Our decide
Able to dazzling brightness and vivacious colours, this TV is a standout performer amongst LCD/LED TVs, nevertheless it’s obtainable solely in bigger display screen sizes.
The TCL QM8 Sequence is the corporate’s premium 2023 TV line, and it reveals in each efficiency and options. This 4K TV employs a mini-LED backlight for improved distinction, quantum dots for extra vibrant colour, and a 120 Hz refresh price for cleaner, smoother movement. (You’ll be able to be taught extra about these tech phrases and others in our TV shopping for information.)
The QM8 is brighter than anything we’ve examined round this value, and it’s able to producing the wealthy, saturated colour that makes HDR films and video video games look terrific. It shines within the brightest of rooms, but it additionally achieves nice distinction and satisfyingly darkish shadow tones for film night time.
Low enter lag and a local 120 Hz refresh price make the QM8 a strong selection for avid gamers, too, and it gives built-in Google TV, our favourite smart-TV platform.
As for drawbacks, the QM8 is accessible solely in giant display screen sizes, particularly 65, 75, 85, and 98 inches. In case you’re in search of a 55-inch choice, take a look at our runner-up decide. As well as, like many LCD TVs, the QM8 loses some picture constancy whenever you sit off-center, however that’s much less of a problem with this mannequin than with some rivals. Lastly, the QM8 isn’t geared up with an ATSC 3.0 tuner, so it limits over-the-air broadcasts to a most decision of 1080p.
Runner-up
This TV comes very shut in efficiency and options to our prime decide however falls quick in just a few areas. Nonetheless, this one is accessible in a 55-inch dimension and has an ATSC 3.0 tuner.
The Hisense U8K Sequence is extraordinarily just like the TCL QM8 Sequence, boasting the identical superior efficiency applied sciences, smart-TV platform, and HDMI options. However throughout our head-to-head testing, the QM8 simply barely outpaced the U8K in sure key efficiency areas, because the U8K was not as correct out of the field, it didn’t look as cinematic with films, and it launched a bit extra enter lag throughout video-game playback.
Admittedly, these variations had been minimal, and the U8K has a few options which will make it a greater match for some consumers. It’s obtainable within the smaller, 55-inch display screen dimension, and it has an ATSC 3.0 tuner, so if you need the flexibility to tug in over-the-air 4K broadcasts utilizing an antenna, this mannequin is the only option.
Improve decide
With 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, better-sounding audio, and noteworthy video efficiency, this TV represents a real improve—and it’s priced to replicate that.
Samsung’s prime 4K Neo QLED mannequin, the Samsung QN95C Sequence, is the LCD TV to purchase if value isn’t any object and also you need blue-ribbon options, together with higher audio efficiency and construct high quality. Simply be ready to spend OLED-level cash to get it.
In efficiency, the Samsung QN95C outpaces the TCL QM8 in small however significant methods. However the place it actually justifies its value is in its design and options: It’s an especially sturdy however svelte-looking TV geared up with 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, and its onboard gaming hub and higher video processing push it into fancier territory than our prime decide and runner-up can fairly obtain.
As for drawbacks, the QN95C is accessible solely in three display screen sizes—65, 75, and 85 inches—and like all Samsung TVs, it might’t play Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR content material. Because it isn’t meaningfully brighter or extra colourful than our prime decide, we suggest shopping for it solely if you need a TV that’s as wealthy in design and options as it’s in image high quality.
