TechTvsTCL C855 review: go big or go homeTCL’s 2024 range of Mini-LED TVs promises huge screen sizes, better performance and very affordable pricingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: TC)T3 VerdictThe TCL C855 offers remarkable value for money thanks to its huge screen sizes, Mini-LED backlight with thousands of dimming zones, comprehensive high dynamic range (HDR) support, and state-of-the-art gameplay. It’s not perfect – but you won’t find another 4K HDR TV that offers all this for the same price. That’s what makes it a 5-star product when it comes to balance of premium and value.Reasons to buy+Bright and punchy images+Next-generation gaming+Exceptional valueReasons to avoid-Sound lackluster – invest in a soundbar-Some blooming on bright HDR imagesWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechTvsTCL C855 review: go big or go homeTCL’s 2024 range of Mini-LED TVs promises huge screen sizes, better performance and very affordable pricingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: TC)T3 VerdictThe TCL C855 offers remarkable value for money thanks to its huge screen sizes, Mini-LED backlight with thousands of dimming zones, comprehensive high dynamic range (HDR) support, and state-of-the-art gameplay. It’s not perfect – but you won’t find another 4K HDR TV that offers all this for the same price. That’s what makes it a 5-star product when it comes to balance of premium and value.Reasons to buy+Bright and punchy images+Next-generation gaming+Exceptional valueReasons to avoid-Sound lackluster – invest in a soundbar-Some blooming on bright HDR imagesWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TCL’s 2024 range of Mini-LED TVs promises huge screen sizes, better performance and very affordable pricing
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: TC)T3 VerdictThe TCL C855 offers remarkable value for money thanks to its huge screen sizes, Mini-LED backlight with thousands of dimming zones, comprehensive high dynamic range (HDR) support, and state-of-the-art gameplay. It’s not perfect – but you won’t find another 4K HDR TV that offers all this for the same price. That’s what makes it a 5-star product when it comes to balance of premium and value.Reasons to buy+Bright and punchy images+Next-generation gaming+Exceptional valueReasons to avoid-Sound lackluster – invest in a soundbar-Some blooming on bright HDR images
(Image credit: TC)
(Image credit: TC)
T3 VerdictThe TCL C855 offers remarkable value for money thanks to its huge screen sizes, Mini-LED backlight with thousands of dimming zones, comprehensive high dynamic range (HDR) support, and state-of-the-art gameplay. It’s not perfect – but you won’t find another 4K HDR TV that offers all this for the same price. That’s what makes it a 5-star product when it comes to balance of premium and value.Reasons to buy+Bright and punchy images+Next-generation gaming+Exceptional valueReasons to avoid-Sound lackluster – invest in a soundbar-Some blooming on bright HDR images
T3 VerdictThe TCL C855 offers remarkable value for money thanks to its huge screen sizes, Mini-LED backlight with thousands of dimming zones, comprehensive high dynamic range (HDR) support, and state-of-the-art gameplay. It’s not perfect – but you won’t find another 4K HDR TV that offers all this for the same price. That’s what makes it a 5-star product when it comes to balance of premium and value.
T3 Verdict
The TCL C855 offers remarkable value for money thanks to its huge screen sizes, Mini-LED backlight with thousands of dimming zones, comprehensive high dynamic range (HDR) support, and state-of-the-art gameplay. It’s not perfect – but you won’t find another 4K HDR TV that offers all this for the same price. That’s what makes it a 5-star product when it comes to balance of premium and value.
Reasons to buy+Bright and punchy images+Next-generation gaming+Exceptional valueReasons to avoid-Sound lackluster – invest in a soundbar-Some blooming on bright HDR images
Reasons to buy+Bright and punchy images+Next-generation gaming+Exceptional value
Bright and punchy images
Next-generation gaming
Exceptional value
Reasons to avoid-Sound lackluster – invest in a soundbar-Some blooming on bright HDR images
Sound lackluster – invest in a soundbar
Some blooming on bright HDR images
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TCL’s C855 is the brand’s 2024 high-end Mini-LED TV, available in screen sizes ranging from 65- through to 98-inches. Yes, it’s big, it’s bright – that’s what Mini-LED helps with – but it’s also refined, thanks to thousands of local dimming zones for picture control.
That’s not all, though: with Quantum Dot filters meaning a wider delivery of colour, and support for every high dynamic range (HDR) format, you really won’t find many – possiblyany– TVs so well-specced at this price point.
TCL C855: Price & Availability
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Today’s best TCL C855 4K Mini LED TV, TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV, TCL C855 85-inch 4K Mini LED TV and TCL C855 75-inch 4K Mini LED TV dealsTCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best TCL C855 4K Mini LED TV, TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV, TCL C855 85-inch 4K Mini LED TV and TCL C855 75-inch 4K Mini LED TV dealsTCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all prices
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all prices
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all prices
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV
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The TCL C855 is available now (although this model is not in the USA) and comes in four screen sizes: the 65-inch model, which costs £1,299 / AU$2,295; the 75-inch version that retails for £1,699 / AU$2,995; the huge 85-inch model (as reviewed here), which is priced at an incredible £2,299 / AU$4,995; and a gigantic 98-inch version that’ll still only set you back £3,999 / AU$7,995.
You’ll struggle to find anything that competes with the C855 in terms of screen sizes, features and price, but your best bet is theSamsung QN90D (hands-on comparison feature here). This mid-range model offers similar screen sizes and features, along with slightly better performance, but it’s pricier as a result.
TCL C855 review: Features & What’s New?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The TCL C855 retains many features from last year’s C845, such as a VA panel for deeper blacks, along with Quantum Dot filters for purer colours, and a Mini-LED backlight. However, the number of LEDs behind the LCD panel has been increased significantly – to 2,304 independently dimmable zones. As a result the brightness has also been boosted, with a claimed peak output of 3,500 nits.
TCL’s AiPQ Pro AI-enhanced processor promises improved upscaling of lower-resolution content while also optimising the picture for contrast, clarity, colour and motion. In terms of the latter there are modes designed for film-based content, as well as modes that apply frame interpolation to create smoother and more detailed movement, which is ideal for fast-paced sports content.
(Image credit: TC)
(Image credit: TC)
TCL’s Game Master Pro 2.0 brings all the latest gaming-specific features to the C855, while the pop-up Game Bar provides information on the TV’s gaming status, such as ALLM, VRR, HFR and HDR. You can also take screenshots, adjust the shadow levels to bring out details in dark areas, and pull up a useful aiming aid, plus there’s quick access to the game picture modes and menus.
TCL C855 review: Picture Quality
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The TCL C855 gets the basics right with an accurate picture in the Movie mode, especially with standard dynamic range content. The HDR accuracy is also good, although there are larger errors when it comes to colour accuracy.
It’s also capable of delivering deep blacks and bright highlights that are largely free of any blooming. Those 2,304 independent zones play their part, while the VA panel produces a native contrast ratio of 4,350:1 – although the optimal viewing angles are fairly narrow, as is the nature of this panel type.
The screen uniformity is patchy in places, but given the sheer size of this 85-inch panel that’s hardly surprising. Thankfully the screen filter is effective, rejecting the ambient light in a room and ensuring the C855 is a great performer whether you’re watching during the day or at night.
In HDR I measured the peak brightness at over 3,000 nits (on a 10% window) and 750 nits (on a full-field pattern), which is seriously bright. Your retinas will certainly notice! The TCL also coveres 95% of the DCI-P3 colour space, which means that it’s capable of producing a massive colour volume with HDR content.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
TCL’s AiPQ Pro AI-enhanced processor is generally effective, and if you feed the C855 a high-quality image the results are often excellent. However, with lower-resolution or compressed images the upscaling and image processing isn’t as accomplished as more established brands.
This is also the case when it comes to motion, and while generally smooth and clean there are definitely signs of judder on certain content. As a result the overall motion handling suffers from occasional artefacts like stuttering as objects move across the screen, which can be distracting.
Despite all the zones at the C855’s disposal, there is some blooming around brighter objects in HDR. This is almost certainly due to this TV’s incredibly bright picture, so it’s understandable, but unfortunately the narrow viewing angles also mean this blooming is more apparent off-axis.
This trade-off between the peak brightness and the local dimming is most obvious during the nighttime scenes in1917or the arrival in lunar orbit inFirst Man. In both cases there is some slight blooming around bright objects against a dark background. Conversely the sun-bleached deserts ofMad Max: Furiosaor the snowy vistas ofThe Revenantlook stunning on the C855’s big screen.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The tone mapping results in an HDR image that’s largely free of any black crush or loss of detail in the highlights. However, there is clear clipping when watching HDR10 content graded at 4,000 nits or above – as perAquaman.In this movie, during the scene where he is chained up in Atlantis, the environment is mostly white with bright lighting. Here the more aggressive tone mapping of the C855 produces clipping in the highlights.
The C855 is a fantastic TV for gamers – not only due to its state-of-the-art features, but also because gaming on a screen this big is enjoyably immersive, while the LCD panel ensures there’s no danger of image retention or screen burn. In game mode the response times are also blisteringly fast, with input lag from 15ms to 6ms – depending on the resolution and frame rate of the game.
TCL C855 review: Sound Quality
(Image credit: TC)
(Image credit: TC)
The TCL C855 disappoints somewhat when it comes to sound quality, especially considering the sheer size of the 85-inch panel and the 2.2.2-channel Onkyo sound system with its 120W built-in grunt. Despite this, the overall sound often feels a bit thin – although the combination of full-range speakers and power means the audio goes loud without distorting or losing composure.
There’s some decent stereo separation but the soundstage lacks the scale and depth to really do justice to that huge screen. The bass is also fairly weedy despite the built-in woofers. In addition, I struggled to really hear any overhead effects, and couldn’t even find where the upfiring speakers are located. However, the sonic clarity remains good and dialogue is always clear and focused.
TCL C855 review: Design & Usability
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The TCL C855 sports a minimalist black finish with a bezel-less frame, and a fairly solid level of build quality. The 85-inch version is surprisingly slim, only measuring 36mm from top to bottom, but it also weighs in at a monstrous 45.3kg – so bear that in mind if you plan on wall-mounting.
If you prefer to stand-mount there’s a pair of feet that match the styling and offer sufficient room to fit a decent-sized soundbar between them. While both the 85- and 98-inch models come with these attachable feet, the 65- and 75-inch versions of the C855 use a metal central stand instead.
The connections are comprised of four HDMI inputs (two of the four beingHDMI 2.1 types), a USB 2.0 port, terrestrial and satellite tuners, a CI (common interface) slot, optical digital output, Ethernet port, an AV adapter, and a headphone jack. There’s also Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Chromecast for wireless connectivity.
TCL has sensibly allocated one of the 2.0b inputs on the C855 as theeARC (enhanced audio return channel)connection. This allows you to simultaneously connect two gaming consoles or a gaming console and PC for higher frame rates, while also attaching a soundbar or AV receiver.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The included remote is finished in matte silver and has its volume control located on the side, which could be annoying if you’re left handed. All the other buttons are on the front but only identified with icons, along with direct access keys for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and TCL TV.
The initial setup of the TV is relatively quick and easy, especially if you already have a Google account. Simply follow the instructions in the Google Home app, and the TV will automatically setup an internet connection, tune in the broadcast channels and load all your favourite apps. All the main video streaming services are on offer here too – although due to ongoing Google issues, TCL TVs are still missing all the UK TV catch-up services at present.
Naturally Google Assistant is built in, turning the C855 into a fully-functioning smart assistant with voice control, plus there’s support for Chromecast and Google Home. The smart system includes access to an EPG (electronic programme guide) that’s sensibly laid out and easy to navigate.
TCL C855 review: Verdict
(Image credit: TC)
(Image credit: TC)
The TCL C855 retains all of the strengths that made the C845 such an exceptional value TV last year, but somehow still manages to offer larger screen sizes, even more features, and better performance, while also remaining highly competitive when it comes to pricing and affordability.
The Mini-LED backlight with its increased number of zones combines with a VA panel and capable local dimming to deliver a solid contrast performance with deep blacks and bright highlights that are largely free of blooming. The viewing angle isn’t brilliant though and the lack of UK catch-up services is a current issue with Google TV.
So while the C855 is not perfect – with mild blooming on brighter HDR content and clipping when tone mapping material graded at 4,000 nits and above – it’s the price that really sees these nitpicks fall away. Because the reality is you won’t find a better value 4K HDR TV right now.
Also consider
As said further up page, if you’ve got a little more to spend then a close rival is the Samsung QN90D. It’s a better performer, but it’s also a step up the price ranks, which is the main thing to consider.
Today’s best TCL C855 4K Mini LED TV and Samsung QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV dealsTCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV$1,257.97$897.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best TCL C855 4K Mini LED TV and Samsung QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV dealsTCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV$1,257.97$897.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best TCL C855 4K Mini LED TV and Samsung QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV dealsTCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV$1,257.97$897.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best TCL C855 4K Mini LED TV and Samsung QN90D Neo QLED 4K TV deals
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all pricesLow StockSamsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV$1,257.97$897.99ViewSee all prices
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all prices
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV$4,999.99ViewSee all prices
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV
TCL C855 98-inch 4K Mini LED TV
$4,999.99View
$4,999.99
$4,999.99
See all prices
Low StockSamsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV$1,257.97$897.99ViewSee all prices
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Samsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV$1,257.97$897.99ViewSee all prices
Samsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV
Samsung QN90D 55-inch Neo QLED 4K TV
$1,257.97$897.99View
$1,257.97$897.99
$897.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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