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

Numerous TCL QM8K sizes are at present discounted (on Greatest Purchase. You should purchase 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 motive, I’ve beneficial a couple of current TCL fashions to readers, pals, 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 take care of. Disappointingly, the QM8K required the very same process; there was no enchancment there regardless of the $1,200 distinction within the two fashions.

Additionally: I recommend this Amazon Fire TV soundbar to most people – here’s why

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

Its distant management is equivalent 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.

After you have the QM8K on its ft — or its one massive foot — the setup course of is simple and pretty fast. Getting my numerous streaming apps up and operating was painless, guided by the acquainted Google TV interface. With built-in Chromecast, it provides entry to all the standard streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime (it is also appropriate with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit).    

Vivid, daring, however not good

The principle occasion for any TV is image high quality, and that is the place the QM8K’s strengths and weaknesses change into 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, which is not any joke. Translation: its HDR content material might be dazzling. Brightly lit scenes look beautiful, and the QM8K is lots in a position to overcome glare in a room.

Additionally: How to clear your TV cache (and why it makes such a big difference)

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 resistant to a faint blooming impact round brilliant 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 take a look at 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 have been excellent. For 99% of my viewing, it was a non-issue.

Image administration and gaming

The QM8K’s AiPQ Professional processor is similar 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 general image efficiency over the QM7K.

One such element is the panel itself, which TCL calls a CrystGlow WHVA Panel. This panel provides a wider viewing angle and decreased glare in comparison with the QM7K. The QM8K’s viewing angles, whereas improved, nonetheless present some shade and distinction degradation once you transfer off-center — a noticeable subject 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.

Additionally: This TCL Mini LED TV remains one of my top picks, even as last year’s model

The QM8K’s native 144Hz refresh fee, coupled with assist for VRR and ALLM, makes for a fluid and responsive gaming expertise. Hooking up a PS5, I discovered “Helldivers 2” to be extremely clean, 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 assist the total HDMI 2.1 function set wanted for 4K at 144Hz as a result of solely two of the 4 ports try this. This may very well be a limitation in case you personal a number of next-gen consoles or a high-end PC. It is an space the place flagship opponents typically 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 strong, dialogue is evident, and there is sufficient physique to the sound to make films and reveals pleasurable with out instantly reaching for one more distant.

That mentioned, 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 change 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.

Additionally: I recommend this Amazon Fire TV soundbar to most people – here’s why

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

If you happen to lack the actual property for that measurement 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 doubtless will not be dismayed by any visible distinction.

In the end, although, it is honest to say the QM8K is a reliable contender for the most effective “brilliant 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 Fee
• Recreation Accelerator 288
• TCL AIPQ PRO Processor
• Movement Fee 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 Recreation Mode (ALLM) with AMD FreeSync Premium Professional
• Extremely Slim Design
• Google TV Sensible OS with Fingers-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

This story was initially printed on June 23, 2025, and was up to date on July 18, 2025.