TCL C855 vs Haier Q80FUX

Direct comparison

C855 / C85

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”98”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”85”

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

7.6

5.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.5

    5.9

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.1

    5.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.7

    4.7

  • Gaming on console

    8.8

    6.7

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    6.0

  • Watching in bright light

    7.4

    4.8

  • Utility functions

    6.7

    5.6

  • Apps

    9.6

    9.6

  • Sound quality

    7.2

    5.5

Advantages

  • Wide Range of Built-In Applications

  • High Contrast and Deep Blacks

  • Exceptional HDR Performance in Bright Scenes

  • Impressive Brightness Levels

  • Image Quality Comparable to Higher-End Models

  • Very good native contrast and decent black (thanks to the VA panel)

  • PFS / QLED Filter - Wide color gamut (about 95% DCI-P3)

  • Remarkably low input lag (below 10 ms at 120Hz and about 12 ms at 60Hz), making it a great choice for fast-paced games.

  • Support for 120Hz at lower resolution (Full HD) and the presence of VRR and ALLM

  • Support for Dolby Vision

  • Well-functioning file player from USB

  • Presence of analog headphone output (jack)

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles

  • Poor factory colour reproduction (to be improved through calibration)

  • The image is quite "blown out" in HDR

  • Google TV software full of bugs, poor translations, and issues

  • Missing any image enhancement features (noise reduction, gradient smoothing)

  • Average brightness

  • Flat, bassless sound

  • High input lag in Dolby Vision mode for gaming

  • Weird and poorly ergonomic remote

Our verdict

The TCL C855 is a standout television in the TV market, showcasing a versatile performance across various applications and excelling in its price range. With Mini LED backlighting, the TV achieves impressive contrast and black levels, resulting in deep, vivid images. Its algorithm effectively maintains black uniformity, minimizing blooming effects, a significant advantage for viewing HDR content.

While the TCL C855 can reach brightness levels of up to 1800 nits, which is commendable, it is worth noting that brightness can significantly drop to around 200 nits when bright but small elements appear on-screen. Additionally, the mid-tone boost can compromise contrast and reduce fidelity to the director's original vision.

For gamers, the TCL C855 shines brightly, offering extremely low latency and high-quality performance thanks to its full implementation of HDMI 2.1 features. The inclusion of the Google TV operating system adds to its appeal, providing nearly limitless options for application installation, including support for APK files from outside the official store.

The TCL C855 is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile television. While it may have some drawbacks, its overall image quality, gaming performance, and advanced operating system make it a strong contender in the market.

The Haier Q80FUX TV is one of the most schizophrenic proposals we've had in our editorial office for a long time. On one hand, we have a solid piece of equipment: a VA panel that guarantees deep blacks, as expected in this segment, and a QLED quantum filter that can indeed generate juicy, eye-catching colors. This is the foundation on which a truly competitive mid-range receiver could have been built. Unfortunately, all this potential of the panel is systematically torpedoed by the software, which is a real ball and chain for this model. The biggest Achilles' heel of the Q80FUX is its total capitulation in the face of HDR10 content. The electronics seem to completely misunderstand how to interpret the signal, resulting in consistently blowing out the brightest parts of the image, turning them into a flat, milky blob. If we add the Google TV system, which – although functional – is unstable, full of errors, and irritating shortcomings, we get a picture of a raw product that clearly reveals the manufacturer's lack of experience. And just when we were ready to write this model off, we discovered its surprising niche. Once connected to a console, the Q80FUX undergoes a transformation. It turns out that this TV offers wonderfully low input lag, fully supports VRR, and can accept a 120Hz signal at Full HD resolution. In the gaming world, where responsiveness is everything, these parameters put it in a very good light. So we are dealing with a device of very narrow specialization. This is not a universal living room TV – it lacks stability and, above all, any correctness in handling films. It is more of a budget, large-format monitor for gamers who are able to consciously overlook all its software flaws in exchange for those few key attributes essential for console/PC at a relatively affordable price.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Build quality
Premium
Average
Stand type
stand-type-
Central
Bezel color
Graphite
Graphite
Stand
Fixed
Accessories
Stand
Stand

Contrast and black detail

8.6/10

6.3/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1344 (48 x 28)

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

176,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

54,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

30,500:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

13,700:1

Review Haier Q80FUX Contrast and black detail

Result

5,200:1

Review Haier Q80FUX Contrast and black detail

Result

7,400:1

Review Haier Q80FUX Contrast and black detail

Result

7,550:1

Review Haier Q80FUX Contrast and black detail

Result

7,300:1

Review Haier Q80FUX Contrast and black detail

Result

6,450:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail
Review Haier Q80FUX Contrast and black detail

The TCL C855 features a high-contrast VA matrix, achieving an impressive ANSI contrast ratio of 5238:1 without dimming. This level allows for very good black levels. Furthermore, the panel incorporates multi-zone Mini LED backlighting, divided into 1344 independent dimming zones for the 65-inch model. Such a configuration yields excellent results in our tests. Notably, TCL is among the few manufacturers offering such advanced panel specifications at a reasonable price, unlike the traditional big four brands. In the majority of scenes we evaluated, the performance was impressive, particularly in the first three tests; even in the third, with a ratio of 54,000:1, the black level and contrast were far from weak, demonstrating satisfactory results. However, performance does dip in two specific scenarios: scenes with movie strips and when the screen contains many elements surrounded by black. While the last test scene maintained excellent contrast, the final scenario revealed some blooming in the blacks. A frame from the movie "Oblivion" showcased the TCL C855's capabilities, with black levels that can rival those of OLED screens—a notable achievement. The television also demonstrates commendable light separation, which is no small feat. In our flagship scene from "Sicario 2" the contrast was equally impressive, although some loss of detail in the blacks across the first, second, and third planes was evident. The backlight control algorithm effectively minimizes halo and blooming effects, which is praiseworthy. However, it's important to note that very small elements, like stars, can occasionally be completely dimmed by the TCL C855.

I must admit, when approaching a receiver in this price range, one instinctively crosses their fingers, hoping that at least the black won't be a gray blot. Meanwhile, the Haier Q80FUX, specifically the 55-inch model present in our editorial office, can very positively surprise in this regard. Its secret lies in using a VA panel, which by nature has an inclination for generating high contrast. And these are not empty promises. During screenings, in most film shots, the contrast consistently reported levels from 5000:1, often reaching as high as 8000:1. These are really strong results, considering the fact that this television does not possess any, even minimal, form of local dimming. Translating this into couch experiences: given its price realities, the Q80FUX offers simply solid blacks. Of course, it's not that perfectly velvety depth that makes the screen disappear into darkness. When we conduct a screening in conditions of complete isolation from light, we will notice that in the darkest parts of the image, the black reveals its budget origins, slightly shifting towards a bluish tint. However, this is a defect easy to mask – just a little light from a lamp in the corner of the room is enough for this nuance to become invisible, and the image to regain a satisfying depth.

HDR effect quality

6.6/10

4.9/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 97.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 94.6%, Bt.2020: 74.4%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1472 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

445 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

754 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

237 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1820 nit

Review Haier Q80FUX Brightness measurement

Result

308 nit

Review Haier Q80FUX Brightness measurement

Result

327 nit

Review Haier Q80FUX Brightness measurement

Result

352 nit

Review Haier Q80FUX Brightness measurement

Result

330 nit

Review Haier Q80FUX Brightness measurement

Result

344 nit

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

Review TCL C855 HDR effect quality
Review Haier Q80FUX HDR effect quality

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

Review TCL C855 HDR effect quality
Review Haier Q80FUX HDR effect quality

Static HDR10

Review TCL C855 HDR effect quality
Review Haier Q80FUX HDR effect quality

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Review TCL C855 HDR effect quality
Review Haier Q80FUX HDR effect quality

HDR luminance chart:

Haier Q80FUX

HDR luminance

TCL C855

HDR luminance

The TCL C855 delivers a highly varied HDR effect. At times, the television truly excels, while at other moments, it appears reminiscent of a low-end model equipped with FALD backlighting. Inconsistency is frequently found with this brand, so it didn’t come as a surprise. The first and last scenes, which feature large light elements, are nothing short of spectacular, boasting brightness levels of 1470 and 1820 nits, respectively. Such brightness can make viewers squint their eyes, allowing them to feel the extraordinary dynamism of the scene. It genuinely immerses the audience, creating a sensation of being inside the movie itself. However, the situation shifts dramatically when small or subtle elements with high luminance appear against a dark background. In these instances, the TCL C855 significantly reduces brightness to levels as low as 240 nits to mitigate halo effects. This reduction is disappointing, as it can make the movie appear as if it was not filmed in HDR. Despite these shortcomings, the HDR effect on the TCL C855 enhances the viewing experience during dynamic scenes, making it feel more engaging and allowing the viewer to feel part of the action. Even with smaller high-luminance elements, the television retains details without excessive dimming. Additionally, the TCL C855 adjusts image brightness according to scenes with rich detail, further enhancing viewing comfort.

Alright, let's move on to the topic that generates so much discussion, namely the capabilities of the TV in HDR mode. Let's make it clear right away: the Haier Q80FUX is certainly not a brightness demon. The panel of this receiver can generate about 350 nits at peak, which in today’s reality is an absolute minimum to even talk about the presence of extended HDR tonal dynamic range. On the plus side, this power is at least stable – regardless of the test pattern or movie scene we used, the measurements invariably oscillated around 300-350 nits. These are therefore at best adequate results, definitely far from the stunning showcase of capabilities that we know from more expensive models. Fortunately, there is one aspect in which the Q80FUX makes up for these shortcomings and does so abundantly. After all, we are talking about a QLED TV (or more precisely, PFS LED), which means that thanks to the quantum dot filter applied to the matrix, it can generate really juicy, vibrant colors. These are not empty promises – a DCI-P3 color gamut coverage reaching nearly 95% is an impressive result that directly translates into very pleasant, saturated colors for the eye.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

4/10

Review TCL C855 Factory color reproduction
Review Haier Q80FUX Factory color reproduction

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode for the TCL C855 is the "Film" setting, and all our tests were conducted using this mode. However, like many predefined modes, it has flaws that should be addressed to achieve an image closer to the producer's original vision. In our examination of the colour characteristics for both SDR and HDR materials, issues were found.

Focusing first on SDR content, there is a noticeable dominance of green in the white balance, which leads to an unpleasant greenish tint across the entire image. The gamma chart, crucial for image contrast, shows a significant deviation from the reference line marked at 2.4. Initially, there is a pronounced spike in the measured value, resulting in an over-contrasted image where details can merge into a dark blob. This condition persists for nearly 20% of the chart before it dips below the reference line, causing the image to brighten and resulting in a substantial drop in contrast.

In HDR materials, the factory mode performs somewhat better; the white balance appears more balanced overall, although the green tint resurfaces in the latter half of the spectrum. When we look at the Electro-Optical Transfer Function (EOTF) curve—unlike gamma, which reflects contrast—we identify two main errors: the darkest scenes are too dark, while the brightest ones become overexposed. This discrepancy was evident in our review of the scene from the movie "Pan," further illustrating the TCL C855's HDR performance issues.

Factory settings for film mode are rarely perfect, but in the case of the Q80FUX, we encountered a noticeable imbalance. In SDR content, the image was definitely too warm, which resulted from an excessive amount of red in the white balance, giving it a slightly sepia tone. Contrarily, in HDR materials, the television fell into the other extreme—the excess of blue created an unnatural, cold effect. However, it wasn’t the whimsical white balance that was the biggest problem with this TV. The real culprit, responsible for the previously described issues, was hidden deeper. It turned out that the Q80FUX had completely misaligned gamma values and, crucially for HDR, a poorly managed EOTF curve. It was these erroneous factory settings that caused notorious clipping of the brightest parts of the image, applying that characteristic milky filter over them. Thus, we found the source of the problem. This state of affairs led to overall, significant color errors that were easy to catch even for an untrained eye. Like every television we tested, we decided to calibrate this model as well, and you can find the results of those adjustments in the next paragraph.

Color reproduction after calibration

6.9/10

6.1/10

Review TCL C855 Color reproduction after calibration
Review Haier Q80FUX Color reproduction after calibration
Review TCL C855 Color reproduction after calibration
Review Haier Q80FUX Color reproduction after calibration

TCL, like most manufacturers, offers advanced calibration tools within its televisions. These include both 2-point and 20-point adjustments for grayscale, as well as a comprehensive colour management system. As a result, we achieved impressive results in SDR materials, bringing the image significantly closer to the reference standard. We successfully eliminated both the green tint and the gamma issue, although a slight "kink" at the very beginning of the gamma curve still persists.

In contrast, the situation with HDR materials was less favourable, as the TCL C855 did not allow for precise modelling. We were only able to make minor adjustments to the EOTF curve while significantly enhancing the overall colour accuracy. This limitation suggests that while calibration tools are effective, they may require further refinement for optimal HDR performance.

The results of our calibration efforts must, unfortunately, be considered twofold. Overall, the image is indisputably better than before the corrections, but the biggest winner of this process turned out to be SDR content. It is here, after clarifying the gamma and white balance graphs, that we obtained results that can confidently be called very good. After the setup, the Q80FUX truly shines in standard dynamics, showing only slight errors in the most challenging skin tone reproductions. Unfortunately, the weakest link still remains HDR content. And here lies the paradox: even though we managed to calibrate the white balance almost to perfection, the overall color errors still remain at a fairly high level. The reason is that the television still interprets the static HDR10 metadata "in its own way," stubbornly enforcing that unfortunate washed-out image effect, which inevitably leads to significant distortions. Although we successfully eliminated the factory excess of blue color, due to this electronic interference, the screen can still tend to fall into somewhat too cold tones. This television just has it this way.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.2/10

7.5/10

Review TCL C855 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier Q80FUX Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL C855 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier Q80FUX Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL C855 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier Q80FUX Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review TCL C855 Smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier Q80FUX Smoothness of tonal transitions

Another important aspect of assessing image quality is tonal transitions. To achieve a clean image free from posterisation effects, a television must employ highly effective algorithms for smoothing colour gradations. We must acknowledge that the algorithm used in the TCL C855, known as "Gradual Smoothing," ranks among the best we've had the opportunity to test. In nearly every scene, the performance is impressive, leaving little room for criticism. A prime example of this capability is the scene from "The Green Knight," which poses a challenge due to the multitude of fine and subtle transitions in the fog. The C855 successfully smooths out the details within this scene, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate its suspenseful atmosphere. The only instance where slight posterization is noticeable occurs in a frame from "The Green Knight," where the reds in the upper left part of the screen create a contrasting effect.

Analyzing the television's ability to handle subtle tonal transitions, known as "banding," leads us to interesting conclusions. The Haier Q80FUX skillfully blends neighboring colors in most scenes, creating a smooth, cohesive image. However, this is not an ideal process. During the tests, we noticed minor issues and imperfections in every test scene we used. These are perhaps not errors that aggressively catch the eye and spoil the movie experience, yet their presence is worth noting. Interestingly, this receiver shows no particular weaknesses or strengths in this regard – it handles this challenge exactly the same, whether displaying delicate gradients of a bright sky or dark transitions in shadows.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

4/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
No
No

Smooth transition function

Review TCL C855 Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier Q80FUX Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Review TCL C855 Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions
Review Haier Q80FUX Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Once again, we will take a look at the function of smoothing tonal transitions, but this time also image scaling. The latter is particularly important when watching materials of lower quality, such as some television programs or older films. We will focus on the function responsible for tonal transitions. Interestingly, just like in the scenes from the previous test where it performed excellently and smoothed out practically all the inconsistencies, here it had issues. Using the menu responsible for the operation of this function, we found that no setting—even the strongest—was helpful.

Image scaling in TCL C855 is defined as one of the best we have had the opportunity to test so far. The image is sharp, but in a way that could be described as natural to our eye. Even small, fine branches do not have jagged edges, and there is no white halo around figures, a characteristic of weaker scaling systems.

If there is one area where Haier clearly shows that it has quite a bit to catch up on compared to the market leaders, it is digital image processing. The upscaling, well... is just okay. And that's about all that can be said about it. It does what it is supposed to do: it ensures that lower resolution signals don't scare you with harsh pixelation on the screen and don't look like an overly enlarged postage stamp. However, it is far from the finesse and "intelligent" sharpening that more experienced players in this market have developed over the years. The biggest drawback of the Q80FUX software, however, is the almost complete lack of additional "cleaning" and smoothing functions for the image. The receiver does not offer any noise reduction or gradient enhancement mechanisms. This means that with older or more heavily compressed materials, we simply have to accept that any imperfections in tonal transitions or color blending, which we mentioned earlier, will constantly accompany us during the viewing.

Blur and motion smoothness

8/10

4.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
No
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
No
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 120Hz
No
Brightness drop with BFI
51%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The maximum refresh rate you can set on the TCL C855 is 144 Hz. Naturally, this is only possible after connecting the TCL C855 TV to a very powerful PC. Otherwise, we will be operating at a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is recommended if we want to watch primarily sports or materials with a lot of motion dynamics. For those who require high image fluidity, the manufacturer has implemented a multi-stage motion smoother. It is divided into two separate sliders which control the sharpness of moving images (Motion Blur Reduction) and flicker (Flicker Reduction). Both sliders can be adjusted from 0 to 10, with each level affecting the degree of fluidity, so everyone can find their sweet spot. We present a setting that allows for slight smoothing without the soap opera effect. The matrix of the TCL C855 features a very good response time. This is particularly important since VA panels often struggle with the so-called ghosting effect, where a black halo can be observed behind a fast-moving object. where a black halo can be observed behind a fast-moving object.

The issue of motion fluidity and blurring is largely predetermined by the use of a 60Hz panel, which naturally makes it difficult to recommend this receiver to enthusiasts of very dynamic content. Fortunately, in the Q80FUX, we find a few options (though, as we will see shortly, actually only one) designed to improve the experience with older film productions. There is a "De-Judder" slider available, which indeed affects the smoothness of the image and allows us to adjust it to our preferences: from raw, cinematic frame rates to a more theatrical, smoothed presentation. However, a genuine surprise awaits us right next to it in the menu. There is also a second slider, supposedly dedicated to eliminating blur – this is a feature we usually encounter in 120Hz panels, aimed at combating motion blur in sports. However, as expected, recalling memories from testing the K85F model, here too this slider is merely a facade. Moving it does absolutely nothing to the image and it simply looks like an oversight by the product engineers who left a non-functional option in the software for this type of panel.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

5.6/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 120Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Warning Yes, high input lag
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • Game bar
    Yes
    No

The TCL C855 TV has fully-featured HDMI 2.1 ports, boasting a full bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. During our testing, we confirmed the seamless operation of all functions included in this connection standard. As highlighted, all checkboxes are illuminated in green, a feature that will undoubtedly be appreciated by gamers, whether on consoles or those using the TV as a computer monitor. Additionally, the TCL C855 supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-Sync, which can be easily activated in the graphics card settings. Those with powerful configurations can feed a 144 Hz signal to the C855, which handles this effortlessly. It is also worth noting the implementation of the HGIG mode, which can be excessively bright due to the shortcomings of the "Game" mode, making proper configuration on the screen challenging. Fortunately, the TV excels with the Dolby Vision format.

TCL, as one of the pioneering manufacturers, has equipped its televisions with a special GameBar, allowing for extensive adjustment of settings "on the fly" without the need to exit the game. This feature includes options like an additional crosshair grid, black level correction, and settings designed for individuals with disabilities. The image showcases the next generation of this solution.

In summary, the TCL C855 TV is an ideal choice for those seeking a screen for all forms of electronic gaming. With comprehensive features supporting such entertainment, it provides an extremely engaging experience. It is also important to emphasise that it maintains very low input lag, regardless of the selected settings, including when using the Dolby Vision HDR format.

Stepping into the gaming territory, the Haier Q80FUX proves to be quite a decent companion for the "casual gamer." On board, we find today’s highly desired features like VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (automatic low latency mode). However, the biggest surprise is something else. Although we are not dealing with a 4K@120Hz panel, the TV can accept and display a 120Hz signal at a lower resolution (Full HD). This is a very useful feature, allowing the conscious switch of the console to a lower resolution mode in exchange for significantly higher fluidity, which is a perfectly acceptable compromise in the gaming world.

We won’t particularly complain about the lack of extras like the "Game Bar," as it’s just a nice addition. The most concerning issues arise when we enter the world of HDR in games. Due to the fact that the TV constantly adapts the signal "in its own way," setting the brightness on the console according to the HGIG standard is nearly impossible to accomplish as per the instructions. Worse still, in the Dolby Vision mode for games, the input lag rises to about 50 ms, which is a high enough value that essentially makes this mode unusable. However, generally, we wouldn’t recommend gaming on this TV in HDR mode, so these aren’t such serious shortcomings. The most pleasing aspect is the presence of 120Hz in Full HD, which makes the Q80FUX quite a nice TV for the occasional gamer.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.4/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
13 ms
1080p120
7 ms
8 ms
2160p60
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120
7 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
12 ms
2160p120
7 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
17 ms
46 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

The input lag of the TCL C855 is impressively low across all scenarios. Even the most dedicated gamers will appreciate the minimal input lag of just 7 ms at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR. Furthermore, this lag remains consistent when enabling Dolby Vision HDR, which is not always the case with competing models. As such, the TCL C855 merits the highest rating and recommendation.

If there is one category in which the Haier Q80FUX absolutely shines and shows its claws, it is input lag. In this area, the television presents results that are truly remarkable. In 120Hz mode (achieved, let’s remind ourselves, at a lower resolution), the input lag drops below 10 ms, which is an excellent value, worthy of high-end gaming monitors. Not much worse, and still at a very good level, is the classic 60Hz mode – here measurements steadily indicated around 12-14 ms. These are results that even significantly more expensive, gaming-specific designs would not be ashamed of. The only, but serious, drawback here is the Dolby Vision mode. As we established earlier, activating it raises the lag to an unacceptable level, so we definitely advise against using it during any interactive gameplay.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
16ms
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes
Review TCL C855 Compatibility with PC
Review Haier Q80FUX Compatibility with PC

When connected to a computer as a monitor, the TCL C855 performs exceptionally well. This is largely due to its very low latency time along the mouse-eye-screen line and excellent font readability, achieved through a chroma 4:4:4 at all resolutions, including 4K@144Hz.

The subpixel layout is BGR, which does not negatively affect usage in the Windows environment. However, this situation may change when using macOS or other software that cannot adjust fonts to accommodate this subpixel layout.

We also checked how the Q80FUX works when connected to a computer. And here’s another pleasant surprise – it handles this really very well. The most important thing is that the fonts are very readable, so nothing blurs and you can work on it normally. Additionally, just like with consoles: we can set a lower resolution here to achieve a high refresh rate of 120Hz in return. What’s super important is that in this mode, G-Sync started up and worked correctly. This just confirms that this television is really a successful and efficient piece of equipment for gaming, including on a PC.

Viewing angles

3.5/10

3.3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
73%
75%

A well-known drawback of VA panels without an angle coating is their poor performance regarding viewing angles. This holds true for the TCL C855, where even a slight deviation from the central axis results in noticeable image fading and colour degradation.

Anyone planning screenings with a wide, family group must be aware of the fundamental compromise that Haier has opted for by implementing a VA panel in this model. This technology has indeed provided us with deep blacks and high contrast, but its inherent feature is also a noticeable narrowing of viewing angles. Just sitting a bit further to the side on the couch is enough to immediately notice how colors begin to lose saturation and the picture fades. It’s simply a classic trade-off – we gain something (contrast) at the expense of something else (angles) – and the Q80FUX fits perfectly into this scheme.

Daytime performance

7.4/10

4.8/10

Panel finish
Glare
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Decent
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good
Review TCL C855 Daytime performance
Review Haier Q80FUX Daytime performance
Review TCL C855 Daytime performance
Review Haier Q80FUX Daytime performance

Panel brightness

Average luminance SDR

Haier Q80FUX: 317 cd/m2

TCL C855: 910 cd/m2

The glossy finish of the TCL C855 panel prevents it from achieving the highest rating for daytime viewing performance. However, this finish contributes to impressive black levels during the day. The high brightness in SDR material makes the actress's face stand out prominently against reflections. A downside of this panel is that light falling directly on the screen tends to "spill" rather than being contained in one area. Generally speaking, if sunlight does not directly hit the panel, the TCL C855 remains a solid choice for well-lit rooms.

The clash of the receiver with the everyday challenges posed by a bright living room turns out to be quite decent in the case of the Q80FUX, although it is certainly hard to call it ideal. The matrix itself is equipped with a coating that handles the suppression of most ambient reflections fairly well. Equally importantly, even in more challenging lighting conditions, the screen is capable of maintaining pleasantly saturated colors. However, the weakness of this construction reveals itself where the power of the backlight comes into play. The previously mentioned, rather moderate maximum brightness (around 350 nits) means that when confronted with intense natural light coming through the window, the screen often struggles to "break through." On a sunny day, the image may simply lack the necessary expressive power.

Panel details

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
TV+:TVM6.0.1_926b00935_240329
UKN2.24119.053
Image processor
mt5896
MT5896 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity and thermal imaging:

Review TCL C855 TV Panel details
Review Haier Q80FUX TV Panel details

TCL C855

Haier Q80FUX

TV features

6.7/10

5.6/10

  • HDMI inputs
    2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 48Gbps
    4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
  • Other inputs
    RCA (Chinch)
    RCA (Chinch)
  • Outputs
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
    Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
  • 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
    No
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • Bluetooth headphones support
    Yes
    Yes
  • Simultaneous Bluetooth headphones & TV audio
    Yes
    No

Smart features:

  • AirPlay
    Yes
    No
  • 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 C855 TV features
Review TCL C855 TV features
Review TCL C855 TV features
Review TCL C855 TV features
Review Haier Q80FUX TV features
Review Haier Q80FUX TV features
Review Haier Q80FUX TV features
Review Haier Q80FUX TV features
Review Haier Q80FUX TV features
Review Haier Q80FUX TV features

The TCL C855 operates on the Google TV platform, which offers a significant advantage over TVs with proprietary systems from other manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive can often be challenging or impossible. With Google TV, users can install virtually any application, whether from the official store or directly from online repositories via APK files.

This system also provides various conveniences in terms of control. Users can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, making it easier to enter queries. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, voice control features via the remote work very well, although minor issues may occasionally arise with function translations. It's worth noting that Google TV regularly receives updates that enhance functionality and introduce new options. However, according to reports from users of older models, the software can sometimes have its off days, leading to occasional performance hiccups.

In summary, Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to its efficient CPU, it runs very smoothly, avoiding freezing and stuttering for the majority of usage. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to fully utilise the capabilities of the TCL C855 and who appreciate the openness of the system.

SmartTV on Haier Q80FUX: GoogleTV

First, let's tackle the smart layer, which is managed by the Google TV system on the Q80FUX. This is theoretically a huge advantage, opening access to an endless library of applications, facilitating screen mirroring from mobile devices, and offering convenient voice search. Unfortunately, just like in other models from this brand that we've tested, the implementation of this platform leaves much to be desired. It’s not even about drastic freezes or delays in navigation, but rather a festival of minor errors, oversights, and terrible translations in the menu. It’s hard to regard "Google TV" in Haier’s version as comparable to what we know, for instance, from Sony or TCL receivers, even though the same proudly sounding name appears on the box.

Classic Features

Moving on to the classic, practical functions of the television, the picture does not improve at all. The only commendable aspect is the presence of Bluetooth connectivity and an unusual yet useful relic from the past in the form of an analog headphone output jack. Other than that, it’s hard to find anything that would excite us. Due to problematic software, the receiver (just like its predecessors in our tests) was unable to find any terrestrial TV channels, while other TVs connected to the same installation had no issues whatsoever. The remote control itself is also strange – its design might appeal to some, but due to the lack of a numeric keypad and the absurd placement of some buttons on the side edge, it definitely cannot be called senior-friendly.

Playing files from USB

9.2/10

9.6/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
Yes
PNG
Yes
Yes
GIF
Yes
Yes
WebP
Yes
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 default file player on the TCL C855 performs admirably with nearly all the media formats tested. Most video formats are supported, providing a versatile viewing experience. However, a notable drawback is the lack of functionality to change font colours. When it comes to photo playback, the TV handles high-resolution images well, but it is worth mentioning that it does not support Apple's HEIC or SVG file formats.

On the audio front, the TCL C855 manages to play various audio files without any issues, although it's unlikely that many users are reliant on formats like AIFF or DSD64. A significant advantage of the C855, alongside its operating system, is the ability to download alternative media players from the app store, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of file types.

We must admit that after a series of setbacks we encountered when assessing the overall implementation of the Google TV system, we approached the multimedia player test with considerable caution. Meanwhile, in this one specific aspect, the Q80FUX served us a real surprise. The built-in application for handling files from USB drives works just great. This software component seems to be completely immune to the issues afflicting the rest of the system, opening virtually all the most important and popular video file formats we presented to it.

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

7.2/10

5.5/10

  • Maximum volume
    -
    84dB
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1
    No
    Yes
  • 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

When evaluating the sound quality of the TCL C855, several key aspects come into play, such as clarity, balance, and the absence of dominant frequencies. In this case, the sound performance is commendable; it is well-balanced and does not evoke any negative sensations, providing an overall good audio experience.

For those who utilise a home theatre system, the TCL C855 supports a wide range of audio codecs, including the two most significant ones: DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos. This support ensures high sound quality, making it a suitable choice for users seeking an enhanced audio experience.

Turning to the issue of acoustic "experiences," the Haier Q80FUX seems to adhere to the principle that sound should simply be. And it is – that’s about all that can be said about it. The built-in speakers produce sound that is exceedingly flat, lacking character, and most importantly, they lack any clear bass foundation. One comfort is the fact that the TV supports Dolby Atmos format. But let’s be honest: to truly take advantage of the benefits of this codec and hear the promised space, passive decoding capability is not enough. Connecting an external home theater system or at least a decent soundbar is, in this case, not just a recommendation but an absolute necessity.

Sound Quality Test

No sound test video

Acoustic Measurements

No acoustic data

84dBC (Max)

75dBC