Best TCL TVs Under $500

1. TCL QM6K Mini-LED

– Best Overall Under $500

The TCL QM6K is considered TCL’s best-value Mini-LED TV. This brings quantum dots, up to 500 local dimming zones, and around 700-nit HDR brightness at budget prices. You get a 144Hz native refresh rate, Motion Rate 480 with MEMC Frame Insertion, AIPQ Pro Processor with Deep Learning AI, and Google TV smart OS. The TCL TV gets new Filmmaker Mode, IMAX Enhanced Certification, and Dolby Vision IQ. For audio, the TV gets you an Onkyo 2.1 speaker system with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X.

It is available in multiple sizes from 50 to 65 inches. You can score the 65-inch model for under $500 during the holiday sale.

2. TCL QM5K Mini-LED

– Runner-Up Picture Quality

This Best Buy-exclusive TCL QM5K Mini-LED TV comes with up to about 300 local dimming zones. It offers contrast close to the QM6K but with a 60Hz native panel. There’s an Onkyo 2.1 speaker system with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X. The AiPQ processor uses AI to control contrast, motion, color, clarity, and upscaling. There’s HDR10 Pro+ with HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, and 240Hz Motion Rate.

The 65-inch model, during promotions, can be yours for just $450, making it an ideal recommendation while also saving some bucks.

3. TCL T7 Series

– Newest Model

TCL T7 series is the brand’s new lineup that offers the latest and most modern features that one will expect. You get a QLED-Quantum Dot Technology panel with a 4K UHD panel. For gamers, this is a delight as it’s the official partner of the Call of Duty game. To that extent, you get a 120Hz high refresh rate, with a 144Hz variable refresh rate.

There’s TCL’s AiPQ processor to enhance the display experience, Game Accelerator 288, HDR Pro+ with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG. The lineup gets Google TV OS with hands-free voice control, voice remote, Google Chromecast built-in, and AirPlay 2. Audio enthusiasts will be happy to know there’s Dolby Atmos support.

The 55-inch size is available for $380 on Amazon during this holiday season. If you have the budget, you can stretch to $500 and get the 65-inch variant.

4. TCL 4-Series / S455

– Cheapest 4K Roku TV

The TCL 4-Series/S455 is one of the most popular entry-level 4K Roku TVs, especially now that it’s available at its low price. It uses a VA panel with relatively high native contrast and good black uniformity, which helps dark scenes look more convincing than on many other cheap edge-lit sets, even though it lacks local dimming entirely. You get easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Hey Google. The edge-to-edge design blends nicely in your living room. You can stream free TV, live news, sports, movies, etc.

It is not ideal for demanding HDR or serious competitive gaming, but for casual streaming, broadcast TV, and general use, it offers consistent performance and one of the most user-friendly smart platforms available. The 43- and 50-inch S455 models are currently available for $400 and $500, respectively.

5. TCL S4 / S450G

– Budget 4K with Google TV

This one is for viewers who prefer Google’s ecosystem and want to minimize spending. This budget TV brings a 4K panel with decent color accuracy and low input lag. It is suitable for light gaming and your everyday streaming needs. This gets HDR Pro (Dolby Vision, HDR10, & HLG), Motion Rate 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion, and Auto Game Mode (ALLM).

For audio, the TV gets you Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X. There’s Chromecast built-in, 3 HDMI inputs, and dual-band Wi-Fi. For around $500, you can get the 58-inch size for $380, while the 65-inch size version is available for $530 during the holiday sale. While it does not offer local dimming or high-end HDR performance, the combination of 4K resolution, Google TV interface, and low cost makes it a strong “no-frills” smart TV for secondary rooms or first-time 4K buyers.

Key Specs at a Glance

How to Choose the Right TCL TV Under $500

When buying a TV, you’ll have to start planning with room size and viewing distance. The 55-inch screen is a sweet spot for most living rooms. While the 65-inch version offers a more cinematic feel, it requires a bigger room to make the experience more pleasing. If you care about movie-like contrast and regularly watch HDR content in dim lighting, you are better off with the Mini-LED QM6K or QM5K for their local dimming and higher brightness.

For gamers, it’s always ideal to have a TV with a higher refresh rate and low input lag. Here, the QM6K and TCL T7 are particularly attractive due to their higher-refresh gaming modes. If you’re not that into the technical details and want a TV just for casual streaming, the inexpensive 4-Series S455 or S4/S450G offer plenty of value.

In related news, TCL recently launched the A400 Pro QD Mini LED Art TV with a 4K 144Hz display.

The post Best TCL TVs Under $500 You Can Buy in 2025 appeared first on TCL Central.

Premium Looks Meet Sensible Design

TCL uses a bezel-less design across all T7 models. The TVs feature a minimalist look that suits wall mounting or table placement. TCL includes adjustable-width feet to allow more flexibility for setups with soundbars or compact entertainment units. This small design choice improves usability, especially in tighter spaces. Despite falling in the mid-range category, the T7 models look refined and clean.

QLED Visuals With 144Hz Sweetness

All four models in the T7 lineup support 4K resolution at 3840 × 2160. The 55-inch variant uses a 120Hz panel, while the 65, 75, and 85-inch versions move up to a native 144Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate improves fast-motion clarity in games and sports content.

TCL adds support for variable refresh rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Game Accelerator. The 85-inch model can reach up to 288 VRR, which helps reduce input lag during gameplay. These features make the T7 Series suitable for console and PC gamers who want smoother motion and lower latency.

All the HDR Formats You Could Ask For

TCL supports a wide range of HDR formats on the T7 Series. Each model handles Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, and Open HDR. This broad compatibility allows content from most major streaming platforms to play in the intended HDR format.

The AiPQ Pro processor powers TCL’s picture enhancement. It adjusts image settings in real time to boost contrast, color accuracy, and detail sharpness. The QLED panel supports 1.07 billion display colors and uses a high-brightness LED backlight to improve image clarity in bright environments.

Smarter, Louder Smart TV

The T7 Series runs on Google TV. This platform gives access to thousands of apps and services, including Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. Built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 support allow wireless casting from Android and iOS devices.

TCL adds far-field microphones to all T7 models. This allows voice control without using the remote. The TVs also support Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit for smart home control. TCL includes a backlit voice remote and ships the unit with AAA batteries.

The 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch models include a 2.0-channel speaker system, ranging from 20W to 30W. The 85-inch model features a 2.1 Onkyo speaker system with a built-in subwoofer and a total output of 40W. All models support Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital+ formats to enhance spatial audio.

Ports, Power, and Peace of Mind

TCL includes four HDMI ports on each T7 TV, with one port supporting eARC. The TVs also come with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet input, optical digital audio out, and RF input for antenna or cable. Wireless connectivity uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).

Other included features are sleep timer, multilingual on-screen display, closed captions, JPEG/MP3 playback from USB, and accessibility options. Power consumption remains under 0.5W in standby mode. The TVs do not carry Energy Star certification. Each model supports VESA wall mounting.

Value Without Compromise

TCL prices the 55-inch T7 at $599.99. The 65-inch model costs $699.99, the 75-inch version is listed at $899.99, and the 85-inch model comes in at $1,399.99. These prices make the T7 Series competitive in the mid-range segment. TCL has not announced a specific release date, but availability is expected by the end of the year.

The T7 Series checks many boxes for buyers who want a high-performance smart TV without entering the premium OLED or Mini LED space. With QLED visuals, 144Hz gaming support, advanced HDR compatibility, and solid audio options, the T7 Series stands out as a complete and well-rounded offering in its price class.

In related news, TCL CSOT showcases its printed OLED, Micro LED, MLED, and tri-fold display technologies at DTC2025, and TCL leads Double 11 TV sales once again as it strengthens its premium position with SQD Mini LED technology.

The post What’s So Special About TCL T7 4K QLED Smart TV? appeared first on TCL Central.

World’s First HDR10 AR Glasses

The RayNeo Air 4 is the first AR glasses product to support HDR10, setting a new benchmark for display technology in the category. The glasses include AI-powered SDR-to-HDR conversion, which upgrades non-HDR content to HDR quality on the fly. This enhancement improves contrast, deepens blacks, and boosts color depth without user intervention. The 1200-nit peak brightness ensures clarity even in well-lit environments.

Vision 4000 Display Processor

Both the Air 4 and Air 4 Pro use the Vision 4000 image-processing chip, co-developed by RayNeo and Pixelworks. The chip handles real-time tone mapping, white balance adjustment, and contrast enhancement. The Air 4 Pro supports 10-bit color output, delivering 10.7 billion colors, which results in a 64x improvement in tonal depth over standard 8-bit displays. This processing power ensures that image quality remains consistent across varied content and lighting conditions.

Micro-OLED Display and 3D Support

The glasses use 0.6-inch dual-layer Micro-OLED panels with support for 1920×1080 resolution in 2D and 3840×1080 in 3D mode. They simulate a 135-inch virtual screen viewed from 4 meters, suitable for streaming, gaming, or multitasking. With a 200,000:1 contrast ratio and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, the display produces rich blacks, vibrant highlights, and accurate tones. The 120Hz refresh rate supports fluid motion during gameplay and high-frame-rate video.

TCL Optical Engine

RayNeo integrates TCL’s second-generation Peacock Optical Engine 2.0 across both models. The optics system benefits from TCL’s display calibration expertise and pushes color coverage up to 145% sRGB. The engine supports precise color tuning that meets the needs of video professionals and content creators. Visuals remain accurate, natural, and free from color drift, even in high-contrast scenes.

Bang & Olufsen Audio

The Air 4 series introduces a four-speaker audio system co-engineered with Bang & Olufsen. It supports spatial 3D surround sound, uses large polymer diaphragms, and employs a proprietary DAC algorithm to maintain clarity and balance. The sound-guiding fins reduce leakage by up to 80%. Whisper Mode focuses sound into the ears, ideal for quiet environments. The Air 4 Pro adds Surround Mode, expanding the soundstage for immersive content.

Comfort and Fit

RayNeo maintains a lightweight design at 76 grams across both models. The frame uses a balanced 46.7:53.3 front-to-back weight ratio to reduce strain on the nose and ears. The temples offer nine levels of adjustment, while the nose pads include three positioning levels, allowing the headset to fit a wide range of face shapes. Prescription lens support adds flexibility for nearsighted users.

Compatibility and Charging

The Air 4 series connects to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, using USB-C or HDMI adapters. The glasses support up to 100W Power Delivery passthrough charging, allowing users to continue viewing or gaming while their device charges in the background. This makes them suitable for long usage sessions without power interruptions.

Buy RayNeo Air 3s Pro From Official Website

In related news, global TV shipments fell below 50 million units in Q3 2025, marking a 4.9% year-over-year decline, and Redmi’s product manager stated that RGB OLED represents the future of display technology.

The post What’s So Special About the RayNeo Air 4 AR glasses? appeared first on TCL Central.

What Defines “Value-for-Money” in 2025?

The modern definition of value extends far beyond just having the lowest price. Today’s value-conscious consumers expect several key features in a TCL 65 inch TV: strong HDR performance with high peak brightness for excellent daytime viewing, modern gaming capabilities including 120-144Hz panels with HDMI 2.1/VRR/ALLM support, quality contrast ratios with effective local dimming for deep blacks, a robust smart platform with ongoing software support, and competitive pricing that doesn’t sacrifice essential features.

TCL QM7K: The Sweet Spot Champion

After extensive market analysis and expert reviews, the TCL QM7K (65-inch) emerges as the best overall value for most buyers in 2025. According to our analysis, the QM7K offers the optimal performance-to-price ratio.

Priced at $999 but normally available around $850 at major retailers, the QM7K delivers impressive specifications that rival TVs costing significantly more. The television features TCL’s advanced QD-Mini LED technology with up to 2,500 local dimming zones, HDR peak brightness of 2,600 nits, and a native 144Hz refresh rate with Game Accelerator 288 for responsive gaming.

The Competition: QM8K vs QM6K

While the flagship QM8K is priced at $1,499, this premium model commands nearly double the QM7K’s current street price. The QM8K does offer superior peak brightness (up to 5,000 nits) and more local dimming zones (3,800+), but these improvements provide diminishing returns for most viewing scenarios.

On the budget end, the 2025 TCL QM6K right now is our choice for the best value TV in 2025, offering Mini-LED technology at entry-level pricing around $600-700. However, the QM6K makes notable compromises in peak brightness and dimming zone count that become apparent during demanding HDR content.

Why the QM7K Hits Different

The QM7K’s appeal lies in its comprehensive feature set without major compromises. You get TCL’s latest CrystGlow HVA panel technology for enhanced contrast, Bang & Olufsen audio tuning for superior sound quality, Google TV smart platform with regular updates, and comprehensive gaming features including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support. The television also includes premium design elements like ultra-slim construction and seamless wall mounting capabilities.

For most consumers, the QM7K provides 90% of the flagship QM8K experience at roughly 60% of the cost. The brightness difference (2,600 vs 5,000 nits) is less noticeable in typical home environments, while the core Mini-LED local dimming technology remains equally impressive across both models.

The Bottom Line

In 2025’s competitive landscape, the 65-inch TCL QM7K represents the best value proposition for buyers seeking premium TV performance without premium pricing. For anyone shopping for a TCL 65 inch TV, this model delivers flagship-level features, modern gaming support, and impressive picture quality that satisfies both casual viewers and enthusiasts. At current sale prices under $900, it provides exceptional value that’s hard to match. While budget buyers might consider the QM6K and those wanting absolute best performance should look at the QM8K, the QM7K occupies that crucial middle ground where performance meets affordability most effectively.

In related news, we recently broke down TCL’s SQD-Mini LED technology, highlighting why it sets a new benchmark for Mini LED displays.

The post What’s the Best Value for Money 65-inch TCL TV in 2025? appeared first on TCL Central.

Available in sizes from 65 to 98 inches, the QM8K isn’t just about screen real estate; it’s TCL’s most technologically advanced TV to date, carrying the kind of refinements that might finally elevate it into the ultra-premium TV conversation.

Sharp Departure from the Past

Replacing last year’s QM851G, the QM8K brings several key upgrades, beginning with its CrystGlow WHVA panel, which addresses one of Mini LED’s long-standing flaws: poor viewing angles.

TCL’s proprietary WHVA (Wide Horizontal Viewing Angle) technology uses a sophisticated subpixel structure to reduce color shift and improve image uniformity when viewed off-axis. Combined with the brand’s new ZeroBorder design, which trims bezels down to just 3–4mm, the visual impact is both immersive and modern.

The QM8K is also brighter and more precise. It can hit 5,000 nits of peak HDR brightness and features up to 3,800 local dimming zones, making it TCL’s most aggressive attempt yet at rivaling OLED in dynamic range, but with the punchier highlights Mini LED is known for.

According to TCL, that’s 65% brighter than last year’s model and brings 35% more dimming zones, thanks to a new Halo Control System built around improved LEDs, a micro lens array, and dynamic backlight algorithms.

Processing That Thinks Ahead

TCL’s self-developed AiPQ Pro processor returns with even more intelligent tuning, now capable of adjusting contrast, color, and motion at the pixel level. The processor pairs with the new 23-bit Backlight Controller, enabling over 65,000 levels of brightness control per LED.

There’s also a Zero-Delay Transient Response that reduces input lag between signal and backlight, particularly useful for gamers who want minimal latency during fast-paced sessions.

Speaking of gaming, the QM8K comes armed with Game Accelerator 288, which unlocks up to 288Hz VRR in supported games at 1080p. The native 144Hz panel, combined with Auto Game Mode (ALLM) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ensures silky gameplay with less tearing and ghosting.

TCL is also embracing Filmmaker Mode, letting movies play exactly as the creators intended, alongside Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG, and IMAX Enhanced certification.

Audio, Finally Taken Seriously

TCL isn’t stopping at visuals. It’s also bringing in Bang & Olufsen to tune the QM8K’s sound system. The integrated speakers feature up-firing drivers and Dolby Atmos support, and they’re designed by the same engineers behind B&O’s iconic speaker lines. There’s also support for DTS Virtual:X, making the TV feel like a legitimate all-in-one home theater system.

Notably, the QM8K introduces FlexConnect, a wireless surround solution that pairs seamlessly with supported speakers to eliminate messy cable setups. It’s a forward-looking move, especially as more consumers turn to cleaner, minimalist home setups.

Smarter and Better Connected

Running on Google TV, the QM8K feels familiar but smarter. There’s voice assistant support built-in (Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit), plus AirPlay 2 and Google Cast compatibility.

TCL also throws in a new Art Mode, complete with 350+ curated artworks and AI-generated pieces, turning your blank screen into a digital gallery.

Connectivity is future-ready too. You get four HDMI ports (with eARC), USB 3.0, Wi-Fi 6, and ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) for OTA 4K HDR content.

Premium, but Not Out of Reach

The 65-inch QM8K starts at $2,299.99, while the 85-inch model comes in at $3,799.99. A 75-inch version priced at $2,999.99 and a massive 98-inch variant for $6,499.99 will arrive later in June.

These prices firmly place the QM8K in the high-end TV bracket, yet TCL still undercuts some of its rivals like Samsung and Sony, especially when comparing panel size and feature set.

The post What’s So Special About TCL’s New QM8K TV? appeared first on TCL Central.