Why I recommend this flagship TCL TV over OLED models that cost more (and don't regret it)

4 days ago 2

ZDNET's key takeaways

The TCL QM8K (65-inch) is currently available for $2,199.
It handles HDR content with eye-popping, true-to-life brightness.
The addition of a soundbar would make its audio more immersive.

TCL continually punches above its weight, offering impressive TV tech at prices that demand a cost-benefit analysis when considering other brands.

For that reason, I've recommended a few recent TCL models to readers, friends, and family. After spending a week with the 65-inch QM8K in our testing lab, I found out what separates the company's 2025 flagship model from others in its class.

First impressions and setup

Not long ago, I reviewed the step-down QM7K, which is a terrific Mini LED. My primary critique was the issue of installing the base/stand on that TV, which required 12 screws and more head-scratching time than I care for. Disappointingly, the QM8K required the exact same procedure; there was no improvement there despite the $1,200 difference in the two models.

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The QM8K boasts a "ZeroBorder" design, which is close, but not exactly accurate: its actual bezel is about 4mm wide. That's not bad at all, but "zero" means none, not four millimeters. Still, you'll be looking at a floating rectangle of bright imagery that holds up well even in a sun-drenched room with lots of windows.

Its remote control is identical to the QM7K's, a bit plasticky for a flagship product. While it doesn't feel as premium as the TV it controls, it is a backlit remote (thankfully), and you can operate the TV hands-free with voice control through Google Assistant.

Once you have the QM8K on its feet -- or its one big foot -- the setup process is straightforward and fairly quick. Getting my various streaming apps up and running was painless, guided by the familiar Google TV interface. With built-in Chromecast, it offers access to all the usual streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime (it's also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit).

Bright, bold, but not perfect

The main event for any TV is picture quality, and this is where the QM8K's strengths and weaknesses become evident. The QM8K boasts a peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits. Our testing concluded with peak brightness levels just over 4,500 nits at 70% of the screen, which is no joke. Translation: its HDR content can be dazzling. Brightly lit scenes look stunning, and the QM8K is plenty able to overcome glare in a room.

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Brightness is only part of the equation, though. While the QM8K has 35% more dimming zones than its predecessor and a "new halo control system," it's not immune to a faint blooming effect around bright objects. For a Mini-LED at $2,200, that's not a disappointment, but it is a consideration.

Deep, inky blacks are getting ever closer to OLED territory in TCL's evolution. In a pitch-black room, with a very specific test pattern, you might still see a hint of blooming on the QM8K. But in real-world viewing, watching a movie like "Dune 2" with its stark, high-contrast scenes, the black levels were outstanding. For 99% of my viewing, it was a non-issue.

Picture management and gaming

The QM8K's AiPQ Pro processor is the same across the three products in this series. However, the physical body of this TV (the panel, backlight, and other components) combined with its software optimizes it for superior overall picture performance over the QM7K.

One such component is the panel itself, which TCL calls a CrystGlow WHVA Panel. This panel offers a wider viewing angle and decreased glare compared to the QM7K. The QM8K's viewing angles, while improved, still show some color and contrast degradation when you move off-center -- a noticeable issue for a family spread out on a wide couch.

Even the QM6K, in fact, is equipped with the CrystGlow WHVA. While this is a feature that performs best with the QM8K's hardware advances, I have to say the difference is hardly visible to the naked eye in terms of viewing angle among the QM6K through the QM8K.

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The QM8K's native 144Hz refresh rate, coupled with support for VRR and ALLM, makes for a fluid and responsive gaming experience. Hooking up a PS5, I found "Helldivers 2" to be incredibly smooth, and the low input lag is a clear advantage in competitive play.

While the TV has four HDMI ports, it's important to know which ones support the full HDMI 2.1 feature set needed for 4K at 144Hz because only two of the four ports do that. This could be a limitation if you own multiple next-gen consoles or a high-end PC. It's an area where flagship competitors often provide more flexibility.

Great sound, although not quite cinematic

TCL's partnership with Bang & Olufsen in the QM8K's speaker system is a commendable step up for this year's series. The sound system is robust, dialogue is clear, and there's enough body to the sound to make movies and shows enjoyable without immediately reaching for another remote.

That said, the B&O branding might not live up to an audiophile's expectations, mainly because the physical limitations of speakers packed into a thin TV chassis still apply. The bass is present but lacks the deep, room-shaking rumble of a dedicated subwoofer. While it's a superior built-in system, it won't replace even a midrange soundbar for those who prioritize immersive audio.

ZDNET's buying advice

As I indicated above, in a brightly lit room, where my OLED sometimes struggles with reflections and washed-out colors, the TCL QM8K is a torch. HDR content, in particular, is explosive. Sunsets in 4K samples, submersed coral reef exploration, the pale blue glow of Frodo's sword, "Sting" -- all come with a wow factor for a TV just under $2,200.

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But here's the thing. You can get a 98-inch TCL QM7K for only $600 more. That size is less of a TV and more of a wall. And with that size in a Mini LED, you're getting even higher value because with more and smaller dimming zones on a larger screen, Mini LED TVs can more precisely control light distribution, significantly enhancing contrast and detail in both dark and bright areas.

If you lack the real estate for that size of TV in your viewing room, then just take your expectations down a notch and purchase the TCL QM7K at 65 inches, saving yourself $1,200. Upgrades and all, you likely won't be dismayed by any visual difference.

Ultimately, though, it's fair to say the QM8K is a legitimate contender for the best "bright room" TV on the market.