TVs have long since become much more than just a screen showing the evening news. Today they are a genuine design item. No living room is complete without a huge screen hanging on the wall. The problem starts when searching for a truly quality screen, because usually you will need to open your wallet wide. Therefore, when TCL launched the C6K model in 65 inches, it was intriguing to check whether this is a real solution for those seeking advanced viewing quality without taking out a loan, or just more of the same.

Before we dive into picture quality, sound, and new technologies, it’s time to talk about TCL itself. It is a large Chinese electronics manufacturer, currently considered one of the three biggest TV makers in the world, leading the category in number of models. The company specializes in producing screens with advanced technologies like QD Mini LED and QLED, focusing on products with a particularly high cost-benefit ratio. The company operates in more than 160 markets, with about 75,000 employees and 22 self-owned production bases worldwide. It offers a variety of electronics products such as TVs, washing machines, air conditioners, and more. In our country, at least for now, they are mainly known for their TVs.

QD Mini LED Technology: The colors of the expensive at the price of the reasonable

Let’s start with the truly important part – picture quality. The C6K is equipped with a QD Mini LED panel, a technology usually reserved for much more expensive screens. The idea is simple: tiny LED lights illuminate the screen more uniformly and offer vivid colors alongside improved contrast. The viewing experience is sharp and clear, with pleasant colors to the eye and good performance even in bright rooms. For the price range, this is excellent.

TCL C6K
TCL C6K (credit: David Rosenthal)

The brightness level in the unit I received for review stands at 1,000 nits, a relatively high number, meaning you won’t need to lower the blinds at noon to watch a Netflix series. For those who haven’t earned a degree in screen science, here’s a short explanation. A nit is a measure of screen brightness intensity — the higher the number of nits, the brighter the screen and the better it can handle strong light in the room. Mid-range QLED TVs peak at around 800 nits, so QD Mini LED brings a whole new level. Bottom line: You don’t need to darken the living room to enjoy a powerful viewing experience.

The model also includes an AI-based AIPQ Pro processor that can enhance content at lower resolutions. Broadcasts on regular channels — those often looking blurry on other screens — will be presented well here, and the improvement is noticeable. Does it work magic? No. Does it make basic HD broadcasts less blurry? Definitely yes.

The user experience is also worth mentioning. This is a screen running on the Google TV system, with apps pre-installed, a clean and easy-to-understand interface, and in my opinion one of the most user-friendly interfaces currently on the market. Moreover, TCL added a handy "floating interface" that allows changing picture or sound settings without leaving the content. It’s not revolutionary, but it works and it’s convenient.

Support for Apple users is also present with AirPlay and HomeKit – so if you use an iPhone or Mac, you can stream content directly to the screen or integrate it as part of a smart home. And of course, there is also the option to install the Apple TV+ streaming service app.

Dolby Vision and HDR10+: Is this close to OLED? Not really, so what?

And what about performance beyond viewing? Here the C6K has an ace up its sleeve: A 144 Hz refresh rate. Whether you play PlayStation or just enjoy watching soccer, the screen can display very smooth motion. The company told me that support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ adds a precise color dimension to streaming content; I wasn’t familiar with this, so I went to check and made a comparison. Is it close to the OLED experience? No. Does it look good on a screen costing less than half the price of OLED? Absolutely yes. But beyond that, not everyone needs OLED.

I do recognize the built-in sound system of the TCL C6K from the veteran Japanese company Onkyo, and it doesn’t surprise me: Clear sound, sufficient volume, and noticeable bass thanks to the internal subwoofer, which together provide a pleasant viewing experience for most content. Dialogues are heard well, and music in movies and series gains decent depth. There is no surround sound like in a dedicated soundbar, but for most users the built-in system will definitely suffice. Heavy sound enthusiasts can easily upgrade later.

TCL C6K
TCL C6K (credit: David Rosenthal)

In terms of design, the TCL C6K maintains a clean and modern look without trying to innovate forcefully, and it certainly works in its favor. The bezel is particularly thin, 5.6 cm thick, suitable for elegant wall mounting. The legs are conveniently placed on the sides of the screen, and there is enough space to place a soundbar without blocking the display. On the back of the screen, you’ll find four HDMI inputs including HDMI 2.0 and support for eARC for connecting advanced audio systems, alongside a wired network connection, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and WiFi standard 5. This is a practical and useful design focused on convenience and functionality, exactly what is expected from a TV of this kind.

The remote is also practical, with direct buttons for major streaming services and voice control via Google Assistant. Those who prefer to control via phone can use the TCL Home app, which offers useful features like screenshots, full volume control, and TV power on/off.

Less than NIS 4,000 for a 65-inch screen, and it shows for the better

Now to the question of questions — the price question. To enjoy all this goodness, you will need to spend about NIS 3,700 for the 65-inch size (official importer). For this amount, you get a Mini LED screen with good picture quality, a comfortable streaming experience, and an easy-to-use interface. This is an excellent solution for those wanting to upgrade their living room without unnecessary expenses.

Bottom line? The TCL C6K is not intended for extreme tech enthusiasts or those chasing absolute quality. But if you are looking for a large, quality screen, easy to use, and technologically advanced with good value for money, this is one of the more interesting offers currently on the market. The screen is also ideal for gamers seeking high performance. It is a TV that tries to offer the viewing experience of much more expensive screens, and you know what? It succeeds. It’s simply hard to ask for more than that.