TCL 65-Inch Q68 QLED Pro 4K UHD Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and HDR Pro

Description

A Cinematic Experience with the TCL 65-Inch Q68 QLED Pro 4K UHD Smart TV

Testing the TCL 65-Inch Q68 QLED Pro 4K UHD Smart TV (65Q681G) has been quite the ride. From the moment I powered it on, I could tell this TV was designed to impress. The combination of Quantum Dot Technology, Dolby Vision, and HDR PRO+ creates a visual feast that brings movies, TV shows, and games to life. But as with every product, there are both bright spots and shadows to consider.

Design and Build Quality

This TV is a stunner. Its bezel-less design gives it a sleek and modern appeal that blends seamlessly into any living room. I particularly appreciated how thin the screen is—it measures only 2.91 inches deep—making it ideal for wall mounting or sitting elegantly on an entertainment unit. The build feels solid, albeit a bit heavy at 57.8 pounds, so I had to call in a friend to help set it up. The black finish is understated but elegant, adding to the TV’s sophisticated feel.

Picture Quality and Color Vibrancy

The QLED Quantum Dot Technology truly shines here, delivering colors that feel rich and lifelike. Watching nature documentaries was an absolute treat, with nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space covered, ensuring vivid greens, blues, and reds. The 4K UltraHD resolution is, of course, a huge improvement over standard HD, and combined with the HDR PRO+ (which supports formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG), the details in both dark and bright scenes were astonishing. Full Array Local Dimming with 150+ zones ensures deep blacks and great contrast, making nighttime scenes look as they should—dark but not murky.

The High Brightness PRO LED Backlight, capable of up to 600 nits peak brightness, adds to the cinematic experience by creating dazzling highlights. Whether it’s a sunlit beach or the glow of neon lights in a cyberpunk cityscape, the details are crystal clear. Honestly, I found myself pausing scenes just to admire the visuals. One minor gripe here: the screen’s brightness can sometimes overpower in darker rooms, which might require tweaking the settings.

Gaming Performance

As someone who enjoys gaming, the Game Accelerator 120 was a standout feature. With a 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR), gameplay felt incredibly smooth and responsive. I tested it on a fast-paced racing game, and there was no noticeable input lag, thanks to the Auto Game Mode (ALLM). This feature automatically switches to the lowest latency setting, ensuring I stayed ahead of the competition. Gamers will also appreciate the enhanced motion clarity provided by Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion.

However, I did notice that the TV’s performance dipped slightly with older games that don’t support higher refresh rates. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you’re a retro gaming enthusiast.

Sound Quality and Audio Settings

The audio quality was better than I expected from a flat-screen TV. The Dolby Atmos feature provides a spatial audio experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Explosions and subtle sound effects came through clearly, and the Enhanced Dialogue Mode was a blessing during dialogue-heavy dramas. I no longer had to rewind scenes to catch what was said. That said, the built-in speakers, while decent, don’t fully replace the need for a good soundbar or external speaker system if you’re an audiophile.

Key Benefits

• QLED Quantum Dot Technology for vibrant, lifelike colors.
• 120Hz VRR and Auto Game Mode for ultra-smooth gaming.
• Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and fine details.
• Bezel-less design for a sleek, modern look.

Areas for Improvement

• The screen’s brightness can be overwhelming in dimly lit rooms.
• Built-in speakers are decent but not outstanding for audiophiles.
• Slight performance dips with older gaming titles.

Product Competitors

Comparing this model to others in the market, the Samsung Q70A and LG C2 OLED come to mind. The Samsung Q70A also features Quantum Dot Technology, but it doesn’t quite match the TCL’s range of HDR formats. On the other hand, the LG C2 OLED offers superior black levels and infinite contrast, thanks to its OLED panel, but it comes at a significantly higher price point. Where the TCL shines is in its balance of features and affordability, offering a premium experience without breaking the bank.

Value for Money

Given its features, the price-to-quality ratio of this TV is impressive. Many high-end models with similar specifications cost significantly more, making this a smart spending option for those who want premium technology without overspending. The inclusion of Google TV and compatibility with Alexa further enhances its utility, offering a seamless and intuitive smart TV experience.

Overall, this TV offers a blend of cutting-edge features, robust performance, and appealing design, making it a strong contender in the competitive world of QLED TVs. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or someone just looking to upgrade their entertainment setup, it’s a choice worth considering.

Additional information