TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

C655 / C69B

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 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.

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 *

Disadvantages

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

Movies and series in UHD quality

5.7
Classic TV, YouTube

5.6
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

5.2
Gaming on console

7.7
TV as a computer monitor

6.0
Watching in bright light

5.6
Utility functions

7.1
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.6

TV appearance

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

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

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

6.1/10

Viewing mode Game mode

Local dimming function: No

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

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

Result

6,850:1

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

Result

6,750:1

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

Result

6,350:1

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

Result

6,750:1

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

Result

4,800:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The television TCL C655 / C69B is equipped with a VA panel, 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.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.2/10

Viewing mode Game mode

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

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

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

Result

364 nit

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

Result

416 nit

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

Result

484 nit

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

Result

400 nit

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

Result

450 nit

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.

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 one would be hard-pressed to find such brightness in televisions in this price segment. In the first case, in the scene from the film "Mr.", we can notice a total lack of contrast in bright scenes. Putting this aspect aside, the scene in C655 / C69B looks quite decent – light effects, such as the sun and clouds in the distance, do not blend together, which creates a quite pleasing visual effect. A similar, high light effect can be seen in the scene from the film "Billy Lynn" – quite a good play of lights in the distance in the form of fireworks, and the leading actor has been portrayed correctly, although with some imperfections on the skin. Despite the noticeable limitations in contrast, the overall presentation is quite decent and provides satisfactory effects. This is thanks to the dynamic tone mapping feature, which allows for a subtle adaptation of the image. This is a very useful feature that often does not work correctly in other televisions, even of the same brand.

HDR luminance chart:

The TCL C655 / C69B television handles various types of metadata well, which affects the quality of the displayed image. In the case of the same scene shown with static HDR10 and Dolby Vision, differences in detail reproduction can be observed. While HDR10 looks quite decent, there are certain shortcomings, such as fewer details in the background and subtler lighting effects. The dynamic metadata of Dolby Vision makes the image more detailed – background details are more visible, and the horses are more contrasted, positively impacting the perception of the scene. It is also worth noting that TCL offers full support for all popular types of HDR in this model, meaning that the user does not have to worry about compatibility issues with formats used on well-known streaming platforms.

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.5/10

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.

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

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

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.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.7/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: No

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 0%

The television C655 / C69B is equipped with a 4K@60 Hz panel, which means it 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.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie (1080p 120Hz):

When it comes to smearing, the television performs quite well, but does not stand out in any particular way. There is slight smearing behind moving objects (Ufoludek), especially on darker backgrounds, which may be noticeable in more demanding scenes such as games or sports. The effect is certainly less noticeable at lower resolutions such as FULL HD/2K but at 120Hz.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

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

The TCL C655 / C69B 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.

Input lag

10/10

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.

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

Compatibility with PC

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Average

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

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Collaboration with 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.

Viewing angles

2.5/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 81%

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.

TV efficiency during daytime

5.6/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

Generally, TCL C655 / C69B offers quite good brightness at around 480 nits, which allows for comfortable use of the 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.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

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

Details about the matrix

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

Image processor: RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

TV features

7.1/10

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

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

The TCL C655 / C69B television 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.

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 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.

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 / 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.

QLED PRO: Quantum Dot technology ensures vibrant and realistic colours, offering an ultra-wide colour range and striking contrast.
4K HDR PRO: By combining QLED and HDR PRO technologies, the television delivers excellent image quality with faithful colours and the finest details.
Motion Clarity: A technology that provides 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 a stunning picture regardless of the source.
Game Master 3.0: Features optimised for gamers, offering smooth and responsive gameplay with low latency and support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
HDMI 2.1: A modern port providing support for the latest devices and technologies, offering fast data transfer and advanced features for gamers.
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 direction.
Google TV: An intuitive operating system offering access to a wide range of applications and streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Voice-Controlled Google Assistant: Allows control of the television 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 for the television to fit various interiors.

C655 in Everyday Use

The TCL C655 stands out with its intuitive Google TV operating system, which provides smooth and responsive operation. It is also worth noting the gaming features that the C655 offers. Support for ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar makes gameplay smoother and more responsive, which both amateur and advanced gamers will appreciate. Additionally, the low input lag of 13 ms in Dolby Vision mode is another advantage that sets the TCL C655 apart in tests against the competition.

TCL C655 – Modern QLED Television at an Attractive Price

TCL C655 is a television distinguished by modern solutions and an excellent price-to-quality ratio. Equipped with Google TV, it offers an intuitive interface, voice command support, and easy access to applications such as Netflix and YouTube. With support for AirPlay and Bluetooth, TCL C655 provides versatility, meeting the expectations of even the most demanding users.

Perfect Picture Quality in the TCL C655

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

TCL C655 – A Television for Gamers

Thanks to ALLM (Automatic Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) features, TCL C655 guarantees smooth images and minimal lag. Furthermore, the television supports 120 Hz at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, providing excellent gaming experiences. In Dolby Vision mode with low input lag, even dynamic scenes remain clear and full of detail. It is worth checking out the TCL 85 C655 for gamers who appreciate large screen sizes and incredible immersion.

TCL C655 – An Excellent Option for Everyone

TCL C655 reviews confirm that this television meets the needs of a wide range of users. TCL C655 combines modern technologies such as Google TV and Dolby Vision with an affordable price, making it an attractive choice. Whether in the TCL 50C655 model or the larger TCL 85 C655, you will find excellent picture quality and features supporting high-level entertainment.

If you are looking for a television with an outstanding price-to-quality ratio, TCL C655 will be the ideal solution. With features like ALLM, VRR, and Dolby Vision, along with positive TCL C655 reviews, this model is sure to satisfy every user.

TCL C655 / C69B (55"-85")

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

C655 in Everyday Use

TCL C655 – Modern QLED Television at an Attractive Price

Perfect Picture Quality in the TCL C655

TCL C655 – A Television for Gamers

TCL C655 – An Excellent Option for Everyone