TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

C655 / C69B

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Diagonal with a different matrix: , ,

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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 its larger sizes (55"+) is a QLED from the 2024 vintage by a Chinese manufacturer, offered at a very attractive price. This TV has many advantages that can satisfy a wide range of users. The first big plus is the Google TV operating system. In TCL C655 / C69B and not only, it provides a modern and intuitive interface, as well as support for voice commands in Polish thanks to Google Assistant. Easy access to popular streaming applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video, makes everyday use of this TV very, very convenient. Support for AirPlay and the ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth add even more versatility. A small downside is that the lack of recording functions and picture-in-picture (PiP) may disappoint those accustomed to the full functionality of traditional television, so we recommend connecting an external decoder. As for gamers, C655 / C69B, despite lacking support for 4K resolution at 120 Hz, offers a lot. The TV supports 120 Hz at lower resolutions (1080p and 1440p), so when image dynamics matter more than resolution, we can set the console to performance mode. As a gaming TV, C655 / C69B 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 gaming mode with low input lag. The picture quality on TCL C655 / C69B is also quite good, especially considering its price. The TV has high native contrast thanks to the VA panel, and additionally, high coverage of the DCI-P3 color palette thanks to quantum dot technology (QLED). Although the lack of local dimming (which can be found in the C655 PRO version) sometimes affects black depth, in this price range, the TV offers really solid picture quality that should satisfy most users.

Advantages

  • High brightness level of 450 nits

  • High native contrast

  • Google TV support with access to many 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)

  • Apple AirPlay support and the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth

  • Relatively low price

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

Disadvantages

No like

  • Poor viewing angles resulting from the VA matrix – the image loses quality when viewed from the side

  • No USB recording function and 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

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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

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Contrast and black detail

6.1/10

Funkcja lokalnego wygaszania: No

Result

6,850:1

Result

6,750:1

Result

6,350:1

Result

6,750:1

Result

4,800:1

The TCL C655 / C69B television is equipped with a VA panel, which offers above-average contrast, making the quality of blacks and image depth clearly better than in IPS panels. However, the lack of local dimming technology, which is available in the model with the "Pro" suffix, negatively impacts the quality of blacks. In some scenes, such as in the movie "Sicario 2", it can be noticed that the black takes on a navy hue, lowering the feeling 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

5.2/10

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Result

364 nit

Result

416 nit

Result

484 nit

Result

400 nit

Result

450 nit

Overall, the quality of HDR performance in TCL C655 / C69B looks quite promising. The average value in test patterns is around 450 nits, which already allows one to feel the effects of lighting and better image dynamics. However, as mentioned earlier, this effect may be partially suppressed by slight differences in bright and dark colors, resulting from the lack of local dimming technology. However, the DCI-P3 color gamut coverage of 94% deserves high praise, and this is made possible by the use of a quantum dot (QLED) panel. As a result, colors are 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 is hard to find such brightness in televisions in this price segment. In the first case, in a scene from the movie "Mr.", we can notice a total lack of contrast in bright scenes. Setting aside this aspect, the scene in C655 / C69B looks pretty good – the light effects, such as the sun and clouds in the distance, do not blend together, which results in quite a pleasant visual effect. A similar high light effect can be seen in a scene from the movie "Billy Lynn" – quite a decent play of lights in the distance in the form of fireworks, and the lead actor has been portrayed correctly, although with some imperfections on the skin. Despite the visible limitations in contrast, the overall presentation is quite good and provides satisfactory effects. This is thanks to the dynamic tone mapping feature, which allows for subtle image adaptation. This is a very useful feature that often does not function properly in other televisions, even from the same brand.

HDR luminance chart:

The TCL C655 / C69B TV handles various types of metadata well, which affects the quality of the displayed image. In the case of the same scene shown using static HDR10 and Dolby Vision, differences in detail reproduction can be noticed. While HDR10 looks quite decent, certain shortcomings are visible, such as fewer details in the background or a more subtle interplay of lights. The dynamic metadata of Dolby Vision makes the image more detailed – background details are more visible, and the horses are more contrasting, positively affecting the perception of the scene. It is also worth noting 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 compatibility issues with formats used on well-known streaming platforms.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Factory color reproduction

4.2/10

The TCL C655 / C69B television offers a movie mode that has been tested for color reproduction quality. Although this mode is called movie mode, unfortunately, it has quite a few errors that a director would certainly not want to see while recording their work. Starting with image analysis, it's worth looking at the white balance - both in HD and 4K HDR content, the white balance has significant errors. In both cases, the red color dominates, making the colors too warm, and overall it has a pink or yellow tint. This can be seen in the picture below from the movie "Star Wars." The Colour Checker test confirms these errors - the color samples stray into inappropriate shades, affecting the overall color fidelity. A minor issue is the brightness characteristic. However, it is also not free of flaws. The gamma chart shows a strong spike at the beginning, causing the image to be overly bright, and the EOTF curve responsible for brightness in 4K HDR material shows significant fluctuations as well – it is visible how the television tries to maintain proper brightness, but it does not always succeed effectively.

Factory Mode

After calibration

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Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

After calibrating the movie mode of the TCL C655 / C69B television, the white balance has been equalized, and the colors look as they should – which is confirmed by only slight deviations in the Colour Checker test. The gamma is really accurate, which means the television should not have issues with brightness in low-resolution materials. Unfortunately, a similar EOTF characteristic is still visible, which is a natural phenomenon in televisions that do not have local dimming – they simply struggle to “shine” more brightly in a given part of the screen. Despite this structural limitation that cannot be overcome, we recommend adjustments in the settings, as the overall color representation looks really very good.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

The tonal transitions in TCL C655 / C69B are really good and would deserve a high rating; however, the score has been clearly reduced for another reason - the image is artificially sharpened despite the "sharpness" setting being at 0. This causes the image to be unpleasant to look at. While this may be unacceptable for purists, those less concerned with perfect image reproduction may find this effect appealing.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

No Smooth transition function

No Image without overscan on the SD signal

The TCL C655 / C69B television handles tonal transitions in low-quality materials pretty well. The "Gradual Smoothing" feature at a low setting effectively smooths tonal transitions, but at the same time, it blurs important details, such as the texture of objects. On the positive side, it does not negatively affect film grain, allowing for a natural look of the image. As for digital processing, the television adds artificial sharpness, which may appeal to some users who prefer a sharpened image. However, for those who prefer a softer look, this may be a disadvantage. A downside is also that the image has been quite heavily cropped by 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 C655 / C69B TV is equipped with a 4K@60 Hz panel, which means it performs best when watching movies and less dynamic content. It also has a "Flicker Reduction" feature that allows for adjusting the fluidity of the image – users can choose whether they prefer smoother motion or a more cinematic, frame-by-frame effect. The TV can also adapt to lower resolutions, such as Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, which will definitely please gamers by offering a smoother image at the cost of resolution. It is worth noting that this feature is available in sizes 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 blurring, the TV performs quite well, but it doesn't stand out in any way. There is slight blurring behind moving objects (Ufoludek), especially on darker backgrounds, which can be noticeable in more demanding scenes, such as games or sports. The effect is certainly less visible at lower resolutions like FULL HD/2K but at 120Hz.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

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

The television TCL C655 / C69B offers an almost perfect set of features for gamers, supporting all the most important technologies. It has an ALLM feature that automatically switches the television to low latency mode, significantly improving responsiveness and minimizing signal delays, which is particularly important during dynamic gameplay. The VRR feature allows for synchronizing the screen refresh rate with the number of frames generated by the console, eliminating the tearing effect and ensuring smoother gameplay.

The television also supports Dolby Vision in game mode, providing better color reproduction and contrast in games that support this format, and the Game Bar enables quick access to gameplay-related settings such as response time, delay level, and other parameters. Unfortunately, C655 / C69B does not support 4K resolution at 120 Hz (with the exception of the 98" variant), which may be disappointing for more demanding gamers who expect the highest fluidity in high-resolution games. However, if we are willing to forgo 4K, the television offers support for Full HD and 2K at 120 Hz, providing a smoother image and being a great alternative for those who prefer a higher refresh rate at the expense of resolution.

Input lag

10/10

The TCL C655 / C69B television offers exceptional response time at all supported resolutions and refresh rates. Notably, it supports Dolby Vision with a response time of 13 ms, which is rarely seen among competitors. As a result, gamers can 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

Cooperation with a PC on the TCL C655 / C69B TV is quite good, especially due to the support for chroma 4:4:4, which guarantees good font readability. This is a significant advantage if the TV is to be used as a monitor for office work, where text display precision is crucial. Additionally, the low input lag ensures smooth operation, which will be appreciated by both gamers and users who need quick responses to mouse or keyboard movements. However, the TV has a 60Hz panel for 4K resolution, yet TCL has ensured that you 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 have one pixel drop. This can cause letters to appear slightly broken, which in certain situations may slightly reduce 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 in C655 / C69B are rather weak, which is characteristic of VA panels. Compared to IPS panels, which offer significantly better viewing angles and a more uniform image quality regardless of the viewer's position, the VA panel loses contrast and colors even with a slight deviation from the axis. Watching from the side causes a noticeable degradation in image quality – black becomes more washed out, and colors lose their intensity. This is definitely not a television that will perform well in large rooms where viewers watch content from different angles.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

In general, TCL C655 / C69B offers quite good brightness at about 480 nits, which allows for comfortable use of the television during the day. This brightness is satisfactory and makes the image well visible even in bright sunlight. Unfortunately, the satin finish of the panel does average in suppressing reflections, which may affect image visibility in very bright environments.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

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

Details about the matrix

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

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

The TCL C655 / C69B television operates 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. The convenient and clear navigation in the interface makes it easy to find favorite movies, series, 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 for control of the television using voice commands through Google Assistant. Additionally, users can easily sync the television with other devices within the smart home framework.

The C655 / C69B television provides convenience for everyday use with features that simplify connectivity and usage with other devices. It supports Apple AirPlay, allowing for quick content sharing from Apple devices, such as 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 the ability to record content to USB or picture-in-picture (PiP) options, which may disappoint traditional television 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 in the context of recording favorite shows.

TCL C655 / C69B has a solid presentation in terms of design. The television is not among the thinnest, and its bezels are not the narrowest either, but they look modern and aesthetically pleasing. The legs included in the set deserve special praise – they are metal, which adds stability, and they also offer adjustable settings, even for very narrow placements. This allows the television to be easily matched to different types of TV stands, which is a practical convenience in many living rooms.

Playing files from USB

8.3/10

Maximum photo resolution:Supported photo formats:
Yes 4 Mpix
Yes JPEG
Yes 6 Mpix
No HEIC
Yes 8 Mpix
No PNG
No 10 Mpix
No GIF
No 12 Mpix
No WebP
Yes 16 Mpix
No TIFF
No 20 Mpix
Yes BMP
No 24 Mpix
No SVG
No 28 Mpix
Yes 32 Mpix

Thanks to the built-in player, the TCL C655 / C69B TV is capable of playing most file formats found on external storage devices, making it a versatile tool for consuming multimedia. However, there may be some limitations in supporting certain formats, which can be inconvenient 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 ability to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly increasing the functionality of the TV.

Apps

10/10

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

Sound

6.6/10

6.6/10

Subjective sound quality

Yes Dolby Digital Plus 7.1

No Dolby True HD 7.1

Yes Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC)

No Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD

Yes DTS:X in DTS-HD MA

Yes 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 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 colors, offering an ultra-wide color range and striking contrast.

  • 4K HDR PRO: Combining QLED and HDR PRO technology, the TV delivers excellent picture quality with faithful colors and the finest details.

  • Motion Clarity: Technology that 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: Features optimized for gamers, offering smooth and responsive gameplay thanks to low latencies and support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

  • HDMI 2.1: Modern connection offering support for the latest devices and technologies, providing fast data transfer and support for advanced gaming features.

  • 2.1 ONKYO Dolby Atmos: Built-in surround sound system from ONKYO with Dolby Atmos support delivers immersive audio experiences, surrounding the viewer with sound from every side.

  • Google TV: Intuitive operating system providing access to a wide range of applications and streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or 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 various interiors.

C655 in everyday use

The TCL C655 TV stands out with its intuitive Google TV operating system, which offers smooth and responsive performance. It's also worth noting the features for gamers that C655 offers. Support for ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar makes gameplay smoother and more responsive, appreciated by 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 tests against the competition.

TCL C655 – Modern QLED TV at an Attractive Price

TCL C655 is a television that stands out for its modern solutions and excellent price-to-quality ratio. Equipped with the Google TV system, it offers an intuitive interface, voice command support, and easy access to applications like Netflix or YouTube. With support for AirPlay and Bluetooth, TCL C655 ensures versatility, meeting the needs of even demanding users.

Perfect Picture Quality in TCL C655

Equipped with a VA panel and QLED technology with wide DCI-P3 color coverage, TCL C655 offers high contrast and rich colors. Although the lack of local dimming (present in the TCL 55C655 PRO tested) minimally affects black depth, image 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 games.

TCL C655 for Gamers

With ALLM (automatic low latency mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate) features, TCL C655 guarantees smooth images and minimal delays. Furthermore, the TV supports 120 Hz at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, offering excellent gaming experiences. In Dolby Vision mode with low input lag, even dynamic scenes remain sharp and full of details. It's worth checking out TCL 85 C655 for gamers who appreciate large screen diagonals and amazing immersion.

TCL C655 – A Great Option for Everyone

TCL C655 reviews confirm that this TV meets the needs of a wide user group. TCL C655 combines modern technologies like Google TV and Dolby Vision with an accessible price, making it an attractive choice. Whether in the TCL 50C655 model or the larger TCL 85 C655, you will find excellent picture quality along with features supporting top-level entertainment.

If you are looking for a TV with an excellent price-to-quality ratio, TCL C655 will be the perfect solution. With features like ALLM, VRR, and Dolby Vision, along with positive TCL C655 test results, this model will surely satisfy every user.