TCL QM851G Review: 2024 Flagship Mini-LED TV Unveiled

The TCL QM851G is TCL’s flagship TV series for 2024 in the US. Known for large displays, TCL offers screen sizes from 65 to 98 inches in this series.

Advanced Technology for Superior Performance

The TCL QM851G series benefits from the company’s Pangu laboratory, the first full-process mini-LED development center. This lab developed the HEXA mini-LED chip design used in the QM851G series. Additionally, the new AiPQ Ultra processor allows for 65,000 levels of granular control over local dimming.

Outstanding Brightness and Picture Quality

The TCL QM851G series significantly improved over last year’s QM8 Class TVs. The 75-inch model tested reached 2,859 nits in Movie mode, surpassing previous models. This brightness level is unmatched, even compared to the 8K Samsung QN900D.

Impressive Local Dimming and High Brightness

The refined local dimming on the QM851G delivers deep blacks and detailed shadows, rivaling OLED TVs. This makes it perfect for movies, while its high brightness and anti-reflection screen excel for daytime sports viewing. The TV’s audio performance is also notable, with 2.1.2-channel speakers providing clear dialogue and spacious Dolby Atmos sound.

Smart TV Features and Connectivity

TCL has switched to Google TV, a versatile and reliable smart TV platform. The QM851G supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It also includes a built-in mic for hands-free voice commands.

Premium Design and Connections

Despite its affordability, the TCL QM851G has a premium look, textured edges, and a “Fullview 360 Metal Bezel-less” design. It offers four HDMI inputs, including two with 4K 120Hz pass-through, FreeSync Premium Pro, and 144Hz VRR support. The TV also supports Dolby Vision gaming at 4K 120Hz and HDR10+ high dynamic range.

Release Date and Pricing

• Release Date: May 2024
• 65QM851G: $1,999.99
• 75QM851G: $2,699.99
• 85QM851G: $3,999.99
• 98QM851G: $7,999.99

TCL’s QM851G series hit the market in May 2024, offering sizes from 65 inches to 98 inches. An upgraded 115-inch model, the TCL QM89, features more backlight local dimming zones and a 6.2.2-channel built-in speaker system, priced at $26,999.

Quick Price Drops

After the initial release, prices for the TCL QM851G series decreased rapidly. The 75-inch model I reviewed is now available for $1,999 or less.

European Counterpart

In Europe and the UK, a similar version known as the TCL X955 series is available. It comes in 85-inch, 98-inch, and 155-inch sizes.

Display Features

• Screen Type: QLED with mini-LED
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (up to 144Hz)
• HDR Support: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Audio and Smart TV

• Audio Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
• Smart TV Platform: Google TV

Connectivity and Tuner

• HDMI Ports: 4 (including 2x HDMI 2.1)
• Built-in Tuner: ATSC 3.0

Advanced Processing and Display

• AiPQ Ultra Processor: Provides 65,000 levels of local dimming control.
• Mini-LED Technology: Uses HEXA chip design for better light distribution.
• Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens: Ensures even light spread.
• Optical Distance Reduction: Minimizes backlight blooming.

HDR and Audio

• HDR Support: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG.
• Audio System: Onkyo-designed 2.1.2-channel speakers with up-firing Dolby Atmos.
• Audio Formats: Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, and is IMAX Enhanced certified.

Gaming and Connectivity

• Refresh Rate: Native 120Hz, supports 144Hz VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro.
• Game Accelerator 240: Allows 240Hz VRR gaming at 1080p resolution.
• Game Mode: Reduces latency for better performance.
• HDMI Ports: 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 144Hz support.

Tuner and Smart Features

• Built-in Tuner: Includes ATSC 3.0 next-gen TV tuner.
• Smart TV Platform: Google TV for streaming and smart home integration.
• Wireless Streaming: Supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.
• Voice Control: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant (hands-free), and Apple HomeKit.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi 6: Ensures fast and stable internet connection.

Record-Breaking Brightness

The 75-inch TCL QM851G is the brightest has been tested. Its peak HDR brightness in Movie mode reached 2,859 nits on a 10% white window test pattern, and full-screen brightness hit 801 nits. In Vivid mode, peak HDR brightness soared to 3,583 nits.

Impressive Color Accuracy

The QM851G excelled in color performance. It covered 97.4% of the UHDA-P3 color gamut and 76.4% of BT.2020 – excellent for a mini-LED TV. Movie mode was the most accurate preset, with average Delta E values of 1.3 for grayscale and 1.2 for color, as measured by Portrait Display’s Calman color calibration software.

Brightness for All Conditions

The TV’s high brightness allows for daytime viewing with overhead lights on, even in default Movie mode. Watching the Poland vs. France Euro 2024 match, the colors were vibrant and well-balanced. Skin tones appeared natural, a notable improvement over the overly bright Vivid mode.

Outstanding 4K Upscaling

The QM851G’s 4K upscaling made both standard and high-definition broadcasts look clean and crisp. Even older shows like “Kojak” benefited from the bright, expansive screen, bringing 1970s details to life.

Effective Anti-Reflection Screen

Ideal for sports and daytime viewing, the anti-reflection screen eliminates glare from lamps and windows. Dark shows like “House of the Dragon” maintained good black depth and contrast, even with overhead lights on.

Off-Axis and Motion Handling

Off-axis performance was a downside, with colors and contrast diminishing when viewed from angles. Motion handling was average, with noticeable judder in scenes like James Bond walking across a cemetery in “No Time to Die.” Fortunately, the Motion menu offers Judder and Blur adjustments to mitigate this issue.

Impressive HDR in Dark Rooms

In dim lighting, the QM851G delivered punchy HDR highlights, deep blacks, and detailed shadows. A scene from “House of the Dragon” showcased deep blacks and detailed shadows, with bright flickering candles enhancing the picture’s dimensional quality.

Stunning 4K Blu-ray Performance

Watching the Trinity test scene from “Oppenheimer” on 4K Blu-ray, the TV displayed deep, uniform blacks and bright lights. The explosion’s orange and red hues were vivid, lighting up the room as if the scene were real.

Excellent Local Dimming

The QM851G’s local dimming was exceptional, with minimal backlight blooming. Compared to the Sony Bravia 9 mini-LED TV, the Sony had slightly better backlight control, displaying a more subtle range of black-to-gray tones in shadows.

Final Thoughts

The TCL QM851G impresses with its record-breaking brightness, accurate color, and effective anti-reflection screen. While off-axis performance and motion handling could improve, its overall picture quality, especially in bright and dim conditions, makes it a top choice for TV enthusiasts.

The TCL QM851G boasts an impressive 80-watt, 2.1.2-channel speaker system designed by Onkyo, featuring up-firing Dolby Atmos speakers positioned strategically at the TV’s rear sides. This setup supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, alongside IMAX Enhanced certification.

Sound customization is extensive, with seven preset modes and adjustments for surround virtualizer, bass, dialogue, and definition enhancer. An auto volume control ensures a consistent audio experience, eliminating sudden volume spikes from commercials or other sources.

Compared to its predecessor, the TCL QM8, the QM851G delivers significantly enhanced sound quality. Watching “Dune: Part Two,” dialogue is clear and natural, filling the room with precision. Music and bass effects resonate with satisfying depth, creating an immersive Dolby Atmos environment.

Among its presets, the Movie mode stands out for its impactful bass, adding dramatic flair to cinematic moments like the attack on a Harkonnen ship by Paul Atreides and Chani. While it may not match high-end Dolby Atmos soundbars, the QM851G’s built-in speakers offer superior performance for a TV of its class.

The TCL QM851G boasts an impressive 80-watt, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system, meticulously designed by Onkyo. Positioned strategically with up-firing speakers at the TV’s rear corners, this setup supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, alongside IMAX Enhanced certification.

Sound Adjustments and Quality

Navigating through its menu, users can explore seven preset modes and fine-tune settings like surround virtualizer, bass, dialogue clarity, and definition enhancers. An auto volume feature ensures consistent audio levels, mitigating abrupt volume spikes during TV commercials.

Performance and User Experience

Compared to its predecessor, the TCL QM8, the QM851G delivers a significant upgrade in sound quality. During a viewing of Dune: Part Two, dialogue emerged clear and natural, filling the room effortlessly. Music and bass effects resonated with depth, enhancing the immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack experience.

Best Sound Preset: Movie Mode

Among the seven sound presets offered, Movie Mode stood out by enriching bass tones, intensifying dramatic moments like the Harkonnen ship attack scene involving Paul Atreides and Chani. While it doesn’t match high-end Dolby Atmos soundbars, the QM851G’s integrated speakers provide notably superior performance, even surpassing some budget alternatives.

By focusing on these enhancements, TCL ensures the QM851G stands out as a competitive choice for enhancing your TV audio experience.

The TCL QM851G series showcases TCL’s innovative “Fullview 360 Metal Bezel-less” design, emphasizing a minimal bezel that maximizes screen space. The TV’s sides feature a textured metal finish, complementing the sleek look of its curved plastic back casing.

Connectivity and Ports

For connectivity, the QM851G offers extensive options, including four HDMI ports (with two supporting HDMI 2.1 and up to 144Hz), three USB ports, and inputs for antenna, composite video, stereo audio, and optical digital audio. It also includes Ethernet and headphone output ports.

User-Friendly Remote Control

The TV comes with a slim, fully backlit remote control featuring dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, and YouTube. Equipped with a built-in mic, the remote enables both press-to-talk and hands-free voice commands, enhancing user convenience.

By integrating these design elements and connectivity options, TCL ensures the QM851G not only looks elegant but also delivers seamless functionality for a superior viewing experience.

Equipped with Google TV as its exclusive smart TV platform from 2023 onwards in the US, TCL offers a seamless user interface divided into intuitive tabs on the home screen. These include “For you,” “Live,” “Apps,” “Library,” and “TCL,” each tailored to enhance user interaction and content discovery.

Google TV Features

“For you” curates personalized streaming apps and content recommendations based on user preferences and history, while “Live” provides a comprehensive program grid featuring free-to-stream and broadcast channels via the ATSC 3.0 tuner.

Wireless Streaming and Voice Control

In addition to Google TV, the QM851G supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in for convenient wireless streaming from mobile devices. It integrates seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, offering hands-free operation via its built-in mic.

Picture and Audio Adjustments

Accessing picture and audio settings is straightforward via the TV’s remote control, allowing users to fine-tune details such as local contrast, clarity, motion, and noise reduction. Despite requiring multiple steps to adjust basic controls, the QM851G provides extensive customization options for optimal viewing and audio experience.

By combining advanced smart TV functionalities with versatile streaming capabilities, TCL ensures the QM851G caters to both casual viewers and tech-savvy users seeking a robust entertainment solution.

The TCL QM851G series is tailored for gaming enthusiasts, featuring advanced capabilities to enhance gameplay. Key highlights include two HDMI ports supporting 4K 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 144Hz.

Gaming Performance Features

Gamers can leverage TCL’s Game Accelerator 240 for smooth 240Hz gaming at 1080p resolution, alongside support for 4K 120Hz Dolby Vision gaming. A Game Master setting automates Game mode activation when detecting consoles like Xbox Series X or PS5.

User-Friendly Gaming Settings

Within Game mode, users can access a game bar menu for quick adjustments, including gaming-specific picture modes and enhancements like shadow details and aiming aids.

Input Lag and Performance

Measured at 14.9ms with a Bodnar 4K input lag meter, the TCL QM851G offers competitive responsiveness suitable for most gamers, though slightly higher than top-tier gaming TVs.

By prioritizing these gaming-centric features, TCL ensures the QM851G delivers an immersive and responsive gaming experience, catering to both casual players and enthusiasts alike.

Incredible Value
Prices Have Dropped Significantly Since Launch
Costs Less Than Traditional Premium TV Options

At its launch, the 75-inch TCL QM851G was priced at $2,699, but it has now dropped to under $2,000. The 65-inch version is currently available for as low as $1,398. These prices are truly remarkable when you consider the TCL’s impressive features and overall performance.

Comparing it with other 75-inch mini-LED TVs in 2024, the Sony Bravia 9 is priced at $3,499, the Samsung QN90D at $2,999, and the Hisense U8N at $1,499. I’ve also tested the Sony Bravia 9 and the Samsung QN90D hands-on. While the Samsung QN90D offers excellent brightness and picture quality, I find it hard to justify its twice-the-price premium over the TCL.