TCL has kicked off 2025 with a major refresh of its TV lineup, plus new smart devices and display innovations showcased at CES 2025. The focus this year is on QD-Mini LED technology, bigger screen sizes, improved AI features, and expanded smart home integration.
1. Flagship Model – TCL X11K QD-Mini LED TV
- Over 14,000 local dimming zones for precise contrast control.
- All-Domain Halo Control Technology to reduce blooming and improve HDR accuracy.
- Peak brightness exceeding 5,000 nits for vibrant outdoor-friendly viewing.
- 120Hz–144Hz refresh rates for smooth gaming and sports.
- Designed for premium home theater setups.
2. C Series MiniLED TVs (C855, C755, etc.)
- More affordable than the X11K but still feature TCL’s Mini LED backlight.
- High brightness, rich QLED color, and AI image processing.
- Targeted at mid-range buyers who want near-flagship performance.
3. P Series QLED TVs
- Entry to mid-level QLED options with strong HDR and color performance.
- Ideal for casual viewers who want a balance of price and picture quality.
- Larger sizes now available — up to 98 inches.
4. Other Display Innovations
At CES 2025, TCL also showcased:
- Professional monitors for creative and gaming use.
- Portable projectors for home and travel.
- RayNeo AR Glasses with heads-up display features.
- Automotive displays for next-gen in-car entertainment.
5. AI and Smart Home Integration
- TCL TVs now come with upgraded AI picture and sound optimization.
- Better integration with TCL’s smart home ecosystem, allowing control of lights, appliances, and security from the TV interface.
- Voice assistants (Google TV, Alexa, and in some regions, TCL’s own AI assistant) are built-in.
✅ Quick Summary Table
| Product Line | Key Features | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| X11K QD-Mini LED | 14,000+ dimming zones, 5,000+ nits, 144Hz | Home theater enthusiasts |
| C Series MiniLED | Premium Mini LED at mid-range price | Movie & sports fans |
| P Series QLED | Affordable QLED, large sizes | General households |
| Monitors & Projectors | Pro & portable displays | Gamers, creatives, travelers |
| RayNeo AR Glasses | AR heads-up display | Tech enthusiasts |
| Automotive Displays | In-car entertainment | Auto industry |
2025 Flagship TV Comparison: TCL vs Samsung vs LG
| Feature | TCL X11K QD-Mini LED | Samsung Neo QLED QN900D | LG G5 OLED evo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | QD-Mini LED | Neo QLED (Mini LED) | OLED evo (WOLED) |
| Local Dimming Zones | 14,000+ | ~5,000 | N/A (per-pixel lighting) |
| Peak Brightness | 5,000+ nits | ~4,000 nits | ~1,800 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 120–144Hz | 120–144Hz | 120Hz |
| HDR Formats | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10+, HLG (no Dolby Vision) | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Sizes Available | 65″–115″ | 65″–98″ | 55″–97″ |
| Gaming Features | VRR, ALLM, 144Hz, Game Bar | VRR, ALLM, 144Hz, Game Hub | VRR, ALLM, 120Hz, Game Optimizer |
| Smart Platform | Google TV (with TCL AI) | Tizen OS | webOS 24 |
| Strengths | Extreme brightness, huge sizes, Dolby Vision support | High brightness, Samsung ecosystem integration | Perfect blacks, infinite contrast, thin design |
| Weaknesses | Bulkier design, still LCD-based | No Dolby Vision, pricey at large sizes | Lower peak brightness, risk of burn-in |
🔍 Key Takeaways
- TCL X11K is the brightness and size leader — ideal for bright rooms or massive home theaters.
- Samsung QN900D is a premium choice for Mini LED fans who prefer Samsung’s ecosystem, but lacks Dolby Vision.
- LG G5 OLED evo wins in black levels and contrast, making it best for dark-room movie watching.
Is TCL a Good TV Brand?
Wondering if TCL is a good TV brand in 2025? You’re not alone. TCL has come a long way in recent years, establishing itself as a strong competitor in the television market. These affordable TVs have gained popularity for offering impressive features without the premium price tag of other major brands.
TCL TVs offer good picture quality and great features at a low price, with the 6 series being considered the gold standard for TVs under $1000 for years. The latest models, like the QM6K and QM851, have made significant improvements in picture quality with better backlighting, impressive color accuracy, and solid black levels. These advancements have helped TCL earn recognition from expert reviewers.
For budget-conscious shoppers looking for quality, TCL provides excellent value. Their newer models include 4K resolution, QLED technology, and smart features powered by Google TV. While they might not match the build quality of premium brands in every aspect, their performance-to-price ratio makes them worth considering for most households.
Key Takeaways
- TCL TVs deliver impressive picture quality and features at budget-friendly prices, especially in their 6 series and newer models.
- The latest TCL models feature 4K resolution, QLED technology, and improvements in backlighting and color accuracy.
- TCL Smart TVs with Google TV integration provide good value for everyday viewers despite not matching the premium build of higher-end brands.
Latest TCL TV Technology Overview
TCL has made significant strides in TV technology for 2025, with the QM8/QM851G QLED series earning recognition as one of the best models available. The company continues to balance competitive pricing with advanced features, making it a strong competitor against established brands.
Cutting-Edge Display Technologies
TCL’s newest lineup features NXTPAPER technology, a revolutionary display innovation that combines the best aspects of LCD and E-reader displays. This technology reduces eye strain while maintaining vibrant colors and contrast.
The QM8 series showcases Mini LED backlighting with thousands of dimming zones, allowing for precise brightness control and deeper blacks. This technology significantly improves contrast ratio and reduces blooming effects common in standard LED displays.
QLED quantum dot technology enhances color volume and brightness, with the QM6K model demonstrating particularly impressive color accuracy. TCL’s implementation of HDR support is comprehensive, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and their proprietary HDR Pro+ technology for expanded dynamic range.
The latest models feature up to 4K resolution with select premium options supporting 8K, providing exceptional clarity and detail for all content types.
Innovative Smart Features
TCL’s 2025 models incorporate advanced AI processing through their AIPQ Processor, which uses deep learning algorithms to enhance picture quality in real-time. This system analyzes content frame-by-frame to optimize brightness, contrast, and color.
Voice control capabilities have been expanded, with seamless integration across multiple smart home platforms. The interface remains intuitive, with faster response times than previous generations.
The company continues its partnership with Roku in many markets, providing access to thousands of streaming channels through a user-friendly interface. Other models utilize Google TV or TCL’s own smart platform depending on region.
Gaming features have seen significant improvements with HDMI 2.1 support, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) now standard on mid-range and premium models. Input lag measurements are impressively low, making TCL TVs increasingly popular with gamers.
Enhancements in Audio-Visual Performance
Audio quality has received substantial attention in the 2025 lineup, with many models featuring upward-firing speakers for a more immersive sound experience. Support for Dolby Atmos creates a spatial audio environment that complements the visual performance.
TCL has integrated acoustic calibration technology that adjusts sound output based on room conditions. This feature automatically optimizes audio for the viewing environment without requiring manual adjustment.
Motion handling has improved significantly, with the QM6K demonstrating excellent performance for fast-moving content. The company’s latest processing engines reduce blur and judder without creating the artificial “soap opera effect” that plagued earlier generations.
TCL’s commitment to value remains evident, with these audio-visual improvements available at price points consistently below comparable models from premium brands. The 6-Series continues to be recognized as a standard-bearer for performance in the sub-$1000 category.
Practical Aspects of TCL TVs
TCL TVs combine affordability with impressive features that make them practical choices for everyday users. Their value proposition extends across gaming, smart home integration, and various price points to fit different budgets.
Gaming and Entertainment Capabilities
TCL has significantly improved its gaming features in recent models, particularly in the 6-Series and above. Many 2025 models offer 120Hz refresh rates, making fast-paced games look smoother with less motion blur. This is particularly important for competitive gaming where reaction time matters.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology is now standard in mid to high-end TCL TVs, eliminating screen tearing during gameplay. The Game Accelerator mode reduces input lag to under 10ms on premium models, creating a responsive gaming experience comparable to more expensive brands.
For movie lovers, TCL’s support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ ensures vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The brightness levels on the QM851 series are particularly impressive, reaching over 1,000 nits in highlighted areas – perfect for watching content in bright rooms.
Smart Connectivity and Integration
TCL offers exceptional connectivity options across their lineup. Most models include multiple HDMI ports (typically 3-4), with higher-end versions featuring HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120Hz.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth come standard, allowing wireless connections to soundbars, headphones, and gaming controllers. Ethernet ports on most models provide stable internet connections for streaming.
TCL’s partnership with Roku and Google TV provides intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate. Voice control functionality works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, making it simple to search for content or control smart home devices.
The TVs support major streaming services including:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime
- YouTube
- Hulu
USB ports allow for multimedia playback from external drives, while screen mirroring enables content sharing from mobile devices.
Choosing the Right TCL TV for Your Budget
TCL offers TV models across several price tiers, making it easier to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Entry-Level (Under $300)
These models typically offer 4K resolution and HDR support in screen sizes between 43-55 inches. While they lack advanced gaming features, they provide excellent value for casual viewing and basic streaming.
Mid-Range ($300-$700)
The popular 5-Series and 6-Series fall in this category, offering better brightness, contrast, and some gaming features like 60Hz refresh rates. These models are ideal for everyday entertainment and casual gaming.
Premium ($700-$1,500)
The QM8 and mini-LED models offer the best TCL experience with superior brightness, contrast ratios, and full gaming features. Screen sizes range from 65-85 inches with top-tier picture quality rivaling much more expensive brands.
When choosing, consider your primary use. For gaming, prioritize models with 120Hz and VRR. For movie watching, focus on picture quality and Dolby Vision support. For smart home enthusiasts, Google TV models offer better integration with other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Customers considering TCL TVs often have specific questions about features, performance, and value. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people ask before making a purchase.
What are the main features of the TCL Class Q7 Q-Class TV?
The TCL Class Q7 Q-Class TV offers QLED technology with quantum dot color enhancement for vibrant picture quality. It features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion handling, especially valuable for sports and action movies.
The TV includes Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ support, providing excellent contrast and brightness. It comes with Google TV built-in, giving users access to thousands of streaming apps and content recommendations.
Voice control capability works with Google Assistant, allowing hands-free operation of the TV and connected smart home devices.
How do TCL TVs perform for gaming experiences?
TCL TVs offer several gaming-friendly features, particularly in their mid to high-end models. Many newer TCL TVs include HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K gaming at 120Hz for next-gen consoles.
The brand’s Game Mode PRO reduces input lag to around 8-15ms, providing responsive gameplay. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) are included in premium models to prevent screen tearing and automatically optimize settings.
TCL’s 6-Series and above are particularly well-regarded for gaming, offering competitive performance at lower prices than comparable gaming TVs from premium brands.
What factors contribute to the affordability of TCL TVs?
TCL achieves lower pricing through vertical integration, as they manufacture many components in-house rather than sourcing from third parties. This cuts production costs significantly.
The company follows a high-volume, lower-margin business strategy, prioritizing market share growth over premium pricing models. TCL also focuses on essential features while trimming extras that might be less frequently used.
Their partnership with Roku and Google TV reduces software development costs while providing popular streaming platforms that consumers already trust.
What are common issues faced by TCL TV users?
Some TCL TV owners report panel uniformity issues, particularly visible during dark scenes or when displaying solid colors. This can appear as clouding or the “dirty screen effect.”
Software glitches occasionally occur, requiring TV restarts or factory resets to resolve. Audio problems are mentioned in user reviews, with some finding the built-in speakers lacking in bass and clarity.
Remote control responsiveness issues are reported in some models. Panel lottery—where quality varies between individual units of the same model—is sometimes mentioned in consumer forums.
How does TCL’s TV quality compare to leading brands like Samsung?
TCL offers comparable features to Samsung at significantly lower prices, though Samsung typically provides better color accuracy and processing power. TCL’s picture quality has dramatically improved in recent years, with their 6-Series and 8-Series competing well against midrange offerings from premium brands.
Samsung generally offers more refined smart TV interfaces and better build quality. TCL TVs tend to have slightly less consistent quality control than Samsung, but the gap has narrowed considerably.
For most everyday viewing, many consumers find the difference in quality doesn’t justify the price premium of Samsung TVs.
What are some of the expert reviews on TCL TVs?
RTINGS.com consistently rates TCL’s 6-Series as one of the best value TVs on the market, praising its excellent contrast ratio and HDR performance. Tech reviewers frequently highlight TCL’s ability to deliver premium features like QLED displays and mini-LED backlighting at much lower prices than competitors.
Consumer Reports has noted TCL’s improvement in reliability ratings over recent years. Digital Trends awarded the TCL 6-Series their “Best TV Value” award in 2023, noting its exceptional price-to-performance ratio.
Expert reviewers typically recommend TCL for budget-conscious shoppers who want modern features without paying premium prices.
