What we liked
- The precise, detailed images
- The controlled contrast and accurate colors
- The gaming compatibility: 144Hz 4K, low latency, VRR
- The backlit remote control
- The good audio spatialization
We would have liked
- More precision in HDR highlights
- Even better upscaling
- A little more power in the bass
- A rechargeable remote control
Our expert’s opinion
Last year, I was impressed by the TCL 65C855 (TCL 65C89B)'s bright, rich picture. The TCL 65C8K continues in the same vein, with a more subtle and controlled approach. I particularly appreciated the precision of its 4K image, as well as the finesse of its contrast and its excellent handling of HDR content.
Film and gaming enthusiasts alike will find plenty to enjoy, thanks to its exemplary responsiveness, smooth interface and comprehensive connectivity. Bang & Olufsen's audio system offers excellent spatialization, although the bass could do with a little more impact. All in all, this is a very well-balanced TV offering an excellent level of performance for its price, confirming once again TCL's competitive positioning in the affordable premium segment.
The TCL 65C8K is a 65″ (164cm) 4K TV featuring QLED Pro technology for vivid colors and next-generation Mini LED backlighting over 1,680 zones. Dolby Vision IQ, 144Hz 4K, FreeSync and Google TV compatible, it boasts versatility, a bright picture and Dolby Atmos sound by Bang & Olufsen. Does this new generation manage to combine performance and accessibility without compromise?
What does the TCL 65C8K promise?
New WHVA LCD panel
Successor to the TCL 65C89B that impressed us last year, the TCL 65C8K is a 164cm 4K UHD model promising a very bright picture with rich colors and excellent contrast. It features a WHVA (Wide Viewing Angle VA) LCD panel, a technology developed by the brand via its subsidiary CSOT to combine the deep black and high contrast of conventional VA panels with the wide viewing angles of IPS panels.
Unlike standard VA panels, known for their high contrast but often limited viewing angle, WHVA optimizes the structure of the liquid crystals to preserve more luminosity and color fidelity when the TV is viewed from the side. As a result, you benefit from the deep contrast typical of VA, while retaining excellent image quality, even when you’re not perfectly opposite the screen. This technology provides an effective compromise between VA and IPS LCD panels, making it an ideal solution for family use, or in a living room where not everyone is always centered in front of the screen.
Quantum DOT QLED Pro
The TCL 65C8K’s QLED Pro technology is based on a new-generation Quantum Dot filter, using unprecedented crystalline materials for highly accurate reproduction of primary colors. The result: over a billion colors covering 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut, for highly realistic pictures with all types of content.
7th generation Mini LED
This TCL TV also incorporates a 7th generation Mini-LED backlight, distributed over 1680 local dimming zones. It modulates brightness on 65,536 levels, and the manufacturer claims peaks of up to 4,500 cd/m² in HDR. This system should guarantee high contrast, deep blacks and fine detail in dark areas with nuanced gradations. In addition, it should effectively limit halo effects around bright objects on dark backgrounds (blooming).
All cinema and HDR formats
Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ compatible, the TCL 65C8K aims to deliver a picture rich in contrast and detail. Its AiPQ Pro video processing optimizes the image in real time and enhances SD and HD content for near ultra-high-definition.
A TV for gaming!
Designed with gamers in mind, the TCL 65C8K features four HDMI 2.1 ports, two of which are 120Hz 4K and 144Hz 4K compatible. One of these also supports eARC for connection to an external audio system. Both ports support ALLM, VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro, and can also display 2K content at up to 240Hz for extreme smoothness, without tearing or latency.
Google TV on board
Connected via WiFi or Ethernet, this TV provides access to the Play Store and streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ or Apple TV+ from its Google TV interface. It also plays content shared over the local network via DLNA. What’s more, thanks to Google Assistant and the integrated Chromecast, it accepts voice control and enables multimedia content to be streamed wirelessly from a mobile device.
Last but not least, its connectors include a USB port for media playback, and an optical audio output for routing sound to an audio system without an HDMI ARC port.
Key specifications
- QLED Pro panel with 7th generation Mini-LED backlighting
- HDR Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10 compatibility
- Display frequency up to 144Hz 4K (HDMI 2.1)
- AiPQ Pro processor with AI-supported UHD upscaling
- 4.2.2 Dolby Atmos audio (Bang & Olufsen)
- Google TV interface with integrated Chromecast and Google Assistant
- Gaming features: ALLM, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, 240Hz 2K
- Full connectivity: 4 x HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0, WiFi 6, Bluetooth
Included accessories
This TCL television comes complete with a central stand and the screws needed for installation, plus 4 cable covers to clip on behind the screen and a cable cover to mount on the back of the stand. A detachable power cable, remote control and batteries are also included in the package, along with an installation guide.
Test conditions
The TCL 65C8K was tested in the auditorium of Son-Vidéo.com’s Nantes store. The PlayStation 5 used as a video source was connected to the TV with a NorStone HDMI cable. The AudioQuest PowerQuest 303 power strip provided power to both devices, ensuring a stabilized, filtered current. Last but not least, I connected the TV to the store’s network with an Ethernet cable, to enjoy a stable, fast connection and access replay and streaming services in the best possible conditions.
My impressions
Design
What sets this TV apart is the almost total lack of black edges around the picture, which is displayed on almost 100% of the visible panel surface. Far from being anecdotal, this feat means that, for the same picture size, the dimensions of the chassis are slightly reduced, leaving more room for the image. This allows you to forget about the TV itself and concentrate solely on the picture, all the more so as the TCL 65C8K is clad in a slim, unobtrusive brushed aluminum frame.
This TV’s panel seems to adopt an anti-glare treatment that slightly attenuates light pollution. However, it is far less effective than the filters found on Samsung panels, and even LG (OLED G5). You’ll need to avoid any light sources that might reflect directly towards viewers to fully enjoy the picture, without distractions.
The TV stand has evolved from the C89B range, particularly in terms of cable management, which is now much more efficient. The pedestal assembly still allows two screen heights, measured at 4.5 and 7.5cm, with the high position facilitating the installation of a soundbar under the TV.
Connectors
Compared to the C89B tested last summer, the TCL 65C8K abandons the mini-jack AV input, which is rarely used these days. It also loses its USB 2.0 port, retaining only a single USB 3.0 port. This is no longer on the right-hand side of the screen, but joins the rest of the connectors, which include, from top to bottom:
- a USB 3.0 port
- an Ethernet port
- two 144Hz 4K HDMI ports (one of which is ARC/eARC compatible)
- two 60Hz 4K HDMI ports
- a cable/DTTV antenna socket
- a satellite dish connector
- a CI+ port (common interface)
- an optical digital audio output
This TV now boasts two 144Hz 4K-compatible HDMI ports, with ALLM, VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. However, it’s a shame that the manufacturer, unlike some of its competitors, hasn’t made the effort to extend this support to all the HDMI connectors.
Remote control
TCL has redesigned the remote control, which is slightly longer than the previous version. Notably, the volume control is once again located on the top rather than on the side, which I find much more practical for everyday use. What’s more, the buttons are now fully backlit, which activates as soon as you pick up the remote. It’s a shame, however, that it requires batteries and isn’t powered by a rechargeable battery.
Smart TV features
The TCL 65C8K features the Google TV platform, providing quick access to the most popular streaming services directly from the home screen, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Molotov. Navigation is smooth and without latency. The remote control makes accessing this content even easier, with dedicated shortcut keys for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and TCL Channel.
Thanks to DLNA protocol support, this TV can also play audio and video content shared on the home network, whether stored on a NAS or another connected device. The integrated USB port also lets you view or listen to multimedia files from a USB key or hard drive.
Finally, integrated Chromecast technology enables wireless transmission of videos, music and photos from a smartphone, tablet or computer, streaming instantly to the TV screen.
HDR in native 4K
The TCL 65C8K is particularly impressive when it comes to UHD content in Dolby Vision and HDR10. When viewing the Spears & Munsil test Blu-ray in Dolby Vision IQ, I was impressed by the image’s precision and balance. In the scene of the horses under the snow, highlights are perfectly managed, whites are nuanced, and landscape elements are clearly perceptible in the background. The image of the yellow rose against a black background demonstrates impressive contrast control: blacks are deep, highlights are bright, details are fine and contours are sharp, with no visible halo effect. Close-up shots of flowers (poppy, orchid) confirm this very realistic rendering, with superb sharpness and very natural colors.
On Alita: Battle Angel in Blu-ray 4K Dolby Vision, the experience is very convincing. The image is smooth, rich in color, and close-ups of faces are particularly detailed. In the fight scene against Zapan, contrasts are pronounced and textures (leather jacket, metal body) are accurately rendered, even in dark areas.
HDR10 streaming content, such as American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans on Prime Video, delivers a smooth, photo-realistic picture, with vibrant colors (Standard picture mode).
Operation Fortune (in Filmmaker mode) also impresses with its faithful rendering of materials: fabrics, marble, bodywork… everything looks natural and well-defined, even when the Mustang is driving along the coastal road. The TV handles light reflections on bodywork and chrome very well, while maintaining good legibility in landscapes filmed in aerial view.
📝 My recommended settings
To get the most out of the TCL 65C8K with Dolby Vision content, I recommend using Dolby Vision IQ mode, which offers a good balance between brightness, contrast and detail depending on ambient light.
For films in HDR10, both on Blu-ray and streaming platforms, Filmmaker mode guarantees natural colors and realistic skin tones, while maintaining good highlight management.
For daily television shows as well as news and documentary content, including 4K HDR streaming, the Standard mode proves effective, with vivid colors and a smooth picture.
Finally, for HD films and series, the Film mode is the best choice: it makes the most of the TV's upscaling capabilities, while preserving the rich textures and balanced colors.
Color, contrast and light
The TCL 65C8K makes effective use of its latest-generation Mini-LED backlighting. In high-contrast scenes, such as the nighttime city views from the Spears & Munsil demo Blu-ray, the TV effectively balances bright and dark areas. Illuminated signs stand out intensely, sometimes bordering on overexposure, but detail is preserved in dimly lit areas.
No matter what program I watched, the colors seemed just right, without excessive saturation, with rich variations. This TV delivers a balanced, realistic palette. Contrast is controlled even in complex scenes, with no perceptible blooming.
Upscaling of HD content
On HD sources such as the Blu-ray of Star Wars: Episode I, the TCL 65C8K demonstrates generally convincing upscaling. In Film mode, still or moderately animated shots display very good definition, with no visible artifacts, realistic textures, nuanced colors and satisfactory image dynamics.
On very fast images, the video processing sometimes shows its limits: fluidity and sharpness remain perfectible, and pixelation effects or artifacts can appear on particularly complex images (fast lightsaber battles, podracing).
The podracing scene on Tatooine shows good management of low and mid-lights, with good nuance. On the other hand, certain highlights sometimes appear overexposed, resulting in a slight loss of detail. Despite this, the image is pleasant, with fine colors and credible textures.
Compared with the previous model (TCL 65C89B), the upscaling processing has improved slightly in terms of sharpness and stability. However, it still lags behind the best algorithms on the market, such as those offered by Sony, Panasonic, LG and Samsung, which deliver a more natural and uniform result, particularly for complex movements and fine textures.
Gaming
Playing Gran Turismo 7 on the PlayStation 5 allowed me to experiment with the TV’s display capabilities and responsiveness. Once we applied the right settings, 120Hz 4K fluidity was excellent, with immediate responsiveness between controller actions and vehicle behavior, ensuring a highly precise and natural driving experience.
HDR rendering is also top notch, with a clear contrast between bright and shaded areas of the cockpit, and no loss of detail in darker zones. The exterior landscape benefits from dynamic lighting, as do the tunnels, where the alternation between the darkness of the interior and the brightness of the exit is masterfully controlled. Colors are vivid, bodywork reflections radiant and textures highly realistic, reinforcing visual immersion.
Finally, the sound environment contributes to immersion with effective spatialization: engine noises are well positioned at the front and move sideways when overtaking, reinforcing the feeling of speed and being present in the race.
📝 Expert advice
To take full advantage of the TCL 65C8K's gaming performance, you need to activate the HDMI Advanced Standard and High Frame Rate Mode options in the Settings / Channels and Inputs / Inputs menu. These settings allow you to enjoy the full potential of the TV's HDMI 2.1 ports in 4K with high refresh rates.
Sound
The TCL 65C8K’s 4.2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers a total of 90 watts. Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual-X compatible and featuring advanced audio processing with virtualization and upmixing, it also incorporates a 7-band equalizer and woofers to boost low frequencies.
Overall, the soundstage is well defined, with good clarity, pleasant balance and perfectly audible vocals. While the lower end of the spectrum would have benefited from a little more presence to reinforce impact effects, the overall dynamic range is sufficient for comfortable listening without the need for a soundbar.
Spatialization is quite broad, with convincing depth behind the screen, provided it’s not placed up against a wall. Lateral effects are well rendered, offering immersion in action scenes or atmospheres that are rich in detail. The upward-firing drivers, responsible for reproducing the vertical effects of Dolby Atmos, produce a perceptible sensation of height. This depends very much on the configuration of the room, in particular the height of the ceiling and its acoustic behavior (absorbent or reverberant). A low, hard ceiling will favor sound reflection, while a high or absorbent ceiling will attenuate vertical effects.
For even greater depth and immersion, the addition of a Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar, ideally accompanied by a subwoofer, remains an excellent solution. I recommend using the HDMI eARC connector, but you’ll lose the use of one of the HDMI HFR ports (120/144Hz 4K).
TCL 65C8K vs TCL 65C855
The TCL 65C8K follows on from the TCL 65C855 (TCL 65C89B), retaining the essentials: QLED Pro technology, new-generation multi-zone Mini LED backlighting, 144Hz 4K and Google TV compatibility. It gains in contrast control thanks to a more powerful and precise backlight (1,680 zones vs. 1,344) and a more nuanced image, especially in HDR. Upscaling has improved slightly, but remains a notch below the best systems. The design has been modernized (absence of black edges), and the audio system is no longer designed by Onkyo but by Bang & Olufsen, increasing from 60 watts to 90 watts, with better spatial imaging, but more discreet bass.
TCL 65C8K vs Hisense 65U8Q
The Hisense stands out for its native 4K 165Hz panel (288Hz 2K in HSR) and 2,048-zone backlighting (vs. 1,680 for the TCL), offering greater fluidity, and more precision and finesse in light and contrast management.
Nonetheless, thanks to its QLED Pro technology, the TCL displays a very precise image with intense colors, and offers very good contrast with deep, nuanced blacks. What’s more, its Google TV operating system is a little richer than the Hisense’s VIDAA interface.
In terms of sound, the Hisense’s audio system, supervised by Devialet, proves just as immersive as that of the TCL, optimized by Bang & Olufsen.
Who is the TCL 65C8K designed for?
The TCL 65C8K is aimed at discerning users looking for a very bright, high-contrast, richly colored picture to enjoy movies, TV series and games in excellent conditions. Thanks to its 144Hz 4K compatibility, low input lag and advanced gaming functions, it will particularly appeal to gamers with latest-generation consoles. Its comprehensive, smooth Google TV interface and HDMI 2.1 connectivity also make it an excellent choice for connected, multimedia use. Its Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers immersive sound without the need for a soundbar. Finally, its meticulous design makes this versatile TV equally at home in a modern living room or in a home theater.
