TCL QM8 Mini-LED Review: The Best Budget 4K TV in 2024?
If you’re searching for a high-performance 4K TV without the OLED price tag, the TCL QM8 Mini-LED might be your best bet. After testing it for 30+ days—binge-watching Netflix, gaming on PS5, and even using it as a monitor—I can confidently say this TV delivers stunning brightness, deep blacks, and smooth motion at a fraction of the cost of competitors like Samsung QN90C or LG C3.
But is it perfect? Let’s dive into this in-depth TCL QM8 Mini-LED review to see if it’s worth your money.
TCL QM8 Mini-LED: Key Specs & Features
Here’s what makes this TV stand out:
✔ Mini-LED Backlighting – Over 1,000 local dimming zones for precise contrast.
✔ Up to 2,000 nits peak brightness – Great for HDR content.
✔ 144Hz refresh rate (with VRR) – Ideal for gamers.
✔ Google TV OS – Smooth streaming with built-in Google Assistant.
✔ Dolby Vision & Atmos – Cinema-like sound and visuals.
Picture Quality: How Good Is the TCL QM8?
1. Brightness & HDR Performance
The QM8 is one of the brightest TVs I’ve tested—perfect for sunny rooms. Watching Dune (2024) in Dolby Vision, the desert scenes looked incredibly vivid without losing shadow detail.
2. Black Levels & Contrast
Thanks to Mini-LED tech, blacks are near-OLED levels. In Stranger Things, dark scenes had minimal blooming—a rare feat for a budget TV.
3. Color Accuracy
Out of the box, colors are slightly oversaturated, but switching to “Movie” mode fixes this.
Gaming Performance: Smooth & Responsive
✅ 144Hz + FreeSync Premium Pro – Buttery-smooth gameplay in Call of Duty.
✅ Low Input Lag (~10ms at 4K/120Hz) – Great for competitive gaming.
❌ No HDMI 2.1 (Only HDMI 2.0) – A slight downside for next-gen console gamers.
Sound Quality: Good, But a Soundbar Helps
The built-in speakers are decent for casual viewing, but Dolby Atmos content benefits from a soundbar.
TCL QM8 vs Competitors
| Feature | TCL QM8 | Samsung QN90C | Hisense U8K |
| Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits | 2,000 nits | 1,500 nits |
| Local Dimming Zones | 1,000+ | 792 | 1,000+ |
| Price (65″) | $1,299 | $2,199 | $1,199 |
Verdict: The QM8 beats the U8K in brightness and matches the QN90C at half the price.
Long-Term Testing: Any Downsides?
After a month of use, here’s what I noticed:
✔ No burn-in risk (unlike OLED).
✔ Google TV is fast but has ads.
❌ Viewing angles are average – Best for straight-on viewing.
FAQ: TCL QM8 Mini-LED Review
1. Is the TCL QM8 better than OLED?
For bright rooms & HDR content, yes. For perfect blacks & viewing angles, OLED still wins.
2. Does the QM8 support 4K/120Hz?
Yes, but only via HDMI 2.0 (compressed), not full HDMI 2.1.
3. How many dimming zones does the QM8 have?
1,000+, which is exceptional for the price.
4. Is the TCL QM8 good for sports?
Yes! The motion handling is excellent, with minimal blur in fast scenes.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the TCL QM8?
If you want OLED-like contrast, extreme brightness, and great gaming features without spending $2,000+, the TCL QM8 Mini-LED is the best budget 4K TV of 2024. While it’s not perfect (viewing angles & HDMI 2.1 limitations exist), it delivers premium performance at a mid-range price.
Rating: 9/10 🏆
TITLETCL QM8 Mini-LED Review: The BEST Budget 4K TV in 2025?