TCL P7K / P79K vs LG QNED80A6A (IPS)

Direct comparison

P7K / P79K

Info

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 43”65”86”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Android TV

Model year: 2025

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Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: WebOS

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

5.8

5.9

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.1

    5.7

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.5

    5.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.3

    5.5

  • Gaming on console

    7.1

    6.8

  • TV as a computer monitor

    2.0

    5.0

  • Watching in bright light

    4.6

    4.7

  • Utility functions

    7.0

    6.8

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.1

  • Sound quality

    6.2

    6.0

Advantages

  • Great blacks and high contrast

  • Support for 120 Hz in gaming (at lower resolutions)

  • Very low responsiveness (input lag), great for fast-paced gaming

  • Modern features for gamers, such as VRR and ALLM

  • Efficient Google TV system with a vast app base

  • Very well-functioning Google Assistant in Polish

  • Easy screen mirroring from your phone (support for AirPlay)

  • Attractive price

  • Wide viewing angles – the picture looks equally good from any spot on the sofa

  • Rich and vibrant colours thanks to the PFS (QNED) filter

  • Smooth and modern WebOS 25 system

  • Magic remote (with cursor)

  • Good detail reproduction in HDR

  • Effective upscaling and tone transition smoothing function

  • Low input lag

  • Decent features for gamers (VRR, ALLM, HGiG), despite the 60Hz panel

  • Smooth tone transitions – no visible "steps" in colour gradients

Disadvantages

No like
  • Low brightness, which makes the HDR effect weak and the image poorly visible in sunlight

  • The image loses quality and colour when viewed from an angle

  • Not suitable as a computer monitor due to very poor text readability

  • Strong dithering phenomenon (highly digital image)

  • Poor contrast and greyish black – the IPS panel does not perform well in low light

  • Problematic local dimming – vertical bands of backlighting are very noticeable on a dark background

  • 60Hz panel

  • No support for Dolby Vision

  • Sound lacks depth – a soundbar is recommended

Our verdict

The time has come to gather all observations. The TCL P7K / P79K is a television that cleverly juggles compromises, offering much more in its price range than we could have expected. Its undeniable asset is the VA panel, guaranteeing deep blacks and high contrast, and the surprisingly rich package for gamers (with VRR and support for 120 Hz at lower resolutions) makes it a phenomenal proposition for console owners. The whole is tied together by the functional Google TV system. Of course, the low peak brightness means that HDR content lacks spectacular bursts, and the TV's performance in sunlit rooms is limited. And although, at its relatively low price, the P7K / P79K is quite a decent option, its biggest rival turns out to be… its more refined sibling, the P8K. Often, FOR a small additional payment, we get a device of a higher class – with a native 4K 144 Hz panel, significantly better audio system, and generally higher quality of operation, which is reflected in its much higher rating on our portal. Therefore, the final verdict must be as follows: if your budget is absolutely non-negotiable, the P7K / P79K will be a good and cost-effective choice. However, if you can afford to add a small amount, the P8K model will offer significantly more and will ultimately be a more satisfying investment.

The QNED80A variant based on an IPS panel is aimed at a completely different audience. If you are looking for a television for a place where life buzzes all day and family members watch TV from various spots, this will be a good choice. Wide viewing angles and saturated colours ensure that the picture looks good whether we are sitting directly in front of it or at the dining table. Of course, this is not perfect equipment, as there simply aren't any in this price segment. The IPS panel will not offer you pitch-black blacks, so evening horror screenings may appear slightly grey, and edge dimming in dark scenes can create noticeable light strips. Despite these shortcomings, the QNED80A makes up for them with its overall picture quality. The performance of the processor deserves great recognition – both scaling regular television to 4K and presenting details in HDR content are outstanding here. The picture is clear, sharp, and rich in details, even if the screen itself does not break brightness records. Combined with the fantastic WebOS system, which operates quickly and stably, this is a very safe, solid choice for everyday family entertainment at a relatively low price.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
0 x HDMI 2.0, 3 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
Toslink (Optical audio)
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
Build quality
Average
BuildQuality-Good
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Fixed
Flat design
No
Yes
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

5.2/10

2.7/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 6 (1 x 6)

Contrast:

Review TCL P7K / P79K Contrast and black detail

Result

4,000:1

Review TCL P7K / P79K Contrast and black detail

Result

6,500:1

Review TCL P7K / P79K Contrast and black detail

Result

2,700:1

Review TCL P7K / P79K Contrast and black detail

Result

2,800:1

Review TCL P7K / P79K Contrast and black detail

Result

3,800:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

2,400:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,350:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

2,450:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,200:1

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

Result

1,150:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Review TCL P7K / P79K Contrast and black detail
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail
Review TCL P7K / P79K Contrast and black detail
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Contrast and black detail

In the discussion about image quality, the conversation almost always begins with the issue of black depth and contrast, which are parameters that define the plasticity and realism of the observed world. Here, the TCL P7k/P79k immediately lays its strongest asset on the table – a VA panel. Its construction is what makes the native relation between the brightest and darkest parts of the image more than satisfactory, especially in the context of the price segment that this model represents. In the majority of scenes, the black achieved has a noble depth, which allows for building an engaging spectacle for the viewer. To illustrate the scale, it is worth mentioning that competing constructions based on IPS panels often offer results that are even four times, and sometimes five times, lower, which in direct comparison represents a chasm. Of course, when entering the territory of models oriented towards affordability, we must be aware of certain compromises. Therefore, we will not find an advanced local dimming system in the discussed television, which could further enhance the sense of contrast. However, the absence of this feature is fully understandable and constitutes a logical consequence of positioning the product in the market – this technology in TCL's portfolio for 2025 has been reserved for higher positioned, more prestigious series marked with the letter "C".

If you come across a model equipped with an IPS panel, the situation changes dramatically, and let’s not beat around the bush – the contrast is simply weak. This is a natural characteristic of this technology, which pales in comparison to VA panels. Black, especially during evening viewings with the lights off, is rarely pitch black – it often leans towards shades of dark grey or navy blue. The real problem with this variant, however, is the way the local dimming system operates. Since we are dealing with edge lighting on a panel that inherently "lets through" more light, this system often does more harm than good. When a bright object appears on a dark background, the television tries to brighten it by activating the corresponding zone. The effect? Instead of a focused light, we see illuminated vertical bands stretching across the entire screen. Unfortunately, it looks worse than in the VA version. Due to the lower native contrast of the panel, these “light bands” (so-called blooming) are much more visible and stand out more sharply from the background. In many cases, these brightness jumps are so aggressive that instead of enjoying the viewing experience, we focus on the performance of the backlighting.

HDR effect quality

4.3/10

4.8/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 86.3%, Bt.2020: 65.0%
DCI P3: 91.3%, Bt.2020: 66.5%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL P7K / P79K Brightness measurement

Result

206 nit

Review TCL P7K / P79K Brightness measurement

Result

247 nit

Review TCL P7K / P79K Brightness measurement

Result

297 nit

Review TCL P7K / P79K Brightness measurement

Result

237 nit

Review TCL P7K / P79K Brightness measurement

Result

281 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

369 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

325 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

434 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

342 nit

Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Brightness measurement

Result

318 nit

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

Review TCL P7K / P79K HDR effect quality
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) HDR effect quality

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

Review TCL P7K / P79K HDR effect quality
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) HDR effect quality

Static HDR10

Review TCL P7K / P79K HDR effect quality
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) HDR effect quality

HDR luminance chart:

LG QNED80A6A (IPS)

HDR luminance

TCL P7K / P79K

HDR luminance

When turning to the assessment of HDR performance, we must be clear and without marketing embellishments: the P7K/P79K is not, and was never intended to be, a master in this field. The maximum peak brightness that this panel can generate hovers around a mere 300 nits. This represents a threshold, a kind of thin red line between what can be considered a barely satisfactory HDR signal and what is, in fact, not much different from standard dynamic range (SDR), unfortunately leaning towards the latter. Synthetic tests found brutal confirmation in reality – our measurements taken during movie screenings showed that luminance in key bright portions of the scenes rarely exceeded the ceiling of 200-250 nits. Thus, this is not a television that would allow content realised in a wide tonal range to spread its wings, and this must be openly admitted.

Unfortunately, the issue of colour reproduction is presented with equal restraint. Although the manufacturer positions this model within the "QLED" family, thanks to the use of a PFS LED filter, the results do not match the heightened expectations. The coverage of the wide DCI-P3 colour gamut reaches only 86%. In the context of the market, this is at best an average result, as most devices that employ additional layers to expand the colour spectrum easily achieve values at a minimum level of 90-92%.

When it comes to image dynamics and brightness, the QNED80A firmly stands its ground. It is not a “bright beast” – during our measurements, peak luminance oscillated between 350-400 nits. To put it plainly: these values won't allow HDR formats to fully spread their wings. So, do not expect that the glare of the sun or car headlights in films will blind you. However, this television has a powerful ace up its sleeve that salvages the overall picture impression – and that is the colours. LG's engineers have employed an advanced filtration system (technically most likely based on PFS phosphor, marketed as QNED/NanoCell), which does a fantastic job. Thanks to this, despite average brightness, the screen is capable of generating exceptionally saturated and pure hues. Our instruments showed coverage of the wide DCI-P3 cinema colour palette at a level of 93-94%. This is a result that outclasses most standard LCD televisions. In practice, this means that when watching 4K HDR content, the picture – although not very bright – is very plastic, vivid, and delights the eye with its depth of colours.

Factory color reproduction

5.9/10

4.4/10

Review TCL P7K / P79K Factory color reproduction
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Review TCL P7K / P79K Factory color reproduction
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Every accurate assessment of image quality must begin with selection of the most optimal factory mode. In the case of the tested model P7K/P79K, the choice was made without hesitation for the "Film" mode. It is this mode that presents an image closest to the intentions of the creators, avoiding both the exaggerated brightness of the dynamic mode and the excessive dimming known from eco settings. And it must be admitted that, for a device in this price range, the factory calibration is surprisingly decent, although it has not escaped a few missteps. The most noticeable flaw turned out to be the not completely correctly set white balance. A slight dominance of the blue component gives the image a subtly cool, cold character, thus deviating from the exemplary neutrality that the director wanted to show us. The television performs much better in reproducing the greyscale in the standard dynamic range – the gamma curve is nearly exemplary. The only minor reservation could be made regarding the darkest parts of the image, where a slight deviation from the norm causes a loss of some detail in the shadows. The most serious challenge for the TCL software, however, was interpreting the HDR signal, as illustrated by the course of the EOTF curve. The television follows its own, quite free path here – the darkest details are disproportionately brightened, after which there is a noticeable slowdown in the increase of brightness for midtones. Fortunately, most of these imperfections are software-related issues that can be eliminated. With this thought in mind, we began the process of professional calibration.

Here, regardless of whether you encounter the VA or IPS version, the situation is identical. LG engineers once again served us their vision of a "gaming look," which unfortunately has little to do with accuracy. When switched to console mode, the white balance automatically drifts towards very cold regions. The image is dominated by the colour blue, which makes it seem artificially sharpened, and the white is so aggressive that it appears burnt out. This creates an effect we associate with vibrant shop modes – everything is meant to shine and scream "I am digital." While some may appreciate this, we must say plainly: the image is not accurate. If you care about naturalness, we suggest you immediately check the settings and change the colour temperature to a warmer one.

Color reproduction after calibration

7/10

7.4/10

Review TCL P7K / P79K Color reproduction after calibration
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL P7K / P79K Color reproduction after calibration
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Color reproduction after calibration

The calibration process turned out to be spot on, particularly in the context of standard dynamic range (SDR) content. We successfully mitigated the television's tendency to emphasize cool tones, restoring the whiteness to its natural neutrality. Moreover, precise adjustments allowed us to correct a slight error in the gamma curve, ensuring that the darkest parts of the image regained their proper depth, without any trace of unnatural brightness. The effects are measurable and impressive – in the ColorChecker test, the overwhelming majority of colour reproduction errors fell below the perceptual threshold, achieving a deltaE value of under 2. This is a result that pricier models would not be ashamed of. Unfortunately, when it comes to HDR content, we encounter a barrier in the form of the inherent limitations of the panel itself. And although we managed to bring the colours into line, the software's characteristics mean that the television still adapts brightness in its own way, as evidenced by the persistent, non-standard EOTF curve. In summary, calibration adds immense value, but one must be aware that it cannot overcome certain physical barriers. The slightly elevated black level, due to the lack of local dimming, along with limited peak brightness, means that HDR content may not always be able to showcase its full potential. This is simply not the primary task of this display; its true strength, especially after professional tuning, lies in the viewing of SDR material.

After professional calibration, the QNED80A in the IPS version has changed unrecognisably, especially with "ordinary" content (SDR). We managed to eliminate the greenish tint and calm down the overly bright gamma. In classic television or older games, colour errors (DeltaE) have dropped below the threshold of perception (value < 2). The picture is now coherent, natural, and truly pleasing to the eye. The situation is somewhat more complicated in HDR mode. Although the colours are now in place, the television has a problem with perfectly controlling the brightness (EOTF curve). Due to the limitations of edge lighting and the rather meagre adjustment options provided by LG in this respect, the television's software at times "does what it wants," just to mask the imperfections of black and contrast. However, this is not a cause for concern – despite these technical limitations, the picture after calibration is a class better than what you saw out of the box.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

9.2/10

Review TCL P7K / P79K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P7K / P79K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P7K / P79K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P7K / P79K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Smoothness of tonal transitions

The issue of the fluidity of tonal transitions, or popular grading, is another area where the P7K / P79K evokes mixed feelings and surprises with its dual nature. If we were to evaluate solely its ability to render smooth colour gradients, we would undoubtedly give it a solid score of 8/10. Unfortunately, this positive image is marred by the use of very aggressive and unpleasant dithering. This artefact is particularly noticeable on demanding test patterns – such as the one depicting an actor submerged in red water – where rough, unnatural texture appears on uniform colour surfaces, betraying the digital nature of the image. This is all the more disappointing, as it is not a new issue. It seems to be a sort of inheritance from previous generations of budget TCL models, which is a pity, as it represents a flaw on what is fundamentally a quite competent image and is a mistake that could have been avoided.

The next very strong point of this model is the way it handles tonal transitions. Often in cheaper LCD constructions, we see what's known as banding – that is, a situation where the television cannot smoothly display a gradient, creating visible "steps" between shades. In the case of the QNED80A, the engineers did their homework. Regardless of whether we are watching a blue sky, fog, or dark scenes full of grey, the transitions between colours are extremely smooth and soft. There are no artificial cuts or jagged edges of colours. As a result, the image is very coherent and natural, which is by no means standard in this price segment.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

7/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
OK
OK

Smooth transition function

Review TCL P7K / P79K Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Review TCL P7K / P79K Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

After a series of harsh evaluations, fortunately, the time comes for praise, and this is due to the TCL AiPQ image processor for its work in the field of digital processing and content scaling. It should be noted right away that we are not talking about the level known from flagship designs; however, in the price segment represented by the P7K/P79K, the results achieved are more than solid. The feature for smoothing tonal transitions performs particularly well, effectively eliminating posterisation, which are the characteristic bands often visible in highly compressed materials, for example, from the ChooseTV service. The algorithm adeptly removes unwanted gradients, which ultimately looks really good. The television also handles upscaling competently, which is the task of elevating low-resolution materials to 4K standard. The resulting image, although it may initially seem a bit too sharp, fortunately, is not a problem. The software allows for free adjustment of this parameter using a sharpness slider, making it easy to customise the final appearance to personal preferences.

It often happens that cheap 4K TVs mercilessly expose the flaws of low-resolution materials. Here, it is different. The QNED80A is great equipment for watching content that is not perfect. The processor does a good job of upscaling the image, making even older recordings look quite decent on a 4K screen – they are consistent and free of digital noise. Interestingly, there is a gradation reduction feature available in the settings. It is very effective in combating the so-called banding in low bitrate materials. Of course, it should be approached with some caution. Due to the lower processing power of the chip (compared to the premium series), turning on this option can sometimes result in unwanted artifacts or blurriness. Despite this risk, we encourage experimentation, as in many cases this feature can save a poor-quality viewing experience.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.8/10

4.6/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
60Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
No
No
BFI function 60Hz
No
No
BFI function 120Hz
No
No
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

The issue of fluidity and sharpness of the image in motion is inextricably linked to a fundamental parameter of the matrix, and in the case of the TCL P7K/P79K, we are dealing with a panel with a native refresh rate of 60 Hz. This specification defines its capabilities from the outset and makes it difficult to unequivocally recommend it to enthusiasts of dynamic sports broadcasts. During fast camera movements, the image loses sharpness, and the panel also shows a slight tendency to smearing, which may be noticeable to more sensitive viewers. Fortunately, not everything in this aspect has been left to chance. The manufacturer has implemented a simple motion smoothing system, which is primarily used in film material recorded at 24 or 30 frames per second. Thanks to a dedicated slider, users can decide for themselves the final character of the motion – from maintaining a fully cinematic, slightly juddery image to achieving a very smooth, almost theatrical effect. It is a simple but effective tool that allows users to tailor the viewing experience to their own preferences.

In terms of motion reproduction, the QNED80A unfortunately has a tough time. The television is based on a display with a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is quite a disappointment for the QNED series in 2025. If you are looking for perfect sharpness during dynamic football matches, you may feel somewhat unsatisfied. A solution in this situation is the TruMotion system. It allows for artificial frame generation, which smooths out the image in films and series. In the menu, you will find a De-Judder slider – we recommend setting it to a value of 2, 3, or 4. This is the "golden mean" that improves fluidity without turning the film into a soap opera.

Console compatibility and gaming features

6.7/10

6/10

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

Although on paper the native 4K@60Hz panel might suggest that the TCL P7K/P79K is not a television tailored for gamers, the reality is surprisingly different. On the contrary, the manufacturer has ensured a rich package of features that make it a very friendly companion for next-generation consoles. Onboard, we find key technologies such as ALLM, which provides automatic switching to low latency mode, and VRR, or variable refresh rate, which eliminates screen tearing. The list is complemented by support for Dolby Vision Gaming and a simple yet functional Game Bar. However, the real and extremely pleasant surprise is something else. It turns out that the television easily supports a high refresh rate signal of 120 Hz but at lower resolutions – 1080p and 1440p. This is fantastic news for console owners, who know well how rarely games run in native 4K at a full 120 frames per second. The ability to choose between higher resolution and doubled smoothness is therefore an extremely sensible compromise.

In summary, although the P7K/P79K may not be the target screen for the most passionate tournament players, for the casual or occasional console user, it offers a package of options that is hard to find among many competitors at this price.

In the gaming section, we won't be pulling the wool over your eyes – the QNED80A is not e-sports equipment. The lack of 120Hz signal support is a fact that must be accepted. However, LG's engineers have done everything possible to maximise the potential of this 60Hz panel, providing gamers with a set of desirable features. First and foremost, the television supports VRR (in the range of 48-60Hz) and ALLM. This means that the image is smooth, not choppy, and the television automatically switches to low-latency mode as soon as we pick up the controller. Accessing these options is incredibly simple thanks to the dedicated system overlay – Game Dashboard. It’s also worth appreciating the support for the HGiG format. This is a nod to owners of modern consoles. Although the screen does not support gaming Dolby Vision, HGiG ensures that the television 'understands' how to display games in HDR. As a result, we avoid the problem of blown-out clouds, which is unfortunately a plague on cheaper LCD televisions.

Input lag

9.9/10

9.8/10

SDR

1080p60
15 ms
15 ms
1080p120
10 ms
2160p60
14 ms
15 ms
2160p120

HDR

2160p60
14 ms
15 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
14 ms
2160p120 DV

Complementing this rich package for gamers is a parameter that has a direct impact on comfort and performance in gameplay – input lag. Already in native 60 Hz mode, the television boasts an excellent result of just 15 ms. However, the real magic happens when switching to 120 Hz mode, where the lag drops nearly by half, reaching values below 10 ms. Such responsiveness ensures that every command from the controller is translated to the screen in the blink of an eye, which will be appreciated not only by professionals but by anyone who values smooth and direct interaction with the game.

And what about responsiveness? Our measurements showed an input lag of around 15 ms. In the gaming world, where top monitors go down to 1 ms, this may seem like an average result, but in the category of living room televisions, it is a very good outcome. In practice, this means that when playing on a console, you will not feel any discomfort. There is no situation here where the character reacts with a noticeable delay after pressing a button on the controller. The television responds to the controller without delay, allowing you to enjoy gaming without unnecessary irritation. For casual gaming after work – a perfectly acceptable result.

Compatibility with PC

2/10

5/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
No
Yes
Font clarity
Average
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Poor
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
16ms
15ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
RGB
Max refresh rate
60Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
Yes
No
Review TCL P7K / P79K Compatibility with PC
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Compatibility with PC

We finally come to an area that can undoubtedly be described as the biggest Achilles' heel of the TCL P7K/P79K – its compatibility with PC. It is paradoxical in that, on paper, everything looks promising. The presence of G-Sync and support for high refresh rates at lower resolutions might suggest that it would also be a great monitor. Unfortunately, practice brutally verifies these assumptions. The key issue is the lack of support for full 4:4:4 chroma sampling. In everyday use, this translates to terrible font rendering quality – these, especially the coloured ones, become jagged, surrounded by artefacts, and simply poorly legible. This is not the end of the story, as in PC mode, the problem of aggressive dithering also becomes evident, giving the entire image an artificial, overly digital appearance. The only consolation in this situation is the fact that in games we can take advantage of the additional hertz and G-Sync technology, but these are not advantages that could compensate for the fundamental deficiencies in displaying a static interface. The verdict is therefore clear: while as a screen solely for gaming on PC it might still hold its own, as a monitor for work or browsing the internet, the P7K/P79K simply performs poorly.

In terms of cooperation with a PC, we have another surprise waiting. Theoretically, it is IPS matrices that should dominate in displaying static office content due to their pixel structure. However, the QNED80A once again breaks the mould. During tests, we noticed strange behaviour when displaying text. While classic, bold fonts are readable and look correct, the issues begin with small, thin letters. They tend to "split" on the contours and cast a strange shadow. This causes the small text to become less clear and, with prolonged use, can be tiring for the eyes. Therefore, if you are looking for a television that will primarily serve to display tables in Excel or Word documents, this particular variant may disappoint you a bit.

Viewing angles

3.2/10

6/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
78%
69%

When it comes to viewing angles, we enter the territory where VA panel technology dictates unavoidable conditions. As expected, this is the weak point of this model. It is enough to move away from the screen axis to observe a gradual degradation of the image: colours begin to fade, contrast noticeably drops, and black loses its depth. In direct comparison with IPS panels, which are renowned for their generosity in this aspect, the VA panel must concede superiority to its competitor. Is there any upside to this? Paradoxically, yes. Poor viewing angles are, after all, the price we consciously pay for the fundamental advantage of this technology – a significantly higher native contrast and deeper blacks when viewed head-on. Thus, it can be said that this is a television that favours viewers sitting in the 'ideal' spot, offering them a maximally vibrant image at the cost of versatility.

Do you remember how we complained about the weaker contrast? Well, now it's time for a comeback. It is precisely in terms of viewing angles that the IPS matrix shows its superiority and purpose. If you have a spacious living room, and family members watch television from different places – for instance, from an armchair in the corner or from over the table in the dining room – this variant will be spot on. Unlike VA matrices, here the image retains its properties even at a large angle. Colours remain vivid and do not change shades when viewed from the side. This makes the QNED80A in this version a fantastic choice for watching matches with friends or cartoons with children, where not everyone has the luxury of sitting directly in front of the screen.

Daytime performance

4.6/10

4.7/10

Panel finish
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Decent
Decent
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good
Review TCL P7K / P79K Daytime performance
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Daytime performance
Review TCL P7K / P79K Daytime performance
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) Daytime performance

Panel brightness

Average luminance SDR

LG QNED80A6A (IPS): 310 cd/m2

TCL P7K / P79K: 299 cd/m2

The final practical test for any television is its daily performance in daytime conditions when it has to compete with ambient light. In this competition, the TCL P7K / P79K starts with a certain advantage in the form of a satin finish on the screen. Its structure handles direct reflections quite decently, diffusing them and protecting the image from excessive fading of colours or lightening of blacks. However, the passive struggle against reflections is one side of the coin. The other is the active ability to 'break through' bright surroundings, and here one of the model's key limitations comes to light. The previously mentioned peak brightness of around 300 nits is simply too low to ensure a fully comfortable and dynamic viewing experience in a brightly lit living room. In such conditions, the image may lack punch, and scenes with lower brightness can lose their clarity.

QNED80A is not a "light monster", so in full, direct sunlight, the image may appear a bit washed out. This is not equipment designed to battle sharp sunlight hitting directly on the screen. However, it does have an ace up its sleeve that significantly improves user comfort: a matte screen coating. Instead of cheap, glossy finishing, LG has applied a satin structure here. It works very effectively by "softening" reflections from the surroundings. Therefore, we do not see our perfect reflection in the screen like in a mirror, which can be extremely annoying in darker scenes. So it may be insufficient for extremely bright rooms, but in standard, moderate home conditions, QNED80A will perform perfectly.

Panel details

Backlight Type
PFS LED
Mini-LED PFS LED
Software version during testing
V8-0008T01-LF1V441
33.21.62
Image processor
RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review TCL P7K / P79K TV Panel details
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV Panel details

TCL P7K / P79K

LG QNED80A6A (IPS)

TV features

7/10

6.8/10

  • HDMI inputs
    0 x HDMI 2.0, 3 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
  • Other inputs
    Toslink (Optical audio)
  • 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
  • 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
    Yes
    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 P7K / P79K TV features
Review TCL P7K / P79K TV features
Review TCL P7K / P79K TV features
Review TCL P7K / P79K TV features
Review TCL P7K / P79K TV features
Review TCL P7K / P79K TV features
Review TCL P7K / P79K TV features
Review TCL P7K / P79K TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features
Review LG QNED80A6A (IPS) TV features

Smart Features – the Power of Google TV

The heart and operating brain of the TCL P7K / P79K is the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage in itself. This platform opens access to an almost limitless library of applications from the Play Store, ensuring that we won't miss any key streaming service. Integration with other devices is exemplary – Apple users will appreciate the seamless collaboration thanks to AirPlay, and Windows and Android users can easily utilise screen mirroring features. One should also highlight Google Assistant, which performs exceptionally well with voice search in Polish, remaining one of the most effective and convenient solutions of its kind on the market. The system’s performance on the tested model can be described as "above average." The interface is mostly smooth, but during tests, there were occasional slowdowns and even sporadic "freezes" that required a moment of patience. Minor glitches can also be seen in the translation of some system messages, which can be clumsy – however, these are minor oversights on TCL's part that do not affect overall functionality.

Classic Features

In the era of smart systems, traditional television functions often take a back seat, and this is also the case here. A significant advantage is the inclusion of a classic remote control with a numeric keypad, which does not require precise aiming at the screen for communication, significantly enhancing user comfort. The presence of Bluetooth technology for connecting external devices, such as headphones or speakers, should also be regarded positively. However, this is essentially where the list of conveniences ends. It is evident that TCL has almost put everything on the Google TV card, treating classic functions as an absolute minimum. Therefore, we will not find options to record programmes from built-in tuners to a USB drive or the once-popular PiP (Picture-in-Picture) feature. This is, therefore, a basic package that simply works but does not offer anything beyond what is essential.

WebOS Platform and Support

One of the greatest advantages of the QNED80A model is its "brain", namely the operating system. LG has implemented a fully-fledged WebOS version for 2025, which, in terms of smoothness and usability, is on par with more expensive models. Applications launch smoothly, and navigating the menu is a sheer pleasure. All thanks to the unique remote control with a pointer (cursor) function, which has undergone a visual revamp this year. The manufacturer has opted for minimalism – the new "Magic" is significantly smaller and more ergonomic. It fits perfectly in the hand, but this change has a downside. The physical numeric section has been removed from the casing. For the younger generation, accustomed to streaming, this is not a problem, but older household members who are used to entering channel numbers from memory will need to change their habits.

Everyday Use and Extras

In terms of functions we would call "classic", the QNED80A adheres to a tested standard. It is not a multimedia powerhouse that will surprise you with exotic features, but it performs excellently in everyday television use. The handling of traditional television, including Teletext, is correct and hassle-free. The wireless communication is also commendable – the Bluetooth module works reliably, allowing for quick connection to a console controller or wireless speakers. This is a television that simply "works" – stably, predictably, and without unnecessary complications.

Apps

9.6/10

9.1/10

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

Playing files from USB

7.2/10

8.2/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
No
No
TIFF
Yes
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
No
Yes
12 Mpix
No
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
No
24 Mpix
No
No
28 Mpix
No
No
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The built-in media player in the P7k/P79k model is quite a puzzling case, placing us in a rather unusual situation. On one hand, its engine manages to decode most popular video formats, which is obviously good news. On the other hand, we encountered a surprising and frustrating flaw – the default app has a fundamental issue with correctly displaying Polish diacritical characters in subtitle files. Instead of letters like "ą," "ę," or "ż," empty squares or random, unreadable symbols appeared on the screen. Fortunately, thanks to the flexibility of the Google TV system, this issue can be easily circumvented. Installing an alternative, advanced player, such as the tried and tested VLC or KODI, fully resolves this inconvenience. The situation is particularly odd since we didn't encounter such a flaw in other TCL models we tested previously. We are therefore dealing with an obvious software oversight, which we hope will be fixed in a future update.

Many of us still enjoy watching films or photos from our own USB drives. Here, the QNED80A performs quite decently, supporting a wide range of video and audio codecs. Most film libraries will start "right away." However, it is important to remember the specifics of the WebOS system. Since this is a closed environment, we are reliant on what the manufacturer has prepared for us – there is no option to install alternative players (e.g., the popular VLC) if we encounter a read error. What kind of errors might we encounter? Primarily, the lack of support for HEIC files. So if you take pictures with an iPhone and want to display them on a large screen straight from a USB stick – the television won't recognise them. It's worth changing the photo format to JPG on your phone right away. We also noticed that the player struggles to process very large graphic files. Photos with resolutions of 20-28 Mpix may not load or cause errors. Aside from these exceptions – the operation is seamless.

Sound

6.2/10

6/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    81dB
  • 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
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio
    Yes
    No

In terms of the built-in audio system, the TCL P7k/P79k presents a level that can be described as functional and correct, but lacking audiophile ambitions. The speakers play quite loudly, and the dialogues in films and television programmes are delivered clearly and without distortion, which is crucial in everyday use. However, the soundstage definitely lacks a foundation in the form of low tones. This is a direct consequence of the absence of a dedicated subwoofer – an element that in the higher P8K series, represented by a large Onkyo subwoofer at the back of the cabinet, constituted the strength of its sound. Here, that element is simply missing, which makes the sound seem flatter and devoid of the depth that creates a cinematic atmosphere. We also noticed a peculiar aspect in the software – when attempting to set the maximum volume, the television automatically reduces it. It is difficult to determine definitively whether this is a form of protection against distortion or a minor software glitch; nonetheless, it’s a shame because the power reserves seem to be slightly greater.

When it comes to sound, the QNED80A fits the market standard for mid-range televisions. We are dealing with a classic 2.0 setup with a power of 20 watts here. We won’t hide it – you cannot cheat physics. The sound lacks low tones (bass) and that specific depth which creates an atmosphere in action films or when listening to music. However, the television has one significant advantage that users of traditional television, such as for series and news programmes, will appreciate. That is the reproduction of speech. The dialogue is surprisingly clear and natural. The sound is not "bass-heavy" or artificially boosted, which makes it easy on the ears and allows one to understand every word of the commentator without the need to increase the volume.

Sound Quality Test

No sound test video