TCL C655 Pro

Available screen sizes: 55”65”75”

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

Our verdict

6.5

Overall rating

TCL C655 PRO is an upgrade of the basic model from this series, and although the name may suggest only minor differences, the addition of "PRO" truly signifies much more. The biggest change, compared to its less advanced sibling, is the picture quality. The manufacturer has opted for the implementation of local dimming technology, which significantly improves black levels and contrast. The television is able to offer us a more refined image. As a result, TCL C655 PRO clearly outshines the more basic version in this regard. The applied QLED panel further enhances the coverage of a wide colour range, offering vibrant and saturated colours, which excel in both films and dynamic content, such as games. In the context of gaming, just like the basic version, TCL C655 PRO offers a host of useful features for gamers – including ALLM, VRR, and Game Bar – which greatly enhance the gaming experience. The television can also adjust the screen refresh rate to a lower resolution, meaning that despite supporting 4K at 60 Hz, in Full HD or 2K, one can enjoy smoother images at 120 Hz. In daily use, the Google TV operating system works excellently. The intuitive interface, personalised recommendations, and broad access to streaming applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+, make the television enjoyable to use. This makes it easy to overlook the lack of recording functionality and picture-in-picture (PiP), which is not a major issue given the rich offering of applications. If we are willing to make that slight price difference, we definitely recommend TCL C655 in the PRO version.

Advantages

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

Disadvantages

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

Movies and series in UHD quality

5.9
Classic TV, YouTube

6.0
Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

5.3
Gaming on console

7.8
TV as a computer monitor

6.0
Watching in bright light

5.8
Utility functions

7.7
Apps

10.0
Sound quality

6.6

TV appearance

HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1 Other inputs: RCA (Chinch) Outputs: Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI) Network Interfaces: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Review TCL C655 Pro Appearance of the TV

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Contrast and black detail

Viewing mode Game mode

7.1/10

Viewing mode Game mode

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

Review TCL C655 Pro Contrast and black detail

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

Result

56,000:1

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

Result

15,850:1

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

Result

11,350:1

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

Result

7,100:1

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

Result

5,950:1

Visibility of details in the lights:

The TCL 655 PRO television, equipped with a VA panel, delivers solid contrast; however, the key role in enhancing image quality is played by local dimming technology. The tested 55-inch variant features 84 backlight zones, which significantly improve contrast compared to the model without the "PRO" designation, and this effect is distinctly visible in the first three tested scenes. It is worth noting that larger versions of this television naturally have more zones, which translates to even better contrast. Of course, as with any LCD television, certain imperfections remain – particularly noticeable in the tested scenes 4 and 5, where smaller bright elements lose a lot of quality. Nevertheless, considering the price of the device, the TCL 655 PRO makes a strong impression and stands out well in the black and contrast category.

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

HDR effect quality

Viewing mode Game mode

5.1/10

Viewing mode Game mode

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

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review TCL C655 Pro Brightness measurement

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

Result

566 nit

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

Result

299 nit

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

Result

387 nit

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

Result

205 nit

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

Result

666 nit

In the HDR effect quality category, the television TCL 655 PRO demonstrates decent capabilities, achieving a peak brightness of 550 nits. This allows for enjoyment of the HDR effects, which is particularly evident in scenes such as the first from the film Life of Pi or the last frame from The Meg. Nevertheless, the limited number of dimming zones causes some issues. While in bright scenes the television performs better than its lower model, in more demanding scenes, such as the second and fourth scenes from Sicario 2, it struggles. The dimming algorithm aims to achieve deep blacks, but at the cost of brightness – resulting in a drop in brightness of even half during those moments. In these more challenging scenes with small elements, it is hard to find any praise, and the HDR effect resembles more of an SDR. Regardless, the colour gamut coverage deserves commendation, which, like in the version without the PRO suffix, is at a very good level.

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

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

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

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

HDR luminance chart:

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

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Smoothness of tonal transitions

4.8/10

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

Review TCL C655 Pro Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

5/10

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

The TCL 655 PRO television performs quite well with tonal transitions in lower quality materials. The "Gradual Smoothing" function at a low setting effectively smooths out tonal transitions, but this comes at the expense of losing some important details, such as the texture of objects. One positive aspect is that it does not negatively affect film grain, which helps maintain the natural appearance of the image.

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

Blur and motion smoothness

4.9/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel: 120Hz

Film motion smoothing option: Yes

Blur reduction option: No

BFI function 60Hz: No

BFI function 120Hz: No

Brightness drop with BFI: 0%

The TCL C655 PRO television is equipped with a 4K panel with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, making it best suited for watching films. Additionally, the "Flicker Reduction" feature allows users to adjust the smoothness of the image, giving them the choice between a smoother motion and a cinematic, frame-by-frame effect. Moreover, the television performs well with lower resolution materials, such as Full HD and 2K, offering a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which will certainly appeal to gamers who can enjoy a smoother picture at the expense of lower resolution.

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Smużenie ():

When it comes to ghosting, the television TCL C655 PRO performs decently, although it does not stand out in this regard compared to the competition. Some faint ghosting can be observed behind moving objects, particularly on darker backgrounds, which becomes more noticeable in dynamic scenes such as games or sports broadcasts. However, it is worth adding that this effect is less noticeable at lower resolutions like Full HD or 2K, where the television offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which improves motion fluidity and reduces the visibility of ghosting.

Console compatibility and gaming features

8/10

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

The TCL C655 PRO television offers an almost perfect set of features for gamers, supporting all the key technologies that significantly enhance the gaming experience. The ALLM feature automatically switches the television to low latency mode, resulting in improved responsiveness and minimal signal delay – particularly important in dynamic titles. VRR synchronises the screen refresh rate with the number of frames generated by the console, eliminating screen tearing and thus guaranteeing smoother gameplay.

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

Input lag

10/10

The TCL C655 PRO television offers exceptional response times across all supported resolutions and refresh rates. Notably, it supports Dolby Vision with a response time of 13 ms, which is rarely seen in the competition. 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: 12 ms	2160p60 DV: 13 ms
1080p120: 9 ms
2160p60: 13 ms

Compatibility with PC

6/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate): Yes

Font clarity: Very Good

Readability of dark text and shapes: Average

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

Matrix subpixel arrangement: BGR

Max refresh rate: 120Hz

G-Sync: Yes

Collaboration with a PC on the TCL C655 Pro television is quite good, especially thanks to support for 4:4:4 chroma, which ensures good readability of fonts. This is a significant advantage if the television is to serve as a monitor for office work, where precision in text display is crucial. Additionally, the low input lag provides smooth operation, which will be appreciated by both gamers and users who require quick responses to mouse or keyboard movements.

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

Viewing angles

2.7/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees: 73%

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

TV efficiency during daytime

5.8/10

Matrix coating: Satin

Reflection suppression: Average

Black levels during daytime: Good

TCL C655 PRO offers quite decent brightness, reaching around 520 nits, which makes using the television during the day comfortable. Such brightness allows for good visibility of the image even in rooms with more sunlight. Although the television performs well in such conditions, the satin finish of the screen has only average capabilities to suppress reflections. In very bright environments, reflections may appear, which somewhat degrade the visibility of the image, particularly in scenes with lower contrast.

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

TCL C655 Pro: 519 cd/m2

Details about the matrix

Software version during testing: v8-R75PT01-LF1V195

Image processor: RTD6748 2GB RAM

Subpixel Structure:

Backlight Type: PFS LED

TV features

7.7/10

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

The TCL C655 PRO television operates on Google TV, which is an extension of the popular Android TV. Google TV offers personalised content recommendations based on viewed materials and user preferences, providing easy access to films, series, and applications. With its clear interface, navigation is straightforward, and access to the most popular streaming applications, such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, allows for enjoyment of a wide range of content. The system also supports integration with the Google ecosystem, enabling control of the television using voice commands with Google Assistant and synchronisation with other smart home devices.

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

The design of the TCL C655 PRO television looks modern, with elegant and slim metal frames that add solidity and aesthetic appeal to the device. Overall, it looks very good and will certainly fit into most interiors. Although the frames are minimalist, the television itself is not among the thinnest on the market, especially in comparison to Korean competitors who often offer even slimmer designs.

Playing files from USB

Video Photos Audio

8.3/10

Video Photos Audio

Maximum photo resolution:	Supported photo formats:
4 Mpix	JPEG
6 Mpix	HEIC
8 Mpix	PNG
10 Mpix	GIF
12 Mpix	WebP
16 Mpix	TIFF
20 Mpix	BMP
24 Mpix	SVG
28 Mpix
32 Mpix

Thanks to the built-in player, the television is capable of playing most file formats found on external storage, making it a versatile tool for consuming multimedia. However, there may be certain limitations in handling some formats, which can be cumbersome for more demanding users. Fortunately, the Google TV system allows for the installation of other media players from Google Play, which helps to eliminate compatibility issues. This way, users have the opportunity 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 PRO television is quite good, thanks to the 2x15W audio system supported by a 20W subwoofer branded by Onkyo. This results in a fuller sound and deeper bass, positively affecting the overall audio quality. However, one should not get overly enthusiastic – the television cannot replace a dedicated soundbar, especially for more demanding users looking for cinema-quality audio.

QLED PRO: Quantum Dot technology provides vibrant and realistic colours, offering an ultra-wide colour range and striking contrast.
Full Array Local Dimming: Advanced local dimming improves contrast, delivering deeper blacks and brighter whites, resulting in a more realistic picture.
4K HDR PRO 600: By combining Quantum Dot technology and Full Array Local Dimming, the television offers excellent HDR picture quality with brightness up to 600 nits, faithful colours, 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 images regardless of the source.
Game Master 3.0 + 120Hz Game Accelerator: Features optimised for gamers, delivering smooth and responsive gameplay with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and low latency.
HDMI 2.1: A modern connector providing support for the latest devices and technologies, offering fast data transfer and advanced feature support.
2.1 ONKYO Dolby Atmos: Built-in audio system from ONKYO with Dolby Atmos support delivers immersive audio experiences with deep bass and spatial sound.
Google TV: An intuitive operating system providing access to a wide range of streaming apps, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, with built-in voice-controlled Google Assistant.
Sleek metal construction with a reversible stand: Elegant design with thin bezels and the ability to adjust the stand for different interior settings.

TCL C655 PRO – Exceptional picture quality and functionality

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

Outstanding picture quality in TCL C655 PRO

One of the biggest assets of the TCL C655 PRO is its picture quality. Thanks to local dimming and a QLED panel, the television delivers excellent black quality and a wide colour palette. Both dynamic content and movies look exceptionally good, as confirmed by our review of the TCL C655.

Ideal choice for gamers

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

Everyday usability comfort

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

Summary – Why choose TCL C655 PRO?

If you expect excellent picture quality, smooth gameplay, and advanced features, the TCL C655 PRO is the ideal choice. The QLED panel, local dimming, and advanced gaming features distinctly set this model apart from competitors. Reviews and results from the TCL C655 PRO test and the TCL C655 PRO test clearly show that investing in this television is worthwhile. By choosing the C655 PRO, you gain excellent picture quality and gaming fluidity that you can expect from modern solutions.

TCL C655 Pro

Our verdict

Advantages

Disadvantages

Competing TVs in this price range

TV appearance

Buy in the best price

Contrast and black detail

HDR effect quality

Factory color reproduction

Color reproduction after calibration

Smoothness of tonal transitions

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

Blur and motion smoothness

Console compatibility and gaming features

Input lag

Compatibility with PC

Viewing angles

TV efficiency during daytime

Details about the matrix

TV features

Playing files from USB

Apps

Sound

TCL C655 PRO – Exceptional picture quality and functionality

Outstanding picture quality in TCL C655 PRO

Ideal choice for gamers

Everyday usability comfort

Summary – Why choose TCL C655 PRO?