TCL C655 Pro

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

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Panel type: LCD VA | Brand: TCL | Resolution: 3840x2160 | System: Google TV | Model year: 2024

Our verdict

6.5

Overall rating

TCL C655 PRO is an extension of the basic model in this series, and although the name may suggest only slight differences, the addition of "PRO" truly means a lot here. The biggest change compared to its less advanced sibling is the picture quality. The manufacturer decided to implement local dimming technology, which significantly improves black levels and contrast. The TV is able to offer us a more refined picture. Thanks to this, TCL C655 PRO clearly outperforms the more basic version in this regard. The applied QLED panel further enhances the coverage of a wide color gamut, offering vibrant and saturated colors, which works brilliantly in both movies and dynamic content like games. In terms of gaming, just like the basic version, TCL C655 PRO offers a range of useful features for gamers – including ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar – which greatly enhance gameplay comfort. The TV can also adjust the screen refresh rate to a lower resolution, meaning that despite support for 4K at 60 Hz, in Full HD or 2K you can enjoy a smoother picture thanks to 120 Hz. In everyday use, the Google TV operating system performs excellently. The intuitive interface, personalized recommendations, and wide access to streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ make the TV enjoyable to use. Because of this, we easily forgive the lack of recording and picture-in-picture (PiP) features, which doesn’t pose a significant problem given the rich app offerings. If we are able to stretch that slight price difference, we definitely recommend the TCL C655 in the PRO version.

Advantages

High brightness
Deep blacks and contrast - Local Dimming technology
Google TV support with access to multiple streaming apps
Features for gamers, such as ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar
Adaptive refresh rate 4K@60Hz, 2K@120Hz, 1080p@120Hz
Very low input lag, even in Dolby Vision mode (13 ms)

Disadvantages

No recording feature for content on USB and no picture-in-picture (PiP) option
Poor viewing angles due to the VA panel – picture quality deteriorates when viewed from the side

Movies and series in UHD quality

5.9
Classic TV, YouTube

6.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

5.3
Gaming on console

7.8
TV as a computer monitor

6.0
Watching in bright light

5.8
Utility functions

7.7
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.6

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 4 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 Pro Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

7.1/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 84 (12 x 7)

Review TCL C655 Pro Contrast and black detail

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

Result

56,000:1

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

15,850:1

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

Result

11,350:1

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

7,100:1

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

Result

5,950:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The TCL 655 PRO TV, equipped with a VA panel, provides solid contrast; however, the key role in improving image quality here is played by local dimming technology. The tested 55-inch variant has 84 backlight zones, which significantly enhance the contrast compared to the model without the "PRO" suffix, and this effect is clearly visible in the first three tested scenes. It is worth noting that larger versions of this TV naturally have more zones, which translates to even better contrast. Of course, as with any LCD TV, certain shortcomings remain – particularly noticeable on tested screens 4 and 5, where smaller bright elements lose quite a bit of quality. Nevertheless, considering the price of the device, the TCL 655 PRO makes a big impression and stands out well in the categories of black and contrast.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.1/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 95.0%, Bt.2020: 74.0%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C655 Pro Brightness measurement

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

Result

566 nit

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

Result

299 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

387 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

205 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

666 nit

In the HDR effect quality category, the television TCL 655 PRO shows decent capabilities, achieving 550 nits of peak brightness. This allows for enjoying HDR effects, which can be clearly seen in scenes such as the first one from the movie Life of Pi or the final shot from The Meg. However, the limited number of dimming zones causes some issues. While in bright scenes the television performs better than its lower model, in more demanding scenes, such as the second and fourth scenes from Sicario 2, it struggles more. The dimming algorithm aims for deep blacks, but at the cost of brightness – which at those moments can cause a drop in brightness of even half. In these more challenging scenes with small elements, it's hard to find any praise, and the HDR effect resembles SDR. Nevertheless, the coverage of the colour palette deserves recognition, which, like in the version without the PRO suffix, is at a very good level.

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

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

During tests of the adaptive capabilities of the TCL 655 PRO TV in very demanding scenes, such as those from the films Pan and Billy Lynn, the television performed quite well. In the first scene from Pan, although the image at times might have seemed slightly low in contrast, the shades of sunlight in the distance did not merge into one blob, which looked surprisingly good. The same was true for Billy Lynn – here it was evident that the television managed contrast better than the version without the PRO suffix, which particularly improved details in dark scenes. The rendering of light effects, such as fireworks, also deserves praise. While one could attribute this to the dynamic tone mapping feature, it does not always yield unequivocally the best results.

For example, in scenes like those from the film The Meg, the dynamic tone mapping feature well recovered details in the clouds, but at the same time it flattened and darkened the water tonally, which was a drawback. The alternative is to turn off this option, but then the brightest details may merge. In scenes where bright details do not need to be recovered, turning off this feature seems to be a better solution, closer to the reference image. However, for most users, the better choice will be the "Detailed Description Priority" option (ON), which better balances these aspects in everyday use.

HDR luminance chart:

The TCL 655 PRO television handles various types of metadata well, which directly affects the quality of the displayed image. In tests using both static HDR10 and dynamic Dolby Vision, the differences in detail reproduction were clearly noticeable. With HDR10, the image looked decent, but some details in the background and the grass were missing. On the other hand, dynamic metadata - Dolby Vision made the scene more immersive - the background was more detailed, and the horses on screen appeared more vivid, significantly enhancing the overall image experience. An additional advantage of the TCL 655 PRO is its full support for all popular HDR formats. Users can enjoy compatibility with various streaming platforms without worrying about the lack of support for specific formats.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.8/10

Tonal transitions are really quite good and would deserve a high rating (8), however, the score has been clearly lowered for another reason - the image is artificially sharpened despite the "sharpness" setting being at 0. As a result, the image is unpleasant to look at.

Review TCL C655 Pro Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The TCL 655 PRO television handles tonal transitions quite well in lower-quality material. The "Gradual Smoothing" feature at low settings effectively smooths tonal transitions, but this comes at the cost of losing some essential details, such as the texture of objects. On the plus side, it doesn't negatively affect film grain, which helps maintain a natural look to the image.

In the context of digital processing, the television adds artificial sharpness. This may appeal to users who prefer a bolder image. However, individuals who favour a softer, more subtle look may find this a drawback. Additionally, a downside is the image cropping due to overscan, which limits the field of view and cuts off the edges of the frame. This can be problematic in certain scenes - for example, news tickers.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.9/10

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 TCL C655 PRO television is equipped with a 4K display with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, making it ideal for watching movies. Additionally, the "Flicker Reduction" feature allows for adjusting the smoothness of the picture, giving the user the choice between smoother motion and a cinematic, frame-by-frame effect. Furthermore, the television performs well with lower resolution content, such as Full HD and 2K, offering a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which will surely appeal to gamers who can enjoy a smoother image, albeit at the cost of lower resolution.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie ():

When it comes to motion blur, the TCL C655 PRO television performs decently, although it doesn't stand out much compared to its competitors. You can notice slight blurring behind moving objects, especially on darker backgrounds, which becomes more apparent in dynamic scenes like games or sports broadcasts. However, it's worth noting that this effect is less noticeable at lower resolutions, such as Full HD or 2K, where the television offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which improves motion smoothness and reduces the visibility of blur.

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 PRO TV offers an almost perfect set of features for gamers, supporting all key technologies that significantly enhance gameplay comfort. The ALLM feature automatically switches the TV to low-latency mode, improving responsiveness and minimising signal delay – particularly important in fast-paced titles. VRR synchronises the screen refresh rate with the frame rate generated by the console, eliminating screen tearing and ensuring smoother gameplay.

Support for Dolby Vision in game mode enables more detailed colour and contrast representation in games that support this format, while the Game Bar provides quick access to essential settings, such as response time and latency level. Unfortunately, the model does not support 4K resolution at 120 Hz, which may disappoint the most demanding gamers. However, for those willing to forgo 4K, support for Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz offers exceptionally smooth visuals, making it an attractive alternative for high refresh rate enthusiasts.

Input lag

10/10

The TCL C655 PRO TV offers exceptional response times across all supported resolutions and refresh rates. Notably, it supports Dolby Vision with a response time of 13ms, which is rare among competitors. This allows gamers to enjoy excellent responsiveness even when using advanced HDR effects, significantly enhancing the gaming experience.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 13 ms	2160p60: 12 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 Pro TV works quite well, especially thanks to the support for chroma 4:4:4, which ensures good readability of fonts. This is an important advantage if the TV is to be used as a monitor for office work, where precision in displaying text is crucial. Additionally, the low input lag provides smooth performance, which will be appreciated by both gamers and users who need a quick response to mouse or keyboard movements.

One of the minor drawbacks that can be noticed is the fact that in vertical lines, there is occasionally a one-pixel blackout. This can make letters appear slightly broken, which in certain situations might lower work comfort a bit, although generally, this issue should not be very bothersome for less demanding users. The TV does not support 120Hz for its maximum resolution, hence the lower rating compared to higher models. However, TCL has ensured that you can enjoy smooth gameplay at 120Hz in lower resolutions such as 2K and FullHD.

Viewing angles

2.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 73%

The viewing angles on the TCL C655 PRO, as with a VA panel, are quite limited. Compared to IPS panels, which maintain image quality better regardless of the viewing angle, the VA panel in this model quickly loses contrast and colour saturation with just a slight deviation from the axis. Watching at an angle causes blacks to appear more grey, and colours lose their depth and intensity. For this reason, the television is better suited for rooms where viewing occurs mainly straight on. It is not a television that is an ideal choice for large spaces where viewers may be sitting at various angles.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.8/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

TCL C655 PRO offers quite decent brightness, reaching around 520 nits, which makes using the TV during the day comfortable. This brightness allows for good image visibility even in rooms with higher sunlight exposure. Although the TV performs well in such conditions, the satin finish of the panel has only average capabilities for reducing reflections. In very bright environments, reflections may occur that somewhat impair image visibility, especially in scenes with lower contrast.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL C655 Pro: 519 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: v8-R75PT01-LF1V195

Image processor: RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

TV features

7.7/10

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: Yes
RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen): RF
Backlit remote control: No
Teletext: Yes

The TCL C655 PRO television runs on the Google TV system, which is an extension of the popular Android TV. Google TV provides personalised content recommendations based on viewed materials and user preferences, granting easy access to movies, series, and applications. With a clear interface, navigation is simple, and access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+ allows enjoyment of a wide range of content. The system also supports integration with the Google ecosystem, enabling control of the television via voice commands using Google Assistant and synchronisation with other smart home devices.

The TCL C655 PRO offers additional features that enhance user comfort, such as support for Apple AirPlay, allowing quick streaming of content from Apple devices directly to the TV screen. Additionally, the ability to connect peripherals via Bluetooth – such as keyboards, mice, or headphones – makes usage even more convenient. Unfortunately, this model does not have a USB recording feature or a picture-in-picture (PiP) option, which may be a disappointment for those accustomed to these conveniences in traditional television. Nevertheless, the TCL C655 PRO offers many modern solutions that facilitate daily entertainment.

The design of the TCL C655 PRO television presents a modern look, with elegant and slim metal bezels that add solidity and aesthetic appeal to the device. The overall appearance is very good and will certainly fit into most interiors. Although the bezels are minimalist, the television itself is not among the thinnest on the market, especially compared to Korean competitors who often provide even sleeker designs.

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 television is capable of playing most file formats found on external drives, making it a versatile tool for consuming multimedia. However, there may be some limitations in supporting certain formats, which can be annoying for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps eliminate compatibility issues. As a result, users have the option to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly increasing the functionality of the television.

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 on the TCL C655 PRO television is quite good, thanks to the 2x15W audio system supported by a 20W subwoofer branded by Onkyo. This results in fuller sound and deeper bass, which positively impacts the overall audio quality. However, one should not become overly enthusiastic – the television cannot replace a dedicated soundbar, especially for more demanding users expecting cinema-quality audio.

QLED PRO: Quantum Dot technology delivers vibrant and realistic colours, offering an ultra-wide colour range and striking contrast.
Full Array Local Dimming: Advanced local dimming enhances contrast, providing deeper blacks and brighter whites, resulting in a more lifelike picture.
4K HDR PRO 600: By combining Quantum Dot technology and Full Array Local Dimming, the television delivers excellent HDR picture quality with brightness up to 600 nits, accurate colours, and intricate details.
Motion Clarity: The technology ensures smooth images and better dynamics, ideal for fast action scenes and sports broadcasts.
Multi HDR Format: Supports various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, guaranteeing stunning visuals regardless of the source.
Game Master 3.0 + 120Hz Game Accelerator: Features optimized for gamers, providing smooth and responsive gameplay with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and low latency.
HDMI 2.1: A modern port ensuring support for the latest devices and technologies, offering fast data transfer and compatibility with advanced features.
2.1 ONKYO Dolby Atmos: Built-in audio system by ONKYO with Dolby Atmos support delivers immersive audio experiences with deep bass and spatial sound.
Google TV: An intuitive operating system providing access to a wide range of streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, with built-in Google Assistant for voice control.
Sleek metal design with adjustable stand: Stylish design with slim bezels and the option to adjust the stand for different interior setups.

TCL C655 PRO – Exceptional picture quality and functionality

TCL C655 PRO is an advanced version of its base model, offering a range of enhancements that make it a standout choice for demanding users. The main advantage of the C655 PRO is the use of local dimming technology, which achieves deeper blacks and significantly higher contrast. Combined with QLED panel technology, the television provides vibrant and saturated colours, as confirmed by numerous reviews and our test TCL C655 PRO.

Excellent picture quality in the TCL C655 PRO

One of the greatest strengths of the TCL C655 PRO is its picture quality. With local dimming and a QLED panel, the television ensures outstanding black levels and a wide colour palette. Both dynamic content and films look exceptionally good, as confirmed by our review of the TCL C655.

Perfect choice for gamers

For gaming enthusiasts, the TCL C655 PRO offers handy features like ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar. Support for 120 Hz at lower resolutions guarantees smooth gameplay in Full HD and 2K. This makes the C655 PRO an excellent choice for gamers seeking fluidity and advanced gaming features.

Convenience for everyday use

The Google TV operating system makes daily use of the TCL C655 PRO enjoyable and intuitive. A wide selection of apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, along with personalized recommendations, allows easy access to favourite content. The absence of recording features and PiP is not an issue due to the rich streaming offerings, as confirmed by reviews of the TCL 55C655 PRO.

Summary – Why choose the TCL C655 PRO?

If you expect excellent picture quality, smooth gameplay, and advanced features, the TCL C655 PRO is the perfect choice. The QLED panel, local dimming, and advanced gamer features clearly distinguish this model from the competition. Reviews and results from the TCL C655 PRO test and TCL C655 PRO test clearly indicate that investing in this television is worthwhile. By choosing the C655 PRO, you gain exceptional picture quality and gaming fluidity that you can expect from modern solutions.

TCL C655 Pro

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

TCL C655 PRO – Exceptional picture quality and functionality

Excellent picture quality in the TCL C655 PRO

Perfect choice for gamers

Convenience for everyday use

Summary – Why choose the TCL C655 PRO?