TCL QM8L Review

TCL fixed the complaint. All four HDMI inputs on the QM8L run at full bandwidth and carry the native 144Hz panel, which ends the annual ritual of explaining which two sockets on a TCL flagship are worth using.

The rest is the QM8K formula turned up. The Super Quantum Dot layer widens the gamut toward what an RGB backlight manages, the array reaches up to 4,000 dimming zones on the largest panel, and peak brightness goes far beyond what LG or Sony will sell at this price. The Bang and Olufsen speaker array is usable on its own, with a wireless subwoofer offered rather than required, and both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are supported, which Samsung still will not do.

The limits are the ones Mini LED always has. Blooming is controlled rather than absent, so end credits on black carry a faint glow, the wide angle treatment costs a little native contrast straight on, and upscaling of a poor cable feed is ordinary next to Sony. Google TV remains slower than the hardware deserves. At $2,499 for the 65 inch since April, with street prices already several hundred dollars under that, it is the value pick at the top of the Mini LED class.