TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

C655 / C69B

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

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Panel technology: LCD VA | Brand: TCL | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Operating system: Google TV | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

6.3

Overall rating

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.

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 *

Disadvantages

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

Movies and series in UHD quality

5.7
Classic TV, YouTube

5.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

5.2
Gaming on console

7.7
TV as a computer monitor

6.0
Watching in bright light

5.6
Utility functions

7.1
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.6

TV appearance

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

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

6.1/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

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

Contrast between the black background and the bright spotlight illuminating Jack. Scene from the movie Oblivion (Universal Pictures).

Result

6,850:1

Contrast between the glare on the chameleon's skin and the black near the edge of the screen below. Scene from the Spears&Munsil test disc.

Result

6,750:1

Contrast between the reflection on the helmet and the black on the black film strip. Scene from the movie Arrival (Paramount Pictures).

Result

6,350:1

Contrast between the actress's face and the black film strip at the top edge of the TV. Scene from the movie Gravity (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

6,750:1

Contrast between the colorful balloon and the black slice between the falling objects. Scene from the Pioneer Kuro test disc (2008).

Result

4,800:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

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.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.2/10

Viewing mode Game mode

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

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

The measured point is the setting sun against a bright sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

364 nit

The measured point is the moon against a dark, starry sky. Scene from the movie Life of Pi (20th Century Fox).

Result

416 nit

The measured point is the flashlight on the rifle, which shines directly at the camera. Scene from the movie Gemini Man (Paramount Pictures).

Result

484 nit

The measured point is the tail light of a helicopter flying at night. This is a very small light point, the essence of the HDR effect. Scene from the movie Sicario 2: Soldado (Lionsgate).

Result

400 nit

The measured point is the sun visible directly between the clouds. The scene is very bright and should blind the viewer as in nature. Scene from the movie The Meg (Warner Bros. Pictures).

Result

450 nit

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.

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

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

Let's check how the television performs in scenes that have been recorded in such a way that it’s hard to find such brightness in televisions in this price segment. In the first case, in the scene from the movie "Mr.", we can notice a complete lack of contrast in bright scenes. Putting that aside, the scene in C655 / C69B looks decent – light effects, such as the sun and clouds in the distance, do not blend together, which provides quite a pleasant visual effect. A similar, high light effect can be seen in the scene from the movie "Billy Lynn" – quite a good play of lights in the distance in the form of fireworks, and the main actor has been shown correctly, although with some imperfections on his skin. Despite visible limitations in contrast, the overall presentation is quite decent and provides satisfactory effects. This is thanks to the dynamic tone mapping feature, which shows a subtle adaptation of the image. It is a very useful feature that often does not work properly in other televisions, even of the same brand.

HDR luminance chart:

The television TCL C655 / C69B handles various types of metadata well, affecting the quality of the displayed image. In the case of the same scene shown using static HDR10 and Dolby Vision, differences in detail rendering can be observed. While HDR10 looks really decent, certain shortcomings are noticeable, such as less detail in the background or a subtler play of lights. The dynamic metadata of Dolby Vision makes the image more detailed – background details are more visible, and the horses are more contrasted, positively affecting the perception of the scene. It is also worth mentioning that TCL offers full support for all popular types of HDR in this model, which means that the user does not have to worry about a lack of compatibility with formats used on well-known streaming platforms.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

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.

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

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.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.7/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: No

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 0%

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.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie (1080p 120Hz):

When it comes to motion blur, the TV performs quite well, but it doesn't stand out in any particular way. There's a slight blur behind moving objects (Ufoludek), especially on darker backgrounds, which may be noticeable in more demanding scenes like games or sports. The effect is definitely less noticeable at lower resolutions like FULL HD/2K but at 120Hz.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

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

Input lag

10/10

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.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 13 ms	2160p60: 13 ms	2160p60 DV: 13 ms
1080p120: 9 ms
2160p60: 13 ms

Compatibility with PC

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Average

Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate): 13ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: 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.

Viewing angles

2.5/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 81%

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.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

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.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

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

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: v8-r75pt01-lf1v195.000731

Image processor: RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

TV features

7.1/10

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

Review TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85") TV features

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.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.3/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

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.

Apps

10/10

Sound

6.6/10

Subjective sound quality

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

Dolby True HD 7.1

Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

DTS-HD Master Audio

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.

QLED PRO: Quantum Dot technology provides vibrant and realistic colours, offering an ultra-wide colour gamut and striking contrast.
4K HDR PRO: By combining QLED and HDR PRO technology, the TV delivers exceptional picture quality with true-to-life colours and fine details.
Motion Clarity: This technology ensures smooth images and better dynamics, perfect for fast-action scenes and sports broadcasts.
Multi HDR Format: Supports various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring stunning imagery regardless of the source.
Game Master 3.0: Features optimised for gamers, providing smooth and responsive gameplay with low latency and support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
HDMI 2.1: A modern connector that supports the latest devices and technologies, offering fast data transfer and advanced features for gamers.
2.1 ONKYO Dolby Atmos: The built-in surround sound system from ONKYO with Dolby Atmos support provides immersive audio experiences, surrounding viewers with sound from all angles.
Google TV: An intuitive operating system that provides access to a wide range of applications and streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Voice-controlled Google Assistant: Allows control of the TV and other smart devices in the home using voice commands.
Sleek metal design with a reversible stand: Elegant design with a frameless screen and adjustable stand in two positions, allowing the TV to fit different interiors.

C655 in everyday use

The TCL C655 TV stands out with its intuitive Google TV operating system, providing smooth and responsive performance. It's also worth noting the gaming features offered by the C655. Support for ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar makes gameplay smoother and more responsive, a benefit for both casual and advanced gamers. Additionally, a low input lag of 13 ms in Dolby Vision mode is another advantage that distinguishes the TCL C655 in testing against its competition.

TCL C655 – Modern QLED TV at an Attractive Price

TCL C655 is a TV that stands out with its modern solutions and excellent value for money. Equipped with the Google TV system, it offers an intuitive interface, voice command support, and easy access to apps like Netflix and YouTube. With support for AirPlay and Bluetooth, the TCL C655 provides versatility, meeting the expectations of even the most demanding users.

Perfect Picture Quality in TCL C655

Equipped with a VA panel and QLED technology with wide DCI-P3 gamut coverage, the TCL C655 offers high contrast and rich colours. Although the lack of local dimming (present in the TCL 55C655 PRO test) minimally affects black depth, picture quality remains at a very high level. It’s worth highlighting that our TCL 50C655 test shows excellent results in its price category, making this TV a great choice for movies and gaming.

TCL C655 – A TV for Gamers

With ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) features, the TCL C655 guarantees smooth images and minimal latency. Moreover, the TV supports 120 Hz at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, offering outstanding gaming experiences. In Dolby Vision mode with low input lag, even dynamic scenes remain clear and detailed. It’s worth checking out the TCL 85 C655 for gamers who appreciate large screen sizes and incredible immersion.

TCL C655 – An Excellent Option for Everyone

Opinions about the TCL C655 confirm that this TV meets the needs of a wide range of users. The TCL C655 combines modern technologies like Google TV and Dolby Vision with an affordable price, making it an attractive choice. Whether in the TCL 50C655 model or the larger TCL 85 C655, you'll find great picture quality and features supporting top-tier entertainment.

If you are looking for a TV with an excellent price-to-quality ratio, the TCL C655 will be the ideal solution. With features like ALLM, VRR, and Dolby Vision, and positive TCL C655 testing results, this model is sure to satisfy any user.

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

C655 in everyday use

TCL C655 – Modern QLED TV at an Attractive Price

Perfect Picture Quality in TCL C655

TCL C655 – A TV for Gamers

TCL C655 – An Excellent Option for Everyone