TCL has just launched its new 85-inch Q5K QLED Smart TV in the US, now available at Best Buy for an introductory price of $749.99. This is a huge discount from its expected future price of $1,199.99, offering early buyers a $450 saving. This large-screen TV is positioned as an affordable alternative in TCL lineup, sharing several features with its predecessor, the 85Q550F, but also introducing some notable upgrades.
Key Features and Upgrades
Display and Picture Quality
The Q5K boasts a massive 85-inch 4K QLED display. It provides amazing vibrant colors and sharp details due to its quantum dot technology. It uses a direct LED backlight and supports advanced HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG. This ensures a rich and dynamic viewing experience in most lighting conditions.
With a native 60 Hz refresh rate and Motion Rate 240 (using MEMC frame insertion), the TV handles fast-moving scenes smoothly, making it suitable for sports and action movies.
Smart TV Platform
The huge change from the previous model is the switch from Fire TV to Google TV. This transition brings a more unified and customizable interface, with access to thousands of apps from the Google Play Store, including Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, and more.
Google TV also integrates Google Assistant for hands-free voice control, universal search across all streaming apps, and compatibility with Google Chromecast for easy screen mirroring from your mobile devices. The TV also supports Amazon Alexa voice commands, offering flexibility for smart home integration.
Audio and Connectivity
Integrated speakers support Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, providing an immersive soundstage straight from the TV, although for the most cinematic experience, a dedicated soundbar is recommended.
Connectivity options include three HDMI ports (one with eARC for high-quality audio passthrough), USB-A, LAN, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2. These features allow for easy connection to gaming consoles, sound systems, and wireless devices.
Design
The Q5K features a slim, metal bezel-less design, giving it a modern and immersive look that fits well in any living room.
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Additional Features
Smart Home Integration
With Google TV, the Q5K can act as a central hub for your smart home devices, letting you control lights, thermostats, and more using Google Assistant voice commands.
Universal Search
Google TV’s universal search feature enables you to find movies and shows across all your streaming apps with a single voice command, streamlining the content discovery process.
Mobile Casting and Gaming
The built-in Chromecast allows you to cast content from both Android and iOS devices. The TV also supports some gaming features, such as low input lag and variable refresh rate (VRR) on certain models, making it a budget-friendly option for casual gamers.
Viewing Angles and Room Suitability
While the Q5K offers excellent brightness for daytime viewing, its narrow viewing angles mean the best picture quality is experienced when sitting directly in front of the screen. This is a common trait among affordable QLED TVs and may be a consideration for larger group viewings.
Conclusion
The TCL 85 inch Q5K QLED Smart TV delivers a compelling combination of size, picture quality, and smart features at an aggressive price point. Its move to Google TV enhances usability and integration with the Google ecosystem, making it a strong choice for anyone seeking a large, modern smart TV without breaking the bank. The TV is ideal for movie nights, sports, and streaming, though those seeking the deepest blacks or widest viewing angles may want to consider higher-end models. For now, the 85-inch version is the only size available, with no word on additional sizes being released
