Choosing Between TCL and LG's Latest Premium TVs: A Complete Guide

When you're in the market for a high-end TV in 2024, two standout options are the TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV ($998) and the LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV ($2,599). Let's break down what makes each unique and help you decide which is right for your home.

Understanding Today's Premium TV Market

Television technology has made impressive leaps in recent years. We've moved well beyond simple LED vs. OLED debates into more nuanced territory. The key battlegrounds now are:

• Peak brightness for HDR content
• Gaming capabilities with next-gen consoles
• Smart features and processing power
• Overall value proposition

Both of these TVs were released in early 2024, representing the latest advances in their respective technologies. They're both excellent choices, but they take fundamentally different approaches to delivering a premium viewing experience.

Core Technologies Explained

The TCL QM8 uses Mini-LED technology, which means thousands of tiny LED lights behind the screen that can be precisely controlled in zones. Think of it like having thousands of little flashlights that can be dimmed independently. Combined with quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color), this creates a very bright, colorful picture.

The LG G4 OLED uses organic light-emitting diodes, where each pixel creates its own light. Imagine millions of tiny light bulbs that can turn completely off for perfect blacks. This year's model adds MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology, which helps focus the light forward for better brightness.

Real-World Performance

Brightness and Contrast

In bright rooms, the TCL QM8 is the clear winner. With peak brightness reaching 5,000 nits (a measure of light output), it can overcome even direct sunlight. This makes it perfect for living rooms with large windows or spaces where you can't control the lighting.

The LG G4 tops out around 1,550 nits, but makes up for it with perfect blacks and infinite contrast. In a dark room or home theater setting, the G4's picture quality is simply stunning. Having tested both, the G4's performance in a controlled lighting environment is unmatched.

Gaming Performance

Both TVs support 144Hz refresh rates and variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, which prevents screen tearing during gaming. The LG G4 has a slight edge in input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen), but both are excellent gaming displays.

Key gaming features:

• Both support 4K/120Hz gaming
• Both include HDMI 2.1 ports
• Both work with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
• TCL offers better visibility in bright rooms
• LG provides better shadow detail

HDR Content

High Dynamic Range content looks impressive on both sets, but in different ways. The TCL QM8 delivers more impactful HDR highlights due to its higher brightness, while the G4 offers better subtle gradations in dark scenes.

Value Consideration

The price difference between these TVs is significant. At $998, the TCL QM8 delivers incredible value, offering many premium features at less than half the price of the G4. The G4's $2,599 price tag reflects its premium positioning and OLED technology.

What you get for the extra money:

• Perfect blacks and infinite contrast
• Better viewing angles
• More premium build quality
• Slightly better gaming performance

Home Theater Considerations

For dedicated home theater use, the LG G4 has a slight edge. Its perfect blacks and excellent shadow detail create a more cinematic experience in a controlled lighting environment. However, the TCL QM8's higher brightness can be beneficial if your theater room has ambient light or white walls that reflect light.

Smart Features and Processing

Both TVs offer excellent smart platforms:

• TCL uses Google TV
• LG uses webOS 24

The G4's processor is more powerful, handling upscaling and motion processing better. However, the QM8's performance is still very good, and most users wouldn't notice the difference in normal viewing.

How to Make Your Decision

Choose the TCL QM8 if:

• You have a bright viewing environment
• You want excellent performance at a more reasonable price
• You watch a lot of HDR content
• You're looking for the best value proposition

Choose the LG G4 if:

• You want the absolute best picture quality possible
• You have a dedicated home theater room
• You watch a lot of content in dark environments
• Budget isn't your primary concern
• You need wide viewing angles for group watching

Recent Technology Improvements

Since these 2024 models were released, we've seen several improvements over their predecessors:

• TCL QM8: Increased brightness and local dimming zones compared to 2023 models
• LG G4: New MLA technology boosting brightness by about 30% over 2023 models

The Bottom Line

Both TVs represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The TCL QM8 offers tremendous value and performs exceptionally well in bright environments. The LG G4 delivers the absolute best picture quality possible, especially in controlled lighting conditions.

If you're looking for the best performance-to-price ratio, the TCL QM8 is hard to beat. However, if you want the absolute best picture quality and price isn't a major concern, the LG G4 is the superior choice, especially for dedicated home theater use.

Remember, the best TV for you depends on your specific viewing environment, budget, and how you plan to use it. Consider your room's lighting, viewing distance, and primary use cases when making your final decision.

TCL 65" QM8 Mini-LED Smart TV Deals and Prices

LG 65" G4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart TV Deals and Prices