TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV

We may earn from purchases via affiliate links

Original price was: $1,398.00.Current price is: $898.00.

Product Description

A Deep Dive into the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED TV: Premium Features Meet Value

Introduction

The TCL 65" QM8 launched in mid-2023 and quickly made waves by bringing premium TV features to a more accessible price point. Having spent considerable time testing TVs in this category, I can say this model represents a significant step forward in TCL's lineup, particularly in brightness and gaming capabilities.

The Technology Behind the Screen

Let's break down what makes this TV special, starting with its core display technology. Mini-LED backlighting uses thousands of tiny LEDs (much smaller than traditional LED backlights) arranged in 5,000 distinct dimming zones. In practical terms, this means when you're watching a dark scene with bright elements - think stars in a night sky - the TV can precisely control which areas are lit, creating impressive contrast without the blooming effect (light bleeding around bright objects) that plagues cheaper LED TVs.

During our testing in both bright and dark rooms, the QM8's brightness capabilities really stood out. It can hit peak brightness levels up to 5,000 nits in small areas - that's significantly brighter than most OLEDs and even many premium LED TVs. This makes HDR content particularly impressive, with brilliant highlights that really pop while maintaining deep blacks.

Gaming Features That Deliver

For gamers, this TV is a serious contender. The 120Hz native refresh rate (which can be pushed to 144Hz in certain scenarios) means silky-smooth motion, whether you're playing fast-paced shooters or racing games. We tested it with both PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles, and the Auto Game Mode consistently kicked in quickly, dropping input lag to impressively low levels.

The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports means you can take full advantage of next-gen gaming features:

  • 4K resolution at 120Hz
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification

In practice, this means games look incredibly smooth with minimal screen tearing or stuttering. During our gaming sessions, particularly with fast-paced titles like Call of Duty, the response time felt instantaneous.

Smart Features and Usability

The Google TV platform has come a long way, and it shows on the TCL QM8. The interface is snappy and intuitive, with personalized content recommendations that actually make sense. The built-in voice control supports both Google Assistant and Alexa, which I found particularly useful for quick searches or adjusting settings without diving into menus.

Some standout smart features include:

  • WiFi 6 support for faster, more stable streaming
  • Apple AirPlay 2 integration
  • Chromecast built-in
  • Comprehensive app support

Real-World Performance

In day-to-day use, the QM8 really shines in these key areas:

Picture Quality

The combination of Mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots delivers exceptional color accuracy and brightness. We noticed this particularly with HDR content - watching nature documentaries showed off the TV's ability to render both subtle color gradients and punchy, vibrant scenes.

The upscaling of lower-resolution content is also impressive. While watching cable TV and streaming 1080p content, the TV's processor did a great job of maintaining detail without introducing artificial sharpening artifacts.

Audio Performance

The built-in ONKYO 2.1.2 channel system is notably better than what you typically find in flat-panel TVs. With 80W of total power and up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos, it creates a surprisingly immersive soundstage. That said, for a proper home theater setup, you'll still want to pair it with a dedicated sound system or soundbar.

Home Theater Considerations

In a dedicated home theater room, the QM8 performs admirably. The high brightness capabilities aren't as crucial in a dark room, but they do make HDR content really pop. The local dimming is particularly effective in dark environments, creating OLED-like blacks in most scenes.

The only notable drawback for home theater use is the somewhat limited viewing angles - if you're setting up theater seating, you'll want to keep the viewing positions relatively centered.

Value and Competition

When compared to other TVs in its price range, the QM8 offers exceptional value. It competes with models costing significantly more, particularly in terms of brightness and gaming features. The improvements over previous TCL models are substantial, especially in processing power and local dimming performance.

Living with the TV

After extended testing, here are some real-world observations:

Pros:

  • Exceptional brightness for both SDR and HDR content
  • Excellent gaming performance
  • Strong smart platform with good app support
  • Premium features at a competitive price
  • Impressive built-in audio

Cons:

  • Limited viewing angles
  • Some blooming visible in extreme scenarios
  • Menu system can be complex
  • Occasional software updates needed

Final Thoughts

The TCL 65" QM8 represents a sweet spot in the current TV market, offering premium features without the premium price tag. It's particularly well-suited for:

  • Mixed-use living rooms with varying light conditions
  • Serious gamers who want top-tier features
  • Movie enthusiasts who want excellent HDR performance
  • Users who want a capable all-rounder without breaking the bank

While it may not quite match the absolute best TVs in every category, it delivers 90% of the performance at a significantly lower price point. The combination of Mini-LED technology, quantum dots, and strong processing makes this a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their TV experience without stepping into the highest price brackets.

For most users, this TV hits the sweet spot of features, performance, and value. Unless you specifically need the perfect blacks of an OLED or have an unusually wide seating arrangement, the QM8 should be on your shortlist.

TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV Deals and Prices

Is TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV Worth It?

The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV offers exceptional value with premium features like Mini-LED technology, high brightness, and advanced gaming capabilities at a mid-range price point. For home theater enthusiasts and everyday users alike, it delivers impressive performance that rivals more expensive models, making it a worthwhile investment.

How Bright Is the TCL QM8?

The QM8 can achieve peak brightness levels up to 5,000 nits, making it one of the brightest TVs in its class. This exceptional brightness ensures excellent performance in both bright rooms and for HDR content viewing.

Is the TCL QM8 Good for Gaming?

Yes, with HDMI 2.1 support, 120Hz refresh rate (up to 144Hz VRR), low input lag (<10ms), and features like Auto Game Mode and FreeSync Premium Pro, the TCL QM8 is excellent for gaming on both next-gen consoles and PCs.

How Does the TCL QM8 Perform in a Home Theater?

The QM8 performs excellently in home theater settings, offering deep blacks thanks to its 5,000 local dimming zones and high brightness for impactful HDR. While the built-in audio is good, pairing it with a dedicated sound system is recommended for the best theater experience.

Does the TCL QM8 Support Dolby Vision?

Yes, the TCL QM8 supports Dolby Vision IQ, along with HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats, ensuring compatibility with virtually all HDR content available today.

How Is the Smart TV Interface?

The Google TV platform on the QM8 is responsive and user-friendly, offering access to all major streaming services, built-in Chromecast, and voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa.

What's the Difference Between Mini-LED and OLED?

While OLED offers perfect blacks and unlimited contrast, the QM8's Mini-LED technology provides significantly higher brightness and better resistance to burn-in, making it more versatile for varied viewing conditions.

Is the Sound Quality Good Enough Without a Soundbar?

The built-in 2.1.2 channel ONKYO system with 80W output is better than most TVs, but for a true home theater experience, adding a soundbar or dedicated audio system is recommended.

How Many HDMI Ports Does the TCL QM8 Have?

The TCL QM8 comes with 4 HDMI ports, including one eARC port, providing plenty of connectivity options for gaming consoles, streaming devices, and audio equipment.

What Is the Best Viewing Distance for the 65" TCL QM8?

For optimal viewing of 4K content on the TCL QM8, the recommended viewing distance is between 6.5 to 9.5 feet, though this can be adjusted based on personal preference and room layout.

Sources

We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - tcl.com - the-gadgeteer.com - nfm.com - ecoustics.com - careyscommunications.com - pcrichard.com - tcl.com

Specs
Specs Table
TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV
Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing: 5,000 nits
Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast control: 5,000 zones
Panel Type - Affects image quality and viewing angles: Mini-LED QLED
Refresh Rate - Higher rates mean smoother motion: 120Hz native (144Hz VRR)
HDR Support - Determines compatibility with HDR content: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Gaming Features - Important for console/PC gaming: HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro
Input Lag - Lower means more responsive gaming:
Audio Output - Determines built-in sound capability: 80W (2.1.2 channel system)
Smart Platform: Google TV with Chromecast built-in
HDMI Ports: 4 (1x eARC)
Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Processor - Affects upscaling and picture processing: AIPQ PRO
Wireless Connectivity - Impacts streaming stability: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Weight: 77.2 lbs
Dimensions (without stand): 56.9" x 32.7" x 3.1"
Comparisons

Compared to Sony BRAVIA 9 65" 4K UHD Mini LED QLED Smart Google TV

The Sony BRAVIA 9 ($2,698) represents the premium alternative in the Mini LED TV market, distinguished primarily by its superior processing capabilities and refined picture quality. Sony's XR processor delivers noticeably better upscaling of non-4K content and more natural color reproduction, particularly with skin tones and subtle gradients. While it doesn't match the QM8's peak brightness specifications, it offers more sophisticated HDR tone mapping that can make some content look more true to life. The build quality is notably premium, and its implementation of the Google TV platform feels more polished, with fewer stutters or delays in daily use.
However, the question becomes whether these refinements justify more than doubling the price. The BRAVIA 9 delivers excellent motion handling, superior processing for challenging scenes, and better integration with PlayStation 5 gaming features. Yet for many viewers, these improvements might be subtle enough that they're hard to justify given the significant price premium. While it's objectively the better TV in terms of pure picture quality and processing sophistication, the real-world benefits may only be truly appreciated by videophiles or those with dedicated home theater rooms where every subtle improvement in picture quality matters.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Sony BRAVIA 9 65" 4K UHD Mini LED QLED Smart Google TV Details
💵 See Sony BRAVIA 9 65" 4K UHD Mini LED QLED Smart Google TV Price

Compared to Samsung 65" S95D 4K OLED Smart TV

The $2,295 Samsung S95D OLED takes a distinctly different approach to premium picture quality, leveraging QD-OLED technology to deliver perfect blacks and superior color accuracy that Mini-LED can't quite match. Its standout features include an innovative anti-glare coating that manages reflections better than traditional OLED screens, advanced gaming features with lower input lag, and consistently excellent picture quality from any viewing angle. The S95D also offers a more premium design with its One Connect box, which simplifies cable management and installation flexibility.
When comparing value propositions, the S95D's significantly higher price point needs to justify its advantages in picture quality and features. While it excels in dedicated home theater environments and offers superior gaming performance, its lower brightness output (1,700 nits vs the QM8's 3,180 nits) makes it less suitable for bright rooms. The $2,295 Samsung S95D represents the pinnacle of TV technology in 2024, but its premium features and price point make it a more specialized choice compared to the TCL QM8's versatility and value proposition.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung 65" S95D 4K OLED Smart TV Details
💵 See Samsung 65" S95D 4K OLED Smart TV Price

Compared to LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV

The LG G4 OLED evo ($2,599) takes a fundamentally different approach to picture quality with its self-emitting pixels, delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini-LED technology simply cannot match. In dark room viewing, particularly for movies and cinematic content, the G4's picture quality is noticeably superior, offering more natural colors and better shadow detail. The G4 also provides wider viewing angles and slightly better gaming performance with lower input lag, making it an excellent choice for both home theater enthusiasts and serious gamers who want the absolute best picture quality possible.
However, at more than twice the price of the TCL QM8, the G4's advantages become harder to justify for many buyers. While it excels in controlled lighting conditions, its peak brightness of 1,550 nits is significantly lower than the QM8's 5,000 nits, making it less suitable for bright room viewing. The G4 represents the pinnacle of TV technology in 2024, but its premium price point and lower brightness mean it's best suited for dedicated home theater spaces or viewers who prioritize absolute picture quality over value and versatility.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Details
💵 See LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Price

Compared to Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV

The Hisense H9G ($1,505) distinguishes itself with exceptional natural color processing and superior dark room performance, despite its older technology. While it offers fewer local dimming zones than the QM8, its processing delivers deeper blacks with less blooming in dark scenes, making it particularly appealing for dedicated home theater environments. The H9G's motion handling is notably refined, offering smoother playback of 24fps movie content without the occasionally aggressive processing seen in the QM8. Its Android TV interface, while older, has matured through multiple updates to provide stable, reliable performance.
However, the Hisense H9G shows its age in several areas, most notably its lack of HDMI 2.1 features and lower peak brightness of 1,000 nits. While still impressive, this brightness level falls short of the QM8's capabilities for HDR highlights and bright room viewing. The higher price point is also difficult to justify in 2024, especially considering its older technology and limited gaming features. While the H9G remains an excellent choice for movie enthusiasts who prioritize natural image quality and dark room performance, its value proposition has diminished compared to newer options like the QM8, unless found at a significant discount.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV Details
💵 See Hisense 65" H9G Quantum Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV Price

Compared to Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV

The Samsung S90D OLED represents a premium alternative at $2,299, showcasing OLED's signature perfect blacks and superior viewing angles that Mini-LED technology can't match. Released in March 2024, it features Samsung's latest quantum processing improvements and maintains consistent picture quality even when viewed from extreme angles, making it ideal for wide seating arrangements. The S90D's self-emitting pixels deliver unmatched precision in dark scenes, completely eliminating the blooming effect that's sometimes visible on the QM8, particularly noticeable in letterboxed movies or dark room viewing.
However, the Samsung S90D commands a significant price premium while falling short of the QM8's brightness capabilities, making it a more specialized choice best suited for controlled lighting environments or dedicated home theaters. While it offers excellent gaming features and Samsung's refined Tizen interface, these advantages don't necessarily justify the $801 price difference for many users. The S90D's primary appeal lies in its superior movie-watching experience in dark rooms and its ability to maintain perfect picture quality from any viewing position, but these benefits come at the cost of lower peak brightness and a higher price tag that may be harder to justify for general viewing environments.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Details
💵 See Samsung 65" OLED S90D TV Price

Compared to Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV

The Panasonic 65" OLED ($2,799) represents a premium alternative with its self-emitting pixel technology that delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio. Its latest generation OLED panel with Micro Lens Array technology helps address traditional OLED brightness limitations, though it still can't match the TCL's peak brightness. Where the Panasonic truly excels is in its superior processing capabilities, with the HCX Pro AI Processor delivering notably better motion handling and upscaling of non-4K content. This makes it particularly impressive for movie watching in controlled lighting conditions, where its perfect blacks and wider viewing angles create a more cinema-like experience.
However, the Panasonic OLED comes with some significant trade-offs, primarily its substantially higher price point and lower brightness that may impact daytime viewing. While its picture quality is undeniably superior in a dark room, the difference becomes less noticeable in bright environments where the TCL's higher brightness proves more practical. The Panasonic also carries a theoretical risk of burn-in, though modern OLED technologies have largely mitigated this concern. For dedicated home theater enthusiasts who primarily watch movies in controlled lighting conditions and aren't constrained by budget, the Panasonic's superior contrast and processing might justify its premium price, but for most users, the performance gap may not warrant the significant cost difference.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV Details
💵 See Panasonic 65" OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart TV Price

Compared to Samsung QN900D Series 65" Neo QLED 8K Smart TV

The Samsung QN900D represents the pinnacle of current TV technology, with its 8K resolution and cutting-edge NQ8 AI Gen3 processor delivering unmatched picture processing and upscaling capabilities. At $4,999, it commands a premium price but offers several meaningful advantages over the QM8, including superior viewing angles, more precise local dimming control with over 2,000 zones, and higher peak brightness reaching 4,000 nits. The One Connect Box solution provides cleaner installation options, while its 6.2.4 channel audio system delivers more immersive built-in sound.
However, the key question is whether these improvements justify the 5x price difference for most users. While the Samsung QN900D clearly offers better picture quality, particularly in terms of processing and motion handling, the real-world benefits of 8K resolution remain limited by available content. The Samsung's superior viewing angles and more refined HDR performance make it the better choice for dedicated home theater installations where cost is no object, but its premium features may be overkill for typical viewing environments where the QM8's excellent performance already exceeds most users' needs.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung QN900D Series 65" Neo QLED 8K Smart TV Details
💵 See Samsung QN900D Series 65" Neo QLED 8K Smart TV Price

Compared to Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV

The Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV ($1,698) distinguishes itself through superior picture processing and perfect black levels that only OLED technology can deliver. Its XR processor handles motion and upscaling of lower resolution content noticeably better than the TCL QM8, making it particularly adept at displaying cable TV, streaming content, and older movies. In a dark or controlled lighting environment, the OLED's infinite contrast and pixel-level dimming create an unmatched cinematic experience, with absolutely no blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds - a subtle but noticeable advantage over even the TCL's impressive Mini-LED implementation. The Sony also maintains better picture quality at wider viewing angles, making it more versatile for rooms where not everyone sits directly in front of the TV.
While the Sony commands a $700 premium over the TCL QM8, this price difference brings tangible benefits for certain viewers. The superior motion handling and more accurate color reproduction make it the better choice for serious movie enthusiasts and those with dedicated home theaters. However, its lower brightness output (roughly half that of the TCL) means it's best suited for controlled lighting environments rather than bright rooms. The OLED technology also carries a small risk of burn-in with static images, though this is mainly a concern for users who display static content for extended periods. For viewers who prioritize absolute picture quality over brightness and primarily watch in darker environments, the Sony's premium price can be justified by its superior performance in these specific conditions.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV Details
💵 See Sony BRAVIA 8 65" 4K OLED TV Price

Compared to Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV

The Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV ($1,798) distinguishes itself with superior processing capabilities and notably better viewing angles, making it ideal for wide seating arrangements. Samsung's Neo Quantum Processor delivers more refined upscaling and better handling of older content, while its color accuracy out of the box exceeds the TCL's performance. The Tizen OS interface, while more restrictive than Google TV, provides a more polished and streamlined user experience that some users may prefer. Gaming features, though capped at 144Hz, feel more refined and integrated.
However, the significant price premium of the Samsung QN85D makes it harder to justify for many buyers, especially considering the TCL's higher brightness and greater number of local dimming zones. While Samsung's premium features and processing capabilities are impressive, they may not provide enough real-world benefit to justify the $800 price difference for most users. The Samsung makes more sense for those who specifically need its wider viewing angles or superior processing, or for whom price is less of a concern than getting the most refined overall experience.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Details
💵 See Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Price

Compared to Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV

The Samsung QN90D ($2,498) represents the premium end of Mini-LED technology, with its standout feature being Samsung's advanced Neo Quantum processor that delivers superior upscaling and more natural color processing. This becomes particularly noticeable when watching cable TV, older content, or compressed streaming shows, where the Samsung maintains better picture quality and fewer artifacts. Its gaming capabilities are also more refined, with class-leading 9.1ms input lag and Samsung's Gaming Hub providing additional features for serious gamers. The motion handling is notably better, with less blur during fast-moving scenes in sports or action movies.
However, it's worth considering whether these refinements justify the significant price premium over the QM8. While the Samsung QN90D offers better processing and a more polished experience overall, it actually falls short of the QM8's raw brightness capabilities and has fewer local dimming zones. The Tizen OS, while smooth and responsive, is more limited than Google TV's open ecosystem. For viewers who primarily watch high-quality content and aren't competitive gamers, the Samsung's advantages may not be worth the additional $1,500 investment. The QN90D is undeniably excellent, but its value proposition is harder to justify unless you specifically need its premium features.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV Details
💵 See Samsung 65" QN90D Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV Price

Compared to Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV

The Sony BRAVIA 7 ($1,399) distinguishes itself with superior picture processing and more accurate color reproduction, particularly noticeable when watching movies and streaming content. Its Cognitive XR processor delivers noticeably better upscaling of non-4K content, and its motion handling is more refined, especially during sports and action scenes. While its 1,500 nit peak brightness is lower than the QM8, Sony's more sophisticated local dimming control often results in better overall contrast and more natural-looking images, especially in home theater environments.
Where the Sony BRAVIA 7 really justifies its higher price is in its long-term value and reliability. The included five-year warranty, better build quality, and more polished Google TV implementation make it feel like a more premium product. Its out-of-box color accuracy eliminates the need for professional calibration, effectively reducing the real-world price gap. However, the $500 premium over the QM8 might be hard to justify for casual viewers who don't need the absolute best in picture processing and motion handling, especially if gaming is a priority since the QM8 offers better gaming features at a lower price point.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV Details
💵 See Sony BRAVIA 7 65" 4K UHD Smart Google TV Price

You May Also Like:

Televisions

Shop the Category
our-favorite-plants-(and-how-we-keep-them-alive)

Buying Guides

Check out the latest buying guides
the-best-external-desktop-hard-drive
ยฉ JRW Publishing Company, 2023
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.

magnifiercross
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram
Share to...