Review TCL C8K: OLED's Counterweight

At nearly 50 million VND, the C8K is one of TCL's most expensive TVs in Vietnam. The product uses MiniLED backlighting, a rival to OLED that Samsung and LG are promoting.

TCL 75-inch C8K TV with 4K resolution.

TCL is famous for dominating the low-end segment in Vietnam. As a big brand that has existed for a long time in the market, this company is still ready to compete on price with new brands such as Cooca, Casper, Xiaomi. But that does not mean they abandon the high-end segment. This is still the world's leading LED panel manufacturer with high-tech content for its products.

The C8K model is positioned by TCL in the high-end segment, priced at around 50 million VND in Vietnam. In addition to showing off technology, this is also the main card for this company to compete with Korean companies, which have a monopoly on large-size OLED.

The Power of Mini LED

The TCL C8K uses the company's own QD-Mini LED technology. This is a combination of two of the best image solutions available: Quantum Dot and Mini LED. They combine to enhance the TV's visibility at all brightness levels. At the same time, the C8K will not face concerns about durability like OLED TVs.

At 75 inches, the TV reaches a peak brightness of 4,000 nits. A mini LED network of more than 1,680 local dimming zones helps the product enhance contrast and display HDR content as well as products in the higher segment.

TCL's CrystGlow HVA technology also solves the viewing angle problem of VA panels. The TV's visibility remains constant at most viewing angles, without sacrificing contrast.

C8K uses QD MiniLED technology, ensuring high brightness and vibrant colors.

Overall, the TV still has a bit of blooming around white text on a completely black background. But it’s not a huge deal most of the time. On the upside, it has a lot going for it compared to OLEDs in this price range, like its high brightness and durability. The TV is also factory-calibrated to a Delta E of 0.23 in Filmmaker mode. Quantum Dot technology addresses color cast issues, even at high brightness levels. Side by side with an OLED TV, the C8K is nearly identical in hue. It’s only slightly behind in color vibrancy.

The company also equipped almost all the standards needed on modern TVs such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG. It supports a high refresh rate of 144 Hz, works on 4K resolution, suitable for new generation gaming consoles such as Xbox series X or PlayStation 5. It also has 2 HDMI 2.1 ports available to serve this need.

This series only has a slight latency issue, at around 13.6 ms. This high number leads to delays at very high tempos like eSports shooters. However, high-resolution TVs like the TCL C8K are better suited for immersive, open-world games than eSports .

Fully equipped

AI image upscaling and frame addition technology has become popular on TV lines on the market. C8K is of course equipped with it. It does a good job of interpolating TV images to display at 4K resolution. However, when adding sports, some transitions will make it difficult to add frames, not maintaining a smooth 60 fps.

The product runs on Google TV platform, supported by MediaTek Pentonic 700 chip. This is a highly open operating system, users can easily download applications via Google Play or 3rd party APKs easily. The configuration equipped by TCL is also good enough for the TV to operate stably, without lag when starting up or multitasking with many applications.

TCL equips the C8K with B&O speakers and many auxiliary functions.

In return, a common problem with all Google TVs is that they always show ads on the home screen. This is annoying when the software recommends some inappropriate content.

TCL also worked with Apple to bring AirPlay 2 connectivity to the C8K model. This is a must-have feature for iPhone users. It also gives TCL's TV an advantage when placed next to Samsung and LG products in the same price range.

Sound is also a strong point of this model. As a high-end line, TCL equips the device with a B&O speaker system with a capacity of up to 90W. Under normal conditions, the TV can respond well, especially with explosive action movies or EDM music, the subwoofer reproduces a much deeper bass range.

The C8K's build quality is not inferior to more expensive Samsung and Sony TVs. This line has super thin bezels, almost invisible at normal viewing distances. The TV's thickness has also been reduced, although it has not reached the "wall-mounted" standard, it is still luxurious and in harmony with the space used.

Who is C8K for?

With a MiniLED panel, along with 4K resolution at 75 inches, the C8K is a product with good performance for the price. Users have a device that ensures display quality and more durable performance than OLED. Options in the same segment such as Samsung's QN90D or Sony Bravia 9 are both more expensive than TCL's TV.

Domestic users still prioritize Korean and Japanese brands when choosing high-end TVs. However, at this price range, TCL's quality is not inferior, especially when this company is self-sufficient in screen manufacturing.

Source: https://znews.vn/review-tcl-c8k-doi-trong-cua-oled-post1569729.html