TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") vs Hisense A7NQ

Direct compare

C655 / C69B

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”

Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: VIDAA

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

6.3

6.3

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.7

    6.3

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.6

    6.2

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.2

    4.9

  • Gaming on console

    7.7

    7.0

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    5.8

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    4.9

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    9.0

  • Apps

    10.0

    8.6

  • Sound quality

    6.6

    5.9

Advantages

  • High brightness of 450 nits

  • High native contrast

  • Google TV support with access to multiple streaming apps

  • Features for gamers, such as ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar, as well as Dolby Vision support in gaming mode

  • Very low input lag, even in Dolby Vision mode (13 ms)

  • Support for Apple AirPlay and the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth

  • Relatively low price

  • 120/144Hz and HDMI 2.1 in the 98' variant *

  • Good native contrast

  • Very low input lag, even in Dolby Vision

  • ALLM, VRR, Game Bar and 120 Hz (Full HD) – useful features for gamers

  • Recording to USB from built-in tuners

  • Simplicity and speed of the Vidaa system

  • Support for AirPlay and Miracast

  • Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles due to the VA panel – the image loses quality when viewed from the side

  • No USB recording feature and no picture-in-picture (PiP) option

  • Average performance in HDR content

  • Considerable motion blur

  • No support for subtitles from USB (as of the date of this test)

  • No support for HGiG

Our verdict

TCL C655 / C69B in larger sizes (55"+) is a QLED television from 2024 by a Chinese manufacturer, offered at a very attractive price. This model has many advantages that can appeal to a wide range of users. The first big plus is the Google TV operating system. In the TCL C655 / C69B and beyond, it provides a modern and intuitive interface along with voice command support in Polish thanks to Google Assistant. Easy access to popular streaming applications such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video makes everyday use of the television exceptionally convenient. Support for AirPlay and the ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth increase its versatility. A minor downside might be the lack of recording features and picture-in-picture (PiP), which may disappoint those accustomed to the full functionality of traditional television. Therefore, we recommend connecting an external decoder. As for gamers, the C655 / C69B, despite the lack of 4K support at 120 Hz, offers a lot. The television supports 120 Hz at lower resolutions (1080p and 1440p), so when smoothness of the image is more important than resolution itself, you can set the console to performance mode. As a gaming television, the C655 / C69B offers features such as ALLM (automatic low latency mode switching) and VRR (variable refresh rate), which ensure smooth images and minimize lag. It’s also worth mentioning Dolby Vision in low input lag gaming mode. The picture quality in the TCL C655 / C69B is also quite good, especially considering its price. The television boasts a high native contrast thanks to the VA panel and wide coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut with quantum dot (QLED) technology. Although the lack of local dimming (present in the C655 PRO version) sometimes affects the depth of black, in this price range, this model offers really solid picture quality that should satisfy most users.

The Hisense A7NQ is one of the simplest QLED TVs available on the market, primarily enticing with its very attractive price. Equipped with a VA panel, it offers solid native contrast, and the additional PFS coating (a different type of QLED) allows for vibrant colours, particularly in older SDR content. This is a TV that works well for those who use the television more occasionally but are looking for a device with useful features. The Vidaa system, which has strengthened its position in the Polish market over time, is another plus. It supports most popular streaming apps available in Poland and offers features like USB recording, which can be rare in this class of equipment. It's clear that the manufacturer listens to user feedback and strives to implement improvements, which is a nice touch. When it comes to picture quality, it is… simply average. Brightness is limited, so the TV will not be the best choice for watching 4K HDR content. However, it performs better with older materials or regular TV, where high brightness is not crucial, and colours can look really good, especially after professional calibration. Is it a good screen for gamers? The A7NQ is not a gaming monster – the 60 Hz panel and significant motion blur may deter more demanding users. However, the manufacturer has included a few features for gamers, such as VRR, ALLM, and even 120 Hz display at a lower resolution. Additionally, there is an intuitive and user-friendly Game Bar that makes adjusting settings during gameplay easier. Despite this, the TV is not without its shortcomings. One of the stranger issues we encountered was the complete disregard for Polish subtitles from USB. We hope this is a matter of updates, but at the moment it’s hard not to notice. In short, the Hisense A7NQ is a solid mid-range option. While it may not be equipment that wins every test or aspires to be the "Formula 1 of TVs," it will certainly satisfy many people – especially those looking for something simple and affordable. It's a good choice for someone who wants to enjoy content on a large screen without having to spend a fortune.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI), Mini-Jack (Headphones)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

6.1/10

6.3/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,850:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,750:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,350:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

6,750:1

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Contrast and black detail

Result

4,800:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

8,300:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

7,200:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

6,200:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

6,500:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

6,200:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The television TCL C655 / C69B is equipped with a VA panel that offers above-average contrast, making the quality of black and depth of image distinctly better than with IPS panels. However, the lack of local dimming technology, which is available in the model with the "Pro" suffix, negatively impacts the quality of black. In some scenes, such as in the movie "Sicario 2," you can notice that the black takes on a navy hue, reducing the sense of immersion. Overall, the black is decent, but it could be better if the television were equipped with local dimming technology.

Hisense A7NQ uses a VA panel, which by definition provides better contrast than IPS panels, and indeed – it’s quite good here. A contrast level of around 6500:1 gives the image a noticeable depth, and scenes like the one from Oblivion can look really good. We see decent separation of highlights from the darker areas of the image. However, there is one "but" – lack of local dimming. In this price range, that’s obviously standard, but unfortunately, it affects the quality of blacks. In some scenes, the blacks take on blue hues instead of that truly deep, inky black. It’s not dramatic, but if we're watching movies in a dark room, the differences can be more noticeable. In short, the contrast performs well for a VA panel – it’s solid. For the average user, this will be more than sufficient, especially in well-lit rooms. There are no fireworks here, but it’s a fair result for this class of equipment.

HDR effect quality

5.2/10

4.7/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 94.0%, Bt.2020: 69.0%
DCI P3: 92.0%, Bt.2020: 70.2%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

364 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

416 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

484 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

400 nit

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Brightness measurement

Result

450 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

295 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

379 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

315 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Hisense A7NQ

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

Overall, the quality of the HDR effect in TCL C655 / C69B looks quite promising. The average value in the test patterns is around 450 nits, which already allows you to feel the light effects and better image dynamics. However, as mentioned earlier, this effect may be somewhat subdued by slight differences in bright and dark shades, resulting from the lack of local dimming technology. However, the DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 94% deserves high praise, and this is possible due to the use of a quantum dot (QLED) panel. This makes the colours vibrant and well-reproduced when watching HDR content.

We checked how the Hisense A7NQ performs with HDR, and there's no surprise here. The luminance chart showed a maximum brightness of 370 nits. The result? Exactly what one could expect – average. At around 350 nits, HDR doesn’t stand out much compared to SDR. Sure, there’s a subtle difference in more brightly lit scenes, but it’s not a show-stopping effect. In terms of wide colour gamut coverage, the result was 92% for DCI-P3 and 70.2% for BT.2020. These are decent values for a TV in this class, which uses a PFS coating – the same one that’s sometimes promoted as QLED. The colours look alright, but don’t expect something that competes with the best screens on the market. HDR on the Hisense A7NQ is more of an add-on than a "game changer". For those looking for solid image quality on a moderate budget – it’s definitely acceptable. However, if we expect full HDR capabilities, it’s worth looking at models from the higher price range.

Factory color reproduction

4.2/10

6.1/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The TCL C655 / C69B television offers a film mode that has been tested for colour reproduction quality. Although this mode is called film mode, it unfortunately has quite a few errors that the director would certainly not want to see when filming their work. Starting with image analysis, it's worth looking at the white balance – both in HD content and 4K HDR, the white balance has significant issues. In both cases, the red colour dominates, resulting in colours that are too warm, with an overall pink or yellow tint. This can be seen in the image below from the film "Star Wars." The Colour Checker test confirms these errors – the colour samples stray into incorrect shades, affecting the overall colour fidelity. The brightness characteristics are a lesser issue. However, they are not without flaws either. The gamma chart shows a strong spike at the beginning, which can cause the image to be overly bright, and the EOTF curve responsible for brightness in 4K HDR content also has significant fluctuations – it's evident how the television tries to maintain appropriate brightness, but it doesn't always succeed effectively.

When testing the Hisense A7NQ in Filmmaker mode, we hoped for alignment with the manufacturer's intentions, but unfortunately, reality looks different. The main issue, as with most TVs, is the white balance. In the case of the A7NQ, we noticed a clear dominance of blue, which affected both lower-quality materials and 4K HDR content. The Color Checker test results confirm this, and the comparative images speak for themselves – the lead actress in "factory" mode looks cool and pale. It appears as though she has been stripped of life.

As for brightness characteristics, both gamma and the EOTF curve show that the image is overly bright. As a result, everything seems flat, lacking depth and contrast. This state of affairs certainly does not work in favour of the A7NQ and makes the image reception in factory mode leave much to be desired. If we expect natural colour reproduction and appropriate image depth, the A7NQ in Filmmaker mode is unlikely to impress us. It’s a TV that requires significant adjustment to bring out its potential.

Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

7.6/10

After calibrating the movie mode of the television TCL C655 / C69B , the white balance has been adjusted, and the colours look as they should – which is confirmed by only slight deviations in the Colour Checker test. The gamma is really good, which ensures that the television shouldn't have any issues with brightness in low-resolution material. Unfortunately, a similar EOTF characteristic is still noticeable, which is a natural occurrence in televisions that do not have local dimming – they simply struggle to "shine" brighter in a given part of the screen. Despite this design limitation, which cannot be bypassed, we recommend making adjustments in the settings, as the overall colour presentation looks really very good.

Hisense A7NQ offers several tools that allow you to improve image quality, so we decided to take matters into our own hands and do some "digging" in the settings. Thanks to professional tools and measurements, we managed to correct the white balance, eliminating excessive dominance of blue in both HD and 4K content. This is a significant step forward, as in the Color Checker test, the errors in colour reproduction in lower-quality content dropped to a much more acceptable level. Unfortunately, 4K content still falls short of perfection – colour distortions are significant here and stem from the limitations of the television.

As for the gamma, we managed to set it at the correct level, which significantly reduced the excessive brightening of the image. However, the issue with the brightness characteristics in 4K content remains unresolved – the EOTF curve still shows excessive brightness across the entire screen. It's possible that a proper implementation of dynamic tone mapping could make a difference here, but as we mentioned earlier, this feature in Hisense A7NQ works rather poorly, instead of helping. Nevertheless, the calibration significantly improved the overall image perception. The director's vision is now much better represented than in the factory settings, which more demanding viewers will definitely appreciate.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

9/10

Tonal transitions in TCL C655 / C69B are really quite good and deserve a high rating; however, the score has clearly been lowered for another reason - the image is unnaturally sharp despite the "sharpness" setting being at 0. This makes viewing the image unpleasant. While this may be unacceptable for purists, those who are less concerned about perfect image reproduction may find this effect attractive.

It's one of the biggest advantages of this television. The Hisense A7NQ handles tonal transitions smoothly, even in the most demanding scenes. The colour blends are practically invisible, resulting in very smooth graduations and a naturally looking image. Of course, if we are purists and look at the screen with a "hawk eye", we may notice slight joins, especially in the darker parts of the image. However, these are subtle imperfections that most users won't even notice.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

5.5/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
No
OK
Smooth transition function
No
No

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Television TCL C655 / C69B handles tonal transitions in low-quality materials fairly well. The "Gradual Smoothing" feature on low settings effectively smooths out tonal transitions, but it also blurs important details, such as the texture of objects. A positive aspect is that it does not negatively affect film grain, which helps to maintain the natural look of the image. In terms of digital processing, the television adds artificial sharpness, which some users who prefer a sharper image might appreciate. However, for those who prefer a softer look, this may be a drawback. Another downside is that the image has been significantly cropped due to the so-called overscan, which reduces the field of view and cuts off the edges of the image.

The Hisense A7NQ impresses with its smooth tonal transitions in 4K content, but unfortunately, we won't find any features here that improve this aspect in older, lower-quality materials. In such cases, colour transitions become more noticeable, which can slightly detract from the overall picture quality, especially in scenes with a lot of gradients.

When it comes to upscaling, the television performs surprisingly well. The image is clearly improved, though it comes with certain compromises. It can be seen that the TV adds a touch of artificial sharpness, and background elements, like branches, tend to exhibit slight "jaggies." However, these are details that will mainly catch the eye of those who pay attention to such nuances.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.7/10

3.8/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
120Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
No
No
BFI function 60Hz
Nie
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
Nie
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
0%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie (1080p 120Hz):

Smużenie ():

The television C655 / C69B is equipped with a 4K@60 Hz panel, which means it's best suited for watching movies and less dynamic content. It also features a "Flicker Reduction" function, allowing users to adjust the smoothness of the image – they can choose whether they prefer smoother motion or a more cinematic, frame-like effect. The television can also adapt to lower resolutions, such as Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, which will surely please gamers by offering a smoother image at the cost of resolution. It’s worth noting that this feature is available in sizes starting from 55"+. Additionally, the largest variant, 98", is equipped with a 144Hz panel with full motion smoothing.

The Hisense A7NQ is equipped with a 60 Hz panel, which means that dynamic scenes – for example in sports or gaming – come across as rather average here. This is standard in this class of equipment, but it's worth noting that watching more intense, fast-moving content can leave a lot to be desired. However, when it comes to movies, the TV offers a motion smoothing feature that works on a 10-point scale. The "judder reduction" option allows you to adjust the smoothness of the image to your own preferences. At the lowest setting, you get a natural film frame rate, which will appeal to cinema purists. Conversely, the maximum setting provides a very smooth, theatrical image, which may be appreciated by those who prefer a more "smeared" motion.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

6.3/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 120Hz
    48 - 60Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    No
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    No
    No
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The TCL C655 / C69B TV offers an almost perfect set of features for gamers, supporting all the key technologies. It has an ALLM feature that automatically switches the TV to low latency mode, significantly improving responsiveness and minimising signal lag, which is especially important during dynamic gameplay. The VRR feature allows synchronisation of the screen refresh rate with the number of frames generated by the console, eliminating screen tearing and providing smoother gameplay.

The TV also supports Dolby Vision in gaming mode, ensuring better colour and contrast reproduction in games that support this format, and the Game Bar enables quick access to gameplay-related settings, such as response time, latency level, and other parameters. Unfortunately, the C655 / C69B does not support 4K resolution at 120 Hz (the 98" variant is the exception), which may be disappointing for more demanding gamers seeking the ultimate smoothness in high-resolution games. However, if we can forgo 4K, the TV offers support for Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, providing a smoother image and serving as a great alternative for those who prefer higher refresh rates at the expense of resolution.

Hisense A7NQ is a piece of gear that may pleasantly surprise gamers, although it's not without its flaws. The fact that it has a 60 Hz panel immediately suggests that the TV is not designed for the most demanding gaming scenarios. The motion blur we mentioned earlier can also be a drawback, especially in fast-paced games.

However, there are a few things worth praising. The TV supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which is not always standard in this price range. The biggest surprise, however, is that the A7NQ can display visuals at 120 Hz – albeit only in Full HD resolution, but it's still a significant nod to gamers. This provides the option to choose between smoothness and resolution, which is not obvious in TVs at this price.

A nice addition is the Game Bar, which is clear and practical – all the essential features are at hand without having to dig through the settings. However, it lacks support for HGiG, which could be a disappointment for gamers seeking perfect HDR in games.

Input lag

10/10

9.9/10

SDR

1080p60
13 ms
14 ms
1080p120
9 ms
10 ms
2160p60
13 ms
14 ms
2160p120

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
14 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
14 ms
2160p120 DV

TheTCL C655 / C69B television offers an exceptional response time across all supported resolutions and refresh rates. Of particular note is its support for Dolby Vision with a response time of 13 ms, which is rarely seen in the competition. This allows gamers to enjoy outstanding responsiveness even when using advanced HDR effects, significantly enhancing the gaming experience.

Hisense A7NQ definitely has some impressive features when it comes to input lag. It is really very low, which is immediately noticeable while gaming – both in standard game mode and with Dolby Vision enabled. Regardless of the settings, the response is instant, making game control smooth and responsive. This is a definite plus for any gamer who doesn’t want to worry about delays. Even more dynamic gameplay on this television won’t be an issue. In this category, Hisense A7NQ really stands out from the competition.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

5.8/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Very Good
Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Average
Very Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
13ms
14ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
BGR
Max refresh rate
120Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

Collaboration with PC on the TCL C655 / C69B TV works quite well, especially thanks to the 4:4:4 chroma support, which guarantees good readability of fonts. This is a significant advantage if the TV is intended to serve as a monitor for office work, where text display precision is key. Additionally, the low input lag ensures smooth operation, which both gamers and users who need quick responses to mouse or keyboard movements will appreciate. However, the TV has a 60Hz panel for 4K resolution, nevertheless TCL has ensured that users can enjoy smooth gameplay at 120Hz in 2K and Full HD.

One of the minor drawbacks that can be noticed is the fact that vertical lines sometimes show a one-pixel blackout. This can cause letters to appear slightly broken, which in certain situations may somewhat diminish work comfort, although overall this issue should not be very bothersome for less demanding users.

Hisense A7NQ does the job if we want to use it as a monitor for work. Thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support, the text is sharp and readable, regardless of the background. This is a big plus because working with documents or browsing websites on this TV is quite good. When it comes to PC gaming, the situation is less optimistic. The 60 Hz panel unfortunately doesn’t allow for smoother experiences, which may disappoint gamers looking for something more. Even the presence of G-SYNC and low input lag doesn’t change the fact that dynamic titles may look mediocre.

Viewing angles

2.5/10

3/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
81%
77%

The viewing angles on the C655 / C69B are rather weak, which is typical for a VA panel. Compared to IPS panels, which offer significantly better viewing angles and more uniform picture quality regardless of the viewer's position, the VA panel loses contrast and colours even with a slight deviation from the axis. Watching from the side results in noticeable degradation of picture quality – blacks become more washed out and colours lose their intensity. This is definitely not a television that will perform well in large rooms where viewers watch content from various angles.

Hisense A7NQ doesn’t surprise in this category. The viewing angles are typical for a VA panel – which means that if we sit directly in front, everything looks fine, but just shifting a little to the side causes the picture to start losing quality. Colours become less saturated, and black starts to take on shades of grey. This is standard for VA panels, and it’s rather hard to expect anything different. So if we plan on watching TV with a larger group of people, it’s worth considering positioning the television so that everyone has a chance to sit as close to the centre of the screen as possible.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

4.9/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Average
Black levels during daytime
Good
Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Hisense A7NQ: 371 cd/m2

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85"): 484 cd/m2

Generally, TCL C655 / C69B offers quite good brightness at around 480 nits, which allows for comfortable use of the TV during the day. This brightness is satisfactory and makes the picture well visible even in bright sunlight. Unfortunately, the satin finish of the panel struggles somewhat with glare reduction, which can affect the visibility of the picture in very bright surroundings.

The Hisense A7NQ doesn't make the best impression in brightly lit rooms. The panel handles glare reduction averagely, so if there's a lot of light coming in through the windows, the screen can turn into a mirror. Additionally, a brightness level of 370 cd/m² is only suitable for moderately sunny rooms. In more demanding conditions, where the sun is directly hitting the screen, the picture starts to lose visibility and it's hard to see all the details. If we plan to use the TV mainly during the day in a brightly lit room, it's worth considering this, as in such conditions the A7NQ may not be the best choice.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
PFS LED
PFS LED
Software version during testing
v8-r75pt01-lf1v195.000731
V0000.07.60l.O0410
Image processor
RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

7.1/10

9/10

  • Operating system
    Google TV
    VIDAA
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    No
    Yes
  • Recording programming
    No
    Yes
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    Yes
    Yes
  • Audio only mode
    No
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    RF
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    No
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

The TCL C655 / C69B television runs on the Google TV system, which is an extension of the popular Android TV. Google TV offers personalized content recommendations based on previously viewed materials and user preferences. Convenient and clear navigation in the interface makes it easy to find favorite movies, shows, and apps. This system supports the most popular streaming apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, giving users access to a wide range of content. Google TV also supports integration with the Google ecosystem, allowing control of the television using voice commands with Google Assistant. Additionally, users can easily sync the television with other devices within the smart home.

The C655 / C69B television provides convenience for daily use thanks to features that facilitate connectivity and interaction with other devices. It supports Apple AirPlay, enabling quick content sharing from Apple devices like iPhone or iPad directly to the television screen. The ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth, such as keyboards, mice, or headphones, further enhances user comfort. Unfortunately, the television does not offer USB recording capabilities or picture-in-picture (PiP) options, which may disappoint traditional TV users who are accustomed to these features. The lack of these options means that the TCL C655 / C69B may not be the ideal solution for those expecting full functionality, especially regarding recording favorite programs.

The TCL C655 / C69B boasts a solid design. The television is not one of the thinnest, and its bezels are not the narrowest, but they look modern and aesthetically pleasing. The legs included in the package deserve special praise – they are metal, adding stability, and also offer the possibility of adjustment, even for very narrow setups. This allows the television to be easily adapted to different types of TV stands, which is a practical convenience in many living rooms.

Hisense A7NQ runs on the Vidaa system, which may not be as extensive as those from the Korean giants, but it does what it needs to do. It's clear that Hisense is starting to understand the Australian market – the latest updates have added the most important streaming apps. You can easily find the most popular streaming applications here. Unfortunately, if someone is hoping for Tidal or Spotify, they won’t find them here – it's a bit of a shame, as that would further enhance the system. The Vidaa system itself works surprisingly well. The menu is simple, and the voice control in English is a nice touch that makes everyday use easier. There are no unnecessary complications, everything is at your fingertips and works without significant delays.

In terms of features, the TV performs well too. USB recording works thanks to the built-in tuners, and connecting additional devices via Bluetooth or USB is seamless. AirPlay and Miracast are additional bonuses – it’s easy to share content from your phone or laptop.

There is a lack of PiP (picture-in-picture) functionality, but that’s something that only those who really need it will notice. Similarly, USB recording is nice to have, but not everyone will use it.

Playing files from USB

8.3/10

5.5/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
WebP
No
Yes
TIFF
No
No
BMP
Yes
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
No
No
12 Mpix
No
No
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
No
No
24 Mpix
No
No
28 Mpix
No
No
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

Thanks to the built-in player, the TCL C655 / C69B TV is capable of playing most file formats found on external storage, making it a versatile tool for consuming media. However, there may be some limitations in handling certain formats, which can be a hassle for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps eliminate compatibility issues. This gives users the option to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly increasing the functionality of the TV.

During testing of the USB file player, we encountered something really odd. Normally, we check if the TV handles external subtitle files so that we can comfortably watch foreign productions in Polish. Unfortunately, despite the presence of various subtitle formats on our USB drive, the TV did not display any of them. Interestingly, there was an option in the menu to change the font colour, so it seems that the feature should work. We believe this is something to be fixed in an update, but for now, the situation is just strange and somewhat concerning. As for other types of files, it's much better. The TV handles most popular audio and photo formats, so playing music or browsing holiday photos will not be a problem.

Apps

10/10

8.6/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
No
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

6.6/10

5.9/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.6/10
    5.9/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

The sound in TCL C655 / C69B is surprisingly good, especially for this class of device. The 2x10W speakers combined with a 15W Onkyo subwoofer (for sizes 55"+) offer surprisingly good sound quality, including noticeable bass. The sound remains clear across the entire volume range, although the high tones could be a bit clearer. The support for DTS audio format is also a plus.

The Hisense A7NQ performs like most mid-range televisions – it’s adequate, but without much excitement. The sound does its job in everyday use, but if you’re looking for strong experiences, it’s worth considering purchasing a soundbar. On the plus side, the television supports practically all popular surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. As a result, if we have the appropriate external equipment, we can enjoy a more immersive sound.