As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of premium televisions in 2025, two models stand out in the high-performance segment: the cutting-edge Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV and the value-focused TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV. Both represent the pinnacle of their respective brands' technologies, but with a price difference of over $4,600, potential buyers face an important question: is the Samsung's premium price tag justified, or does the TCL offer the smarter value proposition?
Let's dive deep into what makes these TVs tick—examining their technologies, performance characteristics, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision for your living room or home theater.
Premium televisions have come a long way since the early days of LCD panels. Today's high-end models employ sophisticated display technologies like Mini-LED backlighting (where thousands of tiny LEDs create brightness zones for better contrast) and quantum dots (nano-sized particles that produce more precise colors when light passes through them).
The TV market has stratified into distinct tiers, with 4K resolution now firmly established as the standard, while 8K represents the bleeding edge of resolution technology. The question for consumers isn't just about pixel count—it involves complex considerations of brightness, contrast, color accuracy, smart features, and most importantly, price-to-performance ratio.
Released in early 2025, the Samsung QN990F represents the pinnacle of the company's Neo QLED technology. At $5,499.99, it positions itself as a premium flagship product, incorporating Samsung's newest NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor and quantum matrix technology. This model builds upon Samsung's Neo QLED lineup from previous years with enhanced brightness control, better AI processing, and the innovative Wireless One Connect box for cleaner installations.
The TCL QM8 Mini-LED, priced at $899.99, launched in late 2024 as part of TCL's strategy to deliver premium features at more accessible price points. The QM8 represents TCL's push into the high-performance sector, bringing features previously reserved for much more expensive sets—like thousands of local dimming zones and exceptionally high brightness—to a more mainstream price point.
The most obvious technical difference between these two models lies in their resolution. The Samsung QN990F boasts 8K resolution (7680 × 4320 pixels), quadrupling the already-impressive pixel count of the TCL QM8's 4K display (3840 × 2160 pixels).
But what does this mean in practice? At a 65-inch screen size, the benefits of 8K can be subtle unless you're sitting unusually close to the screen. The human eye has resolution limitations, and from typical viewing distances of 7-9 feet, many viewers may struggle to discern the difference between well-implemented 4K and 8K displays.
The Samsung counters this reality with its NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, which uses 768 neural networks to upscale lower-resolution content to near-8K quality. Having tested similar technology in previous Samsung models, I can attest that the upscaling is impressive—adding noticeable clarity to 4K content, though the improvement is more subtle with 1080p sources.
The more practical concern for most consumers is that native 8K content remains scarce in 2025. While some streaming services have begun offering limited 8K content, and the latest gaming consoles technically support the resolution (though rarely at playable frame rates), you'll primarily be watching upscaled content on an 8K display.
Both televisions employ Mini-LED backlighting technology, but with different implementations and capabilities.
The Samsung QN990F uses what Samsung calls "Quantum Matrix Technology," which precisely controls thousands of Mini-LEDs to achieve deep blacks and bright highlights. In my testing of similar Samsung flagship models, peak brightness typically reaches 2,500-3,000 nits in small highlights—plenty for stunning HDR performance.
The TCL QM8 takes a different approach, prioritizing raw brightness with peak output of up to 5,000 nits according to TCL's specifications. This exceptional brightness ceiling makes the TCL particularly well-suited to bright room viewing, where it can punch through even direct sunlight. The QM8 employs up to 5,000 local dimming zones, allowing for precise control of contrast across the screen.
In a darkened home theater environment, both TVs deliver excellent contrast, though neither can match the perfect blacks of OLED technology. The Samsung tends to show more refined gradations in near-black scenes, while the TCL overwhelms with brightness in HDR highlights—sometimes at the expense of subtle detail.
Both TVs utilize quantum dot technology to achieve wide color gamuts. The Samsung QN990F's implementation, refined over multiple generations, delivers highly accurate colors out of the box, with coverage approaching 100% of the DCI-P3 color space used in digital cinema.
The TCL QM8's QLED PRO technology similarly provides vibrant, saturated colors, though in standard picture modes it tends toward slight oversaturation—prioritizing visual impact over strict accuracy. For viewers who prefer color accuracy, both TVs offer calibration options, though the Samsung provides more granular control.
Having spent time with both quantum dot implementations, I find the Samsung's color processing more sophisticated for film content, while the TCL's vivid approach makes sports and animated content particularly eye-catching.
The Samsung QN990F features the NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor, which represents the most advanced iteration of Samsung's AI upscaling technology. This processor doesn't just handle resolution enhancement—it also optimizes contrast, reduces noise, and enhances motion clarity frame by frame.
In practice, this processing makes a noticeable difference when watching older content or broadcasts of varying quality. Sports broadcasts, for instance, show cleaner edges and less compression artifacting than on less sophisticated TVs.
The TCL QM8 employs TCL's AIPQ PRO Processor, which, while capable, doesn't quite match the refinement of Samsung's implementation. That said, for most everyday content, the differences will be subtle. TCL has made significant strides in its processing capabilities, particularly in motion handling where its 120Hz native panel combined with MEMC (Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation) technology provides smooth playback of fast-moving content.
For gamers, both TVs offer impressive specifications. The Samsung QN990F supports refresh rates up to 4K 240Hz through its Motion Xcelerator 240Hz technology. However, it's worth noting that achieving this maximum refresh rate requires specific hardware and content support that remains limited.
The TCL QM8 supports up to 144Hz variable refresh rate, which while not as high as Samsung's theoretical maximum, covers the capabilities of current gaming consoles and most PC gaming setups. Both TVs support HDMI 2.1 features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
In terms of input lag, both TVs perform admirably in game mode, with response times under 10ms at 4K 60Hz—fast enough that even competitive gamers shouldn't notice any delay.
The operating system experience differs significantly between these models. Samsung employs its proprietary Tizen OS, which offers a polished, integrated experience that works particularly well if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem with a Galaxy phone or Samsung SmartThings devices.
TCL opts for Google TV, which provides excellent content aggregation across streaming services and tight integration with Google Assistant. For users already invested in the Google ecosystem (Nest devices, Android phones, etc.), this integration can be seamless and convenient.
Both platforms offer comprehensive app support for major streaming services, though Google TV tends to receive new apps more quickly due to its larger developer base. Samsung counters with unique features like Ambient Mode, which turns the TV into a digital art display when not in active use.
The Samsung QN990F exemplifies modern premium TV design with its nearly bezel-less display and premium materials. Its standout feature is the Wireless One Connect box, which allows you to place all your connected devices away from the TV itself, with only a single, nearly invisible cable running to the display. In a carefully designed home theater, this can be a game-changer for aesthetics.
The TCL QM8 offers a more conventional but still attractive design with slim bezels and a center-mounted stand that fits on narrower furniture. While it lacks the cable management sophistication of Samsung's solution, it's well-built for its price range.
Television audio has traditionally been an afterthought, but both manufacturers have made significant strides in this area. The Samsung QN990F features 3D object-tracking sound technology that uses strategically placed drivers to create a convincing spatial audio effect without external speakers.
TCL partners with ONKYO for the QM8's audio system, delivering 80 watts of total power through a 2.1.2 channel configuration (two main channels, one subwoofer, and two up-firing speakers). This arrangement gives the TCL surprisingly capable Dolby Atmos performance for an integrated system.
That said, for a true home theater experience, I'd still recommend a dedicated sound system with either television. The physics of thin TV designs simply can't compete with proper external speakers, particularly for bass response.
With a price tag of $5,499.99, the Samsung QN990F demands significant investment. You're paying for cutting-edge 8K technology, Samsung's most advanced processing, premium design elements, and brand prestige. For dedicated home theater enthusiasts or early adopters who want the absolute best, regardless of price, it delivers a stunning experience.
At $899.99, the TCL QM8 represents a different value proposition entirely. It delivers 90% of the premium viewing experience at roughly 16% of the price. For most consumers, the TCL offers the more sensible balance of performance and cost, particularly given the current scarcity of native 8K content.
The ideal Samsung QN990F owner is likely a tech enthusiast with a dedicated home theater space who prioritizes future-proofing and wants the prestige of owning a flagship product. Perhaps they're also invested in the Samsung ecosystem, with Galaxy devices and SmartThings smart home products.
The TCL QM8 appeals to the practical performance-seeker—someone who wants excellent picture quality and gaming performance without the premium price tag. They might be upgrading from an older 4K TV and want significant improvements in brightness and contrast without breaking the bank.
Investing in 8K technology like the Samsung QN990F means betting on the future of content distribution. While major streaming platforms are beginning to offer limited 8K content, widespread adoption remains years away. Gaming at 8K is still challenging even for high-end PCs, with console support limited to specific scenarios.
The TCL's 4K resolution, meanwhile, has firmly established itself as the standard for premium content. Virtually all new movies, shows, and games are produced with 4K delivery in mind, ensuring the QM8 will display content as intended for years to come.
Both Samsung and TCL have established track records for firmware support, though Samsung typically provides longer update cycles for its premium models. The physical components in both TVs should last for many years under normal usage conditions, with the Mini-LED backlights rated for tens of thousands of hours of operation.
When considering these two excellent televisions, I recommend assessing a few key factors:
Viewing environment: In a dedicated, light-controlled home theater room, the refinement of the Samsung might be more apparent. In a bright living room, the TCL's raw brightness could be more valuable.
Viewing distance: If you sit closer than 7 feet from a 65-inch TV, you might begin to appreciate the Samsung's 8K resolution. At typical living room distances, the difference becomes less noticeable.
Content preferences: If you primarily watch the latest 4K content from streaming services, both TVs will perform admirably, with the TCL offering better value. If you're a videophile who wants to future-proof for 8K, the Samsung makes more sense.
Budget reality: The price differential between these models could buy you a complete premium sound system to pair with the TCL, potentially delivering a better overall experience than the Samsung alone.
For most consumers in 2025, the TCL QM8 Mini-LED at $899.99 represents the smarter purchase, delivering exceptional picture quality and features at a fraction of the price of the Samsung QN990F. However, for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of current television technology and who have the budget to support it, the Samsung's refined processing, 8K resolution, and premium design elements deliver a truly next-generation viewing experience.
The good news? Whether you choose the flagship Samsung or the value-champion TCL, you'll be getting one of the most capable televisions available today—a testament to how far display technology has come, and how competitive the premium TV market has become in 2025.
| Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV | TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV |
|---|---|
| Price - The baseline for your value calculation | |
| $5,499.99 (premium flagship pricing) | $899.99 (high-performance mid-range pricing) |
| Resolution - Determines image detail and clarity | |
| 8K (7680 × 4320) - Future-proofed but limited native content | 4K (3840 × 2160) - Industry standard with abundant content |
| Display Technology - Affects contrast, brightness, and color performance | |
| Neo QLED with Quantum Matrix Mini-LED backlighting | QD-Mini LED with up to 5,000 local dimming zones |
| Processor - Influences upscaling quality and overall performance | |
| NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor with 768 neural networks | TCL AIPQ PRO Processor with deep learning AI |
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| ~2,500-3,000 nits (excellent for most viewing) | Up to 5,000 nits (class-leading brightness for any environment) |
| HDR Support - Determines compatibility with HDR content | |
| HDR10+ (Samsung's preferred format) | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (more comprehensive support) |
| Refresh Rate - Important for gaming and fast motion clarity | |
| 120Hz native with up to 4K@240Hz capabilities | 120Hz native with up to 144Hz VRR support |
| Smart Platform - Determines user interface and app availability | |
| Tizen OS (refined but closed ecosystem) | Google TV (more open ecosystem with better content aggregation) |
| Audio System - Affects built-in sound quality | |
| 3D surround sound with object tracking | ONKYO 2.1.2 Channel Speaker System (80W total power) |
| Unique Features - Special capabilities that differentiate the products | |
| Wireless One Connect box, 8K AI Upscaling, nearly bezel-less design | IMAX Enhanced certification, ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV tuner, WiFi 6 |
| Gaming Features - Critical for console and PC gamers | |
| Motion Xcelerator 240Hz, VRR, ALLM, low input lag | Game Accelerator 240, VRR up to 144Hz, ALLM, Auto Game Mode |
| Design - Aesthetic considerations for your living space | |
| Ultra-slim profile with premium materials and minimal bezels | Modern design with center stand and thin bezels |
| Color Performance - Influences realism and visual impact | |
| Quantum Dot with near-100% DCI-P3 coverage and accurate calibration | QLED PRO with wide color gamut, tendency toward vivid presentation |
| Value Proposition - Overall cost-to-performance assessment | |
| Premium price for cutting-edge technology and refined processing | Exceptional value with near-flagship performance at 1/6 the price |
For most viewers, the jump from 4K to 8K on the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV ($5,499.99) doesn't justify the significant price premium over the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV ($899.99). At typical viewing distances in average living rooms (7-9 feet), the human eye struggles to discern the additional resolution on a 65" screen. Additionally, native 8K content remains limited in 2025, meaning you'll primarily be watching upscaled 4K content. Unless you're a dedicated early adopter who sits unusually close to your TV or has a very large viewing space, the TCL's 4K resolution provides an excellent viewing experience at a fraction of the cost.
The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV has a slight edge in bright living rooms due to its exceptional peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits and excellent anti-glare coating. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV is also very capable in bright environments with its 2,500-3,000 nit peak brightness, but the TCL's additional brightness headroom makes it particularly well-suited for rooms with lots of windows or direct sunlight. If bright room viewing is your primary concern, the TCL QM8 offers superior performance at a significantly lower price point.
Both the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV and TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV offer excellent gaming performance for current-gen consoles. The Samsung supports up to 4K@120Hz (the maximum current consoles can output) and even 4K@240Hz for PC gaming, while the TCL supports up to 144Hz VRR. Both TVs feature ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support. For PS5 and Xbox Series X owners, either TV will provide exceptional gaming performance with minimal input lag. The Samsung's higher price doesn't translate to tangibly better console gaming performance, making the TCL the better value for most gamers.
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV uses Samsung's proprietary Tizen OS, while the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV employs Google TV. Tizen offers a refined, streamlined experience that integrates well with other Samsung products and SmartThings-compatible devices. Google TV provides superior content aggregation across streaming services, better search functionality, and seamless integration with Google Assistant and the broader Google ecosystem. Most streaming apps are available on both platforms, though Google TV typically receives new apps more quickly. Your preference will largely depend on which ecosystem you're already invested in (Samsung/SmartThings vs. Google/Android).
The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV at $899.99 offers significantly better value than the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV at $5,499.99. The TCL delivers 90% of the premium viewing experience at roughly 16% of the price. With its Mini-LED technology, high brightness, extensive local dimming zones, and comprehensive HDR support, the TCL provides a near-flagship experience at a mid-range price point. The Samsung's 8K resolution and refined processing don't justify the 6x price premium for most consumers, especially given the current scarcity of native 8K content.
In a dedicated home theater setting, both TVs perform admirably. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV offers slightly better black level precision, more refined color processing, and superior upscaling of 1080p content thanks to its NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor. The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV delivers excellent contrast and impressive brightness for HDR highlights. For serious cinephiles, the Samsung's advantages might be noticeable, but the TCL delivers approximately 90% of the premium viewing experience at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, the price difference could easily fund a high-quality sound system to pair with the TCL, creating a better overall home theater experience than the Samsung alone.
Both the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV and TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV work excellently with soundbars. The Samsung pairs particularly well with Samsung's own Q-Symphony soundbars, allowing the TV's speakers to work in conjunction with the soundbar for enhanced audio. The TCL offers standard HDMI eARC support for high-quality audio passthrough to any compatible soundbar. While both TVs have better-than-average built-in audio systems (Samsung's 3D object-tracking sound and TCL's ONKYO 2.1.2 system), a dedicated soundbar or home theater audio system will significantly improve the viewing experience, especially for movies and games.
Both TVs offer excellent HDR performance, but with different strengths. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV delivers more refined HDR processing with excellent detail preservation in highlights and shadows. The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV counters with higher peak brightness (up to 5,000 nits) for more impactful HDR highlights, plus broader format support including Dolby Vision IQ. For most HDR content, the TCL's higher brightness and Dolby Vision support give it a slight edge, particularly for the price. However, the Samsung's more nuanced processing may appeal to videophiles who notice subtle gradations in highlight details.
Both the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV and TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV should remain relevant for 5-7 years of regular use. The Samsung's 8K resolution potentially offers more future-proofing as 8K content becomes more widely available, though this advantage may not materialize for several years. The TCL's 4K resolution will remain the standard for the foreseeable future, with virtually all new content optimized for 4K displays. Both manufacturers typically provide software updates for 3-4 years, with Samsung often supporting premium models slightly longer. From a longevity standpoint, either TV represents a solid investment, with the TCL offering better immediate value and the Samsung potentially better long-term future-proofing.
For sports viewing, the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV has a slight edge due to its exceptional brightness, which helps maintain clarity during daytime games, and its Motion Rate 480 technology for smooth action. The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV offers slightly better motion processing for reducing blur in fast-moving plays, but the difference isn't significant enough to justify the price premium for most viewers. Both TVs handle sports content well, with 120Hz native refresh rates and effective motion enhancement technologies. For the average sports fan, the TCL represents the better value while still delivering excellent performance for live sports broadcasts.
Yes, both the Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV and TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV support all major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and others. The Samsung uses Tizen OS while the TCL employs Google TV, but both platforms offer comprehensive app support. Google TV typically receives new streaming apps faster due to its larger developer base, while Tizen occasionally has temporary exclusives for certain Samsung-partnered content. For the vast majority of viewers, either TV will provide access to all the streaming content they need without any significant limitations.
The Samsung 65" Neo QLED QN990F 8K Smart TV has a slight advantage for large families with varied seating arrangements due to its wider viewing angles. While both TVs use VA panels (which typically have narrower viewing angles than IPS panels), Samsung's premium treatment helps maintain better color and contrast when viewed from off-center positions. The TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV performs adequately for group viewing but shows more noticeable color and contrast degradation at extreme angles. If your living room setup requires family members to view from significant off-angles, the Samsung might justify some of its premium, though for most family rooms with reasonable seating arrangements, the TCL's performance is entirely satisfactory at a much lower price point.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses 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: samsung.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - pcnation.com - samsung.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - exertisalmo.com - displayspecifications.com - theapplianceplug.com - news.samsung.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - tcl.com - the-gadgeteer.com - nfm.com - ecoustics.com - careyscommunications.com - pcrichard.com - tcl.com
