TCL C81 Mini LED Gen 7 TV: 65", 75", 85" and 98 inches

The C81K Mini LED TV series therefore has, like the C8K, four references: the TCL 65C81K (165 cm), TCL 75C81K (191 cm), TCL 85C81K (216 cm) and TCL 98C81K (249 cm).

TCL C81K, 7th generation Mini LED backlight system££££ Like our C8K TVs, the Gen 7 Mini LED backlight system which equips the C81K diffusers is of OD10 obedience. Evolution of the specimens embedded in the 2024 TV series, TCL evokes the term Micro OD by specifying that the latter improves the uniformity of the image in unprecedented proportions of 143%.

For the rest, we find a native 10-bit [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] panel and a refresh rate of 144 hertz. In terms of the number of zones, nothing changes with 1,680 zones for the 65" model, 2,176 zones for the 75" model, 2,880 zones for the 85" model and 3,480 zones for the 98-inch model.

These diffusers are equipped with very small diodes measuring 100 microns and equipped with a lens that improves the light diffusion angle to 160°, compared to 130° for previous models. This lens not only improves screen uniformity by reducing the Clouding phenomenon by 60.63%, but also minimizes Blooming, which manifests itself as halos around the luminous elements on a dark background, thanks to an optimized shape for a significantly better controlled light path (less leakage and less disturbance of neighboring diodes). Also worth knowing about the diodes that equip this seventh generation Mini LED, their brightness is 33% higher than the previous generation while consuming approximately 40% less energy.

Of course, the TCL C81K's backlighting system incorporates the technological advances of previous models, the TCL C89B or TCL X955. The LED diodes used are identical in terms of colorimetric characteristics, guaranteeing optimal image homogeneity. In addition, these LEDs are capable of changing state very quickly, eliminating shadows on moving objects thanks to Direct Drive technology. This precise 23-bit brightness control ensures faithful reproduction of the slightest image variations. Thus, these are taken into account and reproduced on the screen for increased realism. As a result, the light halo phenomenon is reduced by 96%: good news for better controlling Blooming linked to transmissive LCD technology.

Similarly, TCL announces that the diodes of the 7th generation Mini LED are capable of changing state extremely quickly, a time less than that required to display an image, even with a 120 hertz signal. Thus, there is no latency between the signal and the response of the diodes, which until now was the cause of a slight blurring of the image and a lack of dynamics. TCL calls this capacity of its Mini LED 2025 system Zero Delay Transient Response.

To conclude the hardware improvements concomitant with this 7th generation Mini LED signed TCL, it is necessary to mention the Crystglow WHVA Panel process. Already mentioned in our news relating to the Samsung 2025 TV range, this one offers a wider viewing angle, more or less equivalent to that of IPS LCD panels, associated with a coating high-performance anti-glare.

TCL C81K, technical specifications and connectivity££££

The TCL C81K displays a significant peak brightness of 4,500 nits for the 65" and 75", 5,000 nits for the 85" and 98 inches. They also feature QLED Pro technology allowing 97% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut thanks to nanocrystals with a new alloy for a more pronounced reaction to light. TCL mentions more "vibrant" nanocrystals and increased longevity, 100,000 hours of viewing in the best conditions, that is to say, benefiting from preserved Quantum Dots qualities (before degradation). HDR10, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, and HDR Dolby Vision technologies are supported, along with Dolby Vision IQ (light sensor). Other features include Filmmaker Mode, Imax Enhanced certification, 120 Hz MEMC motion compensation, and an anti-blue light mode. All implemented by the AiPQ Pro processor. Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode is planned via a firmware update by the end of 2025.

In terms of connectivity, the TCL C81K TVs are equipped with four [abc]HDMI[/abc] ports called [abc]2.1[/abc] (actually one [abc]HFR[/abc] 4K/144, one [abc]HFR[/abc] 4K/120 and two 60 Hz, Pentonic 700 chip) certified [abc]eARC[/abc], [abc]VRR[/abc] and [abc]ALLM[/abc]. Other connectors include an [abc]optical[/abc] output, a [abc]USB[/abc][abc]3.0[/abc] port, a USB Host 2.0 port, an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port, a headphone output and a [abc]CI+ port[/abc].

TCL C81K, 4.2.2 sound section££££ The TCL C81K televisions are equipped with 4.2.2 sound equipment by Bang & Olufsen delivering a total power of 90 W, compatible with [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc], [abc]DTS:X[/abc], [abc]DTS-HD[/abc] and DTS Virtual:X. Precision, the TCL C8K screens have a [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2, [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2 and [abc]DVB-C[/abc] tuner.

TCL C81K, Smart Google TV££££ As for Smart TV features, the TCL C81K televisions run on Google TV (Android 12) and support [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6 connectivity as well as [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4. [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc] and HomeKit certifications, as well as compatibility with Alexa, are also present, allowing for seamless integration into a connected environment. Finally, the TCL C81K TVs are ready for the Gemini voice assistant intended to replace Google Assistant in the coming months (see our news Google Assistant is over).

TCL C81K, Game Master Pro function with DLG 288 Hz££££ TCL has not forgotten video game fans with the new Game Master Pro feature. In addition to managing the 144 Hz frequency, FreeSync Premium Pro and direct access to various TV settings to optimize the gaming experience via the Game Bar, the TCL C81K TVs have minimal Input Lag, less than 6 ms in the presence of a 120 hertz signal.

Finally, DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology is present. The latter, by halving the vertical resolution (so in [abc]1 080p[/abc] and not [abc]2 160p[/abc]), offers a 288 Hz display for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

TCL C81K, minimalist design££££ Another remarkable point of the TCL C81K TVs is the almost total disappearance of the LCD panel frame. This is still visible at the bottom of the LCD panel but it is very fine everywhere else (see photos above and below). If we add to this an image that literally licks the edge of the screen (the black surround of the matrix is now just a memory, the image now occupying 100% of the panel), the final rendering is absolutely splendid. Sober, elegant, statutory! Lastly, the TCL C81K TVs have a central stand except for the 98" model which has a double stand (at each end of the screen).

Immediate availability. Indicative prices: €1,499 for the TCL 65C8K, €1,899 for the TCL 75C8K, €2,499 for the TCL 85C8K and €3,499 for the TCL 98C8K.

Reminder of the key characteristics of the TCL C81K TVs:

• 10-bit panel

• [abc]LCD[/abc] VA panel

• [abc]Ultra HD[/abc]/[abc]4K[/abc] panel

• Crystglow WHVA Panel coating

• 144 Hz panel

• Processor: Quad Core

• Mega Contrast enhancement function

• Wide Color Gamut function

• UHD Color Extender function

• Multimedia gateway function [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])

• DVR function

• [abc]eARC[/abc] function

• [abc]VRR[/abc] function

• [abc]ALLM[/abc] (Auto Low Latency Mode) function

• 4K [abc]HFR[/abc] 120 function

• Quantum Dots function

• UHD Super Resolution function

• Game Master Pro function

• DLG 288 Hz function

• AiPQ Pro function

• Compatibility [abc]HDR10[/abc] and [abc]HDR HLG[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]HDR10+[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]HDR10+ Adaptive[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]Miracast[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]HDR Dolby Vision IQ[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]HEVC[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]HBBTV[/abc]

• Compatibility FreeSync Premium Pro

• Compatibility [abc]CEC[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]Canal Ready[/abc]

• Compatibility [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4

• DTS Virtual:X Compatibility

• [abc]DTS:X[/abc] Compatibility

• [abc]DTS-HD[/abc] Compatibility

• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.2 Compatibility

• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] ax Compatibility

• [abc]Chromecast (built-in)[/abc] Compatibility

• Filmmaker Mode

• Imax Enhanced Certification

• Outputs: 1 optical, 1 headphone

• Inputs: 4 [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 inputs (including two 60 Hz), 1 USB Host 3.0 port, 1 USB Host 2.0 port, 1 Ethernet port, 1 [abc]port CI+[/abc]

• Multimedia [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc]

• Multimedia HomeKit

• Multimedia Google Assistant

• Multimedia Works with Alexa

• Multimedia Google TV

• Multimedia Google Gemini

• MEMC Motion Compensation

• Mini [abc]LED[/abc] Backlight System [abc]Local Diming[/abc]

• Input Lag: < 6 ms

• Number of zones: 1,680 on the 65", 2,176 on the 75", 2,880 on the 85" and 3,480 on the 98"

• Peak brightness: 4,500 nits for the 65" and 75", 5,000 nits for the 85" and 98"

• Tuner [abc]DVB-T[/abc]2

• Tuner [abc]DVB-C[/abc]

• Tuner [abc]DVB-S[/abc]2

• Sound section: 4.2.2

• Power: 90 W

• Energy label: G