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

Direct compare

C655 / C69B

Info

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”85”

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”

Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Panel technology: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

Operating system: VIDAA

Model year: 2024

Complete the survey to find out the result

Overall rating

6.3

6.3

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.7

    6.3

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.6

    6.2

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.2

    4.9

  • Gaming on console

    7.7

    7.0

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    5.8

  • Watching in bright light

    5.6

    4.9

  • Utility functions

    7.1

    9.0

  • Apps

    10.0

    8.6

  • Sound quality

    6.6

    5.9

Advantages

  • High brightness of 450 nits

  • High native contrast

  • Supports Google TV with access to many streaming applications

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

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

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

  • Relatively low price

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

  • Good native contrast

  • Very low input lag, even in Dolby Vision

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

  • USB recording from built-in tuners

  • Simplicity and speed of the Vidaa system

  • Support for AirPlay and Miracast

  • Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio

Disadvantages

No like
  • Poor viewing angles resulting from the VA matrix – the image loses quality when viewed from the side

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

  • Average performance in HDR content

  • Considerable ghosting

  • No support for subtitles from USB (at the time of writing the test)

  • No support for HGiG

Our verdict

TCL C655 / C69B in larger sizes (55"+) is a QLED television from 2024 by a Chinese manufacturer, offered at a very attractive price. This model has many advantages that can satisfy a wide range of users. The first major plus is the Google TV operating system. In the TCL C655 / C69B and beyond, it provides a modern and intuitive interface along with support for voice commands in Polish thanks to Google Assistant. Easy access to popular streaming applications such as Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video makes daily use of the television particularly convenient. Support for AirPlay and the ability to connect peripheral devices via Bluetooth enhance its versatility. A minor downside may 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 support for 4K resolution at 120 Hz, offers quite a lot. The television supports 120 Hz at lower resolutions (1080p and 1440p), so when smoothness of the image is more important than resolution, one 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 provide smooth images and minimise lag. It is also worth mentioning Dolby Vision in game mode with low input lag. The picture quality in the TCL C655 / C69B is also quite good, especially considering its price. The television has a high native contrast due to the VA panel and wide coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette thanks to quantum dot technology (QLED). 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 truly solid picture quality that should satisfy most users.

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

TV appearance

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

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

6.1/10

6.3/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: No

Contrast:

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

Result

6,850:1

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

Result

6,750:1

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

Result

6,350:1

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

Result

6,750:1

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

Result

4,800:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

8,300:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

7,200:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

6,200:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

6,500:1

Review Hisense A7NQ Contrast and black detail

Result

6,200:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The television TCL C655 / C69B is equipped with a VA panel, which offers above-average contrast, resulting in noticeably better black quality and image depth compared to IPS panels. However, the lack of local dimming technology, which is available in the model with the "Pro" suffix, negatively affects the quality of black levels. In certain scenes, such as in the film "Sicario 2", one can notice that black takes on a navy hue, thereby reducing the sense of immersion. Overall, the black levels are decent, but they could be better if the television were equipped with local dimming technology.

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

HDR effect quality

5.2/10

4.7/10

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

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

Result

364 nit

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

Result

416 nit

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

Result

484 nit

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

Result

400 nit

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

Result

450 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

295 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

379 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

315 nit

Review Hisense A7NQ Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

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

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

HDR luminance chart:

Hisense A7NQ

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

Generally speaking, the quality of the HDR effect on the TCL C655 / C69B looks quite promising. The average value in the test charts is around 450 nits, which already allows one to feel the light effects and better image dynamics. However, as previously mentioned, this effect may be partially subdued by slight differences in bright and dark colours, resulting from the lack of local dimming technology. However, the coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette at 94% deserves high praise, and this is made possible by the use of a quantum dot (QLED) matrix. As a result, colours are vivid and accurately represented when watching HDR content.

We checked how the Hisense A7NQ performs with HDR, and there are no surprises here. The luminance graph showed a maximum brightness level of 370 nits. The result? Exactly what one could expect – average. At around 350 nits, HDR does not particularly stand out compared to SDR. Indeed, there is a subtle difference in more brightly lit scenes, but it is not an effect that leaves you stunned. As for the coverage of the wide colour gamut, the result was 92% for DCI-P3 and 70.2% for BT.2020. These are decent values for a TV in this class, which uses a PFS coating – the same one that is sometimes promoted as QLED. Colours look good, but we shouldn’t expect something that competes with the best screens on the market. HDR on the Hisense A7NQ is more of an addition than a "game changer." For those looking for solid image quality on a moderate budget – quite acceptable. However, if we expect full HDR capabilities, it is worth looking at models from the higher price range.

Factory color reproduction

4.2/10

6.1/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

The television TCL C655 / C69B offers a film mode that has been tested for colour reproduction quality. Although this mode is called film mode, it unfortunately has several errors that a director would surely not want to see when recording their work. Starting with image analysis, it is worth examining the white balance – both in HD and 4K HDR content, the white balance has significant errors. In both cases, the red colour dominates, causing the colours to be too warm, and the overall result takes on a pink or yellow tint. This can be seen in the image below from the film "Star Wars". The Colour Checker test confirms these errors – the colour samples veer into incorrect shades, affecting the overall colour fidelity. A less significant issue is the brightness characteristic. However, this is also not without its flaws. The gamma graph shows a strong peak at the beginning, causing the image to be excessively brightened, and the EOTF curve responsible for brightness in 4K HDR material also has substantial fluctuations – it is noticeable how the television tries to maintain the appropriate brightness, but it does not always succeed effectively.

When testing the Hisense A7NQ in Filmmaker mode, we were hoping for compliance with the manufacturer's assumptions, but unfortunately, reality looks different. The main issue, as with most televisions, is white balance. In the case of the A7NQ, we noticed a clear dominance of blue, which affected both lower quality materials and 4K HDR content. The results of the Color Checker tests confirm this, and the comparative images speak for themselves – the leading actress in "factory" mode appears cool and pale. It looks as if she has been drained of life.

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

Color reproduction after calibration

8/10

7.6/10

After calibrating the television's film mode TCL C655 / C69B , the white balance has been adjusted, and the colours are presented as they should be – confirmed only by slight deviations in the Colour Checker test. The gamma is really quite 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 in a given area of the screen. Despite this inherent limitation that cannot be bypassed, we recommend adjustment in the settings, as the overall colour presentation looks really very good.

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

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

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

9/10

The tonal transitions in TCL C655 / C69B are really quite good and would deserve a high rating; however, the score has been clearly lowered for another reason - the image is artificially sharpened despite the "sharpness" setting being on 0. As a result, viewing the image is unpleasant. While this may be unacceptable to purists, those who place less emphasis on perfect image reproduction might find this effect attractive.

This is one of the greatest advantages of this television. The Hisense A7NQ performs exceptionally well with the fluidity of tonal transitions, even in the most demanding scenes. The colour blends are practically invisible, resulting in very smooth gradations and a naturally looking image. Of course, if we are purists and scrutinise the screen with a "hawk's eye," we may notice slight joins, particularly in the darker areas of the image. However, these are subtle imperfections to such an extent that most users will not even notice them.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

5.5/10

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

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The television TCL C655 / C69B handles tonal transitions fairly well in low-quality materials. The "Gradual Smoothing" feature at a low setting effectively smooths out tonal transitions; however, it simultaneously blurs significant details, such as the texture of objects. On the plus side, it does not negatively impact the film grain, allowing the natural appearance of the image to be preserved. 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 could be a disadvantage. A notable downside is that the image has been quite significantly cropped due to what is known as overscan, which reduces the field of view and trims the edges of the image.

The Hisense A7NQ impresses with the smoothness of tonal transitions in 4K content, but unfortunately, there is no feature here to improve this aspect in older materials of lower quality. In such cases, colour transitions become more visible, which can slightly detract from the overall image, especially in scenes with a lot of gradients.

When it comes to upscaling, the television performs surprisingly well. The image is noticeably improved, although there are some compromises. It can be seen that the television adds a bit of artificial sharpness, and background elements, such as branches, display slight "jaggies." However, these are details that will primarily catch the eye of those who pay attention to such nuances.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.7/10

3.8/10

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

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie (1080p 120Hz):

Smużenie ():

The television C655 / C69B is equipped with a 4K@60 Hz panel, which means it works best for watching films and less dynamic content. It also features a "Flicker Reduction" function that allows for the adjustment of image smoothness – the user can choose whether they prefer smoother motion or a more cinematic, frame-by-frame 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 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.

The Hisense A7NQ is equipped with a 60 Hz panel, which means that dynamic scenes – for example in sports or games – perform rather averagely here. This is standard for this class of equipment, but it must be acknowledged that watching more intense, fast-moving content can leave a lot to be desired. However, when it comes to films, the television offers a motion smoothing feature that operates on a 10-point scale. The "judder reduction" option allows you to tailor the smoothness of the image to your own preferences. At the lowest setting, we get a natural film frame rate, which will please cinema purists. Meanwhile, the maximum setting provides a very smooth, theatrical image that may appeal to those who prefer a more "smoothed" motion.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

6.3/10

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

The TCL C655 / C69B television offers nearly the perfect set of features for gamers, supporting all the most important 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 the screen refresh rate to synchronise with the frame rate generated by the console, eliminating screen tearing and providing smoother gameplay.

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

Hisense A7NQ is a piece of equipment that can pleasantly surprise gamers, although it is not without its flaws. The fact that we have a 60 Hz panel here immediately suggests that the television is not designed for the most demanding gaming scenarios. The motion blur that we described earlier can also be an obstacle, especially in dynamic games.

However, there are a few things that are worth praising. The television supports ALLM (automatic game mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate), which is not always standard in this price range. The biggest surprise, however, is that the A7NQ can display images at 120 Hz – albeit only in Full HD resolution, but nevertheless, it's a significant nod to gamers. This provides the option to choose between smoothness and resolution, which is not obvious in televisions at this price.

A nice addition is the Game Bar, which is clear and practical – all the most important functions are at hand, without digging through the settings. However, it lacks support for HGiG, which may be a disappointment for gamers looking for perfect HDR in games.

Input lag

10/10

9.9/10

SDR

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

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
14 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
13 ms
14 ms
2160p120 DV

The TCL 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 found among competitors. As a result, gamers can enjoy excellent responsiveness even when using advanced HDR effects, significantly enhancing the gaming experience.

The Hisense A7NQ definitely has something to boast about when it comes to input lag. It is really very low, which is immediately noticeable while gaming – both in standard game mode and with Dolby Vision enabled. Regardless of the settings, the response is instantaneous, making controls in games smooth and responsive. This is definitely a plus for any gamer who doesn't want to worry about delays. Even more dynamic gameplay on this television won't be a problem. In this category, the Hisense A7NQ truly stands out from the competition.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

5.8/10

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

Collaboration with a PC on the TCL C655 / C69B television proves to be quite good, especially thanks to the support for chroma 4:4:4, which guarantees good font readability. This is an important advantage if the television is to serve as a monitor for office work, where text display precision is crucial. Additionally, low input lag ensures smooth performance, which both gamers and users who need quick response to mouse or keyboard movements will appreciate. However, the television 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 exhibit the dropout of a single pixel. This can cause letters to appear slightly broken, which in certain situations may slightly reduce the comfort of work, although overall this issue should not be very bothersome for less demanding users.

The Hisense A7NQ performs well if we want to use it as a work monitor. Thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support, the fonts are clear and readable, regardless of the background. This is a significant advantage, as working with documents or browsing websites on this television is quite enjoyable. When it comes to gaming on PC, the situation is less optimistic. The 60 Hz panel unfortunately doesn't allow for a smoother experience, which may disappoint gamers looking for something more. Even the presence of G-SYNC and low input lag does not change the fact that dynamic titles may look average.

Viewing angles

2.5/10

3/10

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

The viewing angles of the C655 / C69B are rather poor, which is characteristic of VA panels. Compared to IPS panels, which offer significantly better viewing angles and a more uniform picture quality regardless of the viewer's position, the VA panel loses contrast and colours with even a slight deviation from the axis. Watching from the side results in noticeable image quality degradation – blacks become more faded, 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.

The Hisense A7NQ does not surprise in this category. The viewing angles are typical for a VA panel – which means that if we sit directly in front, everything looks fine, but if we shift slightly to the side, the image begins to lose quality. Colours become less saturated, and black starts to turn to shades of grey. This is standard for VA panels, and it is rather difficult to expect anything different. Therefore, if we plan to watch television with a larger group of people, it is worth considering positioning the television so that everyone has a chance to sit as close to the centre of the screen as possible.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

4.9/10

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

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Hisense A7NQ: 371 cd/m2

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

Generally, TCL C655 / C69B offers quite good brightness at around 480 nits, which allows for comfortable use of the television during the day. This brightness is satisfactory and makes the picture easily visible even in strong sunlight. Unfortunately, the satin finish of the screen struggles to suppress reflections, which can affect the visibility of the image in very bright surroundings.

The Hisense A7NQ does not make the best impression in brightly lit rooms. The panel performs averagely at reducing reflections, so if there is a lot of light coming in through the windows, the screen can turn into a mirror. Additionally, the brightness level of 370 cd/m² is only suitable for moderately sunny rooms. In more demanding conditions, where the sun lights up the screen, the image begins to lose visibility and it becomes difficult to see all the details. If we plan to use the television mainly during the day in a brightly lit room, it is worth considering this, as in such conditions the A7NQ may not be the best choice.

Details about the matrix

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

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

7.1/10

9/10

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

The TCL C655 / C69B television operates on the Google TV system, which is an extension of the popular Android TV. Google TV offers personalised content recommendations based on previously viewed materials and user preferences. The convenient and clear navigation in the interface makes it easy to find favourite films, series, and applications. This system supports the most popular streaming applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, providing users with access to a wide range of content. Google TV also supports integration with the Google ecosystem, allowing control of the television through voice commands using Google Assistant. Additionally, users can easily synchronise the television with other devices within the smart home framework.

The C655 / C69B television ensures everyday user convenience with features that facilitate connectivity and interaction with other devices. It supports Apple AirPlay, allowing for quick content streaming from Apple devices, such as iPhones or iPads, 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 content recording to USB or picture-in-picture (PiP) options, which may disappoint traditional television users who are accustomed to these features. The absence of these options means that the TCL C655 / C69B may not be the ideal solution for those expecting full functionality, especially regarding recording favourite programmes.

The TCL C655 / C69B presents a solid design. The television is not among the thinnest, and its bezels are not the narrowest, yet 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 adjustment capabilities, even for very narrow spacing. This makes it easy to fit the television with various types of TV stands, which is a practical convenience in many living rooms.

Hisense A7NQ runs on the Vidaa system, which may not be as developed as those from Korean giants, but it does what it needs to. It is clear that Hisense is starting to understand the Polish market – the latest updates have added the most important streaming applications. We can easily find the most popular streaming applications here. Unfortunately, if someone is counting on Tidal or Spotify, they will not find them here – it's a bit of a shame, as it would further complement the system. The Vidaa system itself works surprisingly smoothly. The menu is simple, and voice control in Polish is a nice touch that makes daily use easier. There are no unnecessary complications, everything is at hand, and it works without significant delays.

In terms of features, the television also performs well. Recording to USB works thanks to the built-in tuners, and connecting additional devices via Bluetooth or USB is seamless. AirPlay and Miracast are additional advantages – you can easily stream content from your phone or laptop.

There is, however, a lack of the PiP (picture-in-picture) function, but that is likely something that will only be noticed by those who really need it. Just like recording to USB – it's great that it's available, but not everyone will use it.

Playing files from USB

8.3/10

5.5/10

Supported photo formats:

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

Maximum photo resolution:

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

Thanks to its built-in player, the TCL C655 / C69B television is capable of playing most file formats stored on external memory devices, making it a versatile tool for consuming multimedia. However, there may be certain limitations in supporting some formats, which can be inconvenient for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows the installation of other multimedia players from Google Play, which eliminates compatibility issues. This enables users to choose applications that best meet their needs, significantly enhancing the functionality of the television.

During tests of the USB file player, we encountered something really strange. Normally, we check whether the television can handle external files with subtitles so that one can comfortably watch foreign productions in Polish. Unfortunately, despite the presence of various subtitle formats on our pendrive, the television did not display any of them. Interestingly, there was an option in the menu to change the font colour, so it seems that the feature should be functioning. We believe this is a matter to be fixed in an update, but for now the situation is simply strange and somewhat concerning. As for other types of files, things are much better. The television handles most popular audio and photo formats, so playing music or browsing holiday photos will not pose a problem.

Apps

10/10

8.6/10

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

Sound

6.6/10

5.9/10

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

The sound on the 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 frequencies could be a bit clearer. The support for DTS audio format is also a plus.

The Hisense A7NQ performs like most mid-range televisions – it's acceptable but without much excitement. The sound meets its purpose in everyday use, but if we expect strong sensations, it is worth considering adding a soundbar. On the positive side, the television supports practically all popular surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This means that if we have the appropriate external equipment, we can enjoy a more immersive sound experience.