Avoid These TCL TVs! 2024 TCL TV Best & Worst List

Today, let’s talk about TCL TVs. As a leading player in China’s TV industry, TCL holds a pivotal position in the global TV market thanks to its robust integration across the entire industry chain and advanced Quantum Dot technology. But among the many models available, which ones are worth buying and which ones should you avoid? Please stay tuned as I find out about them one by one.

Table of Contents

I. TCL’s Global Standing and Advantages

TCL’s ability to secure a spot in the top three in global market share is no coincidence. One key factor behind its success is its integrated industry chain advantage. TCL not only has a strong manufacturing capability but also controls panel production through its subsidiary TCL CSOT, which gives it a significant edge in both cost control and technological innovation.

Integrated Industry Chain Advantage: Compared to other TV brands, TCL excels in integrating the upstream and downstream industries. From panel production to final assembly, each step is carefully refined. This integration reduces production costs, improves product quality, and accelerates technological innovation.

Quantum Dot Technology: TCL is also a pioneer in the application of Quantum Dot technology. This technology significantly enhances a TV’s color performance and color gamut, resulting in a more vibrant and realistic picture. With its self-developed QLED M-Lon Chip, TCL fully leverages the advantages of Quantum Dot technology, providing users with an extraordinary visual experience.

II. The Overview of TCL TV Models on Sale

TCL offers four main TV series: L Series, V Series, T Series, and Q Series. Each series has its own positioning and characteristics. Let’s briefly introduce each of these series.

1. L Series: The L Series is TCL’s entry-level range, focusing on value for money. While the picture quality and performance are average, the prices are affordable, making it suitable for users on a budget. However, with the growing demand for high-quality displays, the L Series may no longer be the top choice for most users.

2. V Series: The V Series is TCL’s mid-range offering, positioned slightly higher than the L Series. The V Series offers better picture quality and performance, meeting the daily viewing needs of most users. The pricing is also reasonable, making it a solid choice for those seeking good value.

3. T Series: The T Series is TCL’s mid-to-high-end range, with more precise positioning. The T Series TVs offer significant upgrades in picture quality, performance, and smart features, meeting the demands of users who desire a high-quality viewing experience. The pricing is also moderate, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a good balance between cost and performance.

4. Q Series: The Q Series is TCL’s flagship series, representing the highest level of TCL TVs. These TVs deliver exceptional performance in picture quality, smart features, and design, making them the top choice for users seeking the ultimate viewing experience. Naturally, the Q Series is priced higher, making it suitable for users with larger budgets.

III. How to Define the Different Tiers of TCL TVs

When purchasing a TCL TV, many users may feel confused by the various models and configurations. How do you choose the right one? In fact, we can define the segments of TCL TVs based on two key aspects: software tuning algorithms and picture quality processing technologies.

Software Tuning Algorithms: Software tuning algorithms are a crucial component of TV picture quality. TCL equips its mid-to-high-end models with an independent QLED M-Lon Color Tuning Chip. This chip uses techniques like color purification, smooth processing, noise reduction, and AI scene optimization to significantly enhance the picture quality. However, this chip is only available on mid-to-high-end models.
Picture Quality Processing Technology (Hardware): In addition to software tuning algorithms, hardware picture quality processing technology is another critical factor in determining TV picture quality. Below are some key picture quality processing technologies:
Motion Compensation (MEMC): This technology makes motion pictures smoother and reduces stuttering. It’s a key differentiator between low-end and mid-range TVs. Except for the L Series and some entry-level V Series models, most other TCL models are equipped with MEMC technology.
Refresh Rate: The refresh rate refers to how many images a screen can display in one second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more natural the picture. Mid-to-high-end and high-end TVs generally come with refresh rates of 120Hz or higher (many models now even offer 144Hz).
Wide Color Gamut: Wide color gamut technology enhances a TV’s color performance and expands its color range. Generally, TVs with color gamut coverage of ≥100% BT.709 or ≥90% DCI-P3 can be considered wide color gamut displays. TCL’s mid-to-high-end and flagship models support wide color gamut technology.
Peak Brightness: Peak brightness is an important indicator of a TV’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance. The higher the peak brightness, the more noticeable the HDR effect. TCL’s premium models usually feature higher peak brightness (e.g., 1600 nits, 2400 nits, or even higher).
Local Dimming Zones: Local dimming zones improve a TV’s contrast and overall picture quality. The more local dimming zones there are, the better the contrast and transparency of the picture. TCL’s high-end models typically have many local dimming zones (e.g., several hundred or even thousands).
Screen Type: The type of screen is also a significant factor in determining TV picture quality. In general, VA soft screens outperform IPS-ADS hard screens. VA screens provide higher contrast and better dark detail performance. TCL’s entire range of models uses VA soft screen technology.

IV. TCL TVs to Avoid: Don’t Buy These Models!

When purchasing a TCL TV, it’s important to not only know which models are worth buying but also to avoid potential pitfalls. Below is a list of TCL TV models that you should steer clear of:

1. Avoid TCL TVs with Less than 2GB RAM!

RAM is the memory space that a TV uses to run programs. The larger the RAM, the faster and smoother the TV runs. If the RAM is less than 2GB, the TV may experience lag when running large applications or games. Therefore, it is recommended to choose models with RAM equal to or greater than 2GB.

Example Models: TCL V6EA (available in 32/43/55/65 inches)
While the price of this model is affordable, it has only 1.5GB of RAM, which may not be sufficient for most users. Larger models like the 55-inch and 65-inch versions will especially experience performance drops due to the insufficient RAM.

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2. Avoid TCL TVs with Processors Below A55 Quad-Core!

The processor is one of the core components of a TV, responsible for running various programs and tasks. If the processor’s performance is insufficient, the TV may experience lag or delays when running large applications or games. It is advisable to select TVs with better processors. Generally, an A55 quad-core processor is the minimum recommended.

Example Models: TCL V6E (available in 55/65 inches)
This model offers an affordable price but has a relatively weak A35 quad-core processor, which may not be the best choice for users who seek a smooth experience. Additionally, this model lacks MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation) technology, resulting in subpar picture quality.

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3. Avoid TCL TVs Without Motion Compensation!

Motion Compensation technology is a key differentiator between low-end and mid-range TVs. If a TV lacks this technology, it may show lag or blurring when displaying fast-moving scenes. This is unacceptable for users who seek a high-quality viewing experience.

Example Models: TCL V8 Series, 6 Series, V6D Series (55/65 inches), V6E/V6EA/V6E-S Series (55/65 inches), L8 Series
These models do not have MEMC technology, resulting in potential motion blur or stuttering during fast-paced scenes. Notably, the V6 series and L8 series still sell well in the market, but their picture quality is suboptimal. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these models when shopping for a TCL TV.

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4. Avoid TCL TVs with Downgraded Features and Higher Prices in the Iteration Models!

Some brands may reduce features in their updated models to cut costs and increase profit. However, this practice harms consumers’ interests. If an updated model has fewer features but the price remains the same, it is clearly not worth purchasing.

Example Models: 65V8H Pro-J (2024 New Model), 75V8H
These two updated models have reduced configurations compared to previous versions. For instance, the 65V8H Pro-J has removed wide color gamut technology, and the 75V8H has cut this feature as well, while increasing the price by $15. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid these downgraded models.

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5. Avoid New Models with Little Picture Quality Improvement but High Prices!

Some new models may have slight improvements in picture quality compared to older models, but the price remains nearly the same. In this case, consumers may feel that the new model is not worth the purchase. However, there are new models that offer significant improvements in picture quality while remaining reasonably priced.

Example Models: 85V8H Pro-JN (2024 New Model), 55/65/75T8H (2024 New Models)
These new models have some improvements in picture quality compared to their predecessors but do not offer significant price reductions. For example, the 85V8H Pro-JN has a noticeable difference in picture quality compared to the 85T5K, but the price remains nearly identical. Additionally, the 55/65/75T8H has a slight quality difference compared to the T6K, and the price difference is minimal. It is essential to compare the picture quality and price differences between new and old models carefully before purchasing.

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6. Avoid TCL TVs with the Same Model Sold Offline!

Offline models often have inflated prices and are configured similarly or even worse than online models. If consumers purchase these models offline, they may end up paying more for less. Therefore, it is advised to avoid offline models and purchase more cost-effective models online.

Example Models: TCL P12H (March 2024 Offline Model), TCL J9K (March 2024 Offline Model), TCL J7E (55/65/75 inches)
These offline models, such as TCL P12H and TCL J9K, have lower configurations and inflated prices compared to other available models. The TCL J7E is also an offline exclusive model sold at a higher price than similar online models. It is recommended to avoid these models when purchasing a TCL TV.

V. TCL TV Top Picks: Top Picks Worth Buying!

Having covered the TCL TV models to avoid, it’s now time to recommend the top models worth purchasing. Here are the carefully selected TCL TVs that made it to my list of top picks: