TCL’s new QM8K series Mini-LED TVs are now available to buy in the U.S., replacing last year’s flagship model, the TCL QM851G. It’s the U.S. equivalent of Europe’s TCL C8K Mini-LED TV, which has already been launched in the U.K. and elsewhere.
The TCL QM8K features the company’s new CrystGlow WHVA Panel with ZeroBorder, which is said to increase the number of local dimming zones by around 35% compared to the QM851G, while boosting peak brightness by an impressive 65%.
So you’re getting super-sharp, super-bright pictures in an array of size options, ranging from 65-inches to 98-inches. TCL said the 65- and 85-inch models are on sale now, while the 75- and 98-inch versions will go on sale next month.
Prices start at $2,299 for the 65-inch model, with the 75-, 85- and 98-inch models set to cost $2,999, $3,799 and $6,499 respectively.
The new panel comes with an anti-reflective matte coating that’s designed to reduce screen glare, so you’ll see less reflections. It also boosts the viewing angle, virtually eliminating colour shift, the company said. Altogether, the viewing angle has been increased by about 40% compared to last year’s model.
As for the ZeroBorder bezel, the bezel is still there, but it has been slimmed down to just 3-4 millimetres, creating an effect – certainly at a distance – of the screen floating in mid-air. TCL said it achieved the ZeroBored by using a one-piece, aerospace-grade aluminium alloy mold combined with anodized ceramic film, which helps to stabilise the display panel in its slim frame.
Also new and impressive is TCL’s Halo Control System, which is a new feature that utilises the TV’s Super High Energy LED chip and a Super Condensed micro lens, together with a 23-bit backlight controller and Dynamic Light Algorithm to improve the accuracy of the colours on-screen and reduce the “halo” effect that’s often apparent with Mini-LED TVs.
Elsewhere, TCL points to the 144Hz native refresh rate of the panel, which enables a super-smooth gaming experience. It’s paired with AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro and Variable Refresh Rates, and there is support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and other high-dynamic range formats. For the first time on a TCL TV, we’ll also get Filmmaker Mode, and Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode will arrive through a firmware update in the coming months.
In terms of audio, the built-in speaker system was manufactured by Bang & Olufsen, featuring up-firing speakers to help enhance the Dolby Atmos surround sound effects. B&O also created the audio menu, which features dozens of new settings to customise the sound experience.
The TV runs the Google TV operating system, and there is a revamped user interface, plus hands-free control through the Gemini assistant, plus an Art Mode that allows you to generate your own AI artwork for displaying when the TV is in standby mode.
Although it’s the European version of the C8K, the QM8K is not exactly the same. That’s because it also integrates an ATSC 3.0 tuner to enable it to support NextGen TV broadcasts. Euro models don’t have this, as they use different broadcasting standards.
HDTVTest's Vincent Teoh was lucky enough to have a quick look at the TCL QM8K at the CES 2025 show in January, alongside various other models the company is launching this year:
