One of the latest Smart TVs from the TCL brand that is making so much noise by sponsoring the Spanish Soccer Team has passed through our hands. And although it is a remarkable product, we have found quite a few points in it that have left us a little colder than we expected and which means that it would not be the first option to recommend for a purchase of this caliber, despite what we have seen. in other analyses.
On paper, we are looking at an interesting list of features for a television that costs a whopping around 2,000 euros:
- Size: 75″
- Resolution: 3840×2160
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
- Panel technology: QLED
- Panel lighting: Mini LED
- Formats: HDR Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ and HDR10
- O.: Google TV (ATV 11.0)
- Processor: AiPQ 3.0 Processor
- Smart microphone Integrated into the controller
- Wireless connectivity Wifi (Built-in ax/ac/n 2.4/5Ghz MIMO), Bluetooth (A2DP, HID), AirPlay 2
- Sound power: 2x20W + 20W, Subwoofer
- Sound: Dolby ATMOS. DTS Virtual-X, Virtualization & upmix
- Size (W x H x D): 1671 x 993 x 32mm
- Weight without support: 32.60Kg
- VESA compatible: Yes (400×400)
It is a 75-inch television of generous dimensions, in which a central base has been chosen instead of the two side legs. This is purely a matter of taste, but when we get to the sizes, it seems that it is not the best option since the television tends to sway more than necessary when moved a little. It may be a personal feeling but two points of support seem safer.
Another detail that you should always take a look at is the remote control that comes with the television. Correct and practical, at least for the most part. We have typical buttons in addition to the one used to activate the Google Assistant for voice control. What seems wasted to us are the lower buttons where Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube are configured, leaving the rest for TCL’s self-promotion, a couple of them and the last one, at least, for access to the Internet browser. At least we believe that TCL’s are expendable and would give room for more streaming services. Or, taking the example of the one that gives access to the browser, a direct access to the special mode for video games would not be bad.
Mini LED, but not the best
Without a doubt, among its features, in addition to the QLED panel, what stands out and seems to justify the price is the Mini LED, the panel responsible for lighting that, unlike normal LED panels, has a greater number of LEDS per inch allowing, in theory, superior contrast and brightness.
And, as it is, the TV looks great with a brightness rate of up to 2000 nits plus support for all HDR and Dolby Vision formats. But at this point we are already beginning to see the seams of this product that suffers from an illness called “blooming”. For those who don’t know, it is that halo that appears in images with a lot of contrast (black/white), something that happens to a greater or lesser extent with Mini LEDs but in this TCL we have seen it accentuated. If out of curiosity you want to see if your television suffers from it, you can give it a Test with this YouTube video.
A series of very annoying little bugs
Let’s remember that we are talking about a 2,000 euro television, so we have to be demanding in this aspect. This adds up to a very questionable Google TV experience. We do not know if it is due to TLC or Google, or due to the integration of the software of one with the other, but the problems and small “annoyances” are constant.
For example, every once in a while, and it was impossible to avoid it, a message appears to pair Bluetooth devices even when we don’t want to do it. It feels like the TV is constantly in “search” mode and when one is available it tries incessantly to connect. Imagine how annoying it is to see the pairing message appear when you are enjoying an epic moment in your favorite series or movie.
On the other hand, the review unit that we had in our hands did not leave the brightness level unchanged. It is true that the television has an option that adjusts the brightness dynamically, but that means that you are watching the image constantly change depending on any slight change in lighting in the room. This could be solved because we can disconnect this mode… but it is activated again from time to time at your own risk.
Additionally, TCL suffers from problems like some other large TV manufacturers. Such a large TV is also a huge “black mirror”, and if the treatment of the external glass is not adequate, the reflections that we can have in it are uncontrollable. It is true that it is not something exaggerated for this television, but, returning to the price, it is annoying when you think that you have spent such a significant sum. On the other hand, Google TV is a very versatile option when it comes to the operating system of a television, but it is not even remotely the most stable compared to the options offered by, for example, Samsung or LG with their ecosystems. That from time to time you will have to close the streaming application on duty because it crashes, we repeat, although it is not TLC’s fault but Google’s, it is something that sooner or later will happen, and it will not stop doing so.
Notable, but not outstanding gaming and audio performance
On the other hand, it has a 144Hz panel, something not inconsiderable for those of you who are going to connect the console. This, together with the ALLM (Automatic Latency Mode) and the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) that reduce latency and adapt the refresh rate dynamically, fulfill their function more than and as we have already seen in other televisions, given that they are widely used technologies. present in the market. Therefore, its performance on TCL is also notable and very enjoyable.
It is worth highlighting the Game Mode, where it is true that TCL has given a twist to what can be found on other Google TVs. It allows us to modify numerous parameters and adapt the television to the type of game, although the truth is, it only gives options for RPG, FPS or “original.”
Others, such as racing ones, where the framerate or HDR performance also has to be touched by hand since it is not preconfigured. Another detail that has confused us is that, it is true that we did not have a PS5 on hand to test if it happened with everyone, but if you have an Xbox (Series S in this case) the television does not recognize it, hence the “Unknown device” » that you can see on the screen.
Other options that this mode allows us is to activate the bar that you can see in the image at any time from the remote control to take captures or even help us aim – which is simply a mark on the screen that will guide us, not Do you think you will have better aim by activating it 😉 -.
In the audio part, we have a 2.1 sound system, that is, it is a stereo with a “surround” point. It is signed by Onkyo and has Dolby Atmos technology. It cannot be said that it is the “top of the range” of those on the market, but its two speakers and the subwoofer provide a power of 60W, enough for any living room and to enjoy, without frills, a movie or series. .
Conclusion
The truth is that it is a shame that a television with such a good appearance as the TCL 75C845 ends up losing points for details that, although they are not major errors, undermine the experience with a device in which it seems that more interest has been put into show that it is the TV of “la Roja” than in polishing the details that a 2,000 euro team should have surpassed. If you opt for it, you are warned, but if you allow us a recommendation, perhaps it is better to take a look at other options that are better priced for the same money.
