TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50")

C655 / C69B

Available screen sizes: 43”50”

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

Our verdict

6.0

Overall rating

TCL C69B or otherwise C655 in its smallest sizes (43 and 50") is a model that stands out primarily due to its Google TV system. The operation is simple and intuitive, and accessing favourite applications is trouble-free. Personalised recommendations make it easier to choose what to watch, and voice search in Polish works quickly and efficiently. In terms of picture quality, C69B / C655 performs well, especially given its price. Thanks to quantum dot coating technology (PFS), colours are vibrant, and the Dolby Vision support means that HDR films look quite decent. The contrast is sufficient for everyday viewing, but the brightness level of 350 nits may be an issue in very sunny rooms. However, in less demanding conditions, the television performs fairly solidly – details are well visible, and the black level is decent, though not perfect. For gamers, this is rather an option for relaxed, occasional gaming. The 60 Hz panel doesn't provide the same fluidity as more expensive models, but the low input lag ensures good responsiveness. The Game Bar feature allows for quick adjustments without leaving the game. This is not equipment for avid gamers, but at this price point, it's hard to expect more. However, there are some limitations. Screen brightness and the lack of recording functionality can be bothersome, especially if we are used to more advanced solutions. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is another feature that is missing here – this can be a problem for multitasking enthusiasts. When it comes to HDR content, it's also noticeable that the television doesn't handle it as well as more expensive models, particularly in brighter scenes. In summary: C69B / C655 is a television that is best suited for everyday use. Google TV makes life easier, and the picture quality will satisfy most people, especially if we are not expecting perfection. This is equipment for watching television, films, and occasional gaming that won't stretch the budget but still offers a solid foundation to be placed where larger television sizes simply won't fit.

Advantages

Google TV
Low input lag
High native contrast
Support for all HDR formats
Good for "casual" gamers - support for VRR, ALLM, Game bar

Disadvantages

Average brightness
No recording function and PiP

Movies and series in UHD quality

5.5
Classic TV, YouTube

5.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

5.1
Gaming on console

6.9
TV as a computer monitor

5.0
Watching in bright light

4.7
Utility functions

7.7
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.3

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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

Review TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50") Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

5.8/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

Review TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50") Contrast and black detail

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

Result

6,350:1

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

5,750:1

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

Result

4,700:1

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

4,950:1

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

Result

4,650:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The C69B / C655 TCL television is equipped with a VA panel, which differs from IPS-type panels, particularly in terms of contrast and black reproduction. VA panels are characterised by significantly higher contrast, meaning better black quality, especially in night scenes or in dimly lit rooms. Unlike IPS panels, where blacks often appear more like shades of grey, VA panels better convey deep, dark colours. Unfortunately, the C69B is not equipped with local dimming technology (common in this price range), affecting black quality in demanding scenes. During test sequences, such as a segment from the film "Sicario 2", one can notice that instead of absolute black, some elements of the image have a bluish tint. Generally, the black is acceptable, but one must account for the limitations of the television.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

4.6/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Supported formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG Color gamut coverage: DCI P3: 91.3%, Bt.2020: 71.6%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50") Brightness measurement

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

Result

283 nit

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

Result

322 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

346 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

322 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

355 nit

The quality of the HDR effect in the TCL C69B / C655 television is quite average. With a brightness level of 350 nits, although not the worst, it still doesn't allow for a full enjoyment of HDR effects, which require higher luminance to showcase their power. Additionally, despite the application of a quantum dot coating (QLED), the television offers an average coverage of the wide DCI-P3 colour gamut at 91%, which may limit its richness of colours in HDR content.

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

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

The device positively surprises in our HDR tests, especially after calibration. Although the scene from the film "Pan" suffers at times from over-exposure due to limited brightness, the tonal range remains at a good level. Meanwhile, the segment from the film "Billy Lynn" also demonstrates solid image quality, without issues in detail reproduction in bright areas. Although the lack of sufficient brightness prevents a full appreciation of HDR effects, the television effectively conveys details and colours. The 'HDR Tone Mapping' function plays a significant role here, responsible for adapting the image. It works quite well, however, due to the panel's low brightness and average coverage of a wide colour gamut, certain limitations are noticeable.

HDR luminance chart:

TCL C69B / C655 supports a wide range of HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, ensuring broad compatibility with various content sources. The picture quality in these formats varies due to different metadata. In the case of HDR10, which is based on static metadata, the TV struggled to maintain details in bright areas during a test scene with horses. Certain parts of the image were overly bright, resulting in a loss of detail and a deterioration of overall quality. On the other hand, in formats that use dynamic metadata, such as Dolby Vision, the image is much better balanced – the horses are clearer, and the entire scene appears more natural. Dolby Vision effectively manages brightness and contrast, allowing for better detail representation and enhancing the visual experience.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

The tonal transitions are really quite good and would deserve a rating of 9; however, the score has clearly been lowered for another reason - the image is artificially sharpened despite the "sharpness" setting being at 0. Overall, it is unpleasant to look at.

Review TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50") Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The "Gradual Smoothing" function works very well on the TCL C69B television and, surprisingly, does not remove desirable effects such as film grain – unlike some solutions from other manufacturers. When it comes to image scaling, unfortunately, it looks poor. The television artificially sharpens the image, causing the edges of objects to be quite jagged. This state of affairs may appeal to some users who prefer a more "hard" look to the image, but it is not an ideal solution for those who value naturalness and fluidity of details.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.4/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 60Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: No

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 0%

The TCL C69B / C655 television in its smallest variants offers decent, though not perfect, results in terms of motion smoothness. For films, the television features a "Flicker Reduction" function that allows adjustment of motion smoothness on a scale from 1 to 10. With this option, we can tailor the appearance of the image to our cinematic or more theatrical preferences (with either lower or higher speed).

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

In the case of sports and games, the television performs worse. A 60 Hz panel limits its capabilities in reproducing motion in more dynamic content. In tests with fast-moving materials, such as the UFO image, blurring is noticeable, which is typical for such a frequency. Nevertheless, the television behind our UFO character does not show significant trailing, as the response time of the panel is decent for a device in this price range.

Console compatibility and gaming features

5.3/10

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

The TCL C69B / C655 television in its smallest variants offers a range of features dedicated to gamers, such as ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), Dolby Vision for gamers, and Game Bar. ALLM automatically switches the television to low latency mode, improving responsiveness and minimising delays in control. VRR allows the screen refresh rate to synchronise with the number of frames generated by the console, eliminating screen tearing and providing smoother gameplay. Dolby Vision for gamers ensures better colour and contrast reproduction in games that support this format, resulting in enhanced picture quality. Meanwhile, Game Bar provides quick access to game settings and monitors key parameters such as input lag.

However, the television has certain limitations that may affect gaming comfort. The 60 Hz panel does not allow for displaying signals with higher refresh rates, which may impact the smoothness of the image in fast-paced games. The lack of support for G-Sync technology for PCs may also be noticeable when gaming on a computer, especially in demanding, fast-paced titles.

Input lag

10/10

TCL C69B / C655 offers exceptionally low input lag, which is a huge advantage for gamers. Regardless of the mode – whether it’s SDR, HDR, or Dolby Vision – the television achieves impressive results. In every resolution, the input lag is just a few milliseconds, deserving of high praise. This allows the C69B to provide remarkable responsiveness and excellent gaming experiences, without noticeable delays, resulting in smoother and more satisfying gameplay.

SDR	HDR	Dolby Vision
1080p60: 12 ms	2160p60: 12 ms	2160p60 DV: 13 ms
2160p60: 12 ms

Compatibility with PC

5/10

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): 12ms

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 60.001Hz

G-Sync: No

The television TCL C69B / C655 performs reasonably well when used with a computer. Thanks to support for chroma 4:4:4, the readability of fonts is fine, significantly improving the comfort of work, especially when using the television as a monitor. However, there is a note regarding font readability – the television has an issue with displaying black and grey fonts, which sometimes have gaps in vertical lines, potentially affecting user comfort in certain situations. The low input lag ensures responsive performance, which is important both when using office applications and during gameplay. However, the 60 Hz panel and lack of G-Sync do not meet the demands of gamers using a computer, resulting in a lower rating in terms of gaming.

Viewing angles

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 77%

The viewing angles on the C69B TCL television leave much to be desired. The VA panel used provides excellent contrast and deep blacks, however, this comes at the cost of wide viewing angles. Compared to IPS panels, which offer better visibility from various angles, the C69B suffers in image quality when viewed from the side. Colours become washed out, and the contrast deteriorates significantly. This is a typical compromise for VA panels – something for something. If you value great contrast and deep blacks, the VA panel will be a good choice, but you must reckon with limitations regarding viewing angles.

TV efficiency during daytime

4.7/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

The television TCL C69B / C655 has a satin-finish panel that moderately reduces light reflections. In bright rooms, this can cause unwanted glare on the screen, negatively affecting viewing comfort. Additionally, a brightness level of 350 nits is not high enough to ensure full image readability on a sunny day, making the use of the television in well-lit conditions potentially less satisfying.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50"): 346 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: V8-R75PT01-LF1V195

Image processor: RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

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

Review TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50") TV features

The TCL C69B / C655 television operates on the Google TV system, offering a rich set of features that enhance user comfort. Google TV is an extension of Android TV, providing personalised content recommendations based on the user's preferences and viewing history. This allows for easy access to popular streaming applications such as Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, as well as to the Google Play Store, where additional applications can be found. This system works well with other Google devices, allowing control of the television via Google Assistant and integration with smart home systems. Voice search is also available in Polish, which increases usability.

In terms of connectivity, the television supports screen mirroring through Windows Miracast and AirPlay, enabling easy sharing of images from other devices. There is also the possibility to connect a keyboard, mouse, and Bluetooth headphones, as well as simultaneously use headphones and the built-in speaker, with separate volume control for both sound sources. The television remote operates on an RF basis, meaning there is no need to aim it at the screen, significantly improving user convenience. Unfortunately, we will not find picture-in-picture (PiP) functionality or recording features from the built-in tuners here.

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

The television will play most files and video codecs, and when subtitles are uploaded to the film, the font size can be changed. The biggest downside here is the lack of support for less popular image formats. However, on televisions with Google TV, this problem can often be easily circumvented by installing a different media player.

Apps

10/10

Sound

6.3/10

Subjective sound quality

0/10

Jakość basu

0dB

Maximum volume

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 television C69B / C655 is quite average, which should not be surprising given the 2x10W speakers. Additionally, there is no branded subwoofer here like in the larger 55+ models from Onkyo. However, we cannot forget about the support for audio formats such as DTS, which is definitely a plus.

QLED 4K UHD Screen: Thanks to Quantum Dot technology, the television offers vivid and realistic colours at a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
Google TV Operating System: Allows access to a wide range of applications and content tailored to the user's preferences.
HDR Support (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG): Provides better contrast and more accurate colour reproduction, resulting in a more realistic image.
Dolby Atmos Sound Technology with ONKYO 2.1 Audio System: Offers immersive surround sound, enhancing the viewing experience.
HDMI 2.1 Ports: Enable connection of modern devices, offering fast data transfer and support for advanced features.
Wi-Fi, DLNA, and Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows for a wireless connection to the internet and other devices, increasing the functionality of the television.
60 Hz Refresh Rate: Ensures smooth image playback during the viewing of dynamic scenes

TCL C69B – a solid choice at an affordable price

TCL C69B is a television that performs excellently for everyday use. With the Google TV system, operating the device is exceptionally intuitive, and personalised recommendations make content selection easier. In our test, we appreciated the fast and precise operation of voice search in Polish. This model offers versatility and convenience, particularly in versions like the TCL 43C69B tested in smaller spaces or larger models like the TCL 50C69B.

Vivid colours and robust image quality

Thanks to PFS (Quantum Dot) technology, the C69B delivers vivid and natural colours, distinguishing this model in its price category. Dolby Vision support allows enjoyment of HDR content, although its brightness level of 350 nits means it performs best in less brightly lit rooms. When we tested the TCL 55C69B, we found that the contrast and detail of the image were sufficient for everyday watching, and the black levels were presentable. It’s a great choice for those looking for a solid television at a reasonable price.

Gaming features in an accessible package

During our tests of the TCL C69B, we appreciated the low input lag and the Game Bar feature, which allows for quick adjustments during gameplay. The 60 Hz panel is not aimed at avid gamers, but for those who play occasionally, this model performed quite well. We tested the TCL 50C69B and noticed that the television offers sufficient smoothness and responsiveness, providing enjoyable gameplay experiences.

Google TV and practical solutions

TCL C69B stands out thanks to the Google TV system, which provides easy access to applications and a wide range of smart features. When we tested the TCL 43C69B, we particularly highlighted the intuitiveness of the operation and the ability to personalise recommendations. Although the television lacks recording features and picture-in-picture (PiP), its versatility in everyday use makes it a solid choice for most users.

TCL C69B – a television for every occasion

In summary, the TCL 55C69B is a model that combines user convenience, good image quality, and smart features at an attractive price. In conducting the TCL C69B test, we confirmed that this television is an ideal option for watching TV, films, and occasional gaming. With available versions such as the TCL 43C69B tested for smaller spaces, it’s easy to find a size that meets your needs. Our review of the C69B is a thoughtful choice among other television tests, providing solid foundations without straining the budget.

TCL C655 / C69B (43" - 50")

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 C69B – a solid choice at an affordable price

Vivid colours and robust image quality

Gaming features in an accessible package

Google TV and practical solutions

TCL C69B – a television for every occasion