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TCL's 85QM8K stands out as a bright mini LED set with strong picture quality for the money, especially in controlled lighting. RTINGS comparisons put it ahead of the Samsung QN90D, and the TV is described as impressive enough to make upgrading from that model tempting. The main concerns are direct reflections, blooming in bright sports scenes, and possible weakness with hockey or lower resolution cable sources. It feels like a strong large screen option if your room lighting and source quality are under control.
Sports fans watching in a controlled room, because the picture stays strong with ambient light managed and motion concerns are the main remaining question.
People watching hockey or other fast sports from lower-resolution broadcasts, because motion handling and 720p or 1080i sources are specifically questioned.
Best Buy holiday purchases can be returned or price-adjusted until 1/15/2026 without Plus membership. Best Buy Plus extends the return and price-adjustment window to 60 days, with one comment noting that can push the deadline to Jan. 30.
The panel has poor direct reflection handling, so direct light can be a problem. With controlled ambient light, it can still look very good, and some owners say it is at least on par with a Bravia 7 for reflections.
Blooming can still show up around high-contrast objects like football players in white jerseys on green grass. It is still considered a strong mini-LED set, but it may not fully eliminate the haloing seen on other bright-room TVs.
The 85-inch model uses a 600 x 500 VESA pattern. TCL's product page and quick-start guide both list that size, so a 600 x 600 mount would be the wrong fit.
Rtings says model has terrible direct reflection handling I was surprised to see that it otherwise is on par with the 2025 Samsung QN90F. There's some real competition in this price band now!
Have one. Agree with Rtings. Terrible is a little strong. Wr have ambient lighting and its controlled.
No reason to buy this with the 85 QN90D still on clearance. Side by side viewing the QM8K looks dull on real world content, especially in a bright room.
QM8K on Rtings was 3 points higher the the QN90D. Looking on upgrading from that to the QM8K
Got my 55" TCL 5 series for about $250 and 65" 4 series for $200 on black Friday in 2022. I'm looking for 80"+ - I presume anything over 65" will always have a fat markup, no? Basically what I'm asking is, will the deals get much better this year?
Those are lower end TCL models and are no comparison to this QM8K which is mini LED. To how is a real good price for this TV
Those are lower end TCL models and are no comparison to this QM8K which is mini LED. To how is a real good price for this TV
The TCL 5 series was a damn good deal for around $200. It had local dimming. The other week I got a 98" QM6K Pro to upgrade from my 65 4 series that didn't have local dimming
Community Reviews
TCL's 85QM8K stands out as a bright mini LED set with strong picture quality for the money, especially in controlled lighting. RTINGS comparisons put it ahead of the Samsung QN90D, and the TV is described as impressive enough to make upgrading from that model tempting. The main concerns are direct reflections, blooming in bright sports scenes, and possible weakness with hockey or lower resolution cable sources. It feels like a strong large screen option if your room lighting and source quality are under control.
Sports fans watching in a controlled room, because the picture stays strong with ambient light managed and motion concerns are the main remaining question.
Viewers upgrading from a midrange LED TV, because the mini LED backlight and stronger overall picture are a clear step up.
Home theater buyers comparing against a Samsung QN90D, because side-by-side comments say this model can score higher and look better overall.
Shoppers with a bright room who can control glare, because reflections are described as manageable when blinds or other light control are available.
Owners planning a wall mount for the 85-inch size, because the listed VESA information may be wrong and needs verification.
People watching hockey or other fast sports from lower-resolution broadcasts, because motion handling and 720p or 1080i sources are specifically questioned.
Bright-room viewers expecting deep, punchy contrast, because it can look dull on real content beside a competing set.
Rooms with direct sunlight or unavoidable lamp glare, because direct reflection handling is described as terrible.
Common Questions (4)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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The TV is freaking awesome
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