This TCL mini LED TV hits above its price point (and it's $900 off)

ZDNET’s key takeaways

The TCL QM8K (65-inch) is at present accessible for $1,598 on Amazon.
It handles HDR content material with eye-popping, true-to-life brightness.
The addition of a soundbar would make its audio extra immersive.

extra shopping for decisions

Varied TCL QM8K sizes are at present discounted (on Finest Purchase. You should buy a 65-inch TV for $900 off.

TCL frequently punches above its weight, providing spectacular TV tech at costs that demand a cost-benefit evaluation when contemplating different manufacturers. For that purpose, I’ve really useful just a few latest TCL fashions to readers, associates, and household. After spending a number of weeks with the 65-inch QM8K in our testing lab, I discovered what separates the corporate’s 2025 flagship mannequin from others in its class.

First impressions and setup

Not way back, I reviewed the step-down QM7K, which is a terrific Mini LED. My major critique was the problem of putting in the bottom/stand on that TV, which required 12 screws and extra head-scratching time than I look after. Disappointingly, the QM8K required the very same process; there was no enchancment there regardless of the $1,200 distinction within the two fashions.

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The QM8K boasts a “ZeroBorder” design, which is shut, however not precisely correct: its precise bezel is about 4mm vast. That is not unhealthy in any respect, however “zero” means none, not 4 millimeters. Nonetheless, you will be a floating rectangle of vivid imagery that holds up nicely even in a sun-drenched room with a number of home windows.

Its distant management is an identical to the QM7K’s, a bit plasticky for a flagship product. Whereas it does not really feel as premium because the TV it controls, it’s a backlit distant (fortunately), and you’ll function the TV hands-free with voice management via Google Assistant.

Upon getting the QM8K on its toes — or its one huge foot — the setup course of is simple and pretty fast. Getting my varied streaming apps up and working was painless, guided by the acquainted Google TV interface. With built-in Chromecast, it affords entry to all the standard streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime (it is also suitable with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit).

Shiny, daring, however not good

The primary occasion for any TV is image high quality, and that is the place the QM8K’s strengths and weaknesses grow to be evident. The QM8K boasts a peak brightness of as much as 5,000 nits. Our testing concluded with peak brightness ranges simply over 4,500 nits at 70% of the display screen, which isn’t any joke. Translation: its HDR content material may be dazzling. Brightly lit scenes look beautiful, and the QM8K is loads capable of overcome glare in a room.

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Brightness is barely a part of the equation, although. Whereas the QM8K has 35% extra dimming zones than its predecessor and a “new halo management system,” it is not proof against a faint blooming impact round vivid objects. For a Mini-LED at $2,200, that is not a disappointment, however it’s a consideration.

Deep, inky blacks are getting ever nearer to OLED territory in TCL’s evolution. In a pitch-black room, with a really particular check sample, you may nonetheless see a touch of blooming on the QM8K. However in real-world viewing, watching a film like “Dune 2” with its stark, high-contrast scenes, the black ranges had been excellent. For 99% of my viewing, it was a non-issue.

Image administration and gaming

The QM8K’s AiPQ Professional processor is identical throughout the three merchandise on this collection. Nonetheless, the bodily physique of this TV (the panel, backlight, and different elements) mixed with its software program optimizes it for superior total image efficiency over the QM7K.

One such element is the panel itself, which TCL calls a CrystGlow WHVA Panel. This panel affords a wider viewing angle and decreased glare in comparison with the QM7K. The QM8K’s viewing angles, whereas improved, nonetheless present some coloration and distinction degradation whenever you transfer off-center — a noticeable challenge for a household unfold out on a large sofa.

Even the QM6K, in reality, is provided with the CrystGlow WHVA. Whereas it is a function that performs greatest with the QM8K’s {hardware} advances, I’ve to say the distinction is hardly seen to the bare eye when it comes to viewing angle among the many QM6K via the QM8K.

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The QM8K’s native 144Hz refresh price, coupled with help for VRR and ALLM, makes for a fluid and responsive gaming expertise. Hooking up a PS5, I discovered “Helldivers 2” to be extremely easy, and the low enter lag is a transparent benefit in aggressive play.

Whereas the TV has 4 HDMI ports, it is necessary to know which of them help the complete HDMI 2.1 function set wanted for 4K at 144Hz as a result of solely two of the 4 ports do this. This may very well be a limitation in the event you personal a number of next-gen consoles or a high-end PC. It is an space the place flagship opponents usually present extra flexibility.

Nice sound, though not fairly cinematic

TCL’s partnership with Bang & Olufsen within the QM8K’s speaker system is a commendable step up for this yr’s collection. The sound system is powerful, dialogue is evident, and there is sufficient physique to the sound to make films and exhibits pleasurable with out instantly reaching for one more distant.

That stated, the B&O branding won’t stay as much as an audiophile’s expectations, primarily as a result of the bodily limitations of audio system packed into a skinny TV chassis nonetheless apply. The bass is current however lacks the deep, room-shaking rumble of a devoted subwoofer. Whereas it is a superior built-in system, it will not exchange even a midrange soundbar for many who prioritize immersive audio.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

As I indicated above, in a brightly lit room, the place my OLED typically struggles with reflections and washed-out colours, the 85-inch TCL QM8K is a torch. HDR content material, particularly, is explosive. Sunsets in 4K samples, submersed coral reef exploration, the pale blue glow of Frodo’s sword, “Sting” — all include a wow issue for a TV about $3,000.

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However this is the factor. You may get a 65-inch TCL QM7K for $1,200 much less. That dimension is much less of a TV and extra of a wall. And with that dimension in a Mini LED, you are getting even greater worth as a result of with extra and smaller dimming zones on a bigger display screen, Mini LED TVs can extra exactly management mild distribution, considerably enhancing distinction and element in each darkish and vivid areas.

In case you lack the true property for that dimension of TV in your viewing room, then simply take your expectations down a notch and buy the TCL QM7K at 65 inches for $1,600. Upgrades and all, you possible will not be dismayed by any visible distinction.

Finally, although, it is truthful to say the QM8K is a professional contender for one of the best “vivid room” TV available on the market.

TCL QM8K’s tech specs

QD-Mini LED
TCL Halo Management System
As much as LD3800 Exact Dimming
Excessive HDR5000 Brightness
CrystGlow WHVA Panel
Enhanced QLED
4K UltraHD Decision
144Hz Native Refresh Price
Sport Accelerator 288
TCL AIPQ PRO Processor
Movement Price 480 with MEMC Body Insertion
Filmmaker Mode
HDR ULTRA with Dolby Imaginative and prescient IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG
Audio by BANG & OLUFSEN
Dolby Atmos Audio
DTS Digital:X
ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV Digital Tuner
IMAX Enhanced Certification
Auto Sport Mode (ALLM) with AMD FreeSync Premium Professional
Extremely Slim Design
Google TV Sensible OS with Palms-Free Voice Management and Backlit Voice Distant
Bluetooth Private Audio
4 HDMI Inputs together with one with eARC
Wi-Fi 6
Google Chromecast Constructed-in
Apple AirPlay 2
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit