Xiaomi S Mini 2025 vs TCL P89K / TCL P8K

Direct comparison

P8K / P89K

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

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

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2025

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.0

6.6

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.3

    6.1

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.5

    6.0

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.4

    6.1

  • Gaming on console

    8.4

    8.1

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.2

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    7.3

    4.6

  • Utility functions

    4.7

    7.4

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.6

  • Sound quality

    6.8

    6.7

Advantages

  • VA matrix with MiniLED backlighting – good contrast and deep blacks

  • High brightness (841 cd/m²) – excellent visibility even in bright rooms

  • Supports multiple HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+

  • High refresh rate: 240Hz, 144Hz, and 120Hz

  • Low input lag – perfect for gaming

  • Google TV system – versatile and comprehensive with broad access to apps

  • The remote does not require pointing at the screen

  • Pleasant sound with mild bass

  • Supports audio formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

  • 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
  • Errors in the translation of the TV Menu

  • Problems with aggressive dimming algorithms – visible in dynamic scenes

  • Image scaling and tonal transition enhancement features are unstable

  • 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

Xiaomi, well known as a giant in the smartphone market, has decided to fight for the attention of high-end technology enthusiasts by presenting a television with MiniLED backlighting. The S MiniLED 2025 model looks truly impressive on paper. The vast number of dimming zones provides excellent contrast, and the brightness, reaching impressive levels, can impress both in high-quality HDR materials and in older SDR. The television performs excellently where smooth motion is key. The high refresh rate panel and low input lag make it a good choice not only for sports fans but also for gamers. Support for features such as ALLM and GameBar further enhances the gaming experience. Google TV on this television works as it should – quickly, smoothly, without unnecessary stutters, which we could not say about the model A Pro 2025. Additionally, with such an extensive application library, it will satisfy even the most demanding user. However, not everything looks so good in practice. Despite solid hardware specifications, the television has its drawbacks. The biggest problem is the algorithms managing the dimming zones, which can be quite irritating when watching films in the evening. The operation of individual zones is overly noticeable in dynamic scenes, which can effectively distract our attention from the image. Issues also arise in more demanding HDR scenes despite the truly impressive brightness. Small, bright elements often lose brightness, ruining the effect that a top-quality image should provide. The system is also not free from shortcomings – image enhancement features for lower-quality materials work unevenly, and some options in Google TV are poorly translated or even untranslated. The Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 has huge potential, but in its current form, it seems underutilised. It is clear that Xiaomi wanted to create something truly good, but several significant shortcomings result in a mixed final effect. A device with high aspirations that needs better software to truly shine. It is an ideal television for brighter rooms, where high screen brightness plays a key role, and local dimming issues become less noticeable. It will also perform excellently as a screen for gamers and for those who value the versatility and functionality of the Google TV system.

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
1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
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
Average
Average
Stand type
Legs
Legs
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Fixed
Accessories
Stand
Stand
Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Led Remote

Contrast and black detail

6.8/10

5.5/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 308 (22 x 14)

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

182,000:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

38,050:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

18,300:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

10,150:1

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,450:1

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 Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Contrast and black detail
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Contrast and black detail

Xiaomi S MiniLED is one of the most affordable MiniLED technology televisions available on the market. The model we tested, with a size of 55 inches, features as many as 308 local dimming zones, which is impressive for this price. Additionally, it uses a VA panel, which naturally offers significantly better contrast than IPS panels. On static test images, the television performed excellently, achieving an impressive contrast ratio of 182,000:1 in the film Oblivion. The blacks were deep, and the details in the light and dark areas of the image were clearly separated. However, in more demanding scenes where the image is dynamic, the situation becomes complicated.

Where lies the problem? The main cause is the local dimming algorithms. Although their work shows promising results on static images, during film playback – that is, in the natural working conditions of the television – they operate too aggressively. In dynamic scenes, such as those from the tested film, you can see how the individual dimming zones "work and flicker," which detracts from the viewer's sense of image coherence. This effect is particularly noticeable in motion, when bright objects move against a dark screen. As a result, although Xiaomi S MiniLED offers excellent contrast on paper, in practice the effect is less satisfying. The aggressive operation of the algorithms spoils the perception of dynamic scenes, making the television average in this category. It's a good example of how MiniLED technology requires not only good specifications but also proper optimisation.

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

4.8/10

4.5/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 93.0%, Bt.2020: 72.0%
DCI P3: 93.6%, Bt.2020: 70.4%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

852 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

140 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

385 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

97 nit

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Brightness measurement

Result

1126 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 Xiaomi S Mini 2025 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

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

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

Static HDR10

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 HDR effect quality
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K HDR effect quality

HDR luminance chart:

TCL P89K / TCL P8K

HDR luminance

Xiaomi S Mini 2025

HDR luminance

Since the Xiaomi S MiniLED boasts an impressive number of 308 dimming zones, it is time to test how it performs in HDR tests. Starting with luminance, or the ability to display bright scenes, the television achieved nearly 1000 nits of brightness – a result that can be considered outstanding in this class. Do these figures, however, translate to real experiences in film scenes? In the case of less demanding shots, such as those from the film The Meg, the television indeed showed excellent results, reaching up to 900 nits. Such values are impressive and can truly convey the power of HDR effects.

Unfortunately, much like with contrast, it wasn't without issues. When smaller, brighter elements appear on the screen – as in the challenging scenes from Sicario 2 – the aggressive operation of the dimming zones spoils the entire effect. Brightness in these moments drops to just 100 nits. This is definitely too little to capture the full magic of HDR. Instead of a dynamic and detailed image, the viewer receives a muted, almost flat impression, which takes away all the enjoyment from the viewing experience.

In summary, if we are looking for a television with high brightness for watching films during the day, the Xiaomi S MiniLED will easily fulfill that task. However, its inability to precisely manage the dimming zones means that watching films in the evening, especially in demanding HDR scenes, can be more frustrating than satisfying.

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

3.9/10

5.4/10

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Factory color reproduction
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Factory color reproduction
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

Xiaomi, like many manufacturers, offers a wide range of picture modes. On the S MiniLED, we can find both IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker. Our tests were conducted in Filmmaker mode, which theoretically aims to reflect a reference image, but the reality turned out to be somewhat different.

Let's start with the test of SDR content. Here, the television had quite a few issues, especially with white balance. The clearly visible dominance of red made the image look too warm, with all colours taking on a reddish hue. This was particularly noticeable in a comparative scene from the film Star Wars. The brightness characteristics (gamma) also left much to be desired – instead of a smooth transition, we had a real "rollercoaster," with a visible excessive brightening of the screen.

In 4K content, the situation improved significantly. The white balance, although still not perfect, was much more balanced, with a slight dominance of red and blue, but without excessive impact on the overall perception. The EOTF curve (responsible for brightness in HDR) showed some brightening in the brightest parts of the image, which was noticeable, for example, in the test scene from the film Pan that we described earlier. These brightening effects may disturb the precision of the image, but in 4K, the overall effect was much more acceptable than in SDR.

Although Xiaomi S MiniLED can pleasantly surprise with 4K content, its factory settings in SDR require solid adjustments, especially regarding white balance and brightness. This is definitely a television that would benefit from calibration.

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

7.7/10

7.5/10

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Color reproduction after calibration
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Color reproduction after calibration

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that gains a completely new life after calibration. The results are truly outstanding and show how much potential is in this model.

In SDR mode, the white balance is nearly perfectly aligned. The errors are so minimal that in many cases they can be considered negligible. This is confirmed by the results of the Colour Checker palette, where the errors did not exceed a value of 2 ΔE – this is really a rare result. Gamma also performs very well, although at the beginning of the graph there are slight brightenings in the darkest elements. However, this is a minor exception that does not significantly affect the perception of the image.

In 4K HDR materials, the calibration also brought visible improvements, particularly in the white balance. The image looks natural and cohesive. However, the characteristic of brightness remains a problem. EOTF analysis in film materials shows that the television tends to over-brighten or under-darken the smallest elements on the screen. This is a result of limitations in the dimming algorithms we discussed earlier with HDR and contrast testing. Unfortunately, this is a technical characteristic of this model that cannot be completely eliminated.

Despite this minor flaw, the calibration allowed for maximising the capabilities of this television. The image now looks phenomenal, and its quality impresses in every type of material. Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 shows that with the right settings, it can compete with more expensive models.

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

8/10

9.1/10

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Smoothness of tonal transitions

The fluidity of tonal transitions in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is impressive. Even in the theoretically most difficult scene with red water, the television performs excellently – we did not notice any major issues. Minor imperfections occur in scenes like The Kingsman or The Martian, where subtle colour blending can be observed. Nevertheless, Xiaomi stands out in this category, offering one of the best qualities of tonal transitions in its price range. This is definitely a strong point of this television.

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

6.7/10

6/10

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

Smooth transition function

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 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 Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

When it comes to tonal transitions in lower quality materials, such as YouTube or television, the Xiaomi S MiniLED is equipped with a feature called "Colour Contour Removal." At the "low" setting, it performs quite well, although its effectiveness can be inconsistent. Sometimes it seems as though the television is struggling to smoothen, which creates a certain dissonance. On the positive side, we did not notice any visible side effects, although due to the instability of this feature, one could suspect that unexpected issues may arise in certain situations.

Image scaling also performs moderately. There is some slight jaggedness, particularly on thin elements like branches, and subtitles can appear slightly jagged. While this may not be very bothersome, a more discerning eye will certainly pick up on these shortcomings. Overall, most users should be satisfied with the quality of scaling and smoothing, but the television will not satisfy those who expect perfection in every frame of the image.

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

7/10

7.1/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
240Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
No
No
BFI function 120Hz
No
No
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur ():

Blur (4K@144Hz):

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a panel featuring a refresh rate of 4K@120Hz (1080p@240Hz), which provides sufficient smoothness for both watching dynamic sports broadcasts and playing the latest games. This level of refresh rate makes the image appear fluid, even in the most intense scenes. Additionally, the television offers a “Motion Smoothing” feature that allows you to adjust the way the image is displayed in films. You can choose a more frame-like effect, typical of the cinematic experience, or a smoother one, reminiscent of the so-called “theatrical effect.” This way, every user can tailor the settings to their preferences and enjoy smooth images in their favourite content.

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

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that has a lot to offer gamers. With two HDMI ports boasting 48 Gbps bandwidth, we can easily connect modern consoles or PCs, utilising their full potential. Additionally, the ALLM feature automatically switches the TV to low-latency mode – something we will appreciate during dynamic games without annoying lags. Regardless of what we connect, it functions smoothly, and the television handles various resolutions exceptionally well. There is also the GameBar, which may not look as impressive as the "bars" from the competition, but makes up for it with practicality. It is a simple settings panel that allows us to quickly change the most important options or check statistics – an ideal solution when time is of the essence.

However, we must admit that operating the television itself – or rather finding the gaming features within it – posed a significant challenge for us. We approached the testing of the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 several times to locate all the necessary options. The hidden menu allowed us to discover the "GameBoost" feature, which enables switching the television to 240 Hz mode, activating VRR, and allows for enabling picture in HGIG mode.

In summary, the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that definitely deserves praise in the gaming hardware category. Its rich set of features – 240 Hz mode, VRR, HGIG, and "GameBoost" – provides an exceptional gaming experience. Unfortunately, the intuitiveness of the menu itself leaves much to be desired and may pose a challenge for the average user.

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

HDR

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

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
17 ms
20 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

The input lag of the Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is one of its biggest advantages. 8 ms for 120 Hz content and 17 ms for 60 Hz is an absolutely remarkable performance that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Furthermore, the Dolby Vision mode in games deserves praise. Unlike many competing models, Xiaomi maintains a low input lag even in this mode, making it an excellent choice for fans of high-quality HDR gaming experiences.

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

8.2/10

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
8ms
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
240Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Compatibility with PC
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Compatibility with PC

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a good choice if we need a television for working with a computer. The fonts are very clear thanks to the support for chroma 4:4:4, making it perfect for office work or browsing documents. It also performs excellently in gaming – high refresh rates, G-SYNC, and low input lag ensure smooth gameplay, which will satisfy most gamers.

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

3/10

2.8/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
74%
86%

In terms of viewing angles, Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 does not impress. This is a typical problem with VA panels, which do not perform well without additional coatings that widen viewing angles. The image begins to lose quality when watching the television from the side – colours fade and contrast significantly drops. However, the advantage of VA panels is their considerably better contrast compared to IPS panels, which in turn win in terms of wider viewing angles. This is a classic compromise where one has to choose between better blacks and a more universal image seen from various places in the room.

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

7.3/10

4.6/10

Panel finish
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Decent
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Daytime performance
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Daytime performance
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 Daytime performance
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K Daytime performance

Panel brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL P89K / TCL P8K: 299 cd/m2

Xiaomi S Mini 2025: 841 cd/m2

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is equipped with a satin finish on the panel, which performs fairly well in reducing reflections. On the screen surface, one can notice light reflections, which can be somewhat distracting in bright rooms. However, the key feature that saves this television in daytime use is its brightness. With a value of 841 cd/m², the screen performs effortlessly even in very sunny interiors. This is more than enough to comfortably watch television, films, or sporting events. Importantly, the television also handles more demanding content, such as winter sports, where the dominant white can pose a significant challenge for other televisions. Here, Xiaomi definitely delivers.

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 PFS LED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
UKM3.240326.001.490
V8-0012T01-LF1V538.002459
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV Panel details
Review TCL P89K / TCL P8K TV Panel details

TV features

4.7/10

7.4/10

  • HDMI inputs
    1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
    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
    No
    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 Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV features
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV features
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 TV features
Review Xiaomi S Mini 2025 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

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 is a television that stands out thanks to the Google TV system. It offers access to the most popular streaming services, music apps, and various useful features that significantly enhance the everyday experience of using the television. For those who enjoy personalisation, the system also provides plenty of configuration options.

The built-in voice assistant operates smoothly – we can not only control the television but also ask about the weather forecast or set a reminder for the next day. Unfortunately, we noticed during testing that some features have difficulty translating into Polish, which can be frustrating, especially for those less adept at navigating the settings. Despite this, the overall impression is very good, and minor shortcomings can be corrected in future updates.

The device manages connectivity well. Wireless connections to Windows computers or Apple devices proceed smoothly, and thanks to Bluetooth, we can easily connect headphones, keyboards, or other accessories. The remote control is simple and convenient – it works from any position, so aiming at the screen is not necessary. However, there are some shortcomings. If someone frequently uses traditional television, they may feel the lack of recording features from tuners or the PiP (picture in picture) option. This somewhat limits capabilities, but for those focusing on streaming and modern functionalities, it shouldn't be a significant issue.

Xiaomi makes up for these shortcomings with an excellent operating system. Google TV is one of the most advanced and user-friendly systems available on the market, which makes the television perform really well in everyday use.

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

7.3/10

8.9/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
Yes
WebP
No
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

The basic file player in Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 does its job for simple video materials. However, a noticeable drawback is the lack of support for Polish characters, which can be problematic for those using subtitles.

Fortunately, the presence of the Google TV system allows for an easy workaround of this limitation. Thanks to it, alternative file playback applications can be installed, which handle Polish characters and offer much more extensive options. As a result, the limitations of the built-in player are not as burdensome as one might think.

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

6.8/10

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

Xiaomi S MiniLED 2025 plays really nicely and even offers a light bass, reminiscent of the sound known from the lower model, namely A Pro 2025. The sound is well balanced, making watching films or listening to music comfortable, even without additional audio equipment. Interestingly, the television effortlessly supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and the less common DTS:X. This means you can connect a home cinema system or soundbar and enjoy spatial sound without any difficulties. A nice addition is also the presence of a standard speaker jack.

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