TCL offered to test one of its latest flagships, a QLED-type Mini LED 4K HDR Premium TV. Spurred on by this booming technology, I just put your 55-inch TCL 55C825X1 into operation. Very interested first steps …
In fact, this model is distinguished not only by this technology, but also by its part of Dolby Atmos 2.1 audio signed by Onkyo and a rather sober and pleasant design. After carefully and always a bit stressful unpacking of this type of device, I noticed that the electrical plug was of the European type …
First steps, first impressions
No panic! Fortunately I had a suitable cable to operate this model (Plug) sold around 1600 Swiss francs on the web. During my first steps, this new TV offered me to retrieve a lot of information from an Android smartphone. The operation failed, so I manually entered the codes for my Google account.
Once this is done, we discover the interface of Android 11, very similar to that of version 9 of my Sony Bravia Master Series OLED TV, which served me as a stud. Navigation in the menus is fast and the launch of applications such as Arte TV, Disney + or Netflix is done at the speed of light. Note that some of these accounts offer alternative accelerated logins.
The limits of streaming on a very good screen …
First, when checking Netflix, I saw that the quality of the 4K stream was limited to just over 16 Mbits / sec. Pixel flights and various compression issues are sometimes very visible on this type of quality display. Once again we realize the gap that is widening between increasingly efficient displays and increasingly compressed streams …
In fact, when comparing this TCL mini LED Qled with my Sony OLED, Master Series, especially in Dolby Vision mode, I compared that in the same configuration, the two screens showed very close images of excellent quality. Afternoons are very deep and this TCL offers a very impressive light.
TCL 55C825X1 4K: Mini LED, QLED and HDR technology.
TCL 55C825X1: choosing your remote control …
TCL 55C825X1: two remote controls.
TCL 55C825X1: rear signed Onkyo.
TCL 55C825X1: the connections.
TCL 55C825X1: webcam module for Google Duo.
TCL 55C825X1: removable and detachable webcam module.
TCL 55C825X1: classic design.
TCL 55C825X1: Audio signed Onkyo.
TCL C82 series: test continuation will follow …
By the way, I have already been able to appreciate the two remote controls provided, see gallery on the side. Also, I must admit that I was quite impressed with the quality of the sound signed by Onkyo. If the system is very discreet, its quality is quite surprising, given the minimal volume …
I also examined the menus and noticed a certain efficiency now guaranteed by Android, even if on Sony TV important and security updates are sometimes long delayed … We will return in more detail in the coming weeks about the potential and performance of this TCL C82 series …
Xavier Studer