TCL 65-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart TV review Dolby Vision gaming experience

Description

An Eye-Catching Design That Blends Into Any Room

The TCL 65-Inch QM85 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV truly caught my attention with its 360° metal bezel-less design. The sleek black finish effortlessly blends into any space, whether it’s a modern living room or a cozy den. Its slim profile makes it look almost like a piece of art on the wall, and I couldn’t help but admire how premium it felt. The 1.38-inch depth is impressive for a TV this size, giving it a minimalist feel while still housing a ton of advanced technology. Setting it up was straightforward, though I will say its 77.8-pound weight means you might need an extra pair of hands to mount or position it.

Exceptional Picture Quality That Stands Out

From the moment I powered it on, the 4K Ultra HD resolution was breathtaking. The Quantum Dot Technology (QLED ULTRA) delivered colors that are vibrant and rich, covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space. Watching nature documentaries felt like I was right there in the jungle, and the HDR ULTRA with Dolby Vision IQ brought out incredible contrast in every scene. This TV has up to 5,000 nits peak brightness, which means even in a room flooded with sunlight, the picture doesn’t suffer. The QD-Mini LED ULTRA technology with its 5,000 local dimming zones ensures deep blacks and vivid highlights without the annoying blooming effect I’ve seen in other TVs.

A Gamer’s Dream with Lightning-Fast Performance

As someone who enjoys gaming, the Game Accelerator 240 and 144Hz variable refresh rate are absolute game-changers. The responsiveness is unreal, and the absence of screen tearing or input lag made even fast-paced games feel buttery smooth. The Auto Game Mode (ALLM) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro automatically adjusts settings to prioritize low latency, which is perfect for competitive gaming. Whether it’s a racing game or an FPS, this TV keeps up effortlessly, and I even noticed the difference compared to my older 120Hz TV.

Audio That Matches the Stunning Visuals

A TV can have all the visual bells and whistles, but if the sound doesn’t match, it’s a letdown. Thankfully, the built-in ONKYO speaker system blew me away. The up-firing drivers paired with Dolby Atmos create an immersive soundstage that fills the room. There’s even a built-in subwoofer, which adds a surprising amount of depth to the bass. Whether I was watching an action movie or listening to music, the audio felt rich and dynamic. That said, audiophiles might still prefer pairing it with an external sound system, but for most users, the built-in setup is more than enough.

Key Benefits

• QD-Mini LED ULTRA provides deep blacks and bright highlights simultaneously.
• High Brightness ULTIMATE LED Backlight ensures the screen shines even in bright rooms.
• Game Accelerator 240 and ALLM make it a fantastic choice for gamers.
• Dolby Atmos and ONKYO speakers deliver immersive sound without extra equipment.

Shortcomings

• The 77.8-pound weight can make setup challenging for one person.
• While the built-in speakers are excellent, they might not replace a dedicated soundbar for audio enthusiasts.

How It Compares to Product Competitors

Looking at other TVs in the same category, the Samsung Neo QLED and LG OLED CX models come to mind. The Samsung Neo QLED offers similar brightness levels and Mini LED technology, but it doesn’t quite match the 5,000 dimming zones this TCL model boasts. The LG OLED CX, on the other hand, excels in delivering perfect blacks due to its OLED screen but lacks the peak brightness and affordability of this TV. The TCL option offers a balanced middle ground, excelling in both brightness and contrast, making it a strong contender for mixed usage like gaming, movies, and sports.

Value for Money

With all the features packed into this TV, I couldn’t help but feel it delivers fantastic bang for the buck. You’re getting cutting-edge QLED technology, Dolby Vision IQ, and 240Hz gaming performance at a price point that undercuts many of its competitors. Sure, there are some pricier options out there, but they often don’t include the same combination of features. If you’re looking for a high-performance TV that doesn’t break the bank, this one is worth serious consideration.

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