Compare TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs LG 55 B4

TCL MQLED85, or model C765, is a television that can really surprise, especially in this price range. It is one of the cheapest models with mini-LED technology, which is immediately evident in the picture quality. The blacks are deep, and the brightness is sufficient even in a brightly lit room. With a large number of dimming zones, watching movies in the evening is a pleasure – the blacks are truly deep, and the image in dark scenes looks clear. However, it is not perfect – in some shots, minor issues can be noticed with small bright elements, but this is really a minor detail compared to what this model offers. Google TV works wonderfully here – there are plenty of apps, and using the system is simply convenient. Voice control in Polish works flawlessly, which can be particularly useful if you don’t want to type in movie titles using the remote. Of course, there are minor shortcomings, such as the lack of recording, but these are not things that hinder day-to-day use. For gamers, it is also a great option. HDMI 2.1 support, VRR, and low input lag mean that the television handles consoles well and competes without issues with more expensive models from Korean or Japanese manufacturers. In this price range, it is hard to find something better when it comes to smooth and responsive gameplay. During testing, we encountered a few minor software issues, but it’s hard to say if that’s a serious downside. We hope that TCL will release updates, so there is a chance that this issue will be quickly addressed. TCL MQLED85/C765 is an excellent choice if we are looking for a television with good picture quality and modern features at a reasonable price. It is a model that combines affordable mini-LED technology with a user-friendly Google TV system and also performs excellently in gaming. Minor software shortcomings are something one can live with, especially considering what this television offers in its class.

The LG OLED B4 is an exceptionally versatile television within the semi-premium category. Given its impressive features and competitive pricing—set to drop further as history suggests—it offers outstanding value. The hypnotic combination of perfect black levels and high contrast will captivate anyone familiar with OLED technology, making a return to LCD screens almost unthinkable. While its peak brightness in HDR content might seem modest on paper, the visual experience is enhanced by the panel’s inherent strengths, making the brightness appear far more impactful. It’s also worth highlighting the stability and uniformity of brightness across most scenes. The slight drawback is the reduced brightness in full-frame white scenes, though these are relatively rare and thus not a major concern.

Factory colour reproduction is commendable, offering a good baseline that benefits significantly from calibration, fully realising the director’s vision. The LG B4 is particularly well-suited for gamers and sports enthusiasts alike. Gamers will appreciate the comprehensive HDMI 2.1 support and associated features, while sports fans will enjoy the advanced motion smoothing with its extensive adjustment options. The remote control, equipped with a gyroscope, allows for intuitive navigation akin to using a mouse, making the experience even more seamless.

The WebOS system is another highlight, offering a smooth, responsive interface with a vast array of applications, meeting the needs of most users. At the core of the LG B4 is its advanced Alpha processor, responsible for enhancing image smoothness and conducting detailed signal analysis. The processor’s ability to optimise the darkest and brightest areas of the image significantly improves the viewing and gaming experience. Furthermore, it effectively reduces noise and elevates the overall content quality, especially when viewing 4K material, placing the LG B4 ahead of many competitors in its price bracket.

The growing popularity of OLED technology is well-reflected in the LG B4, which excels in handling dynamic action scenes, offering seamless transitions without blurring. This makes it particularly appealing to discerning users prioritising high image quality and cutting-edge technology. All essential applications are present, ensuring a comprehensive user experience.

In summary, who is the LG OLED B4 for? It’s the perfect choice for those seeking top-tier image quality within a set budget, yet it offers more than just value for money. The LG B4 stands out distinctly in its price range, offering superior image quality that many competitors cannot match.

TCL MQLED85/C765 stands out with its use of a VA panel and Mini LED backlighting, which makes a huge difference compared to traditional backlighting systems. Mini LED, thanks to significantly smaller diodes, allows for more precise control of the screen's backlighting, resulting in much better contrast and deeper blacks. The 55-inch model we are testing boasts an impressive number of over 700 local dimming zones, providing exceptional precision in displaying images. It is worth noting that the number of backlighting zones may vary depending on the screen size - for larger diagonals, the number of zones naturally increases due to the larger screen area, allowing larger sizes to achieve better results in terms of contrast and black levels. Thanks to the vast number of zones, the TCL MQLED85/C765 achieved a result comparable to OLED screens on our first test slide from the movie "Oblivion," offering nearly reference-level contrast. But what will happen when we test this model in even more demanding conditions? How will the TV perform in tougher scenarios? Overall, the TCL MQLED85/C765 performs very well in displaying blacks, but in some cases, the local dimming algorithm is not perfect. On dark backgrounds, smaller bright elements can lose sharpness and brightness, as confirmed by our recent slide from the Pioneer Kuro test disc. Despite some imperfections in the local dimming algorithm and the slight presence of the HALO effect (a bright halo around bright objects on a dark background caused by imperfections in the screen's local dimming), the results achieved by the TCL MQLED85/C765 are impressive, especially considering its price. This TV offers contrast and black depth that can compete with models that are even half again as expensive.

The LG B4 employs OLED panels produced by LG Displays, offering perfect contrast and true black levels. This results in an image so vivid and dynamic that it can appear almost three-dimensional. The "B" series has consistently been an ideal choice for those seeking excellent image quality without the premium price tag associated with higher-tier models. Thanks to competitive pricing, the B series often rivals Mini LED televisions, frequently emerging victorious. Unlike LCD TVs with local dimming, the LG B4 avoids common issues like blooming, halo effects, or dimming of fine bright details.

This superiority is particularly evident in challenging test scenes, such as those from Oblivion and Sicario 2. The LG B4 handles these with impressive finesse, delivering a high level of visual depth. In Oblivion, the bright lights are distinctly separated, maintaining clarity and precision without blending into each other. Similarly, in The Sicario 2, scenes featuring heli highlight the B4's ability to render intricate details and preserve the film’s unique colour grading, even in darker, more demanding moments. This exceptional performance in both contrast and detail demonstrates the LG B4’s capability to bring cinematic experiences to life.

The TCL MQLED85/C765 television performs well with HDR handling. In the tested movie scenes, where the screen is covered at 100% brightness, the model achieves impressive results around 1000 nits, providing intense and realistic representation of HDR content. However, similar to contrast, the dimming algorithm may show some limitations. Despite the large number of Mini LED zones, the television does not always manage to "stun" the user with brightness in very challenging test scenes. For example, in a scene from "Life of Pi," where a bright moon appears against a dark background, and in another scene from "Sicario 2," where a very bright light effect is visible against a dark background, the television did not reach maximum intensity. For users expecting perfect HDR performance in such extreme cases, the TCL MQLED may be slightly disappointing. However, regarding colors, the television stands out with a very high color gamut coverage of DCI P3 at 95%, which is an impressive result comparable to much more expensive models. The TCL MQLED85 / C765 offers support for various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which is essential for cinema image enthusiasts. Although this model achieves brightness over 1000 nits, the TCL MQLED85 may struggle to reflect details in very high contrast scenes. For better HDR quality control, the C765 is equipped with dynamic tone mapping, making the image more realistic and natural depending on the content.

The HDR brightness performance of the LG B4 is impressive, even though it doesn't surpass 1000 nits. Its luminance stability is consistently strong across various scenarios, delivering a reliable viewing experience. The only instance where the TV shows slight weakness is in scenes with large areas of bright white, which has long been a challenge for OLED technology. However, perfect contrast, deep blacks, and excellent brightness ensure a fully immersive HDR experience. Furthermore, the TV’s remarkable 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut enhances its colour vibrancy, making images appear rich and visually striking. This level of colour accuracy and brightness balance firmly places the LG B4 among the top choices for HDR content.

TheTCL MQLED85/C765 television was tested in movie mode, which, although it seems to be the best setting from the manufacturer, is not without flaws. The color reproduction in HD/SDR mode MQLED85 shows certain shortcomings. In the analysis of white balance, there is a significant lack of blue color, which can affect the overall picture quality, especially in bright scenes where blue hues are crucial for natural representation. The overall image may then seem too warm. As for gamma contrast, the graph shows a significant jump above the reference line of level 2.4 at the beginning, which may suggest significant dimming of brightness in darker areas, leading to a loss of detail in blacks. Then, for most of the time, the values are below this line, which can lead to a loss of detail in the brighter parts of the image. Such a distribution can negatively affect the perceived image quality, especially when watching regular HD television.

In the case of 4K HDR image quality of the TCL MQLED85/C765, there is a noticeable excess of red color in the analysis of white balance. Such an excess can significantly affect the viewer's experience, leading to several significant effects. First of all, too much red can make other colors, such as green or blue, appear muted or unnatural. This distortion of color balance can result in an overall impression of "oversaturation," which detracts from the image's naturalness and authenticity. Regarding contrast, the EOTF (Electro-Optical Transfer Function) graph indicates that most values are above the reference line, suggesting an intense boost in brightness in the bright areas of the image. However, the exception is the beginning of the graph, where the EOTF line is below the reference one, which may lead to excessive dimming of small light elements.

Users should be aware that despite using the best mode, which is movie mode, the television is not free from flaws in the context of picture settings, so it is worth considering adjusting the settings to achieve better results.

The best factory preset offered by LG B4 is the "Filmmaker" mode, which we used throughout our testing. Straight out of the box, the TV delivered fairly accurate colour reproduction. However, the most significant issue in both SDR and HDR content was the white balance. In SDR, there was a noticeable red dominance, giving the image a distinct yellow tint, particularly evident in skin tones and whites. In HDR, this red hue persisted, but the lack of blue also introduced a greenish tint in certain scenes. Additionally, we observed some inconsistencies in grayscale and colour accuracy. Despite these shortcomings, the overall picture quality was still solid for most viewing scenarios.

After professional calibration of the TCL MQLED85/C765 television, its color properties in movie mode have significantly improved, resulting in much more satisfying visual experiences. Both in SDR and HDR modes, the white balance shows no serious errors, and the graph appears much better harmonized. Users can now enjoy natural color reproduction, which is essential for achieving an authentic experience while watching movies. It is worth noting that in HDR content, there may be minor color reproduction errors at the end of the graph, but they are significantly smaller than before calibration. This makes characters and landscapes more realistic, enhancing the depth of immersion in the story.

Regarding contrast, the gamma curve, responsible for HD quality, has been completely free of drops below the reference line, which means better detail visibility in dark scenes. However, there is still a slight boost at the beginning of the graph, which may affect the perception of bright elements. For HDR content, the EOTF curve also shows smaller errors, although certain issues in reproducing midtones may still be noticeable. The EOTF curve measured on real film scenes still shows a significant brightness boost, making the image appear more intense but artificially brightened. This is a typical issue for TCL brand televisions, which may appeal to untrained viewers but can be annoying for those more familiar with the ideal picture.

What benefits does professional calibration bring for movie enthusiasts? Thanks to it, watching becomes even more realistic and immersive, allowing every scene to be experienced fully, maintaining details and natural colors.

LG B4 has long been known for offering advanced calibration tools, and it remains one of the few manufacturers that allows such in-depth image adjustments. Thanks to these tools, we calibrated the device to an exceptional standard. The result was incredibly low deltaE errors, considered at a reference level. Both SDR and HDR content now display exactly as the filmmaker intended. This level of precision is one of the reasons LG TVs are frequently used as preview monitors in graphic design and post-production studios.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in the TCL MQLED85/C765 television is decent, although certain issues are noticeable in both bright and dark test scenes. In particular, color transitions are visible in a scene from the movie "The Green Knight," where the red color of the water transitions to black. Despite these imperfections, the overall quality of gradation is acceptable and does not overly spoil the visual experience. The television handles most scenes well, offering satisfying tonal transitions, which contributes to an overall enjoyable visual experience that will not ruin our cinematic impressions.

The smoothness of tonal transitions, often overlooked in tests of competing platforms, is a crucial aspect of image quality, especially when watching content with a rich colour palette and complex effects, where textures overlap. This can sometimes result in colour banding or a lack of smooth gradation. The LG B4 performs quite well in terms of smoothing these tonal transitions. However, it has weaker moments, such as bright coloured skies in films like Kingsman and The Martian. Despite these minor issues, they do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Therefore, we positively assess the quality of tonal transitions in the LG B4.

We will now take another look at the tone transitions in the TCL MQLED85/C765 television, but in the context of poorer image quality. Despite the presence of the "Gradual Smoothing" option, when set to "low," the effects are practically invisible, disappointing users expecting an improvement in image quality. On the other hand, setting it to "high" brings minimal results, and worse, it can blur significant details, negatively affecting the sharpness and clarity of the displayed image. However, in terms of image scaling, the television successfully displayed the image without overscan, which means we do not lose any part of the view. The image looks quite decent, and details such as tree branches or the outlines of models do not show significant fraying, which positively influences the visual quality.

In this section, we will revisit the smooth transition function while also examining how the TV handles lower-quality content. As we’ve found, the setting responsible for smooth gradation is generally effective, though it does have its drawbacks. While the function works well in SDR content, it becomes less useful in HDR content. Even at the lowest setting, it can blur important details, so we advise against using it in such cases.

The image scaling on the LG B4 is assessed moderately positively. While there is no noticeable edge doubling, the image tends to be somewhat "soft." This can be adjusted by tweaking the sharpness slider to improve the clarity.

TCL MQLED85/C765 is equipped with a standard refresh rate matrix of 120 Hz, with the possibility of increasing it to 144 Hz when connected to a powerful computer. The television also offers a multi-stage motion smoother, which mainly serves users who want to improve motion smoothness in films. It allows for the adjustment of the effect's intensity on a scale from 0 to 10, enabling precise matching of image smoothness to individual preferences. The matrix's response time is decent but not perfect. We can observe ghosting occurring behind both dark and medium objects.

The maximum refresh rate on the LG B4 is 120 Hz, the bare minimum for those requiring high image fluidity. The manufacturer has equipped the TV with a multi-stage motion smoother called "TruMotion." This feature is split into two sliders: one controls the sharpness of moving images (De-Blur) and the other adjusts judder (De-Judder). Both sliders can be set between 0 and 10, with each level affecting the smoothness, so users can easily find their preferred setting.

The LG OLED B4 panel boasts an impressive average response time of 0.1 ms (based on our measurements), delivering an exceptionally clear image that surpasses the capabilities of LCD TVs, which often have response times of several milliseconds. This is particularly noticeable in the "UFO Test" images, where no trailing blur is visible behind moving objects.

TCL MQLED85/C765 has received an impressive rating in the gaming features category, making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. The television supports all the latest technologies that significantly enhance the gaming experience. Among the key gaming features is ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches the television to low latency mode, minimizing response time and ensuring smooth gameplay. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) supported in the range from 48 to 144 Hz eliminates stuttering and screen tearing in dynamic gaming scenes. Additionally, the television supports Dolby Vision Game Mode, which provides better image quality in games with exceptional color depth and contrast. TCL MQLED85/C765 also features a decent but not the best implementation of HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group), optimizing HDR game display, but in the case of TCL, it causes bright details in white, resulting in some elements blending into a white spot - we can read more about this in the color reproduction section. It supports various resolutions such as 1080p@120Hz, 1440p@120Hz, and 4K@120Hz, allowing gamers to take advantage of higher image quality and better fluidity. The Game Bar feature allows for easy switching between game settings and quick control of parameters, significantly facilitating the adjustment of the television to individual needs. With support for G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, users of NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards will be pleased with the synchronization of refresh rates, eliminating tearing and stuttering issues, providing a smoother and more immersive gameplay experience.

MQLED85/C765 is a television that combines advanced technologies and excellent support for gamers, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their gaming experiences.

The LG B4 has four full HDMI 2.1 ports, each providing 48Gbps bandwidth. This ensures smooth activation of all relevant features without issues, making the television highly suitable for gaming. With its low input lag and extensive functionality, including well-implemented HGIG mode and Dolby Vision gaming with low latency, the B4 is a strong contender for gamers who demand high quality.

A standout feature is GameBar, which allows for on-the-fly adjustments without interrupting gameplay, as well as image adaptations for those with visual impairments. Another key point is that when VRR technology is enabled, the television maintains its contrast, thanks to the OLED panel's structure, though slight flickering in grey shades is to be expected.

In conclusion, the LG B4 is an ideal choice for gamers, seamlessly combining high performance with excellent gaming features. Its 120Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 ports make it a standout option for those seeking top-tier gaming experiences.

Input lag on the TCL MQLED85 television reaches impressively low levels under any conditions. Even the most demanding gamers will surely appreciate the minimal input lag of only 8 ms at 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR. Moreover, the delays remain at the same level even with Dolby Vision HDR turned on, which is not the case with many competitive models.

The LG B4 boasts incredibly low latency across all scenarios. Even the most dedicated gamers will appreciate the exceptionally low input lag, which remains at just 5 ms, even during demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR. Notably, latencies are unchanged when Dolby Vision HDR is enabled, a feature that is not always guaranteed by competitors. This consistent performance deserves the highest praise and a strong recommendation.

TCL MQLED85 performs well as a computer monitor. Thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support, text on the screen is clear and readable, which is important for people working with text documents or spreadsheets. One of the greatest advantages of this model is its exceptionally low input lag in "PC" mode, which is only 8 ms. This is a reference-level result that ensures smoothness and responsiveness, crucial for both gamers and those engaged in video editing. However, it is worth noting that there is a certain issue related to font display on dark backgrounds. When zooming in on the tested font image, it can be seen that horizontal lines are darker compared to vertical ones. This means that the sub-pixels in the television do not fully illuminate in this case, which can affect the quality of the displayed text. Nevertheless, the overall performance of TCL MQLED85 as a computer monitor is very good and will certainly meet the expectations of many users.

The LG B4 performs excellently when paired with a PC, thanks to its incredibly low latency of just 13.5 ms, providing near-instantaneous response between the mouse, eye, and screen. Text readability is very good on this television, with sharp fonts achievable by enabling the passthrough option in the settings. The RWBG pixel arrangement has no significant impact on font or letter display, offering a clear advantage over Samsung’s QD-OLED panels. Users of both Windows and macOS-equipped computers will appreciate the solid performance of the LG B4 screen.

The viewing angles on the TCL MQLED85 television are not its strongest point. The use of a VA panel means that the picture loses a significant amount of brightness when viewed at an angle. When the viewer's position changes, especially when watching with a larger group, colors may appear less saturated, and the contrast may be less pronounced. For this reason, it is recommended to sit directly in front of the screen to fully enjoy the picture quality. Although the television offers excellent color reproduction from a direct view, the loss of brightness and detail at an angle can be problematic for those planning to use the TV in a larger room or from various positions.

One of the undeniable advantages of OLED panels, including the LG B4, is their excellent performance during group viewing, maintaining good contrast, colour saturation, and fidelity from different angles. While it doesn’t benefit from MLA technology like other OLED models, the overall performance remains impressive, and owners are unlikely to be dissatisfied. However, it’s worth noting that at sharp angles, a slight greenish tint can be observed. This is a characteristic of WRGB panels from LG that lack micro-lens technology, and unfortunately, this issue cannot be mitigated.

MQLED85 performs decently in daylight conditions, and it's worth noting the satin finish of the panel. Although it doesn't excel at reducing reflections, it offers satisfactory performance in various lighting conditions. An average brightness level above 600 nits is an impressive result, allowing for comfortable viewing even in well-lit rooms. As a result, the television works well both during the day and for evening movie sessions, providing satisfactory image quality.

The maximum brightness of the LG B4 in SDR content reaches 370 nits, which is a commendable result for an OLED television, providing comfortable viewing even in well-lit environments. However, there are two important considerations. First, the television's ability to manage reflections is somewhat average, primarily due to the satin finish of the panel. This means that direct light hitting the screen may cause noticeable reflections. Secondly, the screen's brightness when displaying 100% white fill is around 260 nits. This is a noteworthy improvement, as OLED televisions in this price range previously achieved only half that brightness. This enhancement makes the LG B4 well-suited for watching high-brightness content, such as winter sports.

Brak funkcji PIP, obecne "MultiVision" czyli dzielenie ekranu między tv a urządzenie mobilne

The LG B4 uses the well-established WebOS system, a staple in LG's smart TVs for many years. This system offers a wide range of essential applications, with only a few notable omissions, such as CDA and KODI. One of WebOS's standout features is its cursor functionality, which activates when the remote control is moved, making it especially convenient for entering search queries or passwords on websites.

In addition, WebOS supports various features such as screen mirroring, AirPlay, voice search in Polish, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity. An added bonus is the ability to use the television’s speakers and headphones simultaneously, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing impairments. For sports enthusiasts, the system also includes alerts for upcoming matches, ensuring you never miss a broadcast.

The home panel in WebOS is another strength, offering seamless control of all smart devices connected to the home network. For example, users receive notifications when a laundry cycle is completed, enhancing the overall convenience of the system.

In conclusion, while WebOS may have some limitations compared to Android TV, it provides stable and fast performance, supporting most key functions users expect. It's a reliable and straightforward operating system for those looking for an easy-to-use interface for their television.

Thanks to the built-in player, the television is capable of playing most file formats available on external storage devices, making it a versatile tool for consuming multimedia. However, there may be certain limitations in the support of some formats, which can be inconvenient for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps eliminate compatibility issues. This gives users the option to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly increasing the functionality of the television.

The default file player in the LG B4 performs well with most photo and video formats, supporting a wide range of popular codecs, including Dolby Vision. However, there are a few limitations that may disappoint some users. For example, the TV only supports two photo formats: JPEG and PNG, which could be a downside for those accustomed to the HEIC format used by Apple devices. Unfortunately, there is no native support for HEIC files, but the built-in AirPlay feature can serve as a workaround for Apple users. Additionally, while the TV can handle most video formats, it does not support the H.266 VVC codec, which is currently not widely used.

Another limitation is the lack of support for TXT subtitles, which may be an issue for users who rely on these for certain content. Despite these minor drawbacks, the LG B4 offers a solid file playback experience overall.

The sound of the TCL MQLED85 television can be described as decent, making it sufficient for everyday viewing of movies, TV shows, and games. The speakers branded with Onkyo offer surprisingly good audio quality, and the sound does not hiss or distort even at higher volume levels.

The audio system in the LG OLED B4 is quite decent and performs well within its price range. The bass is noticeable but does not overwhelm the other frequencies, resulting in a balanced sound overall. While the built-in speakers are adequate for casual viewing, it is likely that most users opting for a high-quality OLED display will already have an external audio system to enhance their experience. However, the inclusion of DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos codecs adds value, offering more advanced audio support for those who connect external sound systems. This makes the B4 a solid choice for users prioritising image and sound quality.

TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs LG 55 B4

Advantages

Disadvantages

Our verdict

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

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound