TLDR Review: TCL 85-inch QM8K Series TV
Verdict
The TCL 85QM8K is a powerhouse for the price, blending cutting-edge QD-Mini LED technology with a sleek, bezel-free design and a gamer-friendly feature set like 144hz refresh rate and 288hz VRR. It nails picture quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks, though be prepared for some compromises like narrow viewing angles, occasional OS sluggishness, and reflections in bright spaces. For those needing a large, bright 4K TV optimized for both cinematic and gaming experiences without breaking the bank, this is a compelling choice. If you prioritize wide viewing angles or smoother smart TV performance, carefully compare other premium offerings, but for value and picture wow factor at 85 inches, TCL makes a strong case here.
- Top pro:
- Picture quality is excellent, delivering deep, detailed blacks, vibrant colors, and impressive brightness, especially with HDR and 4K Blu-ray content.
- Top con:
- The operating system can be slow or occasionally freeze when launching or switching apps, impacting the smoothness of the Google TV experience.
Pros
- •Picture quality is excellent, delivering deep, detailed blacks, vibrant colors, and impressive brightness, especially with HDR and 4K Blu-ray content.
- •Mini-LED technology provides strong color accuracy and brightness with minimal halo effect.
- •Performs very well for gaming thanks to a fast refresh rate (144hz) and variable refresh rate support up to 288hz, plus quick response times.
- •The smart TV system includes a wide selection of apps and streaming is generally smooth, with a user-friendly Google TV interface.
- •Anti-glare screen reduces reflections, improving viewing comfort in moderate lighting.
- •Sleek no bezel design gives it a modern, stylish appearance from the front.
- •Onboard speakers, including Bang & Olufsen tuned sound in some units, deliver better-than-average audio quality with clear dialogue and good bass.
- •Remote is back-lit, metallic, sturdy, and easy to use, controlling both audio and visual functions seamlessly.
- •Offers extensive picture and sound customization options, allowing users to fine-tune their viewing experience.
- •Very good value for an 85-inch 4K Mini-LED TV with advanced features like QLED and AI processing, often priced under $1000.
Cons
- •The operating system can be slow or occasionally freeze when launching or switching apps, impacting the smoothness of the Google TV experience.
- •Viewing angles are poor, leading to noticeable loss in brightness and color fidelity when not viewed head-on.
- •Glossy screen can produce distracting reflections in very bright rooms.
- •Some users report occasional dimming issues or brightness inconsistencies during certain scenes or games, potentially fixable with firmware updates.
- •The overall build is somewhat bulky when viewed from the side and back, which may complicate wall mounting or certain room setups.
- •Despite better internal speakers than some competitors, audio quality may still leave audiophiles wanting additional external soundbars or subwoofers for a fuller experience.
- •Screen tearing during very fast motion is sometimes noticed, slightly affecting immersion during gaming or action sequences.
- •Extended warranty options are considered expensive relative to the TV’s price point.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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