TCL QM8 65" QLED Review: Premium Features at a Mid-Range Price

TCL has made a name for itself by offering premium features at aggressive price points, and the QM8 continues that tradition spectacularly. With over 2,000 dimming zones, impressive brightness, and solid gaming features, the QM8 delivers a viewing experience that punches well above its weight class.

Mini-LED Brilliance

The QM8's Mini-LED backlighting system uses over 2,000 local dimming zones to achieve contrast levels that approach OLED territory. While it can't match the pixel-level precision of OLED, the difference is far less noticeable than you might expect—especially given the significant price difference.

Peak brightness exceeded 2,000 nits in our testing, making HDR content absolutely sing. Explosions have real impact, sunsets glow with warmth, and bright highlights pop against darker backgrounds. For well-lit living rooms where OLED might struggle, the QM8 is actually the better choice.

Gaming on a Budget

The QM8 doesn't skimp on gaming features. You get 120Hz VRR support, auto low-latency mode, and respectable input lag of around 11ms in Game Mode. While not quite as fast as premium OLEDs, it's more than adequate for all but the most competitive gamers.

The high brightness is actually an advantage for gaming, making HDR games look more impactful than they would on dimmer displays. Combined with the excellent contrast from all those dimming zones, games look stunning.

Google TV Done Right

TCL's implementation of Google TV is clean and responsive. All the apps you'd expect are present, and the content discovery features help you find things to watch across your streaming subscriptions. Dolby Atmos support through the HDMI eARC port rounds out the package nicely.

Final Verdict

The TCL QM8 is a remarkable achievement in value. It delivers Mini-LED picture quality that rivals TVs costing twice as much, with gaming features that satisfy all but the most demanding players. If you want the best bang for your buck in the $900 range, the QM8 is virtually unbeatable.