Hardware

Published on August 14th, 2022 | by James Wright

TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835) Review & TCL QLED 4K TV (65C735) Review: A Tale of 2 TV’s

TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835) Review & TCL QLED 4K TV (65C735) Review: A Tale of 2 TV’s

While in discussion with the excellent PR folk for TCL, Impulse Gamer was given the opportunity to review one of their new 2022 televisions and after receiving a message from the courier that a shipment was on the way, not one but two massive 65” TV’s had arrived… both different models! However like any good writer and reviewer, it was game on!

Challenge accepted TCL!

The first model was the TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835) which is the higher end model of the two and is at $2999AUD (August 2022), whereas the second unit was the TCL QLED 4K TV (65C735) with an even more affordable price point at just $1899AUD. If the 65” display is not the size for you, TCL also offer a 55” and even bigger 75” on both models plus a 85″ and a gigantic 98″ model on the 65C735.

Gallery and Comparison Differences

TCL QLED 4K TV (65C735) Model

The main difference with the television is that while both screens use QLED, the 65C835 supports the upgraded mini-LED technology that fits smaller pixels into the display that in turn creates sharper and brighter images, whereas the 65C735 uses the more available QLED technology which uses an LED backlight that projects onto a quantum dot layer. Both units deliver 4K UHD with a resolution of 3,840 by 2,160 and while both share similar technology, I’ve highlighted better features of each TV in red as a comparison below.

TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835) Model

As you can see, there are parallels amongst both units.

The Setup

Setting up the TV is an easy process and once the box straps are cut, you just remove the top part of the box, slide off and then install the stands. Regardless of size, two people are needed for this process. You can attach the new TCL TV’s to the wall (if you have the correct mounting installed) or install the included stands. Both stands are slightly different, however both use large Philips screws to secure them to the TV and the 65C835 is a heavier / stronger stand as it is a slightly heavier model.

65C835 & 65C835 Stands

The software setup for both models is done through a wizard via Google/Android 11 TV that will get up and running in no-time, which includes selecting your region, scanning free to air channels and connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Additionally you can tweak the video and audio settings or activate intelligent settings that automatically selects the best video and audio settings and/or choose automatic updates. In terms of registration, you do need to a gmail account to access Google TV and the TCL services. It is possible to use the TV without these options, although I can’t really see the point and if you want to protect your privacy, just create a second gmail accout.

The main menu on both models include TV, Input and Settings. Just below that are the main streaming options (which can be tailored) such as Netflix, TCL Channel (a free streaming from TCL), YouTube, Prime Video, MagicConnect (smart device connection) and Music as some of the options. Further, the operating system on both televisions is quite fast and responsive.

Kudos to TCL with their free streaming services as there are some gems hidden amongst this online channel.

The remotes are identical and more importantly are well designed and minimalistic. Gone are the days of an insanely amount of riduclous number of buttons that are not used. As a result, it’s easy to swap between various inputs, streaming services (Netflix, Stand, Prime Video, Disney+ YouTube and TCL Channel), including accessing Google TV and navigating the TV and online services in general. To activate “hands” free, you just old down the “OK Google” button on the remote control. While the handsfree option is good, your smartphone experience is still a sturdier experiece.

In terms of screen quality, the Mini LED is superior over the standard QLED 4K panel that creates richer colours, including deeper blacks and brighter but even on the more affordable unit, the quality is good. Depending on where your TV is located, you may need to tweak the video settings for colours and brightness improvement. Both units have a viewing angle of 178 degrees with the more expensive unit offering a brightness of 500 nits compared to 330 nits on the 65C735. Comparing each TV side by side, while the image / screen quality is great on both, however there is a difference in picture quality and the TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835) is the superior due to the newer Mini LED technology.

TV & Films

As briefly mentioned, streamers will be pleased to know that these 2022 models feature all the main services that include Apple TV, Kayo, Disney, Netflix, Stan, Binge, Foxtel and Amazon Prime. Films on both panels looked great and titles such as The Batman and Tenant, both on 4K really created that movie-like experience and if you have the additional money, the higher end model is considerably clearer, more vibrant and colours that explode. While Prey which is a “prequel” to Predator and direct to streaming (Disney+), it felt like a true cinematic experience due to the image quality.

Gaming

Both TV’s supports 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) that includes Freesync Premium certification which is improved visuals if you an AMD graphic card connected (e.g. PC). Additionally a 144Hz VRR allows for a smoother gaming experience which reduces screen tearing and both units support HDMI 2.1, although one port only. What is HDMI 2.1? Anything under 2.1 can only handle a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second, whereas the 2.1 standard allows for 120Hz gaming that translates to 120 Frames per second. Games such as Halo Infinite, Forza 5 and Microsoft Flight Simulator (Xbox Series X) and Borderlands 3, Call of Duty Vanguard and Horizon Forbidden West (PlayStation 5) were silky smooth on both units due to the increased framerate from 60 to 120. So yes, both units are gaming ready and more importantly enhance the experience from faster gaming to improved visuals.

Audio

Lovers of movies and games will be pleased to each model feature Dolby Atmos that create a cinema like audio experience with 3D immersive sound and I must admit that the inbuilt speakers on these televisions do a good job. Both units support the Onkyo Audio System that for a TV produce clear audio. So whether you’re gaming or watching films, it is a decent TV experience… however if you want to take it to the next level, a soundbar is a must.

On higher end model, the TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835), it does have an edge due to the higher watts and built-in Subwoofer. As a result, Prey and The Mandalorian (Disney+) did boom with these two additional features on the 65C835 unit which includes the ability of louder and less distorted free audio. The Batman on 4k also sounded great and Tenet… wow that is an audio experience in itself.

Final Thoughts?

TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835) Review & TCL QLED 4K TV (65C735) Review: A Tale of 2 TV’s… If price is not an option, I would lean towards the more expensive unit (65C835) that offers exceptional value for money and some stunning image quality which clear pictures and vibrant colours. Additionally, audio is clearer and louder. However the 65C735 still provides excellent value for money, particularly for gamers on a budget as not only does it offer a 144Hz panel for PC gaming, however the 2.1 HDMI port gives next-gen consoles an upgrade from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second. All in all, the TCL Mini LED 4K TV (65C835) and TCL QLED 4K TV (65C735) give Australian consumers increased choice for their viewing pleasure.

Scoring Breakdown

About the Author

James Wright

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