TVs TCL
TCL TVs – a brand for the calculative. Is it still worth it?
TCL is a brand that has built a reputation over the last few years as a manufacturer offering the highest specifications at the lowest price. If you compare TVs "coldly", looking at the number of zones, HDR brightness or panel refresh rates – TCL consistently comes out on top. The Chinese manufacturer has adopted an aggressive strategy: premium equipment at a price that others reserve for mid-range models. At the same time, many users ask the same question: Where do the limits of these savings lie?
Key facts about TCL – in short
1. Production of own Mini-LED panels (technological advantage)
TCL and CSOT are one company. This way, the firm has access to Mini-LED technology “at the source”, producing backlights with an enormous number of zones. The result? Televisions with contrast close to OLEDs can cost half of what Samsung or Sony demand.
2. Randomness of units
Quality control is still not on the level of Japanese or Korean competitors. Sometimes a unit comes with a single dead pixel or a bit of dust under the glass. Therefore, buying online, with the right to return, is a sensible option.
3. VA panels – high contrast, weaker viewing angles
Most TCL models use VA panels. They provide beautiful black in the evening, but from the side, the image loses colour. They work best in a setup of “sofa directly in front of the television”.
4. Software and image processing – the weakest element of the puzzle
Google TV can be smooth, but it can stutter. Motion smoothing works, but isn’t as natural as in Sony. Upscaling is also “adequate”, but it doesn’t impress with low-quality content.
TCL vs Samsung
The most common dilemma for buyers: is it worth paying extra for Samsung when TCL offers Mini-LED at a better price?
Aspect | TCL (Mini-LED) | Samsung (Neo QLED / Mini-LED) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of dimming zones | Usually more at the same price | Usually fewer | Often, contrast on TCL looks better than on Samsung, although the Korean brand excels in managing the backlighting. |
Contrast and black level | Very high contrast, deep blacks | Very high contrast, deep blacks | Evening film viewings often leave a bigger impression on TCL, though they also look good on Samsung. |
HDR brightness | Very high peak brightness | High, but often lower at a similar price | TCL can "light up" HDR effects more strongly in daytime scenes. |
Processing algorithms | Simpler, less advanced | More refined | Samsung does a better job of "hiding" the imperfections of the material and smoothing tonal transitions. |
Upscaling (SD/HD → 4K) | Correct, but without finesse | One of its strong points | TV channels and poorer sources usually look cleaner on Samsung. |
Operating system | Google TV – a huge library of applications, but occasional stuttering | Tizen – a lightweight, fast environment, less flexibility than Google TV | TCL wins in the number of applications, Samsung in stability and smooth operation. |
Factory calibration | Often aggressive: strong colours, high sharpness | Usually more subdued, closer to reference | TCL requires some time to set up the film mode, Samsung often works "straight out of the box". |
Gaming | Excellent parameters: low input lag, high refresh rate, rich features for gamers | Very good support for gamers, well-developed menu and features | Both brands are suitable for gaming, TCL often tempts with parameters, Samsung with ergonomics and stability. |
TCL – pros
very high brightness in Mini-LED models, often higher than Samsung at the same price
more local dimming zones in comparable price ranges
very good contrast and deep blacks in evening viewing
great specifications for gamers: low latency, high refresh rate, rich gaming features
full support for HDR formats, including Dolby Vision
attractive prices for large screen sizes (85–98 inches)
Google TV provides access to a very wide library of applications
TCL – drawbacks
image processing algorithms weaker than the competition
upscaling of HD/SD channels clearly inferior to that of competitors
Google TV system can be less stable and may stutter
factory calibration often too aggressive (colour shifts, high sharpness)
poor viewing angles for VA models
Verdict:
TCL X11L is, without a doubt, a powerful showcase of the manufacturer's capabilities and a TV that impresses in many areas. It’s clear the engineers focused on what matters most: maximum brightness, blacks and contrast. The new quantum dots with an SQD filter do such a job that colour saturation is hardly any different from the top new RGB panels. And what about the blacks? The X11L can easily be ...
Rating
8.6/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
8.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.9
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
7.3
Gaming on console
9.1
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
10.0
Utility functions
8.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
8.2
Available screen sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”
Technology: LCD VA, Mini-LED Super QLED (SQD)
Brand: TCL
Verdict:
TCL C8L is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing Mini-LED televisions that has entered our laboratory this year. This model stands out primarily due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio. TCL has already accustomed us to aggressive pricing for its screens, but in the case of the C8 series, the manufacturer has managed to push the boundaries even further. For the amount that often only allow...
Rating
8.3/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.7
Classic TV, YouTube
7.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
7.2
Gaming on console
8.9
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
10.0
Utility functions
8.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
8.1
Available screen sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”
Technology: LCD VA, Mini-LED Super QLED (SQD)
Brand: TCL
Verdict:
The TCL C7L is an incredibly successful Mini-LED television and a fully deserved successor to the hit model C7K. The list of advantages of this device is truly extensive. At the top is the extremely high brightness of the panel. Thanks to this, the television handles brightly lit living rooms without any problems, offering a fantastic and dynamic image in HDR format. Huge applause is also due for ...
Rating
7.8/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.2
Classic TV, YouTube
6.8
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.4
Watching in bright light
8.8
Utility functions
7.8
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.7
Verdict:
TCL C9K is a television that on paper looks like a showcase of the manufacturer's strength – thousands of Mini-LED zones, a WHVA panel, audio system from Bang & Olufsen, full support for HDR formats, gaming at 144 Hz, and even 288 Hz at lower resolutions. It is clear that TCL wanted to include absolutely everything it had best. And indeed – in many aspects, the C9K is capable of impressing. Th...
Rating
7.7/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
7.0
Utility functions
7.7
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.9
Verdict:
The C8K is proof that premium Mini LED technology does not have to cost as much as a premium product. With a high number of dimming zones and a new WHVA panel, the television offers excellent contrast, deep blacks, and very high brightness – everything we expect from a good viewing experience in the living room. The improved viewing angles are also surprising, finally allowing us to enjoy watching...
Rating
7.7/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.1
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
6.9
Utility functions
7.7
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.9
Buy this TV:
Verdict:
Once again, the manufacturer demonstrates that although it is a relatively young player in Poland (but not worldwide) in the RTV market, it certainly cannot be said that it is a second-tier choice. The television TCL C855 is an incredibly versatile device that performs well in various applications and excels in its price class. Thanks to the Mini LED backlighting, the results of contrast and black...
Rating
7.6/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.5
Classic TV, YouTube
7.1
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.8
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
7.4
Utility functions
6.7
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.2
Verdict:
There are televisions that come in for testing and at first glance seem like just another "average" model. The TCL C7K looks just that way – without grand claims of revolution, without ambitions to dethrone OLEDs. Yet after spending a few days with this model, it's hard not to conclude that it's actually a well-made product. Its greatest strengths? Very good picture quality at a reasonable price. ...
Rating
7.4/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
7.2
Classic TV, YouTube
6.9
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.8
Gaming on console
8.7
TV as a computer monitor
8.4
Watching in bright light
6.4
Utility functions
7.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.7
Verdict:
There are televisions that come for testing, and you immediately think: “oh, just another average one, probably like many others.” And basically… that’s true. The TCL C7K doesn’t try to dethrone OLEDs, nor does it shout from the box “revolution!” Yet, after a few days of testing, it’s hard not to think: “wow, this is really good equipment.” And that’s exactly what the C7K is. The biggest asset of ...
Rating
7.2/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.7
Classic TV, YouTube
6.5
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.7
Gaming on console
8.5
TV as a computer monitor
8.4
Watching in bright light
6.1
Utility functions
7.3
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
7.0
Verdict:
TCL MQLED85, or model C765, is a television that can truly surprise, especially in this price range. It is one of the cheapest models with mini-LED technology, which is immediately evident from the picture quality. The blacks are deep, and the brightness is sufficient even in a brightly lit room. Thanks to the large number of dimming zones, watching films in the evening is a pure pleasure – the bl...
Rating
7.2/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.8
Classic TV, YouTube
6.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.5
Gaming on console
8.6
TV as a computer monitor
8.6
Watching in bright light
6.3
Utility functions
6.5
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.9
Available screen sizes: 32”, 43”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”
Technology: LCD VA, Mini-LED PFS LED
Brand: TCL
Verdict:
TCL A400 Pro is one of the most interesting lifestyle TVs we’ve tested so far. Not because it turns the whole idea of the “TV as a picture” on its head. In that respect it does roughly what the competition does: it’s meant to look good, blend into the room and not be just another black slab in the living room. Its real strength lies elsewhere: in picture quality. This is the first TV of this kind ...
Rating
7.1/10
Movies and series in UHD quality
6.6
Classic TV, YouTube
6.9
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)
6.6
Gaming on console
8.4
TV as a computer monitor
8.9
Watching in bright light
5.7
Utility functions
7.2
Apps
9.6
Sound quality
6.6
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