TCL’s latest range of TVs will start shipping over the next few weeks. If you haven’t caught the news again at CES, the company is taking a new approach to its naming conventions: The lineup is now split into a budget-friendly S-Class and a high-performance Q-Class. Within each of these models are several at different price points. Across the lineup, TCL continues to strive to prove a better value than similarly priced sets from Samsung, LG, Sony, and more. Over the past couple of years, Hisense has been down a similar path, releasing TVs that far exceed what’s normally expected for the money.
S stands for “intelligent” in smart TV, and Q stands for QLED picture technology. Even with its scaled-down S-class, TCL highlights the bezel-less metal design, which is available up to the 32-inch 720p S2 model. Moving on to the 1080p S3 — available in 32-inch, 40-inch, and 43-inch sizes — you can also add HDR picture and other added value like Bluetooth audio support and a voice-enabled remote control. The S4 is where 4K really starts to come in. This model also includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and frame insertion for smoother motion clarity. TCL says it’s now available in a wide range of sizes, from 43 inches ($279.99) to 85 inches.
But most edge Readers will probably be most interested in Q Class TVs. The entry-level Q6 delivers an image that’s 66 percent brighter than the S4. It also includes what TCL calls a “Game Accelerator 120,” which can push the refresh rate to 120Hz while gaming (albeit with the vertical resolution of the 4K image halved). But you do get this smoother action at budget prices:
The TCL Q Class Q6 is now available in a 55-inch model (55Q650G) for $499.99 (MSRP), a 65-inch model (65Q650G) for $699.99 (MSRP), a 75-inch model (75Q650G) for $899.99, and an 85-inch model ( 85Q650G). ) for $1599.99 MSRP.
TCL doesn’t think its competitors can deliver smooth VRR gaming at this price level. The Q7 ramps up picture performance even further: it’s a native 120Hz panel that can overclock up to 240Hz in its Game Accelerator mode. Again, the vertical resolution is reduced if you’re playing a 4K game in Accelerator mode, but assuming you’re a console player that keeps things at 120Hz, you’ll get higher quality 4K gaming on this model. The maximum 240Hz is only suitable for computer players. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is also supported in the Q7, along with other features like Dolby Vision IQ, IMAX Enhanced certification, and an even more premium backlit remote control.
TCL’s flagship lineup for 2023 is the QM8 with a small LED backlight. The larger model tops out over 2,300 local dimming zones, and TCL uses “AIPQ Engine Gen 3” to get the best possible contrast from all of those zones while avoiding blooming. The QM8 can reach 2000 nits of peak brightness. The TV has a built-in amplifier — not unlike the Hisense U8H — and upgrades to Wi-Fi 6 for optimal streaming performance. The height-adjustable stand also allows you to position your TV without the soundbar cutting into the picture. This is TCL at its best, and the prices reflect just as much:
The QM8 is available in a 65-inch model (65QM850G) for $1,699.99, a 75-inch model (75QM850G) for $2,299.99, an 85-inch model (85QM850G) for $2,799.99, and a 98-inch model (98QM850G) coming later. This year for $9999.99 MSRP.
TCL still only gives you two 4K120 HDMI ports, but as with the last 6-series Roku TV, it uses one of the less powerful ports for eARC purposes. So if you have Xbox Series X and PS5, you can connect them without losing anything.
The company is also still trying to lead a double life by supporting both Roku and Google TV; The S2 comes with Roku software, the S3 and S4 can be purchased with either operating system, and the Q Class works on Google TV exclusively. TCL landed a big partnership with the NFL this year that the company hopes will make its brand more recognizable to anyone who hasn’t tried their TVs yet; This is why you see a bunch of soccer balls plastered on all of these marketing images. Brand awareness will be a major priority for the company this year, as TCL also plans to boost its social media presence as it looks to gobble up more TV market share in the US.
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