Flagship of the Chinese manufacturer, the TCL 65C855 TV features the best of QLED and mini LED technologies to optimize color intensity and maximize contrast. Can it surprise us and compete with the market leaders?
The TCL 65C855 is positioned as a high-end TV combining cutting-edge technologies and high performance. This 65-inch (164cm) model features a QLED Pro panel combined with 6th generation Mini-LED backlighting, promising exceptional picture quality. With 4K HDR compatibility, Google TV integration and advanced gaming features, it aims to satisfy both cinephiles and discerning gamers. Faced with competitors from well-established major brands, can the TCL 65C855 become a benchmark in the premium TV market?
Included accessories
The TCL 65C855 comes complete with pedestal and mounting screws. The manufacturer also includes a power cable (1.5m), a remote control with batteries (2 x AAA), as well as a quick start guide, user manual and warranty card.
Introducing the TCL 65C855
The TCL 65C855 embodies the excellence of the Chinese manufacturer and stands out from the competition thanks to two exclusive technologies developed by the brand: its QLED Pro (new-generation Quantum Dot) panel, which enables this 164cm 4K UHD TV to extend its colorimetric coverage, and its 6th-gen Mini LED backlighting, which guarantees very high brightness as well as optimal contrast. This benefits Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ content, with the promise of very fine image quality, even in ambient lighting conditions thanks to the built-in brightness sensor (automatic image adjustment).
This TCL 65C855 TV features Google TV for easy access to all streaming services and numerous entertainment apps. It will also appeal to gamers looking for responsiveness and fluidity, as it handles 4K streams up to 144Hz and 2K up to 240Hz, and supports ALLM, VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
Finally, this TV’s Dolby Atmos audio section, by Onkyo, boasts a total power output of 60 watts, distributed over 2.1.2 channels. Drivers on top of the screen diffuse vertical sound effects.
QLED Pro technology
To enhance the realism of the visual experience, the TCL 65C855 is equipped with the QLED Pro technology developed by the manufacturer. The latter uses a latest-generation Quantum Dot filter, placed between the backlight and the LCD panel. This exclusive filter uses a novel nanocrystalline material, combined with a specific alloy structure. It ensures extremely efficient, stable and long-lasting light emission for each of the three primary colors that make up the image. The ultra-precise encapsulation technology used to fuse the nanometric quantum materials of these quantum dots significantly enhances the optical performance of the QLED Pro filter. This enables the TCL 65C855 to cover 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut, displaying over a billion colors. The result is richer, more lifelike colors on screen.
6th generation Mini-LED backlighting
The other major technological advance offered by the TCL 65C855 is its sixth-generation Mini-LED backlighting system. Also developed by the manufacturer, it provides extremely precise backlight management over 1,344 local dimming zones. The luminous intensity of each zone can be modulated according to 65,000 dimming levels (12 bits), with peaks of 2,000 nits in HDR.
Thus equipped, the TCL 65C855 guarantees high contrast and deep blacks, while revealing many details and nuances, both in the darker and the brighter parts of the image.
Its latest-generation Mini-LED backlighting drastically reduces the halo effect when displaying bright elements against a dark background.
Key specifications
- QLED Pro technology
- 6th generation Mini-LED backlighting
- Max. brightness : 3,300 nits
- Local Dimming > 1,300 zones
- Dolby Vision IQ/Gaming, HDR10+
- 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound
- 144Hz 4K / 2K 240Hz gaming
- Google TV
Installing the TCL 65C855
Setting up the TCL 65C855 takes just a few minutes. First, assemble the stand, then attach it to the back of the screen using the screws supplied, in order to install it on a TV cabinet. Alternatively, the TV can be wall-mounted using a VESA 400×300-compatible TV wall bracket (not supplied).
For our test, we connected this TCL TV to a wall antenna socket for DTTV reception. We also connected it to a 4K UHD Blu-ray player with an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable to play HD Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray movies. We also paired it with a Zidoo Z9X Pro media player for playback of digital files. Internet connection was via network cable, using the Netgear Orbi RBK852 package.
Our impressions of the TCL 65C855
Design
With its premium finish, the TCL 65C855 features a thin brushed aluminum frame. On the right-hand side, the manufacturer has added a small metal insert with the words “Premium QD-Mini LED”.
The screen rests on a central stand whose metal base is heavy enough to guarantee perfect stability. When mounting the stand, you can choose to fix it at two different heights. This allows the bottom of the screen to be positioned 7cm above the furniture in the low position, and 11cm in the high position. This means you can easily place the majority of soundbars on the market under the screen. We regret, however, that this stand doesn’t swivel.
With the TV off, the coating on the screen of the TCL 65C855 is particularly shiny and reflective, which makes you fear the worst in a brightly lit room. Fortunately, once switched on, image brightness is sufficiently intense to mitigate the effect of light pollution. Only the darkest scenes suffer. When the TV is viewed in semi-darkness or darkness, this defect disappears.
Connectors
With the exception of the power socket on the right rear of the TV and the USB 3.0 port on the left side of the screen, all connectivity is grouped together on the left of the rear panel. From top to bottom, you’ll find:
- a powered USB 2.0 port
- an Ethernet port
- a 144Hz 4K compatible HDMI 1 port
- a 120Hz 4K-compatible HDMI port
- a DTTV antenna connector
- a satellite dish connector
- an optical digital audio output
- two 4K 60Hz-compatible HDMI ports
- a mini-jack AV input (adapter not included)
- a CI+ port (common interface)
The rear of the stand features four vertical notches which appear to be designed to guide cables behind the screen. In practice, however, this system proves insufficient and impractical, as the cables don’t stay in place. The purchase of a cable management kit such as the Vogel’s TVA 6203 is highly recommended.
Remote control
The TCL 65C855’s remote control also boasts premium aesthetics, with a high-quality plastic chassis and a superb brushed aluminum front panel.
This simplified remote control is pleasant and practical in everyday use, except for two points: the absence of backlighting and the integration of the volume buttons on the right-hand side, which we felt was a bad idea.
Google TV
Thanks to Google TV integration, the main streaming services are accessible from the TCL 65C855’s home menu (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, Molotov, etc.). Intuitive and responsive, the Google TV interface provides access to audio and video content shared over the local network thanks to DLNA protocol support. The USB ports can also be used to play audio and video content on the TV. Last but not least, the Chromecast function ensures wireless streaming of content from a smartphone, tablet or computer to the TV’s large screen.
Picture settings
Like all TV manufacturers, TCL offers several picture modes on this model, designed to optimize the display according to the type of program being watched. During our test, we systematically favored the Film or IMAX modes for streaming services, Blu-ray HD and Blu-ray UHD, and DTTV films and series. Very well calibrated, they allowed us to enjoy a natural, accurate image, without having to intervene in the settings.
For TV programs, documentaries and sports, particularly on France 2 UHD, we appreciated the Standard mode, offering a fluid image, with brighter hues that were still fairly balanced.
It goes without saying that you can calibrate your TV to your own tastes using the numerous settings available. The Spears Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark calibration disc offers a wide range of test patterns and videos.
4K HDR images
The 4K UHD Blu-ray (HDR10) edition of Scorsese’s Casino allowed us to appreciate the TCL 65C855’s ability to handle high-contrast images and intense colors while maintaining the image’s naturalness.
It didn’t struggle with the profusion of artificial lights in the streets and gambling halls of the city that never sleeps. Inky blacks, shimmering neons, high and low lights blended seamlessly to reproduce the distinctive ambience of the city of vice.
The TCL fully captured the film’s distinctive visual aesthetic and the work of cinematographer Robert Richardson. The image, characterized by a vivid, flamboyant color palette, perfectly reflected the glitzy atmosphere of the casinos, creating a striking contrast with the dark world of organized crime depicted in the film.
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Mission: Impossible Fallout, with its incredible final helicopter chase sequence, shot on digital camera in IMAX format, set a different mood. With surgical precision, the images on this TV were razor-sharp and impressively detailed.
Realism was accentuated by impeccable highlight management and color accuracy (Dolby Vision encoding), making the spectacle even more immersive. Cloudy skies revealed intense, nuanced light, while skin tones were realistic (magnificent close-ups of faces). The mineral and vegetation colors of the landscapes we flew over were also superbly rendered.
Video games
Highly recommended for home theater fans, the TCL 65C855 is also sure to appeal to gamers, on consoles and PCs alike. Images benefit from vivid colors and striking contrast that enhance all styles of gaming.
Of the TV’s four HDMI 2.1 ports, the HDMI 1 port is compatible with 144Hz 4K, while the HDMI 2 handles 120Hz 4K streams, guaranteeing extremely smooth images from PCs, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. With the HDMI 3 and 4 ports, you’ll have to make do with 4K at 60Hz, which is still more than sufficient for a Blu-ray player or network player.
All the HDMI connectors support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), to detect next-gen game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X) and automatically switch to low-latency mode. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology, ensures smooth, judder-free gameplay with AMD GPU cards, the Xbox Series S/X, and Xbox One S/X. The most demanding gamers in search of extreme smoothness will even be able to enjoy a 1080p 240Hz display mode!
With Gran Turismo 7, the display was highly responsive, guaranteeing perfect control of the vehicle in all circumstances. We didn’t notice any latency with sudden steering wheel movements and last-minute braking, provided we activated the Performance Mode, accessible via the Picture menu > Advanced settings > Motion > Refresh rate.
To fine-tune audio and video settings during game play, the TV features a dedicated game menu. This is accessed by a long press on the “Quick Settings” button on the remote control, which features three horizontal stripes. A game bar appears at the bottom of the screen, superimposed on the displayed image. You can then choose whether or not to activate a crosshair, and choose from three image modes dedicated to video games: RPG, Original and FPS. A nine-level shadow enhancement feature ensures perfect legibility in dark areas of the image, making it easier to flush out opponents in the dark.
HD TV programs, Replay and Blu-ray HD
The TCL 65C855 performs Full HD to 4K upscaling of variable quality, depending on the source.With a motorsport television program, the standard picture mode delivered a smooth and fairly detailed result, even if some areas remained less defined.
L’Équipe TV channel pictures
The TCL TV does indeed do very well with stationary images and close-ups, but falls short when the image becomes more animated. If you wish, you can accentuate the sharpness a little, but beware of artifacts if you push the slider too far!
Upscaling proved to be most effective on the film Conan the Barbarian, available to watch on France TV replay. The outlines of characters lacked a little precision, but the image benefited from a noticeable improvement in detail, pleasing overall smoothness and excellent contrast. In addition, the rich, intense colors did justice to the work of John Milius and his cinematographer, Duke Callaghan. The TV allowed us to enjoy the distinctive aesthetics and visual atmosphere of this epic film.
With an uncompressed source, such as Lone Ranger on HD Blu-ray, the TCL 65C855 fared better. With the Cinema Mode activated, images had a welcome boost in sharpness and detail. Wrinkles on faces, costume details and grandiose landscapes were greatly enhanced.
2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound
The Chinese manufacturer has equipped this TCL 65C855 TV with a 60-watt audio section distributed over 2.1.2 channels. The front stereo system is supported by a woofer driver (on the back of the TV) and is accompanied by speakers on top of the screen for vertical sound effects.
Firstly, Dolby and DTS audio tracks are supported, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Racing pictures
With the Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Blu-ray soundtrack, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio, the TV proved very effective during the podracing on Tatooine. With the DTS Virtual-X mode activated, the soundstage offered great amplitude in terms of width and even height. The roar of the racing machines unfolded throughout the room, with deep, powerful bass and no saturation. It was easy to plunge into the heart of Mos Espa’s Great Arena. Young Anakin’s fantastic ascent took on an epic dimension, thanks to the sound effects at both sides of the screen.
On Mission: Impossible Fallout, the TCL 65C855 effectively reproduced the Dolby Atmos soundtrack, particularly during the many action scenes. The finale, in which Ethan Hawke is suspended from a helicopter, was impressive, with sound effects that emphasized verticality, and the sound of the blades above the hero. The TV gave this epic scene all the dimension it deserves.
TCL 65C855 vs Samsung TQ65S95D
Without reaching the absolute blacks of Samsung’s OLED panel, the TCL 65C855 comes very close, while offering superior peak brightness. Its colors are very well calibrated, and it covers more HDR image formats than Samsung, which does without Dolby Vision. In terms of audio spatialization, the two TVs are on a par, but the TCL also supports DTS and DTS:X audio tracks, which are absent on Samsung.
The Samsung model takes the lead thanks to its simply unbeatable anti-glare filter, its excellent image processing, including upscaling, its HDMI connectivity (four 144Hz 4K ports) and its Tizen interface integrating the Gaming Hub and operator apps.
TCL 65C855 vs Hisense 65UXKQ
The image produced by the TCL TV takes advantage of higher brightness peaks to offer more intensity and nuance in the highlights. What’s more, the TCL’s black seems to show a little more depth, with even more reduced halo effects. Too bad it doesn’t support HDR10+ Adaptive, as the Hisense model does.
When it comes to upscaling, the Hisense television performs slightly better, even they’re both neck and neck. Both, however, have room for improvement compared to the market’s leaders. In terms of sound, the Hisense 65UXKQ offers greater width thanks to its side-mounted drivers, while both TVs are equal when it comes to the vertical deployment of sound effects.
Who is the TCL 65C855 designed for?
Fans of intense, high-contrast images who don’t want to break the bank to invest in an OLED TV will appreciate the qualities of this TV to enjoy their 4K HDR content in excellent conditions. Discerning PC and console gamers will also find something to their liking.
Conclusion
The TCL 65C855 asserts itself as a versatile, high-performance TV capable of satisfying both movie lovers and video game enthusiasts. Its QLED Pro technology combined with 6th-generation Mini-LED backlighting delivers outstanding picture quality, with rich colors, high contrast and impressive brightness.
Despite iffy upscaling quality depending on the source, the TCL 65C855 proves very convincing in most situations. A few minor shortcomings, such as cable management or the absence of backlighting on the remote control, do not detract from the TV’s excellent overall performance.
The TCL 65C855 therefore represents an attractive option for those looking for a high-end TV offering excellent picture quality and advanced gaming features, all at a price that’s competitive with many of its rivals.
We liked
- The brightness and contrast
- The deep blacks
- The colors in Film mode
- The audio power and spatialization
We would have liked
- Better upscaling
- An anti-glare filter
- More accessible volume buttons on the remote control
- Better cable management
