If you're in the market for a high-end TV in 2024, you've likely encountered two standout options: the premium Sony BRAVIA 9 65" ($2,698) and the value-oriented TCL QM8 65" ($998). Both use cutting-edge Mini LED technology, which packs thousands of tiny LED lights behind the screen for incredible contrast and brightness. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Before diving into the specifics, it's worth understanding why Mini LED TVs are generating so much buzz. Unlike traditional LED TVs that use relatively large backlight elements, Mini LEDs are tiny - less than 0.2mm across. This allows manufacturers to pack in thousands of individually controlled lighting zones, creating OLED-like contrast but with much higher brightness levels.
Both the Sony BRAVIA 9 and TCL QM8 represent the latest generation of this technology, released in late 2023. They've made significant improvements over previous models, particularly in processing and brightness control.
The TCL QM8 boasts up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness (nits measure light output) and over 1,000 dimming zones. That's incredibly bright - for context, most HDR content is mastered for 1,000 to 4,000 nits. The Sony BRAVIA 9 is also exceptionally bright, though Sony doesn't publish specific nit measurements. In real-world testing, both TVs can deliver stunning HDR highlights that really pop off the screen.
This is where the Sony pulls ahead. Its XR processor (Sony's advanced image processing chip) does a better job handling subtle color gradations and upscaling lower-quality content to 4K. Having tested both TVs with various content, the Sony consistently produces more natural skin tones and handles challenging scenes (like sunset skies or dark shadow details) with more refinement.
The TCL isn't far behind though. Its AIPQ Pro processor does a commendable job, and most viewers would be hard-pressed to spot the differences without a side-by-side comparison.
Both TVs are excellent for gaming, supporting all the latest features:
The Sony BRAVIA 9 has a slight edge for PlayStation 5 owners thanks to exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. However, the TCL QM8 counters with support for slightly higher refresh rates (144Hz vs 120Hz) which could appeal to competitive gamers.
Both TVs run Google TV, offering access to all major streaming services and voice control through Google Assistant. The interface is identical, but Sony's implementation feels more polished, with fewer stutters or delays when navigating menus.
One notable difference is in the remote controls: Sony's premium backlit remote feels more substantial and includes useful shortcut buttons, while TCL's is more basic but gets the job done.
For dedicated home theater setups, both TVs have their strengths:
Since their late 2023 release, both TVs have received software updates improving their performance:
This is where the comparison gets interesting. The TCL QM8 delivers around 90% of the Sony BRAVIA 9's performance at less than half the price. For most users, that makes the TCL the smarter buy. The money saved could go toward a quality soundbar or other home theater equipment.
However, if you're a videophile who notices subtle picture quality differences, or if you watch a lot of challenging content (like dark movies or lower-quality streams), the Sony's superior processing might be worth the premium.
After spending time with both TVs, I'm consistently impressed by how close the TCL comes to matching Sony's flagship performance. While the Sony BRAVIA 9 is objectively the better TV, the value proposition of the TCL QM8 is hard to ignore.
For my own home theater, I'd personally choose the TCL QM8 and put the savings toward a high-end sound system. However, if money were no object, the Sony BRAVIA 9's refined picture quality and superior processing would make it my choice.
Both TVs represent the current state of the art in Mini LED technology, offering exceptional picture quality that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. The choice between them really comes down to your priorities and budget.
If you want the absolute best picture quality regardless of cost, go for the Sony BRAVIA 9. If you want tremendous value while still getting premium features and performance, the TCL QM8 is an outstanding choice that won't disappoint.
Remember, both TVs are excellent options that will serve well for years to come. The key is matching your choice to your specific needs and usage patterns.
| Sony BRAVIA 9 ($2,698) | TCL QM8 ($998) |
|---|---|
| Peak Brightness - Critical for HDR impact and bright room viewing | |
| 2,000+ nits (exact spec not published) | 5,000 nits maximum |
| Local Dimming Zones - More zones mean better contrast and less blooming | |
| ~500 zones (estimated) | 1,080 zones |
| Processing - Affects picture quality, especially with non-4K content | |
| XR Processor (superior upscaling, best-in-class) | AIPQ Pro (good but basic) |
| Gaming Refresh Rate - Higher rates mean smoother motion | |
| 4K@120Hz (excellent for most gaming) | 4K@144Hz (slight edge for competitive gaming) |
| HDR Support - More formats mean better compatibility | |
| Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Color Volume - Affects vibrancy and accuracy of colors | |
| 95% DCI-P3 (more accurate) | 98% DCI-P3 (slightly more vibrant) |
| Smart Platform Experience - Affects daily usability | |
| Google TV (highly refined, stable) | Google TV (occasional stutters) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality matters if not using external speakers | |
| 70W (2.2.2 channel) | 80W (2.1.2 channel with ONKYO) |
| Build Quality - Affects longevity and premium feel | |
| Premium materials, excellent construction | Good quality, but more basic materials |
| Value Proposition - Overall price-to-performance ratio | |
| Premium price for best processing/accuracy | Exceptional value, 90% of premium performance |
The Sony BRAVIA 9 ($2,698) has superior picture quality due to better processing and color accuracy, though the TCL QM8 ($998) comes remarkably close. For movie viewing in a home theater, the Sony's superior processing is more noticeable, especially with challenging content.
For most users, no. The TCL QM8 delivers about 90% of the performance at less than half the price. However, if you're a videophile or have a dedicated home theater, the Sony BRAVIA 9's superior processing and refinement might be worth the premium.
The TCL QM8 has a higher peak brightness of 5,000 nits compared to the Sony BRAVIA 9, making it slightly better for very bright rooms. However, both TVs handle bright environments exceptionally well.
Both are excellent for gaming. The TCL QM8 supports slightly higher refresh rates (144Hz vs 120Hz), while the Sony BRAVIA 9 has better PS5 integration. Both offer HDMI 2.1 and VRR support.
The Sony BRAVIA 9 has an edge for movie watching due to superior motion handling and film processing. However, the TCL QM8 still provides excellent movie performance, especially with 4K HDR content.
Both use Google TV, but the Sony BRAVIA 9 has a more polished implementation with fewer bugs than the TCL QM8. The Sony also includes a premium backlit remote.
The Sony BRAVIA 9 significantly outperforms the TCL QM8 in upscaling, making it better for watching cable TV, DVDs, or lower-quality streaming content.
The Sony BRAVIA 9 is better for dedicated home theaters due to superior processing and more accurate picture quality. However, the TCL QM8 is still an excellent choice if budget is a concern.
Yes, both the Sony BRAVIA 9 and TCL QM8 support Dolby Atmos passthrough to compatible sound systems, making them excellent choices for home theater audio setups.
Both TVs use similar panel technology and have comparable viewing angles. Neither is exceptional in this regard, so for wide seating arrangements, both the Sony BRAVIA 9 and TCL QM8 will perform similarly.
Both TVs have excellent anti-reflection coatings. The Sony BRAVIA 9 has a slight edge in reducing glare, but the TCL QM8 compensates with higher peak brightness.
The Sony BRAVIA 9 typically offers better build quality and longer-term reliability compared to the TCL QM8, but both are well-built modern TVs that should last many years with proper care.
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: bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com - crutchfield.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - sony.ca - electronics.sony.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - tcl.com - the-gadgeteer.com - nfm.com - ecoustics.com - careyscommunications.com - pcrichard.com - tcl.com
