users wishing to enhance motion fluidity in films. It allows for the adjustment of effect intensity on a scale from 0 to 10, enabling precise tuning of image smoothness to individual preferences. The response time of the panel is decent, but not perfect. We can observe blurring occurring behind both dark and medium objects.

The matrix in the K85F model operates at a native refresh rate of 60 Hz, which right from the start sets certain expectations regarding image fluidity. However, we must admit that we were very positively surprised when we found two separate sliders for motion control in the settings menu: one labelled as "Motion Blur Reduction" and the other "De-Judder". Such generosity in this price segment is an absolute rarity, as typically manufacturers offer at most one shared option. Unfortunately, our enthusiasm waned as quickly as it appeared. It soon became clear why Haier was so "generous" – the slider responsible for motion blur reduction is simply a dummy. Its adjustment brings absolutely no visible effect on the screen, so only one of the two options works.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

4/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 60Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • Game bar
    Yes
    No

TCL MQLED85/C765 has received 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), which automatically switches the TV to low-latency mode, minimising response time and ensuring smooth gameplay. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) functioning in the range of 48 to 144 Hz eliminates stuttering and screen tearing in dynamic game scenes. Additionally, the TV supports Dolby Vision Game Mode, which provides better image quality in games with exceptional colour depth and contrast. TCL MQLED85/C765 also features a decent if not the best implementation of HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group), optimising HDR game display; however, for TCL, it causes detail in whites to be brightened, resulting in some elements merging into a white blob - we can read more about this in the colour reproduction section. It supports various resolutions, such as 1080p@120Hz, 1440p@120Hz, and 4K@120Hz, allowing players to enjoy higher image quality and better fluidity. The Game Bar feature allows easy switching between game settings and quick parameter control, greatly simplifying the adjustment of the television 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, thereby providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.

MQLED85/C765 is a television that combines advanced technologies and excellent support for gamers, making it the perfect choice for those who wish to maximise their gaming experiences.

Let's move on to features for gamers, although we must emphasise at the outset that this is more of a proposal for the "casual" ones. The manufacturer boasts in the specifications about the presence of HDMI 2.1 ports, which looks impressive on paper, but in reality, it is largely a marketing ploy. What good is a modern port if the heart of the television is a panel with a refresh rate of 60 Hz? It physically cannot display a signal at 120 frames per second, even at lower resolutions, which deprives the HDMI 2.1 port of its most significant advantage. It's a shame. (That’s why we mark it as HDMI 2.0 in our tests). Another curious peculiarity is the television's reaction to attempts to calibrate HDR from the console level. Changes to brightness settings cause very unnatural image behaviour, which might suggest an incorrect implementation of the HGiG standard. To be honest, however, one shouldn't worry too much about this, because as we've mentioned numerous times, we simply do not recommend using any HDR content on this screen. However, to avoid being too negative, the Haier K85F also has two significant and unexpected advantages. The first is the presence of ALLM, or Auto Low Latency Mode, which switches the television to low latency mode as soon as it detects a connected console. The second, even bigger surprise, is support for VRR, or Variable Refresh Rate. While it works within a very modest range of 48-60 Hz, its mere presence is commendable. As a result, the image in games can experience less "tearing," which significantly improves the gaming experience.

Input lag

9.8/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
13 ms
1080p120
8 ms
2160p60
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120
8 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms

The latency time on the TCL MQLED85 television reaches impressively low levels in all 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 with Dolby Vision HDR turned on, which is not the case for many competing models.

We must, however, give Haier its due – there is one parameter in which this television absolutely shines and embarrasses many more expensive models. We are speaking about input lag, or signal delay. Our measurements showed an impressively low result of just 13 ms. This is a huge plus that makes gaming controls lightning-fast and incredibly responsive. In this regard, the K85F performs excellently.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Average
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
8ms
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
Yes
No
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Compatibility with PC
Review Haier K85F Compatibility with PC

TCL MQLED85 will perform well as a computer monitor. With support for chroma 4:4:4, the text on the screen is sharp and legible, which is important for those working with word documents or spreadsheets. One of the greatest assets 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 fluidity and responsiveness, crucial for both gamers and those engaged in video editing. However, it is worth noting that there is a certain issue related to font display on dark backgrounds. When zooming in on the tested font image, one can see that the horizontal lines are darker compared to the vertical ones. This means that the sub-pixels in the television do not fully illuminate in this case, which can affect the quality of the displayed text. Nevertheless, the overall performance of TCL MQLED85 as a computer monitor is very good and will certainly meet the expectations of many users.

And what if you tried using this Haier as a monitor for your computer? Here, to our great surprise, the television performs remarkably well. For office work – it is ideal. This is all thanks to its proper support for what is known as chroma subsampling 4:4:4. In plain terms: every, even the smallest letter on the screen is sharp, without annoying coloured outlines or blurring. Of course, let's be straightforward – this is not equipment for PC gamers. 60 Hz is too little for them. But if you simply need a large screen for text work, browsing the internet, coding, or displaying presentations, the K85F will excel in this role. This is one of its strongest and, to be honest, most unexpected applications.

Viewing angles

3.2/10

2.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
80%
67%

The viewing angles on the TCL MQLED85 television are not its strong suit. The use of a VA panel means that the picture loses a significant amount of brightness when viewed at an angle. Changing the viewer's position, especially when watching with a larger group, can cause colours to appear less saturated and the contrast to become less pronounced. For this reason, it is 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 planning to use the television in a larger room or from different locations.

At almost the very end of the assessment of the panel itself, we left the viewing angles, which unfortunately are one of its biggest weaknesses. However, it must be honestly admitted that this is no surprise – it is simply a natural and commonly known characteristic of VA-type panels. In the specimen we tested, interestingly, the brightness of the image did not drop dramatically when we moved away from the centre of the screen. The real problem, however, lies in the colours, which start to fade instantly. A slight change in position on the sofa is enough for the colours to lose their saturation and become washed out. In this respect, the Haier K85F presents a rather mediocre level, typical for this technology.

Daytime performance

6.3/10

4.1/10

Panel finish
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Average
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Daytime performance
Review Haier K85F Daytime performance
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Daytime performance
Review Haier K85F Daytime performance

Panel brightness

Average luminance SDR

Haier K85F: 276 cd/m2

TCL MQLED85 / C765: 618 cd/m2

MQLED85 performs reasonably well in daytime conditions, and it is worth noting the satin finish of the panel. Although it doesn't handle reflections perfectly, it offers decent performance in various lighting conditions. An average brightness level of over 600 nits is an impressive achievement, allowing for comfortable viewing even in well-lit rooms. As a result, the television performs well both during the day and during evening movie sessions, providing satisfactory picture quality.

And how does the television perform in confrontation with daylight, for example in a brightly sunlit living room? Unfortunately, we do not have good news here. As we have already established, it is a television with relatively low brightness, which becomes a serious drawback when faced with sunlight. The situation is further worsened by the screen coating used. Instead of effectively suppressing reflections, its satin structure tends to unfavourably scatter them. In practice, this means that the reflection of a window or lamp turns into a large, blurred, milky halo, which degrades contrast and effectively hinders viewing. The conclusion is therefore clear: if the television is to be placed in a bright room, the K85F model will not be a good choice.

Panel details

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
White LED
Software version during testing
V8-T653T01-LF1R134
UKN2.241219.053
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM
mt5896

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 TV Panel details
Review Haier K85F TV Panel details

TCL MQLED85 / C765

Haier K85F

TV features

6.5/10

5.5/10

  • HDMI inputs
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
  • Other inputs
    RCA (Chinch)
    RCA (Chinch)
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C

Classic features:

  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    Yes
    No

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 TV features
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 TV features
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 TV features
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 TV features
Review Haier K85F TV features
Review Haier K85F TV features
Review Haier K85F TV features
Review Haier K85F TV features
Review Haier K85F TV features
Review Haier K85F TV features

TCL MQLED85 television offers many features that enhance user comfort, with the centrepiece of its functionality being the Google TV system. This modern interface allows for easy content searching as well as access to applications available in the Google Play store. Users can utilize voice search in Polish, which greatly facilitates navigation and allows for the quick discovery of interesting programmes, films, or applications. It is also worth noting that Google TV is currently the only system on the market that does not restrict Polish users in accessing applications, offering the greatest availability among all platforms. However, in the context of traditional television viewing, this television has its limitations. It does not offer recording functionality, which may be a significant drawback for those who would like to save their favourite programmes. Additionally, the absence of the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) option limits the ability to simultaneously follow several video sources. On the other hand, the television features the "MultiVision" function, which allows for screen division between the television and a mobile device. This enables users to use applications on their phone while simultaneously watching a television programme. This solution will certainly appeal to those who enjoy multitasking and want to watch television while using social media or browsing the internet on their smartphone. Despite certain limitations, the TCL MQLED85 presents itself as a solid option for users who value modernity and functionality.

GoogleTV on Haier K85F

The heart of the television is the Google TV system, which in theory should be its huge advantage. Access to thousands of applications and a wealth of features are promises we are familiar with. Unfortunately, in Haier's execution, it is one of the worst implementations of this software we have encountered. The system runs painfully slowly, and the interface is notoriously unresponsive. However, the real nightmare is the incorrect and often downright comical translations of some menu options, making it difficult at times to understand what is even being referred to. To make matters worse, during our testing, we were unable to activate the AirPlay function, which simply did not work.

Classic features on Haier K85F

Let's move on to the classic features and connections, as this is where the story gets even more interesting. The rich array of ports is definitely a plus, including four HDMI ports and a rarely seen mini-jack headphone output. Unfortunately, the television does not offer either USB recording or PiP mode. However, the real ordeal begins with the remote control. Our first attempts to pair it via Bluetooth to activate radio frequency (RF) control and voice functions ended in total failure. After dozens of attempts, we were sure it was just a manufacturing defect. And here's the surprise: after a long struggle, we discovered that the remote could be paired, but it had to be done from the native Google TV settings, completely bypassing the non-functioning Haier overlay. This is a perfect example of how terrible software can ruin basic functionality. Oh, and one more thing. In the box... there weren't even any batteries for the remote.

Playing files from USB

8.9/10

9.4/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
Yes
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
Yes
WebP
Yes
Yes
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 capable of playing most file formats found on external storage devices, making it a versatile tool for consuming multimedia. However, there may be certain limitations in supporting some formats, which could be annoying for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps eliminate compatibility issues. As a result, users have the option to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly enhancing the functionality of the television.

After all our complaints about the unfinished software, the moment came when we experienced absolute shock. It turns out that in this buggy and slow-operating system there is a function hidden that works almost perfectly and puts industry veterans to shame. We are talking about the built-in media player for files from USB drives. It is a true multimedia powerhouse that played virtually every video format we threw at it – from the most popular to the completely niche. Haier, a newcomer in the TV market, has achieved something that many manufacturers with decades of experience have struggled with for years. Who knows, perhaps it was originally intended to be a reliable player for conference rooms? Regardless of its origin, the result is excellent!

Apps

9.6/10

9.6/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
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
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
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
HBO_MAX
OK
Kodi
No
Apple_music
OK
Eleven_sports
No
Xbox Game Pass
OK
GeForce Now!
No
Amazon Luna
OK
Boosteroid
OK
Steam Link

Sound

6.9/10

4.8/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    83dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    Yes
  • 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 daily viewing of films, television programmes, and games. The speakers branded by Onkyo offer surprisingly good audio quality, and the sound does not screech or distort even at higher volumes.

When it comes to sound, the review will unfortunately be very brief. The biggest advantage of the built-in speakers of the K85F is really just that they are there and produce sound. Other than that, the sound is completely flat, devoid of any bass, and simply anemic. Yes, on the TV's box, we will find the Dolby Atmos logo, but when faced with the physical capabilities of these drivers, it is a feature that exists only on paper. The verdict can, therefore, only be one: when planning to purchase this television, you should immediately add a soundbar to your budget.

Sound Quality Test

No sound test video

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

83dBC (Max)

75dBC