Review: TCL 55″ C655 (QLED780)

TCL has built a reputation for delivering affordable TVs with great performance. Lately, the Chinese manufacturer has made a name for itself with giant screens and premium-design TVs – but let’s not forget that it all started with cheap budget LCDs. With the C655 model series, they’re going back to their roots: this is one of TCL’s most affordable series from the 2024 model series, which nevertheless has great specifications and is available in a wide range of screen sizes.

TCL C655/QLED780

The new C655 series consists of LCD displays with a so-called QLED colour filter and is made in a slim design with two V-shaped feet. The panels are VA (Vertically Aligned) with direct LED backlighting, which is known to provide good contrast. However, this series doesn’t have localised dimming with zoning, which we find on its big brother C655 Pro (QLED810).

The TCL display delivers 4K resolution, of course, but makes do with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It can also handle video signals of up to 120 Hz from gaming consoles or PCs by reducing the resolution to 1080p. The only exception is the largest 98-inch in the series, which is capable of handling 144Hz (or 1080p/240Hz). We tested the 55-inch model in the series, which is available in screen sizes from 43 and up.

Ease of use and features

The TCL C655 uses the familiar Google TV user interface that we are used to seeing on the manufacturer’s TVs. The Google system has the advantage of being easy to use, offers a wide range of apps and is regularly updated with new features. For example, in the latest version you can create your own user profiles, customise your home screen and get personalised recommendations based on your viewing history.

The remote control uses Bluetooth, which means you don’t have to point it directly at the TV, which also responds quickly to commands. There is also voice control (Google Assistant) with a microphone in the remote control.

Format support is good and TCL excels in video formats such as HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos on the audio side. Image processing is handled by an AIPQ video processor. The C655 has a separate picture mode for gaming, where we measured the delay at 16 ms at 60 Hz.

When it comes to connections, TCL makes do with three HDMI connectors on this model, which is otherwise of the 2.1 type. There are now many models with four inputs, also from TCL, but they typically cost more.

Picture quality

We’ve recently tested many high-contrast OLED displays and dazzlingly bright Mini LED TVs that have literally burned themselves into our retinas! So naturally, one has to adjust expectations a little when it comes to a relatively affordable LCD in the Basic class. That said, we were pleasantly surprised by the picture quality that TCL delivers.

The TCL C655/QLED780 is a so-called “QLED” LCD, where a special filter is used to provide stronger and more nuanced colours. We note that the TCL panel reproduces a sharp and detailed image with strong and clear colours in standard picture mode. The screen has good brightness, making it suitable for varied TV viewing in different lighting conditions.

For many budget LCD TVs, it’s typical for the viewing experience to be characterised by low contrast, but that’s not the case here. The TCL model has surprisingly good contrast and an even light distribution with no spots or impurities. This is indicative of a good quality picture panel and we think many people will be very happy with this picture quality for general TV entertainment, series and sports.

The TCL panel also has its own “Cinema” picture mode plus a separate Filmmaker mode with neutral colours. Here you can watch the film without the video processor ‘messing’ with the picture too much. Again, we found that the good contrast/light distribution resulted in a pleasant picture with no noticeable unevenness. Of course, the black level isn’t as pitch black as on an OLED screen, but those things cost a lot more money.

The limitations become more apparent when we switch to more demanding HDR (High Dynamic Range) material. This type of scene places extra high demands on the contrast and brightness of the display. Ideally, it should be able to handle at least 1,000 nits of brightness or more, and since the C655/QLED780 can only handle about half that (500+ nits), it’s a slightly weaker experience than the more lavish premium models.

It’s worth mentioning that big brothers QLED810 and QLED870, for example, deliver even more contrast and brightness. The latter also has a panel that goes up to 120 Hz, allowing for even smoother motion. But this is most prominent in HDR mode and not something you miss when watching regular TV. The aforementioned models also cost a lot more, and since the QLED780 delivers pretty much the same overall picture quality, we consider it to be a great buy.

Sound quality

When it comes to sound, the TCL TV delivers a good experience thanks to an Onkyo 2.1 sound system with stereo speakers and an additional woofer on the back. Speech and entertainment programmes sound relatively clear and crisp, but the sound is generally a bit thin and not very dynamic. A simple and inexpensive soundbar would of course provide a significant sound improvement. TCL supports surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos via the HDMI eARC output, so you can take advantage of this when connecting an external soundbar.

Conclusion

The C655/QLED780 is the latest in the line of affordable LCD panels from TCL. The picture quality is well above average and we were particularly impressed with the contrast and colour reproduction of the TCL screen. Add a well-functioning Google TV user interface and you get a total package with excellent performance for the price.

The model range is also available in a wide range of screen sizes, so whether you’re looking for a new kitchen TV or a large cinema screen, there are plenty of options here. However, the sound is a little thin, so you’ll have to pay for a separate soundbar. A great buy in the budget class!