When it comes to high-end 4K TVs in 2024, both Samsung's 65" QN85D Neo QLED ($1,798) and TCL's 65" QM8 Mini-LED ($998) offer impressive technology at very different price points. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
The TV landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Mini-LED technology, which uses thousands of tiny LED lights for more precise backlighting control, has become the gold standard for LCD TVs. Both of these models leverage this technology, though in slightly different ways.
What's particularly interesting is how TCL has managed to match (and sometimes exceed) Samsung's performance metrics at a significantly lower price point. This wasn't possible just a few years ago, when only premium brands could deliver top-tier performance.
The TCL QM8 actually takes the lead here with its impressive 5,000 nits of peak brightness (nits measure how bright a display can get). To put this in perspective, most HDR content is mastered for 1,000-4,000 nits, so the TCL can display practically any HDR content at its intended brightness level.
The Samsung QN85D doesn't quite match these brightness levels, but it compensates with superior color accuracy and processing. In real-world viewing, both TVs look exceptional, but the TCL might have a slight edge in very bright rooms.
Samsung's decades of display expertise shows in the QN85D's color handling. Their Neo Quantum Processor (think of it as the TV's brain) does an excellent job making everything look natural and vibrant without appearing artificial. The TCL isn't far behind, but you might notice slightly more accurate skin tones and subtle color gradients on the Samsung.
Here's where we see a clear difference. The Samsung uses a special panel layer that maintains picture quality when viewing from the sides - crucial if you have a wide seating arrangement. The TCL, while excellent straight-on, loses some contrast and color accuracy when viewed from angles greater than about 30 degrees.
Samsung's Tizen OS feels like a premium experience - smooth, refined, and well-integrated. However, it's more locked down than Google TV, which powers the TCL. Think of it like iOS versus Android - both are capable, but Google TV offers more flexibility and customization.
Both TVs support key gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (which prevents screen tearing) and Auto Low Latency Mode (which reduces input lag). The TCL offers 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution, while Samsung tops out at 144Hz but provides a more polished gaming interface.
For PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X owners, both TVs will serve you well. PC gamers might prefer the TCL's higher refresh rate options, though Samsung's implementation feels more refined in daily use.
When we look at pure price-to-performance ratio, the TCL QM8 is difficult to beat. At $800 less than the Samsung, it delivers comparable (and in some cases superior) picture quality. However, the Samsung QN85D justifies its premium with better processing, wider viewing angles, and a more polished overall experience.
For dedicated home theater use, both TVs excel, but in different ways:
Based on my experience testing numerous TVs, Samsung typically offers more consistent software updates and longer-term support. However, TCL's use of Google TV means you'll likely have access to new apps and features for years to come.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these TVs:
For most buyers, the TCL QM8 represents an exceptional value that's hard to ignore. Its combination of superior brightness, excellent contrast, and competitive features at a sub-$1000 price point makes it a compelling choice.
However, if you value premium processing, wider viewing angles, and a more polished experience - and don't mind paying for it - the Samsung QN85D remains an excellent option that won't disappoint.
Remember: The "best" TV is the one that fits your specific needs, room environment, and budget. Both of these models represent the current state of the art in LCD TV technology, and either one would serve well in a modern home theater setup.
| Samsung 65" QN85D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV ($1,798) | TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV ($998) |
|---|---|
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 1,500 nits | 5,000 nits (significantly better HDR performance) |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and less blooming | |
| ~1,000 zones | ~5,000 zones (noticeably better dark scene performance) |
| Processing Quality - Affects upscaling and motion handling | |
| Superior Neo Quantum Processor (excellent for older content) | Good AIPQ Engine (acceptable for most content) |
| Viewing Angles - Important for wide seating arrangements | |
| Wide viewing angle technology (maintains quality up to 60°) | Limited viewing angles (best within 30°) |
| Gaming Features - Affects gaming performance and responsiveness | |
| 144Hz VRR, better gaming hub interface | 240Hz @1080p, 144Hz @4K (better for competitive gaming) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| Tizen OS (polished but closed ecosystem) | Google TV (more flexible, better integration) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 60W 4.2.2 channel (better built-in audio) | 80W 2.1.2 channel (surprisingly powerful) |
| Color Accuracy - Important for realistic picture | |
| Superior out-of-box accuracy (minimal calibration needed) | Good accuracy (may benefit from calibration) |
| Value Proposition - Overall bang for buck | |
| Premium price for refinement and processing | Exceptional value with similar core performance |
The Samsung QN85D ($1,798) has superior color accuracy and processing, making it better for critical movie watching in controlled lighting. However, the TCL QM8 ($998) offers more local dimming zones and higher brightness, which can provide better HDR performance.
The Samsung QN85D costs $1,798, while the TCL QM8 is priced at $998, representing an $800 difference. This price gap could cover a quality soundbar or other home theater accessories.
Both offer excellent picture quality, but the Samsung QN85D edges out with better processing and color accuracy. The TCL QM8 counters with higher brightness and more dimming zones, making it superior for HDR content.
The TCL QM8 offers higher refresh rates (240Hz at 1080p) and excellent gaming features. The Samsung QN85D has a more refined gaming interface but maxes out at 144Hz.
While both TVs have decent built-in audio, for a proper home theater experience, a soundbar or dedicated audio system is recommended with either the Samsung QN85D or TCL QM8.
The TCL QM8 with its 5,000 nits peak brightness performs better in bright rooms. The Samsung QN85D still performs well but doesn't reach the same brightness levels.
Both handle motion well, but the Samsung QN85D has better viewing angles for group watching. The TCL QM8 offers higher brightness which can be beneficial for daytime sports viewing.
The Samsung QN85D has superior upscaling technology for older content. The TCL QM8 performs adequately but doesn't match Samsung's processing quality.
The TCL QM8 uses Google TV, offering more flexibility and better integration with Google services. The Samsung QN85D uses Tizen OS, which is more polished but less customizable.
Yes, both the Samsung QN85D and TCL QM8 support Dolby Atmos passthrough to compatible sound systems.
The Samsung QN85D has significantly better viewing angles, maintaining picture quality up to 60 degrees off-center. The TCL QM8 shows noticeable picture degradation beyond 30 degrees.
The TCL QM8 offers exceptional value with similar core performance to the Samsung QN85D. Unless you specifically need Samsung's premium features, the TCL provides better value for most users.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: videoandaudiocenter.com - shopjetson.com - mysoundconcepts.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - tcl.com - the-gadgeteer.com - nfm.com - ecoustics.com - careyscommunications.com - pcrichard.com - tcl.com
