TCL is launching new versions of its 4K 5-Series and 6-Series QLED TVs, and for the first time they're running the new Google TV platform that debuted on Google’s 2020 Chromecast dongle last year, as opposed to Roku OS. 

The TCL 6-Series TV (pictured) is also notably one of the cheapest Mini-LED TVs launched this year that money can buy, with the 55-inch version selling for just $1,199, while the larger 65-inch model looks to be a snip at just $1,499. Besides the Mini-LED tech, which uses thousands of miniaturised LEDs to improve local dimming, the TCL 6-Series has also been upgraded and is now capable of 4K at 120Hz, something that will be a big deal for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X games fans. 

The TCL 5-Series TV also announced today doesn’t come with Mini-LED and it doesn’t support 4K@120Hz, but aside from that it’s still a pretty high-spec QLED TV. For one thing, the 5-Series offers full-array local dimming with variable refresh rate and auto low-latency mode for gaming.

Both models support HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and they both come with always-listening microphones that can be used to control the TV using voice commands. Users can choose to disable the microphone if they’d prefer to use the remote, though. 

TCL also highlighted Google TV’s content-focused user interface, which is quite a bit different from the grid-like Roku OS seen on its older generation 5-Series and 6-Series TVs. 

“With the addition of Google TV, TCL’s latest offerings will also come with notable features like the For You tab where users will find new content based on their interests, across their streaming services; the Watchlist to fine tune recommendations by clicking on content and saving to watch later, even from a browser or phone; and the Live TV integrated channel guide where recommendations for streaming content are visible alongside live program listings,” the company said. 

TCL said it’s taking pre-orders for its 5-Series and 6-Series TVs from today. The 5-Series models will ship within the next two weeks, with the 6-Series to follow shortly afterwards, it said. There’s also a 75-inch version of the TCL 6-Series in the works, set to arrive later this year. 

TCL told HDTVTest the new Google TV models are an addition to its existing lineup, and that it will continue to sell 5-Series and 6-Series TVs running Roku OS. In addition, the Roku OS platform will power several of TCL's premium models, including the TCL 8-Series and the 8K capable 6-Series model announced last month.