- Matching (Score)
- Our verdict
- Competing TVs
- TV appearance
- Where to buy
- Contrast and black detail
- HDR effect quality
- Factory color reproduction
- Color reproduction after calibration
- Smoothness of tonal transitions
- Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
- Blur and motion smoothness
- Console compatibility and gaming features
- Input lag
- Compatibility with PC
- Viewing angles
- TV efficiency during daytime
- TV features
- Apps
- Playing files from USB
- Sound
- Details about the matrix
TCL C69K / Q6C Review
C69K / Q6C / C6K
Available screen sizes:
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Panel type: LCD VA Refresh rate: 144Hz Brand: TCL Resolution: 3840x2160 System: Google TV Model year: 2025
The model TCL C69K / Q6C tested today is one of the most interesting televisions in the manufacturer's offering, mainly due to the Mini-LED technology available at a very affordable price. This is a proposition for those who want to experience features known from premium models without spending a fortune. It is also worth noting that the C69K / Q6C are derivative models (variants), based on the very popular design C6K, which can also be found on the market. In our review, we check how TCL has managed to transfer the same high-end features to this budget segment.
TCL C69K / Q6C - Our verdict
7.1
Overall rating
Advantages
Very good contrast and black: VA panel and MINI-LED backlighting
Good motion smoothness: High refresh rate of 144Hz
Decent panel brightness
Many features for gamers: VRR, ALLM, HDMI 2.1, HGiG
Additional mode for PC gamers: 240Hz
GoogleTV system with a wide selection of applications
Support for multiple HDR formats including Dolby Vision
Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS
Very attractive price
Disadvantages
Management of backlighting could be more precise
Minor, occasional errors in the system
Slight ghosting visible in dynamic scenes
Great chaos in naming (many derivative models that differ in no way)
Movies and series in UHD quality6.7
Classic TV, YouTube6.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)6.3
Gaming on console8.4
TV as a computer monitor8.6
Watching in bright light6.4
Utility functions7.0
Apps9.6
Sound quality6.5
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TCL C69K / Q6C - Competing TVs in this price range
TCL C69K / Q6C - TV appearance
HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality: BuildQuality-Good
Stand type: Legs
Bezel colour: Graphite
Stand: Fixed
Flat design: Yes
Accessories: Stand
Visually, TCL C69K / Q6C looks like most modern televisions – we have a slim construction with a thin bezel around the screen and a slight thickening at the bottom. Although we are talking about a model from the budget segment, the manufacturer has taken care of a few details that set it apart from the competition. A characteristic element in the top right corner, known from more expensive series, has been cleverly concealed behind the bezel, giving the whole a somewhat different character. At the back, the housing is flat, which means that when the television is hung on the wall, an aesthetic effect resembling a nearly flush panel can be achieved. In terms of build quality, it's hard to have any reservations here.
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TCL C69K / Q6C - Contrast and black detail
7.3/10
Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 180 (10 x 18)
Result
113,750:1
Result
17,350:1
Result
16,300:1
Result
9,850:1
Result
4,850:1
Visibility of details in the lights:
The heart of the image in TCL C69K / Q6C is the VA panel (specifically HVA from TCL CSOT), which offers a solid native contrast of around 6000–7000:1, even before local dimming is activated. However, the true strength of this model lies in the Mini-LED backlighting with the ability to dim individual zones. In the 55-inch unit we tested, we counted around 180 of them (this value increases with the diagonal size). For this price segment, the contrast is indeed very impressive. In less complex film scenes, for example in segments from "Oblivion," it presents excellently, and shots immersed in black are very striking. Nevertheless, the characteristics of Mini-LED technology mean that we do not always avoid issues – in more demanding frames with many bright details, halo effects or excessive dimming of certain elements may occur (regardless of the selected local dimming settings). All in all, contrast is undoubtedly a strong point of the C69K / Q6C.
Halo effect and black detail visibility:
TCL C69K / Q6C - HDR effect quality
4.9/10
Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 92.7%, Bt.2020: 71.4%
Luminance measurements in HDR:
Result
610 nit
Result
204 nit
Result
425 nit
Result
148 nit
Result
589 nit
In terms of brightness, TCL C69K / Q6C is a moderate model. In optimal film conditions, it shows its full potential, achieving a maximum of around 600 nits. In scenes with large, intense light sources, the HDR effect can be truly satisfying, providing a cinematic shimmer. However, it should be noted that when managing backlight zones, there are situations where parts of the image become dimmed, and sometimes they are barely visible. This suggests that there is still a lack of proper optimisation of the algorithms; however, considering the technical parameters in this price range, the design itself still presents very well.
Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)
Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)
The same numbers and test results did not suggest that TCL C69K / Q6C would impress us, yet the final effect proved to be surprisingly positive. In typical film scenes, often found on streaming platforms (e.g. clips from “Billy Lynn”), and even in productions mastered to around 4000 nits (like “The Man”), the image looked really good. Of course, the highest brightness values were naturally toned down in relation to the reference effect, which is understandable given the panel's limitations, but the entire scene was reproduced with great precision and accuracy. Importantly, we also did not observe any undesirable blending of details in difficult segments, such as fireworks in the aforementioned “Billy Lynn”.
HDR luminance chart:
HDR luminance
In our tests, we noted that when it comes to the static HDR10 format, TCL C69K / Q6C does not always perform perfectly. This is most evident in scenes flooded with white (such as the test card with horses), where the panel's limited brightness results in the loss of some details and a slight flattening of the image. Fortunately, the tested model supports virtually all key HDR formats, including the extremely popular Dolby Vision. Thanks to dynamic metadata, the image in this mode takes on a completely new quality. As seen in the comparative test photos, the same scene looks significantly better: details are preserved, and the contrast and light gradation appear more natural and closer to the intended effect. It is this support for Dolby Vision that allows the C69K / Q6C to positively surprise in everyday use.
Static HDR10
Dynamic: Dolby Vision
Factory color reproduction
5/10
The Filmmaker mode, which has made its debut in this year's TCL televisions (including the C69K / Q6C), is definitely the best choice "to start with." This is the mode we recommend for daily film and series viewings. Unfortunately, as is often the case, best does not mean perfect. In SDR material, the image proved to be too warm, with a pronounced red tint in the white balance. We had the opposite impression with HDR content – here the image became cooler than it should, due to an excess of blue. Additionally, there is the characteristic of brightness, which at times resulted in overexposure. In practice, this translated into quite noticeable errors in colour tests, which is difficult to accept in a mode branded as "from the creators."
Color reproduction after calibration
7.5/10
Through white balance correction, we were able to significantly reduce the tendency of C69K / Q6C to distort colours, which yielded a very good final result. After calibration, the issue of excessive warming of scenes in SDR and excessive cooling of the image in HDR disappeared. However, it is worth analysing the brightness characteristics more closely. While in SDR content it is hard to have major objections – the image looks really good, especially in older films, TV programmes or on YouTube – it performs significantly worse in the case of HDR content. Analysis of the EOTF curve suggests that everything is fine, yet in practice (EOTF in films) the limitations of the design itself become apparent. This model has a tendency to excessively brighten small parts of the frame, only to overly dim the entire scene in other situations. The effect of calibration is therefore undeniable, and in terms of colour reproduction, C69K / Q6C gains a lot. Unfortunately, certain limitations arising from local dimming management simply cannot be bypassed.
TCL C69K / Q6C - Smoothness of tonal transitions
9.5/10
In the model C69K / Q6C, tonal transitions (between colours) are very smooth, and it is difficult to notice any banding. The image appears natural, and any minor imperfections are only visible on bright test screens, and that requires very careful scrutiny. In everyday viewing, the effect is simply outstanding. It can be confidently stated that in this category, C69K / Q6C performs exceptionally well.
Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
5/10
Smooth transition function
Image without overscan on the SD signal
In terms of image scaling, TCL C69K / Q6C performs quite well. Lower quality content appears acceptable, and thanks to the lack of overscan issues, the image is displayed in full without any cropping. However, one should not expect miracles – very low-quality materials will not gain a second life here, as the image processor has its limitations.
Thin lines and details exhibit characteristic tearing, which reveals the absence of more advanced image enhancement algorithms. It is also a pity that the C69K / Q6C lacks a tone transition smoothing feature. As a result, in older films or video materials, banding of colours can be visible and may become distracting during prolonged viewing.
TCL C69K / Q6C - Blur and motion smoothness
7.3/10
Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 144Hz
Film motion smoothing option: Yes
Blur reduction option: Yes
BFI function 60Hz: Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
BFI function 120Hz: Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
The use of a 144 Hz panel in TCL C69K / Q6C is a significant advantage in this price range. It represents an important step forward compared to its predecessor (C655 PRO), which only offered 60 Hz in 4K. The difference is particularly noticeable when watching sports or playing games – the ball, players, or dynamic action in games are displayed more clearly and without loss of detail. Another interesting feature is the panel's ability to work at 240 Hz (which the manufacturer does not officially mention) – we will return to this topic in relation to the PC gaming mode. TCL has also added a feature for movie fans: “Motion Clarity”. This allows users to adjust the picture to their preferences using two simple sliders. We can either keep the visible film frame or opt for very smooth, "
Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):
Blur (BFI function enabled):
Against the backdrop of the higher model C7K, it is evident that C69K / Q6C has slight issues with motion blur. During our "UFO" test, a faint halo trailed the moving object, revealing the limitations of the panel. Is this a significant distraction? That is a matter of personal preference – some may hardly notice it, while others will pick it up immediately. TCL attempted to circumvent this problem by adding the BFI feature. In theory, it is supposed to improve motion clarity, but in practice, it results in a double contour effect, and the motion blur remains visible. While the decrease in brightness when BFI is activated is minimal, the benefits of this feature are so slight that it is difficult to recommend its use.
TCL C69K / Q6C - Console compatibility and gaming features
9.8/10
- ALLM:
Yes
- VRR:
Yes
- VRR range:
48 - 240Hz
- Dolby Vision Game Mode:
Yes
- Correct implementation of HGIG:
Yes
- 1080p@120Hz:
Yes
- 1440p@120Hz:
Yes
- 4K@120Hz:
Yes
- Game bar:
Yes
TCL C69K / Q6C is a television that can confidently be described as equipment created with gamers in mind. Here we have 4K at 144 Hz, VRR support, automatic game mode (ALLM), and Dolby Vision Gaming. Additionally, there is a practical Game Bar, which is a panel with the most important settings conveniently at hand – useful when we want to change something quickly during gameplay (e.g. screen aspect ratio: Yes, it can be done!). The wide range of VRR, reaching up to 240 Hz, is particularly noteworthy. However, this option is mainly for PC gamers who will operate below the native 4K resolution. In that case, the television can spread its wings and show additional smoothness, especially in fast-paced e-sports titles. For consoles, we stick to the classic limit of 120 Hz, but even so, the capabilities are truly extensive. The only downside is a slight ghosting that can occasionally be seen in dynamic scenes. Other than that, C69K / Q6C offers everything that gamers expect from a television.
TCL C69K / Q6C - Input lag
9.7/10
In terms of input lag, TCL C69K / Q6C performs excellently. With 120 Hz content, the delay is about 10 ms, and at times even less. This is a level at which the response is practically instantaneous and difficult to find any objections. For 60 Hz material, the result is around 18 ms – still a very good result, entirely sufficient for comfortable gaming.
| SDR | HDR | Dolby Vision |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60: 18 ms | 2160p60: 17 ms | 2160p60 DV: 17 ms |
| 1080p120: 10 ms | 2160p120: 11 ms | 2160p120 DV: 9 ms |
| 2160p60: 18 ms | ||
| 2160p120: 10 ms |
TCL C69K / Q6C - Compatibility with PC
8.6/10
Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes
Font clarity: Good
Readability of dark text and shapes: Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 11ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR
Max refresh rate: 144Hz
G-Sync: Yes
As a monitor for a computer, TCL C69K / Q6C performs excellently. At its native resolution, we achieve 4K at 144 Hz, and by lowering the resolution, it can reach even 240 Hz. The television also works with Nvidia and AMD graphics cards, supporting both G-Sync and FreeSync. It is also difficult to find any complaints for office work. Thanks to the support for chroma 4:4:4, the fonts are sharp and legible, and any minor imperfections are so small that they remain unnoticed in everyday use.
TCL C69K / Q6C - Viewing angles
3/10
Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 78%
On the TCL C69K / Q6C, the viewing angles are typical for a VA panel. Sitting directly in front, the image looks very good, but any shift to the side results in a noticeable drop in colour saturation and brightness. The difference is particularly evident in colourful scenes – the hues become washed out, and the contrast loses its depth. Compared to IPS panels, this is clearly a weaker performance, although it is compensated by better blacks and higher native contrast.
TCL C69K / Q6C - TV efficiency during daytime
6.4/10
Matrix coating: Satin
Reflection suppression: Decent
Black levels during daytime: Good
In bright lighting conditions, TCL C69K / Q6C performs quite well. The panel offers decent brightness (in SDR content, it reaches around 550 nits), which allows for comfortable TV viewing in an average-lit living room, and even on days when strong light comes through the windows. This means that daytime viewing does not require complete darkening of the room. Another positive aspect is that the screen coating does a fair job of suppressing reflections, so the television does not become a "mirror" even in bright light. However, it is not at the level of top models with more advanced anti-reflective coatings – in very challenging conditions (e.g., with large windows), reflections will be noticeable.
Matrix brightness
Average luminance SDR
TCL C69K / Q6C: 532 cd/m2
TCL C69K / Q6C - TV features
7/10
System: Google TV
System performance: Decent
- HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
- Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
- Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
- TV reception: DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
Classic features:
- Recording to USB (terrestrial TV): No
- Recording programming: No
- Picture in Picture (PiP): No
- RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
- Backlit remote control: No
- Teletext: Yes
- Audio only mode: Yes
- Bluetooth headphones support: Yes
- Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio: Yes
Smart features:
- AirPlay: Yes
- Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast): Yes
- Voice search: Yes
- Voice search in native language: Yes
- Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse: Yes
Multimedia Features: Google TV
The Google TV system is undoubtedly the strongest user aspect of TCL C69K / Q6C. It gives the television its character and provides an advantage over many competitors. We receive a full package of services: from support for popular streaming applications, through support for screen mirroring, to AirPlay (so that iPhone users feel at home). Additionally, there is the Google Assistant, recently updated to Gemini AI, which not only answers questions but also efficiently executes simple commands (e.g., changing channels or searching for content in VOD). The system itself operates quite responsively. However, one cannot overlook a certain downside: the awkward translations in the Polish menu can elicit a smile but sometimes require a moment's thought to decipher their meaning.
Classic Features
In terms of classic television functions, the TCL C69K / Q6C fares rather average. We will not find USB recording or PiP mode here, which may be disappointing for some users. However, the manufacturer has not forgotten the basics: teletext television and a clear EPG are available, which still matter to certain users. In daily use, the support for external audio devices via Bluetooth is also useful. It’s a simple way to connect, for example, a speaker or headphones, which can be a practical solution for seniors. Beyond that, however, it's hard to find elements that would distinguish C69K / Q6C from its rivals – it is simply a solid but standard package of basic functions.
Sound connection options
HDMI audio:
Other audio outputs:
- Toslink: Yes
Wireless audio:
- Bluetooth: Yes
Obsługiwane formaty audio:
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1: Yes
- Dolby True HD 7.1: No
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC): Yes
- Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD: No
- DTS:X in DTS-HD MA: Yes
- DTS-HD Master Audio: Yes
Ułatwienia dla seniorów
- Numeric keyboard on TV: Yes
- Font size adjustment: No
- Audio description: Yes
TCL C69K / Q6C - Apps
9.6/10
TCL C69K / Q6C - Playing files from USB
8.9/10
| Maximum photo resolution: | Supported photo formats: |
|---|---|
| 4 Mpix | JPEG |
| 6 Mpix | HEIC |
| 8 Mpix | PNG |
| 10 Mpix | GIF |
| 12 Mpix | WebP |
| 16 Mpix | TIFF |
| 20 Mpix | BMP |
| 24 Mpix | SVG |
| 28 Mpix | |
| 32 Mpix |
The built-in media player in TCL C69K / Q6C performs really well – practically all popular file formats work without major issues. There are indeed minor exceptions, particularly with less common codecs or unusual video file configurations, but in everyday use, this is rarely noticeable. The biggest advantage, however, is that the television runs on Google TV, which provides complete freedom in choosing additional software. If someone encounters a file that the standard player does not support, it's enough to install an alternative – such as VLC – and the problem disappears.
TCL C69K / Q6C - Sound
6.5/10
-
Maximum volume
Supported codecs
(TV speakers)
Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Dolby True HD 7.1
Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)
Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD
DTS:X in DTS-HD MA
DTS-HD Master Audio
In terms of audio, TCL C69K / Q6C performs quite well. The manufacturer has been boasting about its collaboration with the Onkyo brand for several years, and it indeed translates into sound quality. The sound is pleasant, with clear mids and a fairly clean top end, and overall it feels well-balanced. Of course, it cannot replace a full-fledged soundbar, especially regarding bass depth, but for built-in speakers in a television of this price range – it is really very good.
Acoustic Measurements
No acoustic data
TCL C69K / Q6C - Details about the matrix
Software version during testing: V8-T653T01-LF1V531.002396
Image processor: MT5896 2,5GB RAM
Subpixel Structure:
Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:
Backlight Type: PFS LED
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5/13/2025
