TCL QM851G QD-Mini LED Review
Table of contents
At this year's CES, TCL introduced a new slogan: "98-inch is the new 85-inch," highlighting the company's focus on larger screen sizes. However, size alone doesn't guarantee superior picture quality. A large display can only truly impress if it has the right foundation. Good picture quality starts with good bones—a solid structure of core features and technology that work together to deliver a superior viewing experience.
Elements such as panel technology, processing power, and color accuracy all play a vital role in determining the overall quality. If these elements aren't up to par, a bigger screen can end up magnifying flaws rather than showcasing the intended quality. This is why it's essential to start with a solid base to build upon. In this review, we'll look at the 65-inch TCL QM851G to see if it has the strong foundation needed for good performance.
The TCL QM8 (QM851G) comes in a variety of sizes, each with its own price point:
TCL 65QM851G (65-inch): $1,999.99
TCL 75QM851G (75-inch): $2,699.99
Specifications
The TCL QM8 (851G) QLED is TCL's flagship model for 2024 which features a Mini LED backlight system. One of the main features this year is high-zone QD-Mini LED ULTRA with up to 5,000+ dimming zones and the new AiPQ Pro, which offers 65,000 levels brightness for each of the new Hexa Mini LED chips for control over local dimming and improves other picture features as well. The TV's QD-Mini LED backlight system incorporates advanced optical technologies developed by TCL, including the HEXA 6-in-1 LED Chip for high brightness with fine light control, an Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens for even light distribution and Optical Distance Reduction technology to minimize backlight blooming. This is achieved by reducing the space between the backlight and the reflector.
The QM851G series supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, and is IMAX Enhanced certified. It features Wi-Fi 6 for seamless streaming. Gamers will appreciate the native 120Hz display panel and four HDMI ports. HDMI 1 and 2 are 2.1 ports, with HDMI 1 supporting 144Hz VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro, while HDMI 2 supports up to 120Hz. HDMI 4 is eARC-enabled, allowing the connection of an external soundbar or AVR without sacrificing one of the gaming ports. The Game Accelerator 240 feature enables 240 VRR gaming at 1080p resolution, and there is a Game Mode to reduce latency.
In terms of other connections, the TV includes two USB slots, an Ethernet port, an optical audio output, and 3.5mm jacks for audio output and composite video input. These ports are located on the right side of the rear panel, with the power cable connection on the left side.
The audio setup includes an Onkyo-designed 2.1.2-channel speaker system with two 20W left and right speakers, a 20W subwoofer, and two 10W up-firing Dolby Atmos drivers. The system supports Dolby Atmos as well as DTS Virtual: X. There’s also Bluetooth for wireless audio output to headphones.
Design
The QM851G features a minimalist design similar to many other TVs in its price range. Its display is bordered by a slender black, brushed metallic frame along the top and sides. The bottom has a horizontal strip with the TCL logo, situated above a section where the infrared sensor, far-field microphones, and status LEDs are housed. A new badge in the upper right corner reads "Premium QD-Mini LED." The QM851G also has a glossy display with an anti-reflective film, which does a good job of reducing glare.
The rear panel has a checkerboard matte black finish with a glossy circular area at the center for the Onkyo subwoofer. It also includes VESA mounting holes for wall mounting. The TV comes with a simple, two-part wedge-shaped stand that is easy to set up and holds the TV securely. The stand's height can be adjusted to accommodate a soundbar if needed. The 85-inch and 95-inch models come with feet instead of the pedestal stand to support the extra weight.
Remote
The TCL remote is reminiscent of the one from last year's QM8, featuring a slim design measuring 8 inches by 1.4 inches by 0.6 inches. It has a plastic body with rounded edges and a brushed black finish that gives it a somewhat metallic appearance. The layout includes rubberized control buttons at the top and dedicated app buttons at the bottom for quick access to Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, and more.
The top section also includes a microphone button for voice commands and a Quick Settings button in the middle for immediate access to an onscreen menu, where options like picture mode and brightness can be adjusted. The keypad is backlit with bright white icons for easy visibility in a dark environment.
Google TV
Last year, TCL expanded on its Roku-based smart TV offerings to add Google TVs. Following this change, the company has chosen Google TV as the platform for its flagship QM851G. The Google TV interface on the QM851G features a home screen dominated by Google-curated "Top Picks For You." The platform supports a wide array of major streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, and Netflix, among others. It also offers additional apps for specialized content.
The QM851G is compatible with Alexa and Apple HomeKit and supports wireless casting through built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2. With all the features the Google TV platform offers, it meets all the needs of modern smart TVs.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the first thing you notice when you take the TV out of the box is how bright it is. TCL claims this TV can reach a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, and it comes close to that spec. In Vivid mode, which is the brightest setting, I measured 4,961 nits on a 10% window. Movie mode was dimmer, with a peak brightness of 3,218 nits, which is still plenty bright.
This impressive brightness translates well into actual viewing content. Most TVs can’t capitalize on specular highlights as effectively as this one does. For example, in "Bullet Train," the scene where Tangerine and Lemon discuss their kills, the LED lights above the seats pop with realistic intensity. This effect is consistent across all HDR content I tested, from “Batman v Superman” to “Sonic the Hedgehog.” TCL's focus on optimizing brightness and highlights is evident and significantly enhances the viewing experience.
When it comes to delivering bright images, TVs can either produce washed-out colors due to an inadequate color gamut or the increased brightness can improve the color volume. Fortunately, the TCL QM851G falls into the latter category. While watching movies like those mentioned above, the TV maintains vibrant and accurate colors even at higher brightness levels.
Leveraging quantum dot technology, the QM851G produces natural and vibrant colors in both HDR and SDR content. It covers approximately 99.92% of the Rec 709 color gamut and about 74.61% of the broader REC. 2020 color spectrum, resulting in excellent color reproduction.
Out of the box, the picture settings on the QM851G are good. In Movie mode, most color errors were well below the visible spectrum. I did, however, find that setting the black level to 48 improved the overall contrast without crushing the blacks. The TV also offers three Dolby Vision Modes: Light, Dark, and IQ. I found Light to be the best choice. There's also a feature called Precision Detail, which adds more detail to the picture, similar to Reality Creation, but it can only be activated when watching Dolby Vision content. I personally like the extra detail it adds, but your mileage may vary.
When it comes to black levels, this TV does not disappoint. Positioned directly in front of the TV (on-axis), issues like blooming or the halo effect are practically negligible. I never noticed any blooming in the black bars while watching a movie. The only instance of blooming I found was when sitting roughly 40 degrees off-axis, and even then, it was minimal. Even on the famous Vegas HDR torture test video on YouTube, the QD-Mini-LED backlighting effectively balances high brightness and deep blacks, delivering an excellent viewing experience, especially considering this is a Mini LED and not an OLED.
As for upscaling, TCL continues to get better each year, and this year is no exception. The new AiPQ Pro Processor has significantly improved the quality of upscaled content. 1080p content looks noticeably better, with improved clarity and detail compared to last year’s QM8. Even 720p broadcasts look good, considering their lower resolution.
Last but not least is the motion processing on this TV. While it's generally good, it is one area that could use some improvement. There are a couple of settings under motion that help with judder, namely Blur Reduction and Judder Reduction. Increasing these settings can improve motion, especially for low bitrate content, but it also introduces some Soap Opera Effect (SOE). I found that keeping both settings at a 3 provided a good balance, minimizing judder while keeping SOE to a minimum.
Gaming
For gaming enthusiasts, this TV is equipped with a variety of features designed to enhance the gaming experience. It has a native 120Hz refresh rate that can be doubled to 240Hz via its Game Accelerator mode, although this reduces the resolution to 1080p for faster picture refresh times. This makes it particularly appealing for those seeking seamless motion in fast-paced games.
The QM851G also boasts an impressively low input lag of 12ms in its Game Master mode, which includes a handy information bar to help you fine-tune your gaming settings. Combined with the experience of playing "NBA 2K24" on a PS5, the QM851G proves to be an attractive choice for gamers who prioritize both responsiveness and visual fidelity.
Sound Quality
The TCL 65QM851G’s 2.1.2-channel speaker system delivered solid audio quality during my tests. The TV’s up-firing speaker drivers created a sense of spaciousness with Dolby Atmos soundtracks. For instance, watching the "EarthSounds" series on Apple TV, particularly the “The Rainforests” episode, offers a pleasant sense of spatial audio. The TV manages to create an immersive atmosphere, effectively distributing environmental sounds like birds chirping and rain falling.
While the audio quality is better than most TV speakers, it doesn't reach the level of a dedicated sound system. For those seeking a more immersive experience, investing in a standalone audio setup is still highly recommended.
While it may be a bold statement, the TCL QM851G is the best TCL TV I have tested to date, punching well above its weight. Every year, TCL pushes the envelope, and this year it truly shows with the QM851G. This TV delivers an impressive viewing experience with fantastic highlights, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. Adding to its appeal is the fact that this model is available in a 98-inch size and expands the possibilities for those seeking a large-screen home theater experience.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Incredible brightness | Motion can be improved |
Fantastic local dimming | Only two HDMI 2.1 ports |
Sharp and high-contrast image |
FAQ
What is the difference between TCL QLED and mini LED?
Mini LEDs and QLEDs both serve to address the shortcomings of traditional LED technology. Mini LEDs do this by boosting the quantity of LEDs, whereas QLEDs utilize Quantum dots to upgrade the quality of the image.
How does TCL incorporate Quantum Dot technology into their QLED TVs?
TCL incorporates Quantum Dot technology into their QLED TVs by using tiny semiconductor nanocrystals called Quantum Dots. These dots are exposed to blue light from the TV's LED backlight, which causes them to emit precise red and green colors. This process greatly enhances color accuracy and brightness, resulting in improved picture quality with vibrant and lifelike colors.
What is local dimming?
Local dimming is a feature found in many modern LED/LCD televisions. It is designed to enhance contrast and improve black levels by selectively dimming or brightening specific areas of the screen. Instead of the entire backlight being uniformly lit, local dimming allows for individual zones or sections of the backlight to be independently controlled. By dimming the backlight in darker areas of the image and brightening it in brighter areas, local dimming helps to create a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience.
