TCL MQLED85 / C765 vs Samsung The Frame LS03D

Direct compare

C765 / MQLED85

Info

The Frame / LS03D

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”98”

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”85”

Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Tizen

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

7.2

6.9

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    6.8

    6.9

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    6.6

    6.5

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.5

    6.2

  • Gaming on console

    8.6

    8.2

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    7.6

  • Watching in bright light

    6.3

    6.5

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    7.0

  • Apps

    10.0

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    5.8

Advantages

  • Great choice for gamers - a lot of features, low input lag, 144Hz

  • High brightness of the screen - good performance during the day

  • Good black levels and contrast

  • Advanced Google TV

  • Premium build quality at a low price

  • Unique design and "Art" mode - the television fits perfectly into interiors and serves as a digital frame for images

  • Matte screen - effectively reduces glare

  • Possibility of personalizing the TV frames - adapting the appearance to the interior

  • Dedicated wall mounts included (Value approx. 400 PLN) - the TV can be mounted almost flush to the wall

  • High brightness (650 cd/m²) - excellent visibility even in well-lit rooms

  • VA matrix - decent contrast

  • Good motion fluency - 120Hz*

  • Support for VRR, ALLM, and HGiG - a full set of gaming features

  • Smooth tonal transitions - one of the best results in this category among tested TVs

  • One Connect module - minimizes cable clutter, ensuring tidiness

  • Tizen system - responsive, intuitive

*Does not apply to the 43 and 50 inch variants (60Hz)

Disadvantages

No like
  • Average viewing angles

  • No recording function

  • Lack of local dimming – affects the quality of black, especially in dark scenes

  • Average viewing angles – the image loses quality when viewed at a greater angle

  • Average sound quality – flat sound without depth

  • Limited number of HDMI 2.1 ports – only one port supports full 4K@120 Hz

  • No Dolby Vision – the TV only supports HDR10 and HDR10+

Our verdict

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.

Samsung The Frame (2024) is not just an ordinary television that you could put in the corner and forget about after two days. Here, it's immediately evident that the manufacturer focused on something beyond just displaying movies. First, the "Art" mode catches the eye – with just a few clicks, we can turn The Frame into a digital gallery, showcasing artworks that, combined with the matte panel, truly resemble a real painting in a frame. And speaking of the frame, we have the option to customize its color to perfectly match our interior. Additionally, the package includes a wall mount, allowing the TV to be hung practically "flat," which further enhances the impression of engaging with a picture rather than a typical screen. The matte panel provides excellent protection against light reflections, which, paired with high brightness (650 cd/m²), works well in full sunlight. Moreover, we have a VA panel with quite decent contrast and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, so when watching sports or playing dynamic titles, everything appears really smooth and pleasant to the eye. If we add a gaming features package – VRR, ALLM, and HGiG – it becomes clear that Samsung also thought of console and PC fans. As a result, The Frame can be both a picturesque decoration for the living room and a quite sensible gaming monitor. The aforementioned One Connect is another handy gadget – thanks to it, we can hide all cables in one place, pulling only a thin wire connecting the TV to this magical box. If we like order, this is a solution made for us. Another advantage is the Tizen system – user-friendly, fast, and full of applications. We might not find absolutely everything in it (e.g., the Tidal app), but it still offers a wide range of options for searching new streaming platforms. Of course, there’s no rose without thorns. The lack of local dimming is noticeable in dark scenes, where black becomes less defined. We also have to remember that there is only one HDMI 2.1 port, so if we want to connect more devices in 4K and 120 Hz, we might feel limited. Additionally, viewing angles are rather average, so it's better for the most important viewer (i.e., us) to sit directly in front of the TV. For Dolby Vision fans, this also won’t be the perfect choice, as The Frame only supports HDR10 and HDR10+. Moreover, the sound – like in most slim TVs – is mediocre, so it's worth considering a soundbar if we care about clearer bass and a bit deeper sound. Despite these weaker points, The Frame still leaves a great impression. It is striking, stylish, and versatile – suitable for watching the latest hits as well as displaying reproductions of paintings on the wall. If we care about a unique appearance, high brightness, and at the same time want to play something with low input lag, this model will be a home run. And although it may not be the leader in terms of cost-effectiveness or a technological "monster" in terms of picture quality, it has something that is simply likable. It’s a piece of equipment that stands out with its unique character and can fit into any interior, attracting attention both in TV mode and as a digital art gallery.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.1 (40Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

7.7/10

5.6/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 720 (36 x 20)

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

30,150:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

17,500:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

9,500:1

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,750:1

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Contrast and black detail

Result

4,200:1

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Contrast and black detail

Result

4,800:1

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Contrast and black detail

Result

5,100:1

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Contrast and black detail

Result

5,300:1

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Contrast and black detail

Result

3,850:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

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 Frame uses a VA panel, which in itself provides quite high contrast. In our tests, the results ranged from 4000 to 5000:1, which will be quite sufficient for most users. However, the lack of local dimming becomes noticeable, especially on more demanding test screens. In dark scenes, one can notice that the black has a slight navy hue. During the day or in a well-lit room, this won't be an issue, but during an evening viewing, more discerning viewers may feel a slight disappointment.

HDR effect quality

6/10

6.2/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 91.0%, Bt.2020: 68.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

1016 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

365 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

765 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

235 nit

Review TCL MQLED85 / C765 Brightness measurement

Result

1178 nit

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Brightness measurement

Result

679 nit

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Brightness measurement

Result

663 nit

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Brightness measurement

Result

712 nit

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Brightness measurement

Result

698 nit

Review Samsung The Frame LS03D  Brightness measurement

Result

726 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung The Frame LS03D

TCL MQLED85 / C765

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 Frame really handles brightness well. With results at the level of 700 nits, bright elements on the screen look impressive and detailed, whether they illuminate the entire screen or appear as small bright spots against a dark background. In more demanding scenes, like the fourth sequence from the movie Sicario 2, the blacks perform averagely, but we already discussed that in the section regarding contrast. However, when it comes to brightness – here the TV definitely performs well. An additional advantage is the quantum dot coating, i.e., QLED technology. Thanks to it, the color palette coverage has been improved, although The Frame does not stand out in this regard compared to the competition.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

7/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

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.

Samsung offers several picture modes in its TVs, but without a doubt, the Filmmaker Mode is the one that should provide the most natural representation of content. Unfortunately, as is often the case with mass production, the differences between units can be significant, and our tested model did not escape a few problems.

In the case of SDR content, the white balance heavily leaned towards red, with a slight boost in blue. This effect was particularly visible in comparison photos – in the example of a photograph with a boy, whose face was almost unnaturally flushed. The gamma, or brightness characteristic, also did not perform perfectly – the image was slightly brightened, which took away its depth.

In 4K HDR content, the white balance was again dominated by red, this time combined with green. Meanwhile, blue clearly lost intensity, which could be easily noticed on the Color Checker palette, where the colors began to "run away" in the wrong direction. The EOTF curve, responsible for brightness in HDR content, showed that the TV tends to excessively brighten the image, especially in the darkest elements of scenes.

Overall, although it did not look tragic, it definitely needed correction. Fortunately, Samsung offers extensive calibration options, which provide an opportunity for significant image improvement. Therefore, we proceeded with professional calibration to extract the full potential of this TV.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.8/10

8.1/10

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.

After professional calibration, the Filmmaker Mode shows its full potential. The white balance in HD content is exemplary – an error level of 0.5 indicates almost perfect color reproduction precision. The image now looks natural, and the colors are exactly as they should be. In 4K HDR content, the effect is not as perfect, but it still maintains a really high level. The colors are vibrant, well-saturated, and the overall image quality is impressive.

So where does the problem arise, if we praise the color reproduction so much? Unfortunately, the overall experience is disrupted by the brightness characteristic. The gamma in HD content looks decent, but in 4K HDR it's not as good. The EOTF curve shows that the TV excessively brightens certain parts of the image, which is a result of design limitations. The lack of local dimming means that the TV cannot precisely control the differences between the brightest and darkest areas of the screen. This is a barrier that simply cannot be overcome in this model.

Nevertheless, after calibration, The Frame offers excellent color reproduction, especially in HD content, and the overall appearance is much better than before the settings correction.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

7/10

9.7/10

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.

This is one of the best TVs we have had the opportunity to test in terms of the smoothness of tonal transitions. Any potential imperfections are so minor that you really have to strain your eyes to notice them. They are subtle enough that we only deducted a symbolic fraction of points in this category. Undoubtedly, this is one of the greatest advantages of this model. It's possible that such a good effect is partly due to the matte coating of the screen, which gently masks any irregularities in color gradation. The smoothness of tonal transitions in The Frame is at a level that will satisfy even exceptionally demanding users. Kudos to the LS03D!

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.1/10

7.1/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

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.

It was time to check how The Frame handles older, lower-quality materials. We already know that the smoothness of tonal transitions is very high here, so we were curious to see how the TV would manage their smoothing.

The noise reduction feature in the "Standard" setting performs well – tonal transitions are noticeably smoothed out, and the image does not lose too much detail. However, it's worth noting that this effect also smooths out film grain, so its use will be a matter of individual preference.

When it comes to image scaling, the TV also performed really well. The tested frame was solid – the model was rendered correctly, with clear details. The branches in the background, although slightly jagged in places, generally look natural and do not stand out as a flaw.

Blur and motion smoothness

7.5/10

6.4/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
120Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 240Hz (double contours)
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
50%
42%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

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.

First of all, it is worth noting that the model we tested in 55 inches, just like the 65, 75, and 85-inch versions, is equipped with a 120 Hz panel. Unfortunately, the 43 and 50-inch variants of this series offer only 60 Hz panels, which is worth considering when making a purchase. As for improving motion fluidity, the TV offers a feature called "Picture Clarity." This is a classic motion smoother that gives users the ability to adjust it using two sliders:

Motion Blurring Reduction – this is responsible for sharpening the image during dynamic scenes. The higher the value, the less blur during rapid camera movement or moving objects. However, overly aggressive settings can make the image look unnatural and start to resemble a “soap opera”.

Judder Reduction – this slider affects the smoothness of frame playback, particularly in materials with a lower frame rate, such as films (24 fps). Higher settings can smooth out motion but can also lead to an excessive "plasticky" effect on the image.

Both sliders operate on a scale from 0 to 10, allowing for precise adjustment of the effect to one’s own preferences. It is worth experimenting with the settings to find the perfect balance between fluidity and the natural appearance of the image. We recommend setting them as shown in the picture.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

8.8/10

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

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 Frame in version 2024 is equipped with four HDMI ports, but only one of them supports the 2.1 standard with a bandwidth of 40 Gb/s. This is an important piece of information if we plan to connect more than one device that requires a 4K@120 Hz signal – for example, two consoles or a console and a gaming PC. In terms of gaming features, The Frame truly has a lot to offer. We find ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and HGiG. It is worth emphasizing that HGiG has been very well implemented here, which is particularly important since the TV does not support Dolby Vision in games (which is only available on Xbox consoles). In this case, HGiG proves to be a better standard for gaming. Samsung has not forgotten about features that enhance the gaming experience. Game Bar is an advanced panel for gamers that allows for quick adjustment of screen settings without the need to sift through the TV menu. We can even change the aspect ratio from 16:9 to cinematic 21:9, which for some gamers can be a significant advantage. However, Samsung's biggest ace up its sleeve is the Game Motion Plus feature. This is a special smoother dedicated to games, which adds extra frames of animation without significantly impacting input lag. The effect is really noticeable – the image appears much smoother, which fans of dynamic titles will particularly appreciate. In summary – Samsung The Frame is a television that offers a solid set of features for gamers. Although the limitation to one HDMI 2.1 port may be a downside, the rest of the solutions make gaming on this TV a truly enjoyable experience.

Input lag

9.8/10

10/10

SDR

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

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120
8 ms
8 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
16 ms
2160p120 DV
8 ms

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.

In terms of latency, The Frame really impresses. 13 ms with 60 Hz content and 8 ms with 120 Hz are results that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Such low values make the reactions to controller movements almost instantaneous. In dynamic games like shooters or racing, every fraction of a second matters – here The Frame performs excellently.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

7.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Average
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
8ms
8ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
120Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

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.

Using a computer on The Frame is truly a pleasant experience. The fonts are clear and well-rendered thanks to the 4:4:4 chroma support. There is no blurring or fuzziness that often appears in cheaper televisions. Of course, if someone scrutinizes small texts, they may notice minimal imperfections, but it's really a minor issue that doesn't interfere with everyday work. It's also suitable for PC gaming. The 120 Hz panel, support for G-Sync, and truly low input lag make games run smoothly and without delays.

Viewing angles

3.2/10

3.3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
80%
75%

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.

The viewing angles on The Frame are average, which is typical for a VA panel. And here comes a bit of a snag – this television is supposed to serve as a display for images and works of art, which are not always viewed head-on. When viewed at an angle, colors start to lose their intensity, and black turns into shades of gray. This is not at a level that completely ruins the experience, but if the TV is placed in a position where it will often be viewed from the side, the effect may be noticeable. It's a pity because better viewing angles would be a significant advantage in a TV intended for such purposes.

TV efficiency during daytime

6.3/10

6.5/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Matte
Reflection suppression
Average
Very Good
Black levels during daytime
Good
Poor

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung The Frame LS03D : 645 cd/m2

TCL MQLED85 / C765: 618 cd/m2

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 Frame is equipped with a matte display that manages to effectively suppress direct light reflections. As a result, even in a brightly lit room, the image remains readable, and reflections do not interfere with viewing. Of course, as is usually the case with matte coatings, there is a trade-off – colors lose some intensity, and black seems more faded during the day. Fortunately, the television compensates for this with a brightness level of 650 cd/m². This ensures that the image is bright, clear, and well visible even in a heavily lit room.

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing
Mini-LED QLED
QLED
Backlight Type
V8-T653T01-LF1R134
1120
Image processor
MT5896 2,5GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TCL MQLED85 / C765

Samsung The Frame LS03D

TV features

7.1/10

7/10

  • Operating system
    Google TV
    Tizen
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

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

The Frame is a television that stands out from other models and is difficult to describe in a traditional way. Of course, we will find all the standard Smart TV features thanks to the Tizen system. The system works responsively, is extensive, and offers a wide selection of applications. The remote control supports voice commands in Polish, and we can connect additional devices via Bluetooth – just like in many other televisions. But this is not the essence of this model.

The greatest strength of The Frame is its design. The "Art" mode allows you to display thousands of high-resolution images, which, combined with the matte display, look truly exceptional. The effect is surprisingly realistic and hard to compare to any other television.

The frames may not be the thinnest on the market, but they can be customized in terms of color and style to perfectly match the interior. (Sold separately) And although the frames themselves are not ultra-thin, the entire construction is sleek and elegant. The wall mount is also noteworthy, as it is included (its value is around 400 PLN). With it, the television can be mounted almost flush, with no gap from the wall, which further emphasizes the "picture" effect.

And what about the cables? Samsung thought of that too. The Frame is equipped with the One Connect module – an external box to which we connect all devices. Only one nearly invisible cable leads to the television, which transmits both signal and power. The box can be easily hidden in a cabinet or behind furniture, ensuring that nothing disrupts the aesthetics of the interior.

The Frame is more than just an ordinary television – it is a thoughtfully designed decorative element that combines modern Smart TV functionality with exceptional design and practical solutions. Although it lacks typical features like USB recording or PiP, it is not a model created with a classic approach to television in mind. The LS03D is a television that is easy to like for its innovation, originality, and how well it fits into any interior.

Playing files from USB

8.9/10

8.5/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
Yes
No
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

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 built-in media player in The Frame handles most popular video and audio formats without major issues. Video files, even those with our added subtitles, play smoothly and without interruptions. The same goes for audio files – there are no major surprises here either. The situation is somewhat worse when it comes to photo format support. The built-in player has some limitations and does not support all possible types of graphic files. However, nowadays most people use wireless photo transfer, so this will not be a major problem for many users.

Apps

10/10

9.3/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
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
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
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
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

6.9/10

5.8/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.9/10
    5.8/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • 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

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 sound in The Frame is... well, quite average. The slim design of the television, while impressive, does not provide much space for decent speakers. As a result, the sound is flat and lacking in dynamics – just like most televisions in this category. Samsung is clearly aware of this, as it has a special series S of soundbars in its offer, created specifically for the "lifestyle" line of televisions to which The Frame belongs.