Paweł Koper
If your living room is heavily sunlit and you're looking for a new television at the beginning of 2026, choosing OLED technology may not always be the best idea. In very bright rooms, high panel brightness is key, and Mini-LED models offer this best. Just like with other devices, now is the perfect time to buy a television from the 2025 lineup. We have prepared a comparison of three solid and affordable models that will handle reflections and provide excellent picture quality!
For those looking for maximum savings while maintaining modern technology, the C6K series from TCL (also known by the designations C69K or Q6C) is an almost unmatched proposition. It is the cheapest QLED TV using Mini-LED multi-zone backlighting from this Chinese manufacturer. Thanks to the use of a large number of local dimming zones, this model offers a very decent level of black, which is a rarity in this price range. However, the most important advantage in the context of bright rooms is its brightness performance – the panel can generate brightness levels of up to 600 nits. The entire setup is controlled by the Google TV system, which is a true multimedia powerhouse, providing access to almost every application available on the market.
A very good alternative to the TCL proposal is the Hisense E8Q. Although the manufacturer considers it to be a slightly "slimmed down" model compared to the U7Q series, our tests and research show that in everyday use, the picture quality does not fall behind at all and is even quite identical! Hisense offers parameters very similar to TCL, but the key difference lies in the approach to the operating system. Instead of Google TV, the manufacturer opted for the proprietary VIDAA system. It is incredibly lightweight and fast, which makes the television respond to commands instantly. Moreover, Hisense does not forget about users who appreciate traditional television, offering very well-developed utility features, such as convenient recording of TV channels directly to USB memory.
The third option is aimed at those who approach Chinese manufacturers with reservation and prefer to rely on proven solutions from market leaders. The Samsung QN80F is generally minimally more expensive than the previously mentioned pair, and although its specifications may look similar on paper, the devil is in the details. This model offers exceptional operational stability – everything here is fine-tuned to perfection. Samsung uses one of its best processors for image processing, which is especially noticeable when watching lower-resolution content that is superbly sharpened. The Tizen OS system is not only intuitive but also offers powerful support for smart homes and excellent collaboration with mobile devices!
C6K vs E8Q vs QN80F. Which model should you choose for yourself?
The choice of a specific model from this trio should primarily be dictated by your individual needs, as each of them offers solid image quality. If you care about having access to absolutely every possible application and enjoy personalizing your equipment, TCL with Google TV will be the most sensible choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a television that works instantly and allows for easy use of features like recording programs, Hisense E8Q will be a perfect fit. Meanwhile, those who spend a lot of time at the console and value the reputation of the brand should direct their attention towards Samsung QN80F. Each of these choices will guarantee you a bright, clear image that can handle even a sunny afternoon.
