TCL C855 vs Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D

Direct compare

C855 / C85

Neo QLED / QN92D / QN90D

Info

Available screen sizes: 65”75”85”98”

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”85”98”

Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel type: LCD VA (wide viewing angle)

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Tizen

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

7.6

7.8

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    7.4

    7.9

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    7.1

    7.9

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    6.7

    7.7

  • Gaming on console

    8.8

    9.1

  • TV as a computer monitor

    8.6

    8.6

  • Watching in bright light

    7.4

    6.4

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    7.7

  • Apps

    10.0

    9.3

  • Sound quality

    7.2

    6.9

Advantages

  • Very large number of built-in applications

  • High contrast and deep blacks

  • Very good HDR effect in bright scenes

  • Very high brightness - great TV for bright rooms

  • Image quality comparable to much more expensive televisions

  • High brightness

  • Good contrast

  • Intuitive Tizen operating system

  • Great for gamers and sports fans (HDMI 2.1, 144Hz, low input lag)

  • Wide viewing angles - unusual for VA panels

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles

  • Poor factory colour reproduction (can be improved with calibration)

  • No recording function

  • No support for DTS format - may be problematic for those using Blu-ray

Our verdict

Once again, the manufacturer shows that despite being a relatively young player in Poland (but not globally) when it comes to the RTV market, it certainly cannot be said that it is a second-rate choice. The TCL C855 is an incredibly versatile device that performs well in various applications and excels in its price range. Thanks to Mini LED backlighting, the results for contrast and black levels are very solid, allowing for a deep and vivid image. It is worth noting that the television's algorithm effectively manages to maintain uniformity of blacks, and the blooming effect is rarely noticeable. This backlighting is also a strong point for the television in HDR content, although with some reservations. The TCL C855 can achieve brightness levels of up to 1800 nits, which is an impressive result; however, brightness can drastically drop, even to around 200 nits, when a bright but small element appears on the screen. Another drawback is the boosted mid-tones, which can lead to a loss of contrast and reduce the image's alignment with the director's vision. The television also performs excellently when connected to a console or a powerful PC. In this category, the TCL C855 truly shows its strength, offering extremely low latency and high-quality gameplay, thanks to the full implementation of HDMI 2.1 features. The Google TV operating system is another advantage, providing the user with nearly unlimited possibilities for installing applications, even those outside the official store, thanks to support for APK files.

In summary, the TCL C855 is the ideal choice for those who know what they expect from a television. It is a good, versatile piece of equipment that, although not perfect, offers great picture quality, low gaming latency, as well as a flexible and expanded operating system.

Samsung offers two top models with a 4K resolution when it comes to MiniLED technology. In this test, we took a closer look at the not so "fancy" QN95D and QN90D, which we can also find under the name QN92D. Samsung proudly calls its MiniLED televisions the NeoQLED series. Thanks to this technology, the TV offers excellent contrast and high brightness, making movie watching an experience reminiscent of true cinema. During everyday use, the Tizen system performed excellently. It is fast, intuitive, and allows seamless switching between applications. We also appreciated how well the TV handles lower quality materials – traditional TV or older films looked better than we expected, and the advanced image processing algorithms did their job. This is a TV that can really enhance the viewing experience of content that isn't always in high resolution. The solar remote was a pleasant surprise for us. Although minimalist and with a small number of buttons, it turned out to be very practical – it allowed us to control not just the TV, but also other devices, like the decoder (Canal+) or soundbar. This meant we could reduce the number of remotes on the table, which immediately improved usability. Plus, solar charging – a simple idea that eliminates the need for battery replacements and aligns with eco-friendly trends. As for the picture in different conditions, the TV performs well in both bright and dark rooms. The high brightness and numerous dimming zones handle most content, although sometimes in contrasting scenes a halo effect is noticeable. The colours, however, are vibrant and natural, and the QLED coating gives them intensity. For even better results, we decided on calibration – after which the picture looked even more detailed and natural, which only confirmed our belief that QN92/QN90 is an excellent choice. And what about motion on the screen? It is absolutely fluid. The 144 Hz panel does an excellent job with dynamic scenes – fast actions, sports, games – everything looks natural and without blurring. We particularly appreciated the Auto Motion Plus Game feature, which makes games running at 30 frames look smoother, resembling 45 frames, and at 60 Hz, motion becomes even more natural, as if operating at 90 Hz. For gamers, this is a huge plus, especially since low input lag and features like the game bar further enhance the gaming experience. This is a TV that performs well in any situation – from evening screenings to gaming marathons. QN92D is a practical, well-designed TV that offers a picture quality that's really hard to ignore. An ideal choice for those looking for something more than just a regular screen for everyday content.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
0 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps)
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
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

8.6/10

7.9/10

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 1344 (48 x 28)

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 504 (36 x 14)

Contrast:

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

176,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

54,000:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

30,500:1

Review TCL C855 Contrast and black detail

Result

13,700:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Contrast and black detail

Result

69,000:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Contrast and black detail

Result

:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Contrast and black detail

Result

5,500:1

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Contrast and black detail

Result

2,700:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

TCL C855 uses a high-contrast VA panel. The ANSI contrast (without dimming) reached a very respectable 5238:1, which allows for at least very good black levels. Additionally, the panel is equipped with multi-zone Mini LED backlighting, which is divided into 1344 independent dimming zones for the 65-inch model. This number allows for very good results in our tests. It is worth noting that TCL, as one of the few manufacturers, offers such a panel specification without spending excessively, unlike the classic big four manufacturers. As you can see, in the vast majority of scenes we've prepared, the results are impressive, particularly in the first three scenes, as even in the third, with a result of 54,000:1, it cannot be said that the black levels and contrast are weak, as they are more than satisfactory. These worsen in two scenarios: scenes with film strips and when there are many elements surrounded by black on the screen. And just as the last of the test scenes still has excellent contrast, in the final tested scenario, a slight blooming of blacks can be noticed. The frame from the film "Oblivion" performed excellently on TCL C855, and the level of black can even be compared to OLED screens, which is no small feat. It is also worth noting the good separation of lights, which is not an easy thing to achieve. Our flagship scene from "Sicario 2" also performed well in terms of contrast, but it is evident that details are lost in the blacks on the first, second, and third planes. The operation of the backlight control algorithm, which minimizes halo/blooming effects to an absolute minimum, deserves praise as well. However, it is worth noting that very small elements, such as stars, can sometimes be completely dimmed by the TCL C855.

Samsung QN92D is one of the top models of NeoQLED 4K (mini LED) from the Korean manufacturer for 2024. Although it does not offer as many dimming zones as its more refined sibling Samsung QN92D, the number of 504 dimming zones in the 55-inch version is still impressive. The VA panel works well with this solution, providing excellent results in terms of contrast. The contrast in Samsung QN92D is outstanding for a non-OLED television. Even in difficult scenes, like those from the movies "Oblivion" or "Arrival," the contrast is nearly infinite and can compete with the best televisions in the OLED segment, which is quite unusual among LED-lit televisions. However, mini LED diodes have their limitations compared to organic panels, which can lead to some issues. For example, on the last test screen from Pioneer, the television has significant difficulties. This may be due to a very aggressive dimming algorithm, which sometimes causes the mini LED diodes to struggle with what to do – whether to illuminate certain elements or maintain the blacks. Despite these drawbacks, Samsung QN92D is one of the best LCD televisions in terms of contrast and blacks.

HDR effect quality

6.5/10

6.8/10

Supported formats
HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 97.0%, Bt.2020: 79.0%
DCI P3: 94.0%, Bt.2020: 78.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1472 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

445 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

754 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

237 nit

Review TCL C855 Brightness measurement

Result

1820 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Brightness measurement

Result

1947 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Brightness measurement

Result

617 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Brightness measurement

Result

738 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Brightness measurement

Result

271 nit

Review Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D Brightness measurement

Result

1479 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D

TCL C855

TCL C855 delivers a highly varied HDR effect. On one hand, the television truly shines, while on the other, it resembles a lower model with FALD backlighting. Such a state of affairs is regularly observed with this brand, so it was not a surprise for us. The first and last scene, which has large light elements, looks phenomenal, "shining" with brightness levels of 1470 and 1820 nits respectively. Such effects will certainly make many people squint, while simultaneously feeling the extraordinary dynamism of the scene itself. You can truly feel as if you were inside the movie. The situation drastically changes when small or minor elements with high luminance surrounded by black appear on the screen. The TCL C855, to avoid the halo effect, significantly reduces brightness to a level of even 240 nits, which is a disappointing outcome, causing the film to not look like it was shot in HDR. The HDR effect in TCL C855 makes watching dynamic scenes more engaging, and the viewer can feel like they are part of the action. Even with smaller elements of high luminance, the television manages to maintain details without excessive dimming. Moreover, the TCL C855 test shows that the brightness of the image is adapted to scenes with a large amount of detail, increasing viewing comfort.

During synthetic tests, Samsung QN92D showed its incredible capabilities in terms of brightness. The charts clearly indicate that the television can achieve an impressive 2000 nits, giving it a solid power base to compete with the best models on the market. Such a result places it at the forefront, especially in the context of displaying HDR content, where brightness plays a key role. However, what happens when we move the tests to real film scenes? In favourable conditions, such as the first scene from the movie Life of Pi or the last scene, where the image is completely flooded with light, Samsung QN92D can achieve almost laboratory results, impressing with its brightness. The situation looks different when small, bright objects appear on a dark background, as in the fourth scene from the movie Sicario. In such cases, the television doesn't perform as well – brightness drops several times, and maximum values in the best conditions are around 600 NITS. Similar to contrast, these limitations arise from the use of an aggressive local dimming algorithm. This algorithm aims to reduce the 'halo' effect around bright objects on a dark background, but often at the expense of overall brightness. As a result, while the television performs well in bright scenes, its ability to display full brightness is limited when it comes to small, vivid elements.

Factory color reproduction

5.2/10

6.1/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The best factory mode for the TCL C855 is "Film," and it is on this mode that we conducted all our tests. However, like every mode predefined by the manufacturer, it had flaws that are worth correcting to achieve an image that is as close as possible to what the film producer intended. We will look at the colour characteristics in both SDR and HDR materials. Taking the former into account, we see a clear dominance of green in the white balance, which, as you might guess, gave an unpleasant greenish tint to the entire image. Examining a very important gamma chart, responsible for the contrast of the image, we see a significant deviation from the reference line marked at 2.4. From the left, we can observe a strong spike in the measured value, which at this point caused contrast exaggeration and blending of details into a dark blob. This state of affairs persisted for quite a while, up to 20% of the chart’s value, before then diving below the reference. This, in turn, meant that the image was brightened and contrast decreased significantly. The factory mode performed somewhat better in HDR materials, as the white balance looked quite good, except for the second half, where green again took over. Looking at the EOTF curve, which, unlike gamma, shows the rate of brightness increase, we see primarily two errors: the darkest scenes were too dark, and the brightest ones were overexposed. This, by the way, could be observed in the scene from the film "Pan" in the check paragraph for the TV's HDR.

The best mode that reproduces colours best on the Samsung QN92D has consistently been the Filmmaker mode for years. While it generally offers decent colour quality, it is not free from significant issues. Let's start with the analysis of HD/SDR image quality. The biggest challenge here is the white balance – the graphs show considerable instability, with a clear dominance of red making the image too warm. This distortion causes hues to be unnaturally shifted towards warmer tones, which can negatively affect the perception of materials with natural colours. Contrast, based on the gamma chart, although not the worst, remains far from ideal, impacting the overall image quality, especially in darker scenes.

This issue also persists with 4K materials, such as series or films of higher quality. In this case, the white balance also turns out to be faulty, with noticeable deficiencies in blue and red colour, leading to tonal shifts. Tests using the Colour Checker tool confirm these problems – all colours tend to skew towards yellow shades, further distorting the natural appearance of the image. Although the Filmmaker mode is one of the best available modes for watching cinematic content, it still requires improvements, especially in terms of colour accuracy and white balance.

Color reproduction after calibration

6.9/10

8.7/10

TCL, just like the vast majority of manufacturers, provides advanced calibration tools in its televisions. Here we find 2- and 20-point grey scale adjustments as well as an advanced colour management system. The results, as you can see, are very good and in SDR materials we have significantly approached the reference image. We eliminated both the green tint and the gamma issue, although there is still a slight "kink" at the very beginning. It went a bit worse with HDR materials, which the television ChooseTV C855 did not allow us to model properly. We only managed to slightly adjust the EOTF curve and significantly improve the colours themselves.

After calibration, the Filmmaker mode on the Samsung QN92D television shows significant improvement, particularly in the SDR content range. The white balance has been greatly enhanced – the previous colour misalignment and dominance of red have been eliminated, resulting in a more natural colour reproduction. In terms of brightness, although the gamma chart did not require significant adjustments, it has been stabilised, which affects the overall picture quality.

Regarding high-quality materials, the white balance has also improved in this case. However, it is worth noting the contrast. The EOTF curve, which illustrates the values in this area, appears correct at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the television struggles to maintain appropriate contrast in film materials. The EOTF curve reveals some discrepancies, suggesting that despite the progress, there are still areas that require improvement in this aspect. The television continues to strive for excellence in contrast reproduction. A strength of this television is the saturation of colours. Skin tones are rendered very well, and although some colours may be slightly oversaturated, the overall effect looks really attractive – the colours appear rich and vibrant.

Despite some shortcomings in contrast, after calibration, the Filmmaker mode on the Samsung QN92D offers excellent image quality, with natural colour reproduction, making it a great choice for watching movies.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

9.2/10

9/10

Nevertheless, an important aspect in assessing image quality are tonal transitions. To achieve a clear image free from posterisation effects, the television must demonstrate very good algorithms for smoothing out colour gradation. We must admit that the applied feature in TCL C855 called "Gradual Smoothing" is one of the better ones we have had the opportunity to test. Practically every scene performs very well here, and nothing can be faulted. The best example of this is the scene from "The Green Knight", which is the most demanding due to the vast number of fine and subtle transitions in the fog. The C855 effectively smooths everything present in the scene and allows the viewer to experience its entire suspense. The only moment where a slight posterisation can be noticed is in a frame from the film "The Green Knight", where the reds in the top left section of the screen contrast against each other.

The fluidity of tonal transitions on the Samsung QN92D TV is excellent, making the image look exceptionally natural, without visible disturbances. In scenes with complex colour gradations, the TV performs brilliantly, providing smooth and uniform transitions. Competing OLED TVs in a similar price range could successfully take a cue from this, as the Samsung QN92D offers quality that places it on par with models equipped with QD-OLED panels.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5.5/10

7.2/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

Once again, we will look at the function of smoothing tonal transitions, but this time also image scaling. The latter is particularly important when watching materials of lower quality, such as some TV programs or older films. We will focus on the function responsible for tonal transitions. Interestingly, just like in the scenes in the previous test, it performed splendidly and smoothed out practically all the choppiness, but here it had problems. Using the menu responsible for the operation of this function, we found that none - not even the strongest - setting helped.

The image scaling in TCL C855 is characterised as one of the best we have had the opportunity to test so far. The image is sharp, but in a way that could be described as natural to our eye. Even small, fine branches do not have jagged contours, and there is no white halo around figures, which is characteristic of weaker scaling systems.

Let's check how the Samsung QN92D TV performs with tonal transitions in very poor quality materials. The noise reduction feature shows good effectiveness, improving the fluidity of tonal transitions even in difficult conditions. However, it should be noted that, similar to other Samsung TVs, the effectiveness of this feature can lead to the removal of desirable elements, such as film grain, which can sometimes affect the authenticity of the image.

When it comes to digital processing, the Samsung QN92D TV also performs excellently. During tests, the image looked very good, with the model presented in a natural and correct way. Details, such as branches in the background, were reproduced with great precision, highlighting the TV's ability to enhance the quality of low-resolution materials.

Blur and motion smoothness

8/10

7.5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
144Hz
144Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
OK
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
Yes, 60Hz (image flickers)
BFI function 120Hz
Yes, 120Hz
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
51%
72%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

Image flickers in this mode

The maximum refresh rate that we can set on TCL C855 is 144 Hz. Naturally, this is only possible when connecting the TCL C855 TV to a very powerful PC. Otherwise, we will operate at a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is recommended if we primarily want to watch sports or content with a high level of motion dynamics. For those who require high fluidity of image, the manufacturer has implemented a multi-level motion smoother. It has been divided into two separate sliders that adjust the sharpness of moving images (Blur Reduction) and judder (Judder Reduction). Both sliders can be set in the range of 0 to 10, with each level affecting the degree of smoothing, so everyone can find their sweet spot. We present a setting that allows for slight smoothness without the soap opera effect.

The panel of TCL C855 features a very good response time. This is especially important, as VA panels often have issues with so-called ghosting, which is the effect where a black halo can be noticed behind a fast-moving object.

The Samsung QN92D television is equipped with a 144 Hz panel; however, when watching content using the smoothness feature, the maximum refresh rate is 120 Hz. As a result, both gamers and sports enthusiasts will be satisfied with the picture quality. It’s also worth mentioning the available options for image enhancement, such as the "motion blur and judder reduction" feature, which allows users to adjust smoothness to their individual preferences on a 10-point scale. Motion blur reduction increases the sharpness of fast-moving objects, while judder reduction smooths out motion, eliminating the "stutter" effect. With these advanced settings, one can achieve optimal visual experiences, making the Samsung QN92D perfect for both dynamic scenes and intense gaming.

In terms of motion blur, the television performs really well, and it’s hard to pick faults. The only note we might have is a slight overshoot effect noticeable on dark backgrounds during our test with "Ufoludkiem." Nevertheless, thanks to the advanced smoothness settings, the Samsung QN92D excels in both dynamic scenes and intense gaming.

Console compatibility and gaming features

9.8/10

9.5/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR range
    48 - 144Hz
    48 - 144Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Yes
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 1440p@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • 4K@120Hz
    Yes
    Yes
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

The TCL C855 television is equipped with full HDMI 2.1 ports with a bandwidth of 48 Gb/s. During our tests, we confirmed the seamless operation of all functions that come with this standard. As you can see, all the checkboxes light up green, which will certainly be appreciated by gamers, both console and those using the television as a computer monitor. Additionally, the TCL C855 supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-Sync, which can be easily activated in the graphics card settings. Users with very powerful setups can provide a 144 Hz signal to the C855, which the television handles effortlessly. It's also worth mentioning the implementation of the HGIG mode, which, due to the shortcomings of the "Game" mode, is overly bright, making it difficult to configure properly on-screen. Fortunately, the television performs excellently with the Dolby Vision format.

The TCL C855, as one of the first manufacturers, has equipped its televisions with a special GameBar feature that allows extensive setting changes on the fly, without the need to exit the game. It includes functions such as an additional crosshair grid, black level correction, and settings for individuals with disabilities. In the photo, we see the next generation of this solution.

In summary, the TCL C855 television will be an ideal solution for those looking for a screen for any kind of electronic gaming. With all the features supporting such entertainment, it is incredibly engaging. It should also be emphasized that it has very low input lag, regardless of the selected settings, including with the Dolby Vision HDR format.

The television Samsung QN92/QN90 is an excellent choice for avid gamers, deserving of the highest recommendations. This model offers practically all the features available on the market in terms of gaming, making gameplay even more exciting. One of the key differentiators is the 120 Hz panel, which ensures exceptional motion smoothness, crucial during dynamic action games. The television also boasts low input lag, guaranteeing instant reactions to player commands. Additionally, technologies such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) adjust the refresh rate and automatically switch the television to game mode, translating to even better gaming experiences. Another advantage is the Xbox app, which allows gaming of favourite titles directly on the television, eliminating the need for a console. This is a typical feature of Samsung televisions, making them exceptional in the gaming world.

Auto Motion Plus Game is a feature that really deserves praise for Samsung. It is a motion smoother that works wonderfully in games, creating the impression of a higher frame rate – a 30 frames per second image looks like 45, and 60 Hz becomes close to 90 Hz. Importantly, this feature does not introduce significant lag (input lag does not exceed 25 ms), so it does not negatively affect gameplay comfort, unlike many other smoothers available on the market. This allows gamers to enjoy a much smoother image without compromising responsiveness.

Input lag

9.8/10

9.9/10

SDR

1080p60
16 ms
13 ms
1080p120
7 ms
11 ms
2160p60
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120
7 ms
11 ms

HDR

2160p60
16 ms
13 ms
2160p120
7 ms
11 ms
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
17 ms
2160p120 DV
9 ms

The lag time of the TCL C855 is astonishingly low in every scenario. Even the most passionate gamers will surely appreciate the very low input lag at demanding 4K 120 Hz settings with HDR, clocking in at just 7 ms. Furthermore, the lag at these same settings, but with Dolby Vision HDR enabled, remains at the same level, which isn't so obvious with competing models. Therefore, the TCL C855 deserves the highest rating and recommendation.

The input lag category is crucial for gamers, and the Samsung QN90D performs exceptionally well in this aspect. Input lag values below 13 ms are impressive, meaning that the delay between pressing a button on the controller and the reaction on the screen is minimal. Such a low value allows for smooth and responsive gaming experiences, which will certainly please both casual gamers and professionals for whom every millisecond of reaction time matters. This makes the Samsung QN92D an excellent choice for those who value precision and speed in gameplay.

Compatibility with PC

8.6/10

8.6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
Yes
Font clarity
Good
Very Good
Readability of dark text and shapes
Good
Average
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
16ms
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
BGR
Max refresh rate
144Hz
144Hz
G-Sync
Yes
Yes

TCL C855 when connected to a computer as a monitor performs very well. This is thanks to the very low latency between the mouse-eye-screen and the excellent readability of fonts, which comes from the proper implementation of chroma 4:4:4 at all resolutions, including 4K@144Hz. The subpixel layout is BGR, which does not negatively impact usage in Windows. However, the situation may change when using macOS or other software that may not be able to adjust fonts to this subpixel layout. Additionally, the TV has minor issues displaying fonts on a black background, for which we deducted some points.

The television stands out with its high performance, supporting chroma 4:4:4 and offering exceptionally low input lag. These features allow users to enjoy fluidity and responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for office work and everyday applications. However, one noticeable drawback is the poor visibility of horizontal lines on dark backgrounds. On the test screen, letters on the right side appear more like vertical lines, which can be frustrating for some users. Nonetheless, the television generally works well with a computer, providing comfort in carrying out daily tasks. It’s also worth mentioning in this paragraph the "Remote PC" feature; thanks to Microsoft’s collaboration with the Korean giant, we can seamlessly pair Windows PCs and use Office 360 apps.

Viewing angles

3.5/10

7.1/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
73%
65%

A widely known drawback of VA panels without an angle coating is their poor performance regarding viewing angles. The same is true for the TCL C855, where even a slight off-axis shift leads to significant image washout and colour degradation.

In the case of TVs with VA panels, you can usually expect limited viewing angles, however Samsung QN90D surprises in this category. Thanks to the applied coating that widens the viewing angles, the TV offers really good performance, which is rarely seen in devices with this type of panels. Although VA panels are typically not the best in this regard, in this model the image remains clear and saturated even when viewed from the side, making it a great choice for larger rooms and group viewing.

TV efficiency during daytime

7.4/10

6.4/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D: 629 cd/m2

TCL C855: 910 cd/m2

The glossy finish of the panel on the TCL C855 prevented it from achieving the highest rating for TV performance during daytime viewing, although it is precisely due to this that the blacks during the day are very good. Thanks to the high brightness in SDR content, the actress's face strongly stands out through reflections. However, a downside of the panel is that light hitting directly on the TV "spills" out rather than being contained in one spot. Generally speaking, if sunlight doesn't hit the panel, the TCL C855 will be a very good choice for brightly lit rooms.

The television performs well in bright rooms due to its high brightness, especially when watching standard television. A constant brightness level of 600 nits ensures excellent visibility even in intense daylight. Unfortunately, despite the use of a satin finish, handling reflections is average, which can affect viewing comfort. An additional downside is the matrix that improves viewing angles, which causes reflections of sunlight to spread vertically, potentially further reducing viewing comfort in a bright environment.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
Mini-LED QLED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
TV+:TVM6.0.1_926b00935_240329
1106
Image processor
mt5896

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TCL C855

Samsung Neo QLED QN90D / QN92D

TV features

7.1/10

7.7/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Tizen
  • 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
    No
  • Recording programming
    No
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    Yes
  • 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

TCL C855 operates on the Google TV system, which is a significant advantage compared to TVs equipped with proprietary systems from manufacturers, where installing applications from a USB drive can be challenging or often downright impossible. With Google TV, we have the option to install almost any application, both from the official store and directly from internet repositories via APK files.

This system also offers many conveniences in terms of control. We can connect a keyboard with a touchpad, which significantly simplifies entering queries. Additionally, thanks to integration with Google, we can utilise voice control features using the remote, which works very well, although there can be minor issues with translating functions and options. It’s worth mentioning that Google TV regularly receives updates that improve functionality and introduce new options. We can also confirm that according to reports from users of older models, the software can have its off days, and sometimes it does have its "bad day".

In summary: Google TV is currently one of the most popular systems on the market. Thanks to its powerful CPU, it runs very smoothly, does not freeze, and has no issues with stuttering for a significant part of its usage. This is definitely the best option for those who want to make the most of the TCL C855 TV’s capabilities and appreciate the openness of the system.

The Samsung QN92D television features a modern Tizen operating system, which offers users an intuitive and visually appealing environment. Tizen ensures smooth and fast navigation through applications, significantly enhancing the comfort of using the television. With an extensive ecosystem, users can easily connect the QN92D to other devices. The television supports many features that make everyday use easier, such as controlling set-top boxes with the remote, eliminating the need for multiple remotes. With AirPlay functionality, Apple device users can effortlessly stream multimedia from their iPhone. Additionally, there is a remote PC feature that allows users to access their computer on a large screen, as well as the Office 365 application, making the QN92D an ideal solution for both work and entertainment.

Furthermore, like many Samsung televisions, the QN92D offers Ambient Mode, which allows users to customise the appearance of the television to blend in with its surroundings. Users can display a variety of images or information, turning the television into an elegant part of the interior decor, even when not in use. Speaking of decor, it’s certainly worth mentioning the device's appearance. It is really very slim, around 2cm at its thickest point, which is impressive. The metal frame definitely gives the impression of a premium device, and the stand included in the box is sturdy.

However, for those using traditional television, the QN92D may prove to be a bit disappointing, as there is no television programme recording function available in the Polish market. Nevertheless, the television offers a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature that allows for simultaneous viewing of two programmes at the same time. The Samsung QN92D is a television with rich functionality that caters to both gaming enthusiasts and multimedia users, and it aesthetically fits into modern interiors.

Playing files from USB

9.2/10

9.1/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
No
No
PNG
Yes
No
GIF
Yes
No
WebP
Yes
No
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
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The default media player on the TCL C855 handles practically all the media we've prepared for it very well. Almost every video format is supported. However, an important downside may be the lack of a font colour change feature. There are hardly any issues with photos and their maximum resolution. It's definitely worth noting the absence of support for Apple's HEIC and SVG files. On the other hand, we can play audio files without any problems, and we don't think many of you are using AIFF or DSD64. One undeniable advantage of the C855 and its operating system is that at any time we can download another player from the app store that will play anything.

The built-in player in QN90D should satisfy a large portion of users. It will easily handle most popular video and audio formats. However, more demanding users may notice some shortcomings – it is not possible to play photos in HEIC format, which is popular on Apple devices, as well as several other, less common photo formats.

Apps

10/10

9.3/10

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
OK
Spotify
No
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
No
Kodi

Sound

7.2/10

6.9/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    7.2/10
    6.9/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    No
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    No

When assessing the sound on the TCL C855, we pay attention to several key aspects, such as whether the tones are clearly audible and do not interfere with each other, as well as whether none of them dominates the others. In the case of the TCL C855, the sound performs well – it is balanced and does not evoke any negative feelings. Generally, the sound is simply good.

For those with a home theatre system, the TCL C855 offers a wide range of audio codecs, including the two most important ones: DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos. This ensures high sound quality that will satisfy users seeking better audio experiences.

The television is equipped similarly to the QN95 with a speaker system featuring a 4.2.2 layout with a total power of 70W (the exception is the 50' variant with a 2.2 layout and the 43' with a 2.0 layout). Despite its very slim casing, the television sounds loud and clear, and the overall sound is well balanced. Points were deducted as per standard practice for every other Samsung model for the lack of support for the DTS format. It's also worth mentioning the proprietary Q-Symphony feature, which allows you to synchronise the sound of the television with a Samsung soundbar.