TCL 85-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini LED TV review for gamers and movie lovers

Description

A Massive Screen with Stunning Visuals

I had some serious doubts about whether an 85-inch TV was going to feel like overkill, but after testing the TCL 85-Inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini LED TV with Google (85QM850G), I can confidently say that it’s not just a TV—it’s an experience. The QLED technology paired with the Mini LED backlight delivers visuals that are out of this world. Watching my favorite nature documentaries with Dolby Vision IQ felt like diving into another dimension. The colors were so vivid, and the contrast so sharp, that I could almost feel the textures of the landscapes. The 2,300 local dimming zones really do their job, ensuring deep blacks and bright highlights without any of that annoying image blooming.

For anyone who’s picky about brightness levels, this TV doesn’t disappoint. With HDR ULTRA and a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, it handled both dark and bright environments with ease. Even during the sunniest part of the day, the screen remained crystal-clear and glare-free.

Gaming: A Whole New Level of Immersion

As someone who enjoys gaming (okay, maybe a bit too much), I was blown away by the Game Accelerator 240 feature. This beast of a TV has a native 120Hz refresh rate, but it takes things further with the ability to push up to 240Hz VRR. Racing games felt incredibly smooth, and first-person shooters had such precise motion clarity that I almost forgot I was playing on a TV and not a dedicated gaming monitor. AMD FreeSync ensures there’s no screen tearing, which is a lifesaver when you’re in the middle of an intense match.

Even the Auto Game Mode was a pleasant surprise. It detects when you’re gaming and automatically adjusts settings for the best experience. No fumbling around in the menu required. It’s a thoughtful touch that made gaming feel seamless.

The Design and Build: Sleek Yet Sturdy

This isn’t just a pretty screen—it’s a statement piece. The brushed metal bezel-less design makes it look modern and sophisticated, blending into my living space effortlessly. Despite its massive size, it doesn’t feel bulky or overwhelming. At 105.6 pounds, it’s hefty, but the build quality is solid. I had two friends help me set it up, and once it was mounted, it felt secure and stable.

The simple voice remote adds to the convenience. It works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, which made controlling the TV a breeze. I could adjust the volume, switch inputs, or even search for content without lifting more than a finger. It’s the kind of feature you don’t think you need until you have it.

Highlights

• Exceptional color accuracy with over a billion hues, thanks to Quantum Dot Technology.
• The Mini LED ULTRA backlight ensures deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing contrast.
• Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG support make it a perfect choice for HDR enthusiasts.
• Its Motion Rate 480 and MEMC frame insertion provide buttery smooth visuals, even for fast-paced scenes.

Caveats

Not everything about this TV is flawless, though. Here are a few things that stood out:

• The sheer size of the screen might not be ideal for smaller spaces. You need a big room to truly enjoy this TV without feeling overwhelmed.
• Audio quality, while decent, doesn’t quite match the stunning visuals. I found myself reaching for my soundbar more often than not.
• The Google TV interface is intuitive, but it occasionally lagged when I was navigating through apps.

Competing Products

I compared this TV to some alternatives like the Samsung QN90C and the Sony X90L, and it held its ground incredibly well. The Samsung QN90C does have slightly better audio and a sleeker interface, but it doesn’t offer the same level of brightness or the extensive gaming features. Meanwhile, the Sony X90L excels in motion processing but lacks the 240Hz VRR option that gamers will love about the TCL.

Ultimately, the TCL 85-inch Mini LED TV strikes a great balance between performance and price, especially if you’re looking for cinematic visuals and gaming capabilities.

Worth Every Penny?

Considering its robust feature set, this TV offers incredible value. The price-to-quality ratio is undeniably impressive. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the Mini LED technology, HDR ULTRA performance, and gaming enhancements make it worth the investment. If you’re upgrading from an older TV or looking to create a home theater setup, this one delivers on nearly every front. Just be prepared to invest in a good sound system to match the stunning visuals!

Additional information