TCL QM85 TV Review: A Full Feature QLED Experience Worth Considering?

joe603

New member

First Impressions​

The TCL QM851G showcases a solid design with its thin bezels, though the reflective finish can be distracting in brightly lit environments. The overall build quality is commendable, with a sturdy plastic construction that feels durable despite some flexing near the mounting points. The recessed side-facing inputs may pose a challenge for wall-mounted setups, but the inclusion of a built-in ONKYO subwoofer and effective cable management options enhance its functionality. Overall, the TCL QM851G presents a well-constructed TV, though users should be mindful of potential glare issues.

Introduce​

Parameter
TCL QM85 TV​
Picture​
TCLQM85TV.jpg
Reference Price​
$897.99​
Model Year​
2024​
Specific Uses​
home entertainment​
Built-In Media​
1x Power Cable, 1x TV Remote, 1x Quick Start Guide, 1x Stand Neck Component, 1x Stand Plate, 2x AAA TV Remote Batteries​
Highlight
Display Size: 65 inches
Panel Type: QLED
Resolution: 4K UltraHD (3840 x 2160)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Processor: TCL AIPQ PRO
Dimming Zones: Up to 5,000 local dimming zones
Color Space: DCI-P3
HDR Support: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Peak Brightness: Up to 5,000 nits
Smart TV Platform: Google TV
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, multiple HDMI and USB ports

System​

Parameter
TCL QM85 TV​
Operating System​
Google TV​
Internet Applications​
Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, YouTube​
Remote Control​
Bluetooth​
Controller Type​
Voice Control​
Control Method​
Voice​
System Experience
Overall Impression: The TCL QM851G offers a user-friendly experience with its smooth Google TV interface and a wide range of available apps, making it easy to access various content. However, the presence of non-removable ads in the smart interface may detract from the overall enjoyment for some users. The ability to cast content from mobile devices and play videos directly from USB adds to its versatility.

Display​

Parameter
TCL QM85 TV​
Display Technology​
QD Mini-LED, QLED​
Screen Finish​
Flat​
Has Color Screen​
Yes​
Resolution​
4K​
Refresh Rate​
144 Hz​
Picture Enhancement​
QLED ULTRA and QD-Mini LED ULTRA​
Motion Enhancement​
MEMC Frame Insertion​
Viewing Experience
The TCL QM851G delivers an impressive viewing experience with outstanding contrast and deep blacks, particularly when local dimming is enabled. Its blooming performance is commendable, with minimal haloing around bright objects. The TV excels in HDR color gamut coverage, especially in the DCI-P3 color space, although colors tend to be slightly undersaturated. While gray uniformity is generally good, there are some issues with dirty screen effect and corner brightness. Black uniformity is superb with local dimming, enhancing the overall picture quality. However, the viewing angle is limited, leading to significant color and brightness shifts off-center. The reflection handling is excellent, effectively minimizing glare, although rainbow smearing can occur. Additionally, the TV performs well with low-quality content smoothing, albeit with some detail loss. The BGR subpixel layout may affect text clarity for PC use, but it does not pose issues for video or gaming content. Overall, the TCL QM851G is a strong performer in terms of contrast, color, and reflection handling, making it a solid choice for cinematic viewing.

Audio​

Parameter
TCL QM85 TV​
Audio Channels​
2.1.2​
Audio Output​
Dolby Atmos​
Audio Input​
HDMI, Bluetooth​
Speaker Description​
2.1.2 channel speaker system with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio technology, Onkyo up-firing speakers, and a total of 5 speakers (2 main channel speakers, 2 up-firing speakers, and 1 subwoofer)​
Audio Experience
The TCL QM851G offers a decent overall audio performance with a balanced sound profile that enhances dialogue clarity. The built-in ONKYO subwoofer provides some bass, although it may not satisfy those seeking a more powerful low-end experience. While the TV performs adequately at moderate volume levels, it struggles with noticeable distortion at maximum volume, limiting its overall loudness and audio fidelity. Overall, it's a functional choice for casual viewing but falls short in delivering a robust sound experience at higher volumes.

Features​

Parameter
TCL QM85 TV​
Video Encoding​
HEVC (H.265)​
Screen Mirroring​
Apple AirPlay 2​
Compatible Devices​
Any audio output device that can connect to the TV​
Tuner Type​
ATSC​
Other Features​
Built-In Speaker, Game Mode, Chromecast, Wide Color Enhancer, Bezel-Less Design​
D x W x H​
1.38"D x 56.69"W x 32.68"H​

Connectivity​

Parameter
TCL QM85 TV​
Connectivity Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Wireless Technology​
Wi-Fi​
Usb Ports​
3​
USB2.0 Ports​
2​
USB3.0 Ports​
1​
HDMI Ports​
4​
Connector Type​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Signal Format​
ATSC, NTSC, Clear QAM​
Compatibility​
The TCL QM851G offers an impressive gaming experience with notably low input lag of just 8ms when operating in Game Mode at 1080p @ 240Hz, ensuring minimal delay between user actions and on-screen response. However, users may encounter a recurring bug that necessitates a power cycle to restore the expected low input lag. The TV features HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on its HDMI ports, with HDMI 1 supporting 4K @ 144Hz and 1080p @ 240Hz, while HDMI 2 allows for gaming at 4K @ 120Hz. Additionally, it includes an eARC port, allowing for high-quality audio transmission to compatible devices. The support for all common HDR formats and an ATSC 3.0 tuner enhances its capability for streaming high-quality 4K content. Overall, the TCL QM851G is well-equipped for gamers and offers robust audio support, though users should be prepared to address the input lag bug.​

User Feedback​

Pros
• Stunning picture quality with impressive brightness and color accuracy.
• Excellent black levels and contrast, rivaling OLEDs in performance.
• Good sound quality that negates the need for a soundbar for most users.
• Highly customizable picture settings for different content types.
• Fast and responsive Google TV interface.
• Affordable price compared to similar sized TVs from other brands.
• Good for gaming with support for HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and low latency.
• NextGenTV capability for high-definition OTA viewing.
• Well-packaged and easy to set up, especially with large sizes.

Cons
• Occasional flickering and visual glitches reported by some users.
• Some users experienced issues with picture settings not sticking across different content types.
• Limited options for remote control functionality, particularly with universal remotes.
• Some users reported latency issues at lower refresh rates (24Hz).
• The integration with smart home systems like Alexa may not work as expected.
• Minor issues with upscaling lower resolution content.
• Some users find the motion smoothing effects undesirable.

Overall Impression
The TCL QM8 series (2024 model) is a remarkable television that offers exceptional picture quality, brightness, and solid sound performance, making it an excellent choice for both movie enthusiasts and gamers. While there are some quirks and minor issues related to software and remote control functionality, the overall value and performance at this price point make it a strong contender in the market. If you're looking for a large TV with impressive specs without the premium price tag of brands like LG or Sony, the TCL QM8 is definitely worth considering.
 
The picture quality is amazing! I've had an OLED TV, and this one is super close in quality. The OLED was great, but it was kinda dim compared to Mini LED TVs. Plus, I started getting burn-in, which happens with OLEDs no matter how careful you are. If you're thinking about getting this TV, just go for it—you'll love it!
 

GreatKangaroo

New member
Our old TV died outta nowhere, so we ordered a new one. It got here fast, and our relative set it up in the entertainment center. Now we're loving the awesome clear picture!
 

Charger196904

New member
This TV has an awesome display! The blacks are super deep and the colors pop. Set up was a breeze with my iPhone. My son loved playing his new Xbox on it. Only tricky part was reaching the ports on the side after we hung it up, but way easier than our old Vizio. Totally worth it!
 
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