ZDNET Highlights
- The TCL QM8K (65-inch) is currently on sale at Amazon for $999.
- It handles HDR content with eye-popping, realistic brightness.
- With the addition of a soundbar, its audio will become more impressive.
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TCL consistently outperforms its competitors, offering impressive TV technology at prices that require a cost-benefit analysis when considering other brands. For this reason, I have recommended some recent TCL models to readers, friends, and family.
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After spending several weeks with the 65-in. QM8K In our test lab, I found out what differentiates the company’s 2025 flagship model from other models in its range.
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First impressions and setup
Not long ago, I reviewed the step-down QM7K, which is a great mini LED. My primary criticism was the issue of installing the base/stand on the TV, which required 12 screws and more time than I expected. Disappointingly, the QM8K required exactly the same process; Despite the $1,200 difference between the two models, there was no improvement.
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The QM8K has a “zeroborder” design, which is close, but not quite: its actual bezel is about 4 mm wide. That’s not bad at all, but “zero” means nothing, not four millimeters. Still, you will be seeing a floating rectangle shiny A fantasy that holds up well even in a sunny room with lots of windows.
Its remote control is similar to that of the QM7K, which is a bit plasticky for a flagship product. Although it’s not as premium as the TV it controls, it has a backlit remote (thankfully), and you can operate the TV hands-free with voice control via Google Assistant.
Once you have the QM8K on its feet – or one of its big feet – the setup process is straightforward and fairly quick. Guided by the familiar Google TV interface, getting my various streaming apps up and running was painless. With a 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 thing for any TV is picture quality, and this is where the QM8K’s strengths and weaknesses become apparent. The QM8K has a maximum brightness of up to 5,000 nits. Our testing concluded with a maximum brightness level of over 4,500 nits at 70% of the screen, which is no joke. Translation: Its HDR content could be brighter. Brightly lit scenes look stunning, and the QM8K is quite capable of overcoming glare in a room.
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However, brightness is only part of the equation. While the QM8K has 35% more dimming zones than its predecessor and a “new halo control system”, it is not immune to the light blooming effect around bright objects. At $2,200 for a mini-LED, this isn’t a disappointment, but it’s something to consider.
TCL’s developments are moving even closer to OLED territory for deep, inky blacks. In a pitch black room, with a very specific test pattern, you can still see a hint of blooming on the QM8K. But when viewing in the real world, watching a movie like “Dune 2” with its crisp, high-contrast visuals, black levels were excellent. For 99% of the people I saw, this was not an issue.
Image management and gaming
The QM8K’s AiPQ Pro processor is common to all three products in this series. However, the physical body of this TV (panel, backlight, and other components) combined with its software optimizes it for better overall picture performance. QM7K,
One such component panel is what TCL calls the Crystalglow WHVA panel. This panel offers wider viewing angles and less glare than the QM7K. Despite the QM8K’s improved viewing angles, there is some degradation in color and contrast when viewing off-centre – a noticeable issue for a family spread out over a wide sofa.
In fact, the QM6K is also equipped with CrystGlow WHVA. Although this is a feature that performs best with the QM8K’s hardware advances, I must say that the difference in terms of viewing angle between the QM6K to the QM8K is hardly visible to the naked eye.
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The QM8K’s native 144Hz refresh rate, along with support for VRR and ALLM, creates a fluid and responsive gaming experience. Connecting the 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 required for 4K at 144 Hz as only two of the four ports do so. This may be a limitation if you have multiple next-gen consoles or a high-end PC. This is an area where major competitors often offer more flexibility.
Great sound, although not exactly cinematic
TCL’s partnership with Bang & Olufsen on the QM8K speaker system is a commendable step forward for this year’s series. The sound system is strong, dialogue is clear, and the sound has enough potential to make movies and shows entertaining without immediately reaching for another remote.
That said, the B&O branding may not meet audiophile expectations, mainly because the physical limitations of speakers packed into a thin TV chassis still apply. Bass is present but it lacks the deep, room-shaking rumble of a dedicated subwoofer. While it’s a better built-in system, it also won’t replace a midrange soundbar for those who prioritize immersive audio.
ZDNET’s shopping advice
As I mentioned above, in a brightly lit room, where my OLED sometimes struggles with reflections and washed out colors, TCL QM8K There is a torch. HDR content, in particular, is explosive. The sunset in 4K samples, the exploration of a submerged coral reef, the light blue glow of Frodo’s sword, the “sting” – all come with wow factor for a $3,000 TV.
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But the thing is this. you can get one 65 inch TCL QM7K For very little. That size is less that of a TV and more that of a wall. And with that size in a Mini LED, you’re getting even more value because with more and smaller dimming zones on a larger screen, Mini LED TVs can more precisely control light distribution, significantly increasing contrast and detail in both dark and bright areas.
If your viewing room lacks the real estate for a TV of that size, just take your expectations down a notch and buy TCL QM7K At 65 inches for about $800. With upgrades and all, you’re unlikely to be disappointed by any visual differences.
Ultimately, though, it’s fair to say that the QM8K is a legitimate contender for the best “bright room” TV on the market.
Technical specifications of TCL QM8K
- QD-mini LED
- tcl hello control system
- Precise dimming up to LD3800
- High HDR5000 brightness
- Cristglo WHVA Panel
- Advanced QLED
- 4K UltraHD resolution
- 144Hz native refresh rate
- game accelerator 288
- TCL AIPQ Pro Processor
- Motion Rate 480 with MEMC Frame Insertion
- movie maker mode
- HDR Ultra with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG
- Audio by Bang & Olufsen
- dolby atmos audio
- DTS Virtual:X
- ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV Digital Tuner
- IMAX Advanced Certification
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
- ultra slim design
- Google TV Smart OS with hands-free voice control and backlit voice remote
- bluetooth personal audio
- 4 HDMI inputs including one with eARC
- Wi-Fi 6
- Google Chromecast Built-in
- apple airplay 2
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
Update Log:
- This story was originally published on June 23, 2025, and was updated on December 24 after fact-checking and adjustments to pricing following recent promotions.
