Tagged: 8K

The best OLED TVs for 2022: LG, Samsung, and more

When it’s uncompromising color and contrast-rich picture quality you’re looking for, an OLED TV is the way to go. Unlike traditional LED sets, OLED TVs negate the use of regular backlighting altogether, employing a massive array of self-emissive pixels instead. The best part: These pixels are individually controllable, meaning that when one is turned off, that cell becomes completely black. This is why OLEDs are hailed for their amazing inky black levels, a feat only rivaled by outdated plasma TV technology and some of the most expensive QLED sets on the market.

LG is the brand of choice when it comes to OLED sets, and the company’s LG Display division produces OLED panels that other TV brands, like Sony, use to build their own OLED TVs. And right now, our favorite OLED on the market is the incredible LG G2 Gallery Series, a marvel of modern OLED tech. From its arresting brightness (not something we usually say about OLED TVs) to its jaw-dropping colors and contrast, the G2 Series is the OLED to beat all OLEDs, but there are plenty of other great options, too.

Whether you’re looking for the best OLED TV money can buy or want to invest in a budget-friendly model, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up all the best OLED TVs for 2022.

lg g2 oled evo gallery series tv review
Riley Young/Digital Trends

65-inch LG G2 Gallery Series

The best OLED TV

  • Class-leading brightness
  • Outstanding color accuracy
  • Perfect black levels
  • Top choice for gamers
  • Top-notch design
  • Disappointing stand-mount option

Why you should buy it: If you’ve been hesitant about jumping the QLED ship in favor of the kind of color and contrast accuracy that only an OLED can deliver, LG’s G2 Series is the perfect transitional set.

Who it’s for: Those of us that want the best OLED TV that money can buy, complete with all the latest webOS-powered smart features.

Why we picked the LG G2 Gallery Series:

We can’t beat around the bush with this one: The LG G2 Series is the best OLED TV we’ve ever had the honor of testing, and with plenty of laurels to cover, let’s get things started by talking about just how breathtaking the picture is on this bad boy.

Everything from movies and TV shows to video games will look and perform better than ever with the LG G2. Not only does this 4K OLED achieve perfect black levels and beautifully deep colors (for both SDR and HDR content), but LG’s fine-tuned OLED EVO screen delivers some of the best peak brightness levels we’ve ever seen on an OLED set, trending ever-closer to the kind of brilliance you’ll only find on QLED TVs, which are known for brightness.

The G2’s four HDMI 2.1 inputs all support 4K/120Hz, on top of NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD Free-Sync, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), along with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support, making this an ideal TV for movie diehards and heavy-duty gamers.

LG is one of a few TV brands that uses its own smart TV user interface, and the company’s latest iteration of webOS gets you connected to all of your favorite streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, and even allows you to pair and cast content to your LG G2 from a mobile device or a computer.

As part of LG’s Gallery lineup, the G2 is specifically designed to look its best hanging from your wall like a piece of art, and it even comes with a custom mount that gets the TV as close to the wall as possible.

LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo Gallery Edition G2 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV, 120Hz Refresh Rate, AI-Powered 4K, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, WiSA Ready, Cloud Gaming (OLED65G2PUA, 2022)
65-inch LG G2 Gallery Series
The best OLED TV
lg c2 oled 4k hdr tv review db 53
Dan Baker/Digital Trends

65-inch LG C2 Series

The runner-up

  • Slick new design
  • Improved peak brightness
  • Excellent black levels
  • Solid color accuracy and gamut
  • Great for gamers
  • Some peak brightness artifacts
  • Complex smart TV system

Why you should buy it: You don’t want to make the kind of investment that a flagship set like the G2 demands, but you still expect an amazing picture from your OLED TV.

Who it’s for: LG devotees who want one of the best OLED TVs the company has ever made.

Why we picked the LG C2 Series:

There’s not much in the way of picture quality specs to differentiate LG’s C2 Series from the G2 family, so if you’re looking to save a few dollars on your next big OLED purchase, opting for the former is not a bad idea at all. In fact, the C2 Series even comes in a few more sizes than its flagship older brother, offering a 42-inch and a 48-inch version of the premium set for those of us who may want to use an OLED TV as a gaming monitor.

While the G2 looks its best when wall-mounted, there’s a little bit of extra bulk in the overall chassis to get the TV as close to the wall as possible, a design choice negated by the C2 in favor of a much thinner profile and an included pedestal that keeps the TV wobble-free on your entertainment center.

In terms of overall picture quality and performance, the C2 essentially checks all the same boxes as the G2. Four HDMI 2.1 inputs deliver 4K/120Hz, supported HDR formats include Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, and the C2 is tailor-made for gaming too, thanks to the inclusion of NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD Free-Sync, and VRR support. The C2 is also equipped with the same lightning-fast version of webOS that the G2 uses.

Side by side, the G2 Series does deliver a slightly brighter and more colorful picture than the C2 model, but it’s a small variance of nits that separate the top dog from the much-esteemed runner-up.

LG - OLED Evo C2 Series 65” Alexa Built-in 4k Smart TV
65-inch LG C2 Series
The runner-up
lg c1 oled tv review oled65c1pub 4k hdr
Dan Baker/Digital Trends

65-inch LG C1 Series

Almost as good as the C2, but cheaper

  • Excellent Contrast
  • Perfect Black Levels
  • Improved Processing
  • Great For Gaming
  • Impressive Sound
  • Sluggish User Menus
  • Confusing picture settings

Why you should buy it: Unrivaled gaming features are just the tip of the iceberg for this awesome OLED TV.

Who it’s for: Those who want an OLED TV that combines great picture quality with leading-edge gaming tech — without spending more for a fancy design.

Why we picked the LG C1 Series:

If you want to save some money while keeping all of the features that matter to a gamer, the abovementioned LG C2 is the TV we’d point you toward. But if you want to save even more money, you can still get your hands on LG’s 2021 C1 Series.

Granted, it doesn’t have the OLED Evo panel, but virtually every other feature from the C2 has been kept intact, including all of the gaming-centric ones, such as 4K gaming at 120Hz, VRR, the Game Optimizer, and Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync Premium technologies.

When you’re not gaming, the C1 Series is also an exceptional TV for movies, TV shows, and sports. Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG are all supported, and LG’s Alpha 9 Gen 4 A.I. Processor does a fantastic job of upscaling all kinds of non-4K content to near-4K quality, with almost no loss of sharpness.

Sure, it’s not as bright or colorful as the 2022 C2 Series, but the C1 Series is still a phenomenal LG OLED that’s worth grabbing while supplies last.

LG C1 Series 65" 4K OLED TV
65-inch LG C1 Series
Almost as good as the C2, but cheaper
sony a95k qd oled tv review xr 55a95k 65a95k 7
Dan Baker/Digital Trends

65-inch Sony A95K QD-OLED

The best OLED for videophiles

  • Next-level color purity
  • High color brightness
  • Wide color gamut
  • Perfect black levels
  • Great sound

Why you should buy it: You care deeply about picture quality and don’t want to buy another TV for a solid five years or so.

Who it’s for: Picture connoisseurs who have long-awaited the joining of hands between the OLED screen and quantum dots.

Why we picked the Sony Bravia A95K:

Holy TV, the Sony A95K is one for the history books. What we’ve got here is something a little outside the box in terms of overall design. Traditionally, OLED panels contain nothing outside of self-emissive pixels for display tech, relegating brightness, colors, and contrast to the individual on/off control of each cell. But in 2022, both Sony and Samsung dazzled the TV world with an all-new kind of TV: the QD-OLED.

Sony’s take on this state-of-the-art display is the impressive Bravia A95K. At the surface, we’re working with an OLED screen, and one that achieves some of the most accurate colors and contrast we’ve ever seen in our many years of reviewing TVs. Then, when you factor in the fine-tuning, upscaling, and calibration delivered by the Cognitive XR Processor, you end up with a TV that delivers up to 200% more color brightness when compared to a traditional OLED set — talk about accolades!

The A95K is also equipped with four HDMI inputs, two of which can handle 4K/120Hz, along with G-Sync, Free-Sync, and VRR support, making this an ideal TV for gamers and movie-lovers. And when we mentioned color brightness, the true way to put the A95K to the test is by watching something in HDR. Fortunately, this monster of a TV supports Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode, ensuring that all your favorite HDR movies and shows look as vibrant and lifelike as possible.

You’ll also be able to connect to your favorite streaming apps with the A95K’s intelligent Google TV user interface, which even allows you to cast content from your mobile device to the TV.

While the price may be a bit out of reach for some, it’s hard to come by a TV that does all the amazing things that the A95K is capable of.

Sony BRAVIA XR A95K 65"
65-inch Sony A95K QD-OLED
The best OLED for videophiles
samsung s95b oled tv review qn65s95b tizen interface
Riley Young/Digital Trends

65-inch Samsung S95B QD-OLED

An OLED for Samsung fans

  • High overall brightness
  • Excellent color brightness
  • Superior contrast
  • Perfect blacks/uniformity
  • Great for gaming
  • First-gen technology
  • Size limits

Why you should buy it: You’re after the rich colors and inky blacks that only an OLED can deliver, and you wouldn’t mind some class-leading brightness levels as well.

Who it’s for: Samsung fans that want one of the best TVs the brand has ever produced, at least in terms of brightness and color accuracy.

Why we picked the Samsung S95B:

We mentioned that both Sony and Samsung are the two TV brands that took the world by storm in 2022 with the release of each company’s QD-OLED sets. And seeing as we already covered the A95K, we would be remiss to not include Samsung’s take on the all-new picture tech: the S95B.

When it comes to picture quality, the S95B tops the charts in the color brightness department. Sure, it may not reach the peak brightness levels of something like the QN90B (a Samsung QLED TV), but color brightness adds layers of immersion, making reds, yellows, greens, and blues all the more punchier, especially when viewed in HDR picture modes.

Speaking of which, the S95B supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats. And while Dolby Vision is currently missing from the list, the S95B more than makes up for the loss with Dolby Atmos support, four HDMI 2.1 inputs, and a fully-loaded Tizen user interface for all your smart TV needs.

This is a first-gen take on a brand-new picture tech, and some of the TV’s upscaling features aren’t quite as strong as we’d like to see. That being said, we’re betting that with a few strong software patches, some of these calibration issues will be taken care of.

SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class OLED 4K S95B Series - Quantum HDR OLED Self-Illuminating LED Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (QN65S95BAFXZA, 2022 Model)
65-inch Samsung S95B QD-OLED
An OLED for Samsung fans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an OLED TV?

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, and its signature characteristic is that each pixel on the screen of an OLED TV emits its own light and color.

OLED versus QLED: Which is better?

Be sure to check out our QLED versus OLED explainer. In general, OLED TVs produce a higher-quality image than QLED TVs, but there are caveats. QLED TVs get brighter, and so they’re the better choice for brightly-lit rooms.

Is OLED better than 4K?

Trick question! OLED is a description of a kind of TV display, whereas 4K refers to a TV’s native resolution. Like LED and QLED TVs, you can buy 4K and even 8K OLED TVs — the choice is yours.

What should I look for in an OLED TV?

f you’re a gamer, make sure your OLED TV supports HDMI 2.1 at the least, and in an ideal world, it should have Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, too. If you’re a cinephile or video maven, find a model with the best picture processing.

Is OLED the best TV technology?

We think OLED TVs produce the best overall image quality, but in the not-so-distant future, it’s possible that microLED or mini-LED-based QLED TVs could steal the OLED TV’s crown.

Do OLED TVs have HDR?

Yes, all OLED TVs are compatible with at least HDR10 — the most common HDR format — while most offer support for HLG and Dolby Vision, too.

Do OLED TVs have problems with burn-in?

For the vast majority of buyers, burn-in will not be a problem, but it can happen. When it occurs, it’s usually because someone has set their OLED TV to show a TV channel or a video game that has on-screen graphics that don’t move much or at all and left it there for many hours each day, for many days in a row.

Who makes the best OLED TV?

Right now, all OLED TV panels are produced by LG Display, and we believe that LG Electronics makes the best overall OLED TV: the G2 Gallery Series. That said, Sony’s image processing is slightly better, so if image perfection is your main yardstick, a Sony OLED TV is a great way to go.

Is an OLED TV worth it?

Yes. OLED TVs are definitely expensive when compared to some other options, but their black levels, contrast, and color make for an awesome viewing experience.

Editors’ Recommendations



The best QLED TVs for 2022: Bring on the brightness

When LED TVs hit shelves over 10 years ago, consumers were beyond elated. Never before had we seen such arresting levels of brightness on our TVs, making everything from regular cable channels to Blu-ray discs look and feel all the more vibrant. But like all things AV-related, the introduction of LED lighting was only the beginning. Nowadays, one of the two biggest draws when it comes to TVs is the almighty “QLED” moniker (the other is OLED).

“QLED” refers to something called quantum dots, a layer of charged particles that emit incredible amounts of colored light when energy is passed through them. A staple of Samsung TVs, QLED sets can now be found from brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio, too.

If you like your TV to be bold in every way, a QLED set is a fantastic choice for picture tech, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to choose the right set for your home. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and created this roundup of the best QLED TVs for 2022.

Samsung 2022 QN90B 4K Neo QLED TV.

65-inch Samsung QN90B

The best QLED TV

  • Powerful brightness and rich colors
  • Four HDMI 2.1 inputs
  • Excellent gaming features
  • Sleek and intuitive smart TV interface
  • Some issues with light blooming
  • No Dolby Vision support

Why you should buy it: Samsung’s QN90B delivers one of the most vibrant and colorful pictures of any QLED on the market, and the black levels are pretty amazing, too.

Who it’s for: Those of us that cannot part ways with the arresting brightness of a QLED screen, but want to dip our toes into OLED waters, too.

Why we chose the Samsung QN90B:

Samsung has been the undisputed champion of QLED technology for several years now, and if you’re looking for one of the best QLEDs that money can buy, look no further than the amazing QN90B.

Available in several sizes (from 43 inches to 85 inches), the muscle behind the QN90B’s incredible visuals goes to Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor 4K and Quantum Matrix Technology, a combination of clarity and contrast picture engines that deliver chart-topping peak brightness levels and stellar color brightness, too. And while the QN90B does a great job at making all sources look great, it’s HDR-viewing (the QN90B supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats) that truly puts the TV over the edge.

Do keep in mind that because we’re dealing with mini-LED lighting here, light blooming can be a little bit of an issue during significantly dark scenes in movies and shows, a minor blip in an otherwise perfect picture.

The QN90B is also a solid TV for those of us looking to future-proof our AV systems. With all four HDMI inputs (each capable of 4K/120Hz) classed as 2.1 ports, you’ll be able to wire up all your go-to streaming devices and next-gen gaming consoles for years to come. The QN90B also includes a number of gaming must-haves, including NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD Free-Sync, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support.

In terms of sound, thanks to HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos enthusiasts will be able to use the QN90B as a gateway to one of the most immersive surround sound codecs available. And if you’re not using an AV receiver or soundbar to experience your audio, the QN90B’s Object Tracking Sound+ does a decent job at creating a balanced and believable soundstage right from the TV speakers.

Behind the scenes, Samsung’s calling card Tizen OS is the brains behind the user interface and the QN90B’s smart TV features, allowing access to an immense library of apps, games, and screen mirroring options for mobile devices.

Visually stunning and feature-rich, the Samsung QN90B is our favorite QLED TV, and we’ll be singing its praises for some time.

SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90B Series Mini LED Quantum HDR 32x, Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+, Anti-Glare, Ultra Viewing Angle, Smart TV with Alexa Built-In (QN65QN90BAFXZA, 2022 Model)
65-inch Samsung QN90B
The best QLED TV
Samsung 2022 QN900B 8K Neo QLED TV.
Samsung

65-inch Samsung QN900B

The best 8K QLED TV

  • Capable of 8K resolution
  • Four HDMI 2.1 inputs
  • Enhanced clarity and contrast picture engines
  • Great smart TV platform
  • Expensive
  • No Dolby Vision support
  • Not practical for some viewers

Why you should buy it: You want all the same great picture tech and smart features of the Samsung QN90B, in addition to future-proofed 8K resolution.

Who it’s for: Those of us that want to experience the mind-bending beauty of 4K content upscaled to 8K standards.

Why we chose the Samsung QN900B:

In the world of consumer tech, hardware often arrives at the party far earlier than software and content. And in the case of the Samsung QN900B, the early bird is the TV’s 8K panel.

As of yet, 8K resolution is a picture standard we’re still working towards. Yes, you can find some 8K videos on YouTube and Vimeo, but that’s about it for now. That being said, the QN900B is going to look amazing, no matter the source you’re pumping into it. In fact, you can think of this set as an elevated version of the QN90B.

With the QN900B, you’re getting everything that makes the QN90B a phenomenal set, from four HDMI 2.1 inputs to stand-out gaming features and HDR support, but with a little extra push in the clarity and upscaling departments, thanks to Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 8K and Quantum Matrix Tech Pro.

The QN900B also touts Samsung’s Infinity Screen, a near bezel-less design that accentuates just how gripping the picture actually is. At around $3,500 for the 65-inch (also available in 75- and 85-inch sizes), the QN900B may not be the QLED for everyone, but when it comes to 8K, we can’t think of a better choice.

SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Neo QLED 8K QN900B Series Mini LED Quantum HDR 48x, Infinity Screen, Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Pro, Smart TV with Alexa Built-In (QN65QN900BFXZA, 2022 Model)
65-inch Samsung QN900B
The best 8K QLED TV
hisense u8h mini led tv review 4k
Zeke Jones/Digital Trends

55-inch Hisense U8H

The best QLED for brightness

  • Intensely bright
  • Class-leading black levels
  • Impressive HDR imaging
  • Vibrant, accurate Color
  • Surprisingly Good Sound
  • Quirky user interface
  • Some bugs

Why you should buy it: You’re not into dropping thousands of dollars for a flagship TV, but still want a high-performance set from a trusted name.

Who it’s for: Those looking to get their hands on a great QLED TV for a great price.

Why we chose the Hisense U8H:

Hisense continues to chart its course as one of the best TV brands in the world of TVs, and with the release of the mini-LED powered U8H, the company has set the bar high for its budget brand competitors.

Simply put, it’s hard to beat the kind of brightness, colors, contrast, and motion that the U8H is capable of, and even when compared to some of the best TVs from the likes of Samsung, Sony, and LG, the U8H still delivers some of the highest numbers we’ve seen in a QLED. We’re talking close to 2,000 nits for specular highlights in HDR, with a sustained output of around 1,500 nits. Believe us, that’s pretty astonishing.

Out of the box, we did have a few qualms with some of the default picture settings, and while the Google TV user interface is fairly easy to navigate and customize, we found it difficult to use when trying to access some of the TV’s basic picture settings. But when you consider the TV’s two HDMI 2.1 inputs, 120Hz refresh rate, and VRR and Free-Sync Premium support, it’s almost like the value never ends.

Hisense U8H QLED Series Quantum 4K ULED Mini-LED 55-Inch Class Google Smart TV with Alexa Compatibility, Quantum Dot, 1500-nit HDR10+, and Dolby Vision (55U8H, 2022 Model)
55-inch Hisense U8H
The best QLED for brightness
sony bravia x95k mini led tv review db 36
Dan Baker/Digital Trends

55-inch Sony Bravia X95K

The best QLED for videophiles

  • Rich, vibrant color
  • Vivid HDR highlights
  • Superior highlight and shadow detail
  • Excellent Sound
  • Some slight blooming/halo
  • VRR disables local dimming

Why you should buy it: Sony has long been the undisputed champ of LCD-LED picture realism, and the company’s X95K is another notch in the lifelike-accuracy belt.

Who it’s for: Those of us that want the most immersive TV picture we can get our eyes on.

Why we picked the Sony Bravia X95K:

If you’re looking for Sony’s best picture, and don’t want to invest in the expensive but stunning QD-OLED A95K, the X95K QLED is a second-best that looks and feels like a lot like its much more expensive older brother.

Incredible color accuracy and saturation is the name of the game here, with the X95K capable of delivering some very lifelike visuals, one of Sony’s many calling cards over the last decade or so. And with its incredible mini-LED backlighting and whip-fast dimming zones, the X95K punches high above its weight. You’re also working with four HDMI inputs (4K/120Hz), one of which features eARC support for all our Dolby Atmos diehards out there.

Even from a sound perspective, the X95K achieves a much bigger and more balanced sense of soundstaging than last year’s X95J model. Of course, no TV can deliver the full gravitas of a soundbar or dedicated surround-sound system.

Off-angle viewing with the X95K is okay, although some color highlights and overall contrast tend to take a hit, but this is rather par for the course when it comes to any kind of LED-powered set. And seeing as this is a Sony, the user interface and smart TV features are powered by Google TV, a quick and intuitive platform that connects you with all your favorite streaming apps and even allows you to mirror content from your phone to the X95K.

Whether you’re a first-time Sony buyer or a returning fan, the X95K is one of the best-looking QLEDs we’ve laid eyes on this year.

Sony BRAVIA XR A95K 55"
55-inch Sony Bravia X95K
The best QLED for videophiles
The Sony Bravia XR X95J 4K TV in the living room.
Sony

65-inch Sony Bravia X95J

Another great Sony QLED

  • Stunning brightness and colors
  • Four HDMI 2.1 inputs
  • Incredible HDR support
  • Smooth and responsive Google TV interface
  • A little difficult to find

Why you should buy it: Sony’s image processing is second to none, and this is one of the company’s best 4K QLED TVs.

Who it’s for: Anyone who puts a priority on picture quality above all else.

Why we picked the Sony Bravia XR X95J:

It doesn’t seem to matter whether we’re watching Sony’s latest OLED or QLED models, they just keep nailing picture processing. And such is the case, yet again, with the almighty Sony Bravia X95J.

Chief amongst the set’s picture technologies is something called Cognitive Processor XR Pro. The engine employs artificial intelligence to adjust the way images appear on the screen. Instead of treating the entire image as a single entity, Cognitive Processor XR purports to analyze all of the different elements that make up the image, treating each as its own object — much the way our brains do.

Pair this new image-processing tech with support for HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Netflix Calibrated modes, and it’s clear why the X95J is a cineaste’s dream come true.

But there’s more to the X95J than just image quality — way more, in fact. Sony has thrown in the full HDMI 2.1 spec, complete with HDMI eARC, VRR (following a software update), ALLM, and 4K video at 120Hz. There’s also support for the Apple TV app, Apple AirPlay 2, Apple HomeKit, and Chromecast. With far-field microphones, you can do hands-free voice commands with Google Assistant, or with the TV’s own built-in search system.

Sound is also a strong point thanks to Sony’s Acoustic Multi-Audio — which embeds multiple speakers into the TV’s frame — and its ability to virtualize Dolby Atmos, giving a simulated sense of width and height to surround sound movies and shows.

65-inch BRAVIA X95J
65-inch Sony Bravia X95J
Another great Sony QLED
tcl 6 series r655 tv review 2022 mini led qled dt ry 7
Riley Young

75-inch TCL 6-Series (R655)

The best big-screen QLED

  • Punchy HDR brightness and color
  • Minimal backlight blooming
  • Good motion resolution
  • Great viewing angles
  • Intuitive Roku interface
  • Requires adjustment for best picture
  • Struggles to clean up low-quality content

Why you should buy it: When it’s a large screen that you’re seeking, the 75-inch TCL 6-Series is an excellent option, especially if you’re looking to save a few bucks.

Who it’s for: Fans of the Roku TV OS and TCL — a match made in heaven for those of us that tend to go toward budget TV purchases.

Why we chose the TCL 6-Series:

A solid foe to the Hisense U8H, the all-new TCL 6-Series is available in three different sizes — 55-, 65-, and 75-inch options — but it’s the latter that truly catches our attention. Simply put, if you’re looking for a large screen, this is a surefire contender.

Powered by the Roku TV OS for all things smart TV and user interface-oriented, those familiar with the look and feel of Roku’s platform will feel right at home, with a minimal learning curve for first-time users. You’ll have access to a number of popular apps (billed as Streaming Channels), from Netflix to Disney+, with the ability to mirror content from your mobile devices, too.

And in terms of picture quality, the TCL 6-Series rocks a mini-LED powered 4K screen, complete with four HDMI inputs, a 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent gaming perks, too (including VRR and AMD Free-Sync Premium Pro support). It’s not the brightest or most colorful set we’ve ever laid our eyes on, but the TCL 6-Series delivers the kind of image that most viewers will be glad to write home about.

TCL 6-Series R655 2022 model
75-inch TCL 6-Series (R655)
The best big-screen QLED
tcl 6 series google tv r646 review feature

65-inch TCL 6-Series (R646)

The best budget QLED TV

  • Bright, vivid picture with deep blacks
  • Very good color accuracy
  • Zippy mini-LED backlight control
  • 4K 120Hz capable for gaming
  • High value
  • Glitchy operation
  • No input button on remote

Why you should buy it: TCL combines the elegant Roku TV interface with QLED and mini-LED technologies at an unbeatable price.

Who it’s for: Those who want a premium TV without the premium price.

Why we picked the TCL 6-Series (2021):

Last year, TCL introduced mini-LED backlighting on the 6-Series, proving that the miniaturized light sources can make a big difference in contrast, black levels, and detail. And based on our hands-on experience with the R646, we love the end result.

Brightness soars with this TV, especially when it comes to peak nit output. The vivid visuals are present when it comes to color brightness too, making for a budget QLED that is packed with lots of punch and kick in the picture department, and for a relatively low price.

The 6-Series is also optimized for gaming, with its four HDMI inputs supporting 4K/120Hz, making this a blistering-fast choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X enthusiasts. In terms of overall picture upscaling, the 6-Series doesn’t touch the kind of cleanup powers you’ll find on higher-priced sets from Samsung and Sony, but for those of us that plan to do most of our TV-watching with Netflix and other mainline streaming apps, the TCL 6-Series (R646) is an excellent budget option.

TCL 6-Series Google TV (R646)
65-inch TCL 6-Series (R646)
The best budget QLED TV

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QLED TV?

The “Q” in QLED stands for quantum dot, a nanoparticle that emits light when energized. Quantum dots can be tuned to emit specific wavelengths of light, so TV makers add green and red quantum dots in a layer over their blue LED backlights, which creates a much purer white light than a single LED backlight can create on its own. With a pure white backlight, the TV’s color filters can produce much more accurate colors, leading to significantly better picture quality than regular LED TVs.

UHD vs. QLED: What’s the difference?

UHD stands for ultra-high definition, also known as 4K. It’s a description of resolution, or the number of pixels that make up an on-screen image. It can refer to the resolution of a specific piece of content (many streaming services offer movies in UHD) as well as the native resolution of a TV. QLED refers to the kind of display technology a TV uses (see above). QLED TVs come in various native resolutions, from HD to 8K, including UHD.

Is QLED better than OLED?

It depends. Right now, QLED TVs are capable of getting brighter than OLED TVs, which deliver better black levels and contrast. We feel that OLED TVs still produce a better overall picture quality, but if your viewing area is especially bright, or if you want a really big screen, QLED models might be a better choice for you.

Is QLED the best TV technology?

Once again, it depends on your particular situation. For instance, if you want a TV for your patio, where it will experience partial or full sun, an OLED TV simply won’t get bright enough to compete with all that daylight, and a QLED TV is definitely superior. On the other hand, if you can darken your media room whenever you want, an OLED TV will still deliver the deepest blacks and highest contrast.

What should I look for in a QLED TV?

Finding the right QLED TV for you is all about balancing size, picture quality, features, and price. First, figure out your budget, then prioritize the rest of your list. If getting the biggest TV for your money is the top priority, you’ll be able to find 75-inch and larger models from brands like TCL, Vizio, Hisense, and LG that are still quite affordable. If picture quality matters more – especially when viewing HDR material – you should choose a model with a very high peak brightness. If gaming is a top consideration, make sure you find a model that’s equipped with VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz for the best possible experience.

Which is the best Samsung QLED TV?

Samsung has two flagship QLED models depending on whether you want 8K resolution. The QN900B is the company’s top 8K model, and the QN90B is its top 4K model.

Are QLED TVs good for gaming?

Yes, but picking the right model is key. You’ll want to look for a TV that has the latest HDMI 2.1 features, like VRR, ALLM, and 4K at 120Hz. Another feature that gamers will appreciate is support for AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync, which are two proprietary VRR technologies used by game consoles like the Xbox Series X and many gaming PCs.

Do QLED TVs have problems with burn-in?

No. Burn-in is a permanent form of image retention caused by leaving the same image on a TV for many hours at a time. In OLED TVs, this can cause individual pixels to age prematurely, leaving the “shadow” of some parts of the image on screen even after the image has changed. Because QLED TVs use a backlight for their brightness, their pixels aren’t susceptible to this kind of uneven aging.

How long do QLED TVs last?

Theoretically, a QLED TV will outlast an OLED TV, at least in terms of maximum brightness, because OLED pixels lose their ability to produce brightness at a faster rate than a QLED TV’s backlight. But you would likely have to keep your TV on for eight hours a day, seven days a week, for many, many years before this difference became noticeable. That said, a QLED TV should last a decade or more as long as none of its individual components fail — something that can be hard to predict even for the best TVs.

When will QLED prices drop?

QLED prices, much like OLED prices, are dropping all the time. A few years ago, you’d need to spend well over $2,000 for a 65-inch QLED TV. Today, you can find them for less than half that price.

Is a QLED worth it?

Definitely. If you have a choice between a standard LED TV and a QLED TV, the QLED model will deliver brighter, more accurate colors, which should yield a better image overall. And as QLED TVs become the norm for non-OLED models, you won’t have to pay much of a price premium to get one.

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