Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 System
- 4 Display
- 5 Audio
- 6 Features
- 7 Connectivity
- 8 User Feedback
First Impressions
The TCL 65Q550G looks pretty good for a budget TV. It's a simple design, with thin bezels on all three sides and a slightly thicker bezel at the bottom.The back of the TV is very plain and looks cheap. The inputs are housed in a larger section on the back, near the center of the TV, so theyre difficult to access if its wall-mounted. There are clips on both sides to help withcable management.
The TV has okay build quality. It wobbles a bit on its feet, but its nothing to worry about. Theres a bit of flex in the metallic upper section of the back, with more noticeable flex in the middle section of the back around the VESA mounts, but this is common and won't cause any issues.Our unit has a minor pinch in the bottom middle of the screen, which is noticeable indark scenes.
Introduce
| Parameter | TCL Q5 |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $267.99 |
Model Year | 2024 |
Built-In Media | 1x Power Cable, 2x TV Stands, 1x TV Remote, 1x Quick Start Guide, 2x AAA TV Remote Batteries |
Highlight | • Display: 55-inch QLED, 4K UltraHD (3840 x 2160), HDR support • Processor: TCL AIPQ with deep learning AI • Smart Features: Smart TV platform (unspecified), supports Netflix and other streaming services • Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X surround sound • Gaming: Auto Game Mode for reduced input lag |
System
| Parameter | TCL Q5 |
|---|---|
Internet Applications | Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Google TV, YouTube |
Remote Control | Bluetooth |
Controller Type | Voice Control |
Control Method | Voice |
System Experience | Overall, the TCL Q5 offers a user-friendly experience with its version 11 of Google TV OS, providing smooth navigation and access to a wide variety of popular streaming apps. However, the presence of ads throughout the interface, which cannot be disabled, may detract from the user experience for some. |
Display
| Parameter | TCL Q5 |
|---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Display Technology | QLED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Has Color Screen | Yes |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
HDR Format | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
Motion Enhancement | MEMC Frame Insertion |
Viewing Experience | Overall Impression: The TCL Q550G TV presents a mixed performance profile. It boasts a strong native contrast, delivering deep blacks in dim scenes; however, the absence of a local dimming feature limits its ability to maintain consistent black levels during bright scenes, leading to washed-out images. Color reproduction is commendable, with good coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, though greens and yellows may appear undersaturated, and heavily saturated colors can be inaccurate. The TV demonstrates decent gray uniformity, but vignetting and banding are noticeable on brighter colors, affecting the viewing experience in some content. While black uniformity is impressive, there is some backlight bleed, which can detract from darker scenes. Viewing angles are a significant downside, as color shifting and brightness loss occur off-center, making it less suitable for wide seating arrangements. Reflection handling is decent, effectively managing indirect reflections but struggling with direct light sources. The unique BGR subpixel layout may impact text clarity for PC use, resulting in slightly blurry text. Overall, the TCL Q550G offers good performance for general viewing but has notable limitations that could affect the experience for users seeking optimal picture quality and versatility. |
Audio
| Parameter | TCL Q5 |
|---|---|
Audio Output | [MULTIPLE] |
Audio Input | HDMI |
Audio Experience | The TCL Q5 presents a mixed overall impression primarily due to its audio performance. While it handles sound distortion reasonably well at lower volumes, the frequency response is disappointing, lacking sufficient bass and volume, making it unsuitable for noisy environments. At max volume, distortion becomes unpleasant, detracting from the listening experience. Overall, while it may perform adequately at moderate levels, the unbalanced sound and limitations in bass and loudness hinder its appeal. |
Features
| Parameter | TCL Q5 |
|---|---|
Tuner Type | ATSC |
D x W x H | 2.74"D x 48.19"W x 27.87"H |
Mount Standard | 300 x 300 mm |
Line Voltage | 110 VAC 60 Hz |
Other Features | Built-In Speaker, Game Mode, Chromecast, Wide Color Enhancer, Bezel-Less Design |
Motion Smoothing | The TCL Q5 presents a mixed overall impression. While it excels in detail preservation and boasts a good response time, it struggles with low-quality content smoothing, resulting in significant macro-blocking during dark scenes. The performance in dark transitions is hindered by some black smearing. The use of pulse width modulation for backlight dimming may be problematic for sensitive users, although it remains flicker-free in multiple picture modes at specified brightness levels. Additionally, the motion interpolation feature offers some improvement for 30 fps content but can introduce noticeable artifacts in fast-moving scenes. Overall, the TCL Q5 has strengths in certain areas but also notable weaknesses that may affect the viewing experience. |
Connectivity
| Parameter | TCL Q5 |
|---|---|
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
Screen Mirroring | Google Cast |
Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 1 |
USB2.0 Ports | 1 |
HDMI Ports | 3 |
Connector Type | HDMI, USB |
Signal Format | [POSSIBLY] Digital |
Sharing Direction | TV to Mobile |
Connecting TV | The TCL Q5 delivers a solid performance for gaming and PC use, offering impressively low input lag in both Game Mode and Picture Mode. It supports chroma 4:4:4 for clear text when used as a PC monitor, which enhances its versatility. While it doesn't fully utilize the capabilities of the PS5 due to the lack of HDMI 2.1 bandwidth for 4K at 120Hz, it still manages to provide a commendable 1440p at 120Hz on larger models, alongside effective HDR gaming performance. The TV features support for VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. However, it is limited by HDMI 2.0 bandwidth on its ports, which restricts certain functionalities, and the tuner only supports ATSC 1.0, preventing 4K over-the-air streaming. The support for eARC is a positive aspect, allowing for high-quality audio transmission, though it falls short in passing full DTS formats. Overall, the TCL Q5 is a capable choice for gamers and PC users, with notable strengths in responsiveness and HDR performance, despite some limitations in audio and streaming capabilities. |
User Feedback
Pros• Amazing picture quality with crisp and clear visuals
• Dolby Atmos sound and multiple audio settings enhance the viewing experience
• Supports various screen modes for different viewing scenarios (Cinema, Sports, Vivid)
• Excellent gaming performance with smooth 4K and high frame rates
• Little to no bezel, providing a modern aesthetic
• Google TV platform with access to popular apps
• Upscaling capabilities for enhanced picture quality
• Great value for the price compared to competitors
Cons
• Limited to the Google TV interface, which may not appeal to everyone
• Some users may prefer a different native live TV experience than what's offered
• Not as many gaming features for hardcore gamers compared to specialized gaming monitors
Overall Impression
This 55" QLED TV from TCL offers outstanding picture quality, advanced sound features, and a solid gaming experience at an unbeatable price. It combines modern aesthetics with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for both casual viewers and gamers alike. The value for money is exceptional, and it’s a worthy upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment setup. Highly recommended for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
