TCL has officially rolled out its 2025 flagship television, the QM8K — a follow-up to last year’s Highly Recommended QM851G — and it’s packed with updates across design, display tech, and audio features. And while the name might sound like just another model number, it’s actually the company’s new flagship for 2025, and it brings several key improvements that could make a real difference in how you experience your favorite shows, games, and movies. Here’s what you need to know.
The QM8K debuts TCL’s new CrystGlow WHVA Panel with what the company calls “ZeroBorder.” What does that mean for you? Basically, the TV has an ultra-wide viewing angle — about 40% wider than its predecessor, which helps maintain consistent color even when you’re sitting off to the side. That’s handy if you’ve got a big group watching together and not everyone is parked dead center on the couch.
The ZeroBorder design cuts down the frame around the screen to just 3–4 millimeters. To make that happen, TCL used an aluminum alloy frame and a special anodized coating for strength and stability. They even shrunk the driver circuitry around the panel edges to avoid issues like light leakage. The result? A TV that’s nearly all screen, giving you a more immersive visual experience.
One of the biggest changes under the hood is TCL’s new Halo Control System. This system is designed to manage brightness, contrast, and light control more precisely.
Here’s how it works in a nutshell:
Combined, these upgrades aim to give you clearer details, deeper blacks, and punchier highlights — whether you’re watching sports, movies, or playing video games.
“At TCL, we are focused on continual improvement and wanted to put pressure on the market, especially in screen sizes over 75-inches, and our Precise Dimming Series does exactly that,” said Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President, TCL North America. “The QM8K represents the culmination of TCL’s commitment to R&D and its performance delivers market-leading QD-Mini LED television technology, with a thin and elegant design that is worthy of its premium designation.”
If you’re into gaming or love fast-paced content like sports, the QM8K has some useful features. The TV supports a native 144Hz refresh rate, and with TCL’s Game Accelerator 288, it can go up to a variable refresh rate (VRR) of 288Hz. That means smoother visuals with less screen tearing or motion blur, especially when paired with the latest gaming consoles or PCs.
The TV also checks off key HDR boxes, supporting Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced. For viewers who prefer watching films the way directors intended, Filmmaker Mode is available, bypassing motion smoothing or post-processing effects that can sometimes interfere with the original look.
The QM8K runs on Google TV, offering hands-free voice control thanks to far-field microphones and a refreshed, user-friendly interface. TCL also introduces Art Mode, allowing you to display digital art or personal photos when the TV is idle, turning the screen into a decorative piece rather than a blank rectangle on the wall.
Physically, the TV has been slimmed down for flush wall mounting, and for those placing it on a stand, there’s an adjustable pedestal option available (for sizes between 65 and 85 inches).
“With its unmatched combination of groundbreaking panel technology, enhanced picture accuracy, stunning HDR impact, and super-large TV value, the TCL QM8K is the new ‘Ultimate Choice’,” said Scott Ramirez, VP, Product Marketing and Development, Home Theater. “Once you see the ZeroBorder panel, you will never look at TV the same way again. Plus, with our new ultra-wide color viewing angle, the perfect seat is now anywhere in the room.”
Here’s a quick rundown of the available sizes and their pricing (at MSRP):
The TCL QM8K shapes up to be a well-rounded option for a wide range of viewers. Whether you prioritize gaming, movies, sports, or just everyday TV watching, it brings together an updated display system, refined design, and solid audio features. It also reflects TCL’s continued push to compete with longtime giants like Samsung and LG, as well as its close rival Hisense.
Of course, the real test will come when we at HomeTheaterReview get it in for review and put the QM8K through real-world testing to see how it truly performs. But based on what’s on paper, TCL’s latest flagship looks like it has the tools to earn a spot on the shortlist for anyone shopping for a premium TV in 2025.
