TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs TCL P89K / TCL P8K

Direct comparison

C765 / MQLED85

Info

P8K / P89K

Info

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

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

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

6.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.8

    6.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.6

    6.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.5

    6.1

  • Gaming on console

    8.6

    8.1

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    6.3

    4.6

  • Utility functions

    6.5

    7.4

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.6

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    6.7

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

  • Good contrast thanks to the VA panel

  • Google TV system with a large number of applications

  • Good motion fluidity. 144Hz panel

  • Excellent features for gamers: HDMI 2.1, VRR, 4K@120Hz, HGiG, Dolby Vision in games

  • Very good colour gamut coverage thanks to the PFS filter (QLED)

  • Very good compatibility with PC. 240Hz mode

  • Low input lag – gaming is smooth and responsive

  • Well-implemented HDR dynamic tone mapping feature. Despite low brightness: HDR content looks surprisingly good.

  • 2.1 sound from Onkyo with a subwoofer – surprisingly good bass

  • Very attractive price

Disadvantages

No like
  • Average viewing angles

  • Missing recording function

  • Low brightness – around 250–300 nits

  • Very poor viewing angles

  • Average digital image processing

  • Incorrectly implemented Dolby Vision mode

  • System errors and glitches occur

  • Not very loud sound, volume limiter in operation

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 TCL P8K is a television that immediately endears itself. It may seem cheap and from a lower range, yet it can surprise. This device demonstrates that you can also get equipment with character at this price – and it's specifically targeted towards a particular group of users. Because let's not kid ourselves, the P8K is a television designed with gamers in mind. With two HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR support, 4K at 120 Hz, HGiG, and even Dolby Vision in games – it sounds like something that was only recently found in much more expensive models. Additionally, it has a 144 Hz panel and the capability to achieve even 240 Hz on PC. At this price? It’s really hard not to smile. Moreover, it comes with Google TV, which has breathed life into this screen. Everything operates intuitively, with access to a vast library of applications and an efficient Google Assistant that actually understands what you say – even when you phrase it in your own way. Of course, this is not a perfect television. A brightness of 250–300 nits isn't overwhelming and probably won't impress in a sunny living room. But just an evening, a film, and a slightly darker environment reveal that this screen can do quite a lot. Thanks to dynamic tone mapping, the P8K performs surprisingly well in HDR, and the colours can look natural. In cinematic scenes, there's no question of a plastic, overexposed image – it's simply pleasant. Let’s not pretend that it competes with Mini LEDs or OLEDs – that’s not the point here. The P8K/P89K is meant to be a television that is simply enjoyable to use. And that is where its strength lies. For someone who wants to play games, watch Netflix, launch YouTube, and have it all in one simple device – it’s a home run. The TCL P8K shows that "cheap" does not have to mean "poor quality". It is a television with character that doesn’t pretend to be premium equipment, yet delivers a lot. And perhaps that's why it’s so easy to like.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps, Ethernet (LAN) 1Gbit
Build quality
BuildQuality-Good
Average
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

7.7/10

5.5/10

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 TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

5,650:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

3,950:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

5,700:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

5,450:1

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Result

2,600:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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.

TCL P8K is an example of a television that shows that even in the lower tier, one can still encounter solid contrast. The VA panel does a really good job here – a measurement around 6000:1 may not sound spectacular, but in actual scenes it produces an effect that simply delights the eye. In the darkness of the forest in "The Revenant" or in the futuristic shots of "Oblivion", depth and light separation are visible, which is difficult to expect from equipment at this price. The P8K can render darkness without the feeling that everything is drowning in grey. The Direct LED backlighting also works in its favour. Of course, we do not have any local dimming here, but the system can dim the entire screen when the scene requires it or slightly brighten it to bring out details in bright areas. This is somewhat of an analogue approach to contrast – simple but effective. On the test pattern from the legendary Pioneer Kuro, it was well evident: the television prioritised bright points while the background lost some depth; however, it still maintained a decent appearance. Of course, there is no perfectly inky black here. In a dark room, it is noticeable that the black leans towards blue, but despite this, the overall presentation is simply good. Under normal home conditions, the contrast is entirely sufficient to feel the cinematic atmosphere.

HDR effect quality

6.2/10

4.5/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 93.6%, Bt.2020: 70.4%

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 TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

207 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

238 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

313 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

251 nit

Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Brightness measurement

Result

299 nit

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

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

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

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

Static HDR10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

HDR luminance chart:

TCL P89K / TCL P8K

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.

The maximum brightness of the TCL P8K is around 300 nits, although in real film scenes, the television maintains more of a level of about 250 nits. These values cannot be considered sufficient to achieve a full HDR effect – they are closer to a solid base for SDR content. Therefore, we will not see spectacular flashes, bursts of light, or moments in which the screen actually "blinds," as is the case with more expensive models. This makes the image somewhat flat, and the differences between light and shadow are more symbolic than realistic. Fortunately, TCL has a few aces up its sleeve that save the overall reception. One of these is the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette at around 93–94%. Thanks to an additional QLED layer (PFS LED), the colours gain depth and intensity, clearly surpassing standard LCD panels. As a result, although there is a lack of the typical "wow effect" associated with HDR brightness, the image itself can impress with its saturation and vibrant tones, making film scenes pulse with colours and not appear strongly washed out.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

5.4/10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Factory color reproduction
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Factory color reproduction
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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.

In Filmmaker mode, the TCL P8K revealed certain imperfections in image reproduction from the outset. We noticed that the television had a tendency to slightly brighten scenes – its gamma was somewhat low, causing the image to appear slightly "washed out", lacking depth, as if the contrast had slipped out of control. This was most evident in HDR content, where the EOTF brightness graph clearly deviated from reference values. As a result, darker areas of the image appeared too gloomy, while brighter areas did not always reach the correct level of luminance. Another noticeable issue was a slight overemphasis on blue – the television stubbornly boosted this colour, causing certain parts of the image, especially skin tones and reds, to have a subtle purple tint. This is not a major flaw, but it is noticeable to a trained eye. Fortunately, most of these errors could be corrected during calibration. You can see the results of this adjustment in the graphs and photos below.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

7.5/10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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.

After calibration, the TCL P8K showed a completely different face. It managed to achieve nearly perfect, even reference-level color reproduction in both SDR and HDR content. The screen no longer had a tendency towards a cool tint, and the white balance was perfectly balanced. The gamma values for SDR material also finally look as they should – the image has the proper depth and no longer appears washed out. The only remark that can still be made about the P8K concerns its "Chinese" traits, known from most TCL models. The TV still likes to manipulate saturation in HDR content in its own way – sometimes slightly boosting it, sometimes smoothing it out, which means the effect is not always fully predictable. Nevertheless, after calibration, the colors look stunning, and their accuracy is truly surprising. In most cases, measurement errors dropped below values of 1-2, which is a result that significantly more expensive models would not be ashamed of.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

9.1/10

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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.

The television performs excellently in colour blending – the gradients are smooth, free from visible bands or unpleasant jumps. This is best seen in classic test scenes, such as shots from the film Kingsman or The Martian, where most televisions reveal their weaknesses. The P8K maintains the consistency and subtlety of colours, creating an image that is pleasing and natural to observe.

Minor imperfections only appear with extremely dark shades or on grey palettes – this is the moment when even significantly more expensive models start to struggle. However, this does not matter in everyday viewing. Overall, the TCL P8K excels in colour blending, offering a smooth, harmonious image free from artifacts.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.1/10

6/10

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

Smooth transition function

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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 TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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.

The TCL P8K performs somewhat worse when it comes to the fluidity of tonal transitions in lower-quality materials. The television does offer a function to smooth out unwanted bands; however, its effectiveness leaves much to be desired. Even at the highest setting, it's hard to talk about any real improvement – at times the effect is almost the opposite of what is intended, as the function can introduce small artifacts and unnatural blurring on the screen.

On the other hand, upscaling – that is, scaling the image to 4K resolution – looks significantly better. The P8K handles this task surprisingly well – HD content, and even SD, is enhanced in an aesthetically pleasing manner without excessive loss of sharpness. While there are slight "hard" edges typical of this class of equipment, this can be easily adjusted with the sharpness slider to suit personal preferences. The final effect is more than satisfactory, especially considering the price range in which this model is situated.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.5/10

7.1/10

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

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Blur ():

Blur (4K@144Hz):

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.

TCL P8K is one of the cheapest televisions offering a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which in itself is quite an advantage in this price segment. Thanks to the fast panel, this model can confidently be recommended to both sports fans and video gamers – the image is smooth, and the movement of the ball or dynamic actions look natural. However, this does not mean that the P8K is suitable solely for sports. On the contrary – it can also maintain appropriate dynamics in films without introducing the artificial effect of "theatricality", as long as we set the parameters wisely. The television is equipped with a motion smoother called "Motion Clarity", which features two sliders: blur reduction and judder reduction. The first is responsible for smoothing the image by generating additional frames, which increases fluidity, but may cause a slight soap opera effect. The latter, on the other hand, reduces judder and improves sharpness during movement, although it can slightly darken the screen. Properly adjusting these two parameters allows for a really good balance between natural motion and fluidity. It has a 60 Hz refresh rate, but it is hard to say that it is a top-tier panel in terms of response speed. It will perform well for dynamic content, although more demanding users will notice that it is not a screen from the highest class in terms of motion clarity.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.8/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 240Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

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.

Although the TCL P8K is a budget television, it cannot be said that it is unsuitable for gaming. On the contrary – it is a screen that can pleasantly surprise any gamer. It features two HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing for 4K output at 120 Hz without any issues. For those gaming on a PC, they will also be pleased to know that the television can operate with a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz at a lower resolution – a small thing, but it delights. Additionally, it comes with a full set of gaming features: automatic game mode, Game Bar with quick parameter previews, VRR, HGiG, and support for Dolby Vision in games. All of this makes gaming on the P8K a truly enjoyable experience – the picture is smooth, the response is quick, and the television communicates well with next-generation consoles. The TCL P8K shows that a cheap screen doesn't have to mean giving up on fun. Certainly not in terms of gaming.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.5/10

SDR

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

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
19 ms
2160p120
8 ms
10 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
20 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.

In terms of latency, the TCL P8K performs really well. In game mode at 4K and 60 Hz, the input lag is around 22 ms, and at 4K and 120 Hz it drops to 13 ms. These figures ensure that the television responds quickly and there is no noticeable 'lag' between the controller and the screen.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Average
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
8ms
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Compatibility with PC
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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.

The TCL P8K also works excellently as a computer monitor. The readability of fonts is at a very good level, making work with documents and browsing the web simply comfortable. The only slight downside occurs when refreshing at 144 Hz in 4K – dark text on a light background can slightly lose sharpness. The problem disappears when switching to 120 Hz, so it's worth keeping this in mind for everyday use. Besides, it is not only a screen for work but also a great monitor for gamers. The 144 Hz refresh rate (and even 280 Hz at a lower resolution) combined with G-Sync synchronisation guarantees very smooth gameplay. Of course, we will fully appreciate its capabilities only with a suitably powerful computer, but the potential of the P8K in this role is truly significant.

Viewing angles

3.2/10

2.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
80%
86%

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.

The Achilles' heel of the TCL P8K is undoubtedly its viewing angles. The VA panel used has its advantages in terms of solid contrast, but unfortunately, it suffers significantly when viewed from the side. Colours noticeably fade, saturation drops, and the overall image takes on a cooler, washed-out hue. In practice, this means that the best picture is achieved when sitting directly in front – any significant deviation results in a noticeable loss of quality.

Daytime performance

6.3/10

4.6/10

Panel finish
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Decent
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Daytime performance
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Daytime performance
Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Daytime performance
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Daytime performance

Panel brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL P89K / TCL P8K: 299 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.

TCL P8K does not cope well with strong sunlight. With brightness at around 300 cd/m², it is hard to expect it to perform well in a living room with large windows and no blinds. In such conditions, the image loses some sharpness, and darker scenes can disappear in light reflections. Fortunately, the screen has a satin coating that handles reflections well and saves the situation in typical home conditions. In the evening or in a slightly dimmed room, the television looks very good. It is simply not a device that prefers to be placed opposite a south-facing window.

Panel details

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
V8-T653T01-LF1R134
V8-0012T01-LF1V538.002459
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 TV Panel details
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV Panel details

TCL MQLED85 / C765

TCL P89K / TCL P8K

TV features

6.5/10

7.4/10

  • HDMI inputs
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
  • Other inputs
    RCA (Chinch)
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
  • Network Interfaces
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
    Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps, Ethernet (LAN) 1Gbit
  • 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
    No
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    Yes
    Yes

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • 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 TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV features
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K 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.

SmartTV: Google TV

TCL P8K operates based on the Google TV system, which is the heart of the entire device. This is where the biggest advantage of this model over many competitors in a similar price range is visible. The system is clear and easy to use, and very well optimised. We can easily make use of the screen mirroring feature or the built-in Chromecast, which allows us to quickly transfer images from our phone to the large screen. The greatest asset, however, is the Google Assistant, which responds promptly and really understands commands well – even those expressed imprecisely. Moreover, the application library in Google TV is a real treasure – you can install practically anything, from major VOD platforms to lesser-known music or sports applications.

Classic features

As for classic television functions, the P8K doesn't have much to boast about. The remote is simple and convenient, with a large number of buttons, and the presence of Bluetooth allows you to connect wireless headphones or a speaker. And really, that’s where the list of conveniences ends. You won’t find USB recording, PiP functionality, or even working teletext here. TCL has clearly focused on modern content and internet features, rather than classic solutions known from older receivers. This television is meant to shine in the world of applications and streaming – and that’s exactly what it does.

Playing files from USB

8.9/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
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.

Playing files from USB on the TCL P8K is quite decent. The television handles most popular video formats, as well as subtitles and audio files, without any issues. Problems may only arise with less common codecs or unusual file containers that the built-in player simply does not recognise. Fortunately, with Google TV, this is not a problem at all - in just a few moments, you can download an external player, such as VLC, MX Player or Kodi, and the issue disappears.

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

6.7/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    80dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    Yes

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.

For a television in this price range, the TCL P8K really manages to surprise with its sound. The 2.1 system used here, branded by Onkyo, along with the subwoofer placed at the back of the casing, offers surprisingly enjoyable, full bass and quite a wide soundstage. The sound is warm, and with the right material, one can even get the impression that the audio gains depth and character – something you rarely expect from a television at this price. It performs quite well for music. However, it is not perfect. The P8K is not one of the particularly loud televisions – during tests, we noticed a strange tendency to automatically lower the volume, even with the volume slider set to maximum. It seems to be the effect of some internal limiter designed to protect the speakers (or our ears). It’s a shame, as the potential in this setup is considerable, and without this limitation, the sound could have been even fuller.

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

80dBC (Max)

75dBC