How TCL screens differ
TCL sorts its TVs by the way the screen is lit. The panel works on much the same principle across the range; what improves as you go up is the backlight and how finely it can be controlled.
| Screen | How it's lit | Suits |
| QLED | An LED backlight shines through quantum dots for brighter, richer colour than basic LED. Direct LED models light from behind for even brightness. | Bedrooms, second rooms and everyday viewing on a budget. |
| QD-Mini LED | Thousands of tiny LEDs grouped in local dimming zones that brighten or dim independently, under a quantum dot layer. | Bright lounges, HDR films and sport, with deeper blacks. |
| RGB Mini LED | The mini LEDs themselves are red, green and blue, so colour begins at the light source. | People who put colour above everything. |
| SQD-Mini LED | A step beyond QD-Mini LED: finer zone control and a Super Quantum Dot layer from TCL that purifies colour. | Big rooms and home cinemas where picture is the priority. |
Some QD-Mini LED models have an Art mode that shows paintings or your photos when you aren't watching. Compare TCL with other makes on our TVs page.
Getting the size right
Very large screens are a TCL speciality, but a huge set can overwhelm a small room. Measure the distance from your seat to the screen position:
- 43 to 50 inches: bedrooms, kitchens and compact lounges.
- 55 to 65 inches: the typical living-room size, with seating around two to three metres back.
- 75 inches and above: bigger rooms and home cinemas, or wherever you want that big-screen feel.
Because 4K carries so much detail, sitting closer to a big screen works better than it did with older HD sets.
Smart features and gaming
Most TCL sets run Google TV, which pulls your apps and suggestions together and takes voice searches from the remote. A few run Android TV instead; the product page tells you which. Many Mini LED models refresh at up to 144Hz for smooth games and sport, and Game Master mode optimises the settings for gaming. If you game on a console or PC, look at the inputs and refresh rate listed for each set.
Adding TCL sound
Thin TVs leave little space for speakers, so a soundbar makes a real difference to voices and music. TCL's bars run from compact all-in-ones to Dolby Atmos systems with a wireless subwoofer, including a range tuned with audio by Bang & Olufsen.
Reading the channel numbers
The first figure counts the front speakers, the second the subwoofer, and a third, where there is one, the up-firing drivers that reflect sound off the ceiling for Atmos height. TCL also makes a wireless speaker with Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, which teams up with a compatible TCL TV to position sound around the room. More options are under home cinema.
Before you buy
- Check the feet. On many large TVs they sit near the ends, so your unit needs to be nearly as wide as the screen.
- Wall mounting? Confirm the VESA fitting from the product page, and that the wall is strong enough. Brackets are in TV accessories.
- Test your broadband. 4K streaming needs a steady, reasonably quick connection.
- Measure the route in. Boxes for 85-inch sets and above are long and heavy, so check doors, stairs and corners, and line up a second person for lifting and unboxing.
See TCL in Rochester
You can't judge brightness and colour properly through a photo or a different screen. Ring 01622 541312 before you travel and we'll check which TCL sets are on display at our showroom.
Buying TCL from KDH Electrical
TCL TVs and soundbars come with the full UK manufacturer's guarantee. Delivery is free over £600, normally within 3–7 working days.
If another UK retailer is cheaper, see our price match, or call 01622 541312 for advice.
TCL: your questions answered
Where does TCL come from?
TCL was founded in 1981 and is now a global technology company. Alongside TVs and audio it makes display panels, home appliances and mobile devices.
QLED or Mini LED?
Both use quantum dots for colour. QLED has a conventional LED backlight; Mini LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs in local dimming zones, giving brighter highlights and deeper blacks.
What is SQD-Mini LED?
TCL's further development of Mini LED, adding tighter backlight control and TCL's Super Quantum Dot layer, which cleans up colour. It appears on some of the larger sets.
Do TCL TVs run Google TV?
Most do, and a few run Android TV. Both carry the main streaming apps; the product page says which.
Do I need a soundbar?
It's optional. Slim sets have limited room for speakers, so a bar makes dialogue clearer and sound fuller. Make sure its connections suit your TV.
How do I get a very large TV into the house?
Measure doors, stairs and corners first, as 85-inch and bigger boxes are long and heavy. You'll want two people for lifting and unboxing.