TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

Time to give TCL a little TLC?

by Ian Collen

TCL might not quite carry the same household name as the likes of Samsung, LG, Panasonic, or Sony in western markets, but the Chinese company remains the number two TV manufacturer in the world when it comes to market share – and is continuing to expand into Europe and the US as it aspires to that number one spot. This year’s line-up looks to build nicely upon what’s gone before it, offering a wealth of potentially good-looking upgrades across the board.

It might be lacking the headline features of some other companies, although the 8K X925 from last year and it’s more recent enhanced ‘Pro’ variant should still be of interest, and TCL is actively working on a number of very interesting projects, including a 75-inch Micro LED display using an oxide backpane, a new 65-inch 8K OLED (that’s more likely to be for 2024) as well as rollable and foldable screens, along with gaming monitors – so there’s still plenty more to come, including some larger screens sizes and a couple of UK-exclusive models.

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

For now, though, there’s still an impressive 2022 line-up that offers something for just about everyone – from the entry-level LCDs, through to some slick QLEDs and TCL’s premium Mini LED range. There’s a natural evolution throughout the collection in terms of dropping in bigger and better features (as the price duly goes up), which should hopefully make it a little more straightforward for you to find that sweet spot between the functionality you need and the price tag you can afford.

One important thing to point out is that TCL can tend to operate differently from one region to another with certain products, so you may find a wider variation in terms of things like model names or some features, For example, its European line-up uses Google for its Smart TV platform, whereas many UK models use Android TV, along with a couple of upcoming Roku models. This just means that any non-UK users may find their local TCL website pitches things a little differently to how we’ve explained things here, but the core information should be much the same!

What’s New for TCL TVs in 2022?

There’s not a lot that’s brand-new with the new arrivals, but there are a heck of a lot of incremental improvements across the board. TCL itself has pointed to five key areas, starting with brightness, which sees the C935 boasting a new peak of 2500 nits, along with a greater dynamic range and enhanced Motion Clarity performance. Next up is contrast, with the native contrast boosted up to 7000:1, along with improved driving from 8-bit to 12-bit (from a 16-bit calculation), with its Mini LEDs benefitting from a Direct Drive system.

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know
The C93, C83 and C73 Series all use the new Ai PQ2.0 processor, using Deep Learning with Super Resolution upscaling.

Better blooming is up next, with more dimming zones in place (notably on the C93 and C83 Series) and less halo effects. The fourth element is the improved viewing angle (up to ‘ultra’ wide on many models) with no off-centre degradation for a good view wherever you’re sitting. This is further bolstered by the final named improvement, with revised anti-reflection technology offering better light absorption and deeper blacks (again, with upgraded variants on some of the pricier TVs).

As an example, compared to 2021’s C825, this year’s C835 boasts an increased brightness of 1500 nits (compared to 1000), the upgraded 7000:1 contrast ratio (from 5000:1) up to 288 dimming zones (from 160), the improved 12-bit Direct Drive system, a new maximum dynamic range of 23 (from 19) and the extended Ultra Wide viewing angle. The C835 (along with the C935 and C735) also benefits from the TCL advancement in processing leading to a new Deep Learning system, for even better AI support from the likes of its Ai PQ2.0 quad core processor.

The Core Features

Along with those improved elements, there are lots of other key features at play in TCL’s 2022 range of TVs. We’ve mentioned the company’s proprietary Motion Clarity technology (upgrading to ‘Pro’ and ‘Supreme’ variants) to reduce motion blur and trails at the highest resolutions, with AI enhancements also now better at differentiating foreground and background items, along with better content classification to pick out faces, the sky, trees and so on, with a smoother gradation throughout.

TCL has also developed its own Dynamic Colour Enhancement system that automatically optimises colour performance and “expands traditional palette limitations” for a more vibrant visual experience. There’s also HDR support, with HDR10 and HLG across the board, with Dolby Vision on all but the cheapest TVs in the line-up, and HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ added a little higher up the list. Many of the TVs also use TCL’s ‘de-blur and ‘de-judder’ tech to do very much what their names suggest.

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know
All of the new TVs support at least HDR10 and HLG, with further additions as you rise up the price list.

You won’t find a traditional Filmmaker mode, as TCL has its own Film mode (or Movie mode, depending on your region!) with the same intention of delivering the picture as originally intended, along with a Sport mode. Everything from the C735K and above also comes with Calman Ready 3D LUT colour calibration, along with Adaptive Picture and an ambient sensor. On the audio front, all but the cheapest LCDs come with Dolby Atmos as standard, with both the QLED and Mini LED models using an Onkyo sound system – with the C835 and C935 adding an extra channel or two, along with Adaptive Sound tech (the latter also found on the C735).

Serious gamers might want to focus on the C635 and above, as those are where you’ll find the best HDMI 2.1 performance, along with access to TCL’s Game Bar and perks such as 144Hz and variable refresh rates, plus Auto Low Latency Mode (with input lag down to 5ms) and FreeSync Premium. That said, all but a couple of models come Stadia Certified to offer up some streaming titles, so there’s still access to some great gaming throughout the range.

Of course, you’ll also find the usual compatibility with most things Google, along with TCL Home, Alexa and all of your favourite streaming services (be it on Google, Android or Roku TV platforms). As you head up the price list, you’ll also find the likes of Apple AirPlay 2, Apple HomeKit, Matter and Miracast added to the supporting cast as the feature list expands to reflect the price tag – and so, largely speaking, you should definitely be getting what you pay for (or at least what you need at a reasonable price).

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

TCL TVs: What’s in a Name?

There have been some discrepancies with TCL’s more formal naming of its products, with several variations on the usual system seen around the regions as the company continues to expand into European and American markets. For the most part, UK and European users should see a largely familiar set up, with the likes of the 75-inch P638 getting the full title of 75P638K here in the UK.

As you can guess, the first two digits relate to the screen size, with the P reflecting the LCD product line (you’ll note it changes to C for the QLED and Mini LED models). Rather than using a letter to reflect the yearly updates like many of its competitors, TCL increases the Series number, so last year’s P62 and C82 ranges, for example, become P63 and C83 in 2022. This is the followed with a further digit cementing each model’s place in the Series (the P638 ranked above the P635 and RP630), and the last letter denoting the region (with K being the UK).

Additional characters may follow as further identifiers, such as if the TVs come with different stands or other design variations – with the 75-inch P638 also listed in full as the 75P638KX1. One other point of note can also be seen with the UK-exclusive Roku TVs in the line-up, which have an R before the product line identifier – hence the region-specific title of RP630K. In other regions both the naming style and the actual names of the Series themselves can differ, so be sure to check carefully if you’re looking for a specific model.

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know
The likes of the P638 may have similar alternatives or see tweaks to the features list in different regions.

TCL 2022 TV line-up

Below is a list of all of the core UHD models added to TCL’s line-up this year, along with some of the key specifications that set each one apart from its siblings. As with all other manufacturers, there’s a natural trade-off between pricing and the quality of the features list, so you might want to consider both your budget and what you’ll mostly be using the TV for (along with your broader set-up and surroundings) to help fine-tune the right choice.

As mentioned, there will be some variations between the regions, and we’re mostly working from the UK specifications, so those in other countries may find things are a little bit different (such as most models being Google TVs in Europe, in contrast to several of the same models running Android TV in the UK) – but the core details should be largely the same. Of course, despite most of these TVs being widely available already, there is still scope for some changes to the models, along with pricing, so please do check with your local TCL website or retailer to make sure you have all the right information you need!


TCL’s 4K Mini LED TVs for 2022

C935

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

The headline acts for the TCL’s 2022 line-up are the C93 and C83 Series Mini LED TVs, with the 65 and 75-inch C935 topping the list when it comes to core specs including the use of Ai PQ2.0 Quad Core processor that uses Deep Learning along with Super Resolution (SR) and a third-generation Mini LED Direct Drive. Although still using a Mini LED backlight, these TVs also combine Quantum Dot technology to filter blue light, with the C935 offering the brightest display, maxing out at potential 2500 nits with up to 1920 dimming zones on the 75-inch model.

It also comes with Adaptive Colour Temperature and Adaptive Picture, and, as you’d expect, the best of all the core features, including Motion Clarity Supreme and an improved Black Crystal anti-reflection tech with an Ultra-Wide viewing angle. You’ll also find a healthy ‘HDR Extreme’ collection, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision IQ, and the C935 also offers IMAX and IMAX Enhanced and Expanded support.

Gamers can also appreciate the full 144Hz Game Master Pro package, with access to TCL’s Game Bar functionality, plus VRR, ALLM (with input lag down to 5ms), FreeSync Premium, Stadia certification and four HDMI 2.1 ports to play with. On the audio side there’s a special 2.1.2 Onkyo sound system using front-firing 3-way speakers and two up-firing vertical speakers improved Dolby Atmos delivery (along with DTS:X), plus a built-in woofer.

See more:

TV Article

28

What is Mini LED?

What is Mini LED?

by Steve Withers ·
Mini LED is a display development based on existing LED LCD TVs, but instead of hundreds of LEDs and dimming zones in the backlight behind the panel, there are tens of thousands of small (or mini) LEDs and thousands of local dimming zones.  
Home AV News

68

What is IMAX Enhanced?

What is IMAX Enhanced?

by Steve Withers ·
A new licensing and certification home entertainment programme has been announced called IMAX Enhanced, but is it just marketing or something entirely new?  

Plus, as well as the TCL Home app and its own Google TV home page (and related Assistant, along with Alexa), you’ll find the full collection of compatibility for the likes of Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Apple HomeKit, Matter and Miracast. With a ‘Bezel Less’ screen offering almost nothing but pure picture, and as the slimmest TV in the line-up – down to just 15mm compared to the standard 35mm designs – it certainly looks the part. And even though it’s the most expensive inch-for-inch model in TCL’s 2022 line-up, it still compares very favourably with other Mini LED and OLED models on the market.

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
65-inch / 65C935K£1,499 / €1,899Now
75-inch / 75C935K£2,299 / €2,799Now

C835

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

The C835 echoes many of the key criteria of its C93 Series counterpart, including the same Ai PQ2.0 processor with Deep Learning and SR, the full HDR checklist, and 144Hz gamer-friendly features. It still boasts a brighter display than everything else below it, but the 1500 nits peak with up to 360 dimming zones on the largest screen is still a little down on its pricier sibling.

The C835 does also have an enhanced audio system, with a 2.1 Onkyo sound system using down-firing 3-way speakers, along with a built-in woofer also offering support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with Adaptive Sound. It also comes with all of the other compatibility and accessibility features of the C935 using the same Google TV platform but with the added option of a 55-inch model.

Equally Bezel Less and also slightly slimmer than the norm at 30mm, the C835 is another impressive contender that gives you some serious value-for-money considerations. At the time of writing, the 75-inch model wasn’t lined up for a UK release, but we’ll keep you posted if anything changes.

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
55-inch / 55C835K£999 / €1,199Now
65-inch / 65C835K£1,199 / €1,499Now
75-inch / 75C835K£N/A / €1,499N/A / Now


TCL’s 4K QLED TVs for 2022

C735

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

Acting as something of a bridge between the higher-end features of the Mini LED models and the rather more affordable QLED TVs it leads the way in, the C735 has the potential to be a great all-round solution with sizes ranging from 43 to 98-inch displays – at least in Europe, with the UK set to see the 55 to 75-inch models arrive in September, with the larger 85 and 98-inch versions to follow later.

The C735 boasts the same enhanced Ai PQ2.0 processor with Deep Learning, and also the use of a Quantum Dot filter, but not the same kind of upgrades to brightness or its audio system. It still offers a 144Hz native resolution, plus the full set of HDR support as the Mini LEDs, and the likes of ‘Ultra’ anti-reflection, Motion Clarity Supreme, Adaptive Picture and the Ultra-Wide viewing angle. It is also the last model in this list to come with Game Master Pro, Game Bar functionality and FreeSync Premium, so if you want the best gaming platform then this might be your best ‘cheapest’ option.

It is also the last of the models to share the same Google Smart TV platform in the UK as it does with its European counterparts, along with support for Apple HomeKit, Matter and Miracast (plus the more common TCL Home, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Google Assistant/Alexa companions. The smaller 43 and 50-inch models, along with the super-sized 85 and 98-inch are not yet prepped for the UK market but that could well change a little later down the line. But even if your size options are limited by your home region, the C735 still has the capacity to offer great value for money.

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
43-inch / 43C735K£N/A / €549N/A / Now
50-inch / 50C735K£N/A / €599N/A / Now
55-inch / 55C735K£599 / €799September / Now
65-inch / 65C735K£799 / €1,099September / Now
75-inch / 75C735K£1,099 / €1,499September / Now
85-inch / 85C735K£1,999 / €2,499TBC / Now
98-inch / 98C735K£3,999 / €5,999TBC / Now

C635

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

The C635 marks the first occasion on this list where the UK models switch to Android TVs, while the European versions continue to run Google as their Smart TV platform. It means UK users get the perks of FreeView Play added to the mix, while the likes of Google Home and Google Duo are still supported so not a huge amount should change outside of what you see on your home pages.

It drops things down to 60Hz with de-judder and Motion Clarity Pro, with the older IPQ processor using Machine Learning with SR rather than the Deep Learning capacity of those before it. You’ll also have to settle for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ with Dolby Vision IQ also limited to the C735 and above, but neither is a great loss if you don’t really need it.

The C635 also boasts an Onkyo sound system with 2.0 set-up using 2-way, down-firing speakers to enhance any Dolby Atmos output. There’s also hands-free support with voice controls and compatibility with the likes of TCL Home, Alexa and Chromecast (but no Apple AirPlay 2 or the likes of Matter and Miracast).

It doesn’t have the ‘Pro’ status of those before it, but it does come with a Game Master set-up with 120Hz and VRR, ALLM, Stadia certification and most of the trimmings (although FreeSync is limited to the 55-inch model and above). However, it could also be the last in this list to offer genuine high-quality HDMI 2.1 support, so if that’s a key factor for you, then this could be your best affordable option.

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
43-inch / 43C635K£449 / €499Now
50-inch / 50C635K£499 / €599Now
55-inch / 55C635K£549 / €649Now
65-inch / 65C635K£749 / €899Now
75-inch / 75C635K£1,099 / €1,299Now

RC630K

One that won’t be made familiar to everyone, the RC630K is a UK-exclusive QLED running Roku TV that is likely to be available from September (or shortly thereafter). It has many of the same features as the C635, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, along with the Onkyo sound system, albeit using Dolby Audio rather than Atmos, but there are a few other notable differences.

The RC630K doesn’t seem to include TCL Home alongside your Google Home and Alexa stalwarts, and while Apple AirPlay 2 support joins Chromecast, the Ambient mode doesn’t include Google Photos that you’ll find in almost all the other models. It’s also worth noting that only the 55 and 65-inch TVs support 120Hz and the standard FreeSync package to appease gamers, while there’s also no Cloud-based gaming courtesy of Stadia on offer. However, if those factors aren’t of interest to you, and a rock-solid Roku TV set-up is, then a nicely-priced RC630K could be well worth a look for those in the UK.

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
43-inch / 43RC630K£TBCSeptember TBC
50-inch / 50RC630K£TBCSeptember TBC
55-inch / 55RC630K£TBCSeptember TBC
65-inch / 65RC630K£TBCSeptember TBC

TCL’s 4K LCD LED TVs for 2022

P735

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

Offering a notably different feature set to the formidable C Series Mini LEDs, these 4K HDR models still have plenty to offer, including a large selection of screen sizes along with a price tag that might be smaller than your latest energy bill. The P735 sits at the top of this sub-section, with the same switch to Android TV for UK users as with the C635 before and the P638 to follow.

As well as the standard Dynamic Colour support, the P735 also adds a Wide Colour Gamut to the mix, with the usual HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision line-up. It has a 60Hz native display with de-judder and Motion Clarity Pro, along with Micro Dimming and wide viewing angle. There’s also Dolby Atmos support with its two down-firing, full-range, but non-Onkyo speakers.

As well the FreeView Play perks of the Android Smart TV platform, the P735 also offers up TCL Home and Google Home, Google Duo and Google Assistant built-in, along with Alexa compatibility for hands-free voice control. There’s also support for Chromecast but no Apple AirPlay 2, while gamers can access Game Master with Stadia streaming titles and ALLM (down to 15ms), but not to the same 120Hz levels as the more expensive models.

At the time of writing, the larger 75 and 85-inch models were not in the pipeline for the UK market but watch this space!

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
43-inch / 43P735K£399 / €499Now
50-inch / 50P735K£449 / €549Now
55-inch / 55P735K£499 / €599Now
65-inch / 65P735K£649 / €749Now
75-inch / 75P735K£TBC / €1,099TBC / Now
85-inch / 85P735K£TBC / €1,499TBC / Now

P638

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

The P638 doesn’t differ hugely from the P735, with a similar Android TV set and use of TCL’s IPQ quad core processor. Its Picture Performance Index (PPI) drops to 2400 (from 2700) and there’s only the standard Dynamic Colour enhancement, while only the EU model comes with Dolby Atmos, with the UK model having to make do with Dolby Audio. Other than that, and maybe the lack of hands-free control, all of the key criteria of the P735 seem to apply, including Game Master support with ALLM and Stadia certification.

The only other difference is the lack of an 85-inch variant. Whether that swings your vote, or if you can settle for the likes of 55-inch TV for less than £450, the P638 could prove a tempting bargain for those who just want to watch TV and movies without breaking the bank.

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
43-inch / 43P638K£329 / €399Now
50-inch / 50P638K£379 / €449Now
55-inch / 55P638K£429 / €499Now
65-inch / 65P638K£599 / €599Now
75-inch / 75P638K£849 / €899Now

P635

TCL 2022 4K TV line-up: LCD, QLED and Mini LED – all you need to know

The P635 is currently not in line for a UK release, but is a Google TV geared for the European market that’s a little more expensive than the P638 but has a largely similar feature list. You’ll find Dynamic Colour and Motion Clarity Pro (but no de-judder for the 60Hz display), along with the core HDR10 and HLG HDR support (no Dolby Vision) and the standard wide viewing angle.

There’s no Dolby Atmos, with Dolby Audio support instead for the 2x 10W speaker, and your gaming options are also limited, but the P635 is Stadia certified with ALLM at 15ms, and there’s still all of the Google perks, along with TCL Home and Alexa compatibility to wrap up a tidy and affordable package for our friends across the Channel.

Size / Model (non-UK)PriceAvailability
43-inch / 43P635€419Now
50-inch / 50P635€519Now
55-inch / 55P635€579Now
58-inch / 58P635€549Now
65-inch / 65P635€679Now
75-inch / 75P635€999Now

RP630K

Likely to echo much of the P635 features, the RP630K is set to be a UK-exclusive TV that is currently expected some time later in the year. As with the RC630K, it will be a Roku TV including FreeView Play and all the usual suspects at your disposal (subscriptions pending of course). You’ll still be able to access the likes of Google Home and chat with Alexa if you wish, but Google Photos won’t be an option in Ambient mode.

As with the P635, there’s Dolby Audio rather than Dolby Atmos, but the RP630K does come with Dolby Vision and Apple AirPlay 2. There’s no option for Stadia gaming, though, and ALLM is about the peak of the game-friendly checklist. However, we’d imagine the pricing will reflect the lack of bells and whistles, with the RP630K perhaps setting itself up nicely as cheap and cheerful second screen for the bedroom or office.

Size / Model (UK)PriceAvailability
43-inch / 43RP630K£TBCTBC
50-inch / 50RP630K£TBCTBC
55-inch / 55RP630K£TBCTBC
65-inch / 65RP630K£TBCTBC

And that’s just about it for TCL’s 2022 TV line-up, but, as mentioned above, there is still scope for a few new arrivals (in terms of screen sizes) to follow, so you might want to pop back to this article from time-to-time in case we’re able to drop in any fresh updates. It certainly looks like there’s already a nice range of models on offer, from a sub-£400 50-inch LCD up to the 98-inch QLED (TBC in the UK!) and the top-end Mini LEDs.

As with several of the other manufacturers we’ve featured this year, there’s a clear progression in terms of both pricing and the ever-improving features list as you work your way from the cheapest TVs to the most expensive. This means you should be free to figure out your best option either by setting a budget and seeing what fits your limit, or by determining what features and specifications you need for your own viewing preferences and line-up your choices accordingly.

Either way, TCL has plenty of good reasons to make even more of a name for itself in the UK and beyond in 2022. And, of course, you can find out more on all of these models on the TCL website (UK link provided but it should re-direct for overseas users).

If you’ve already had a chance to check out any of the new models, or perhaps have your eye on one of those from the list above, please do share your thoughts and opinions in the forums to maybe help those who might be tempted to make a more informed choice for their next TV purchase!

TV News

45

LG 2022 TV Lineup: OLED and QNED models - everything you need to know

LG 2022 TV Lineup: OLED and QNED models - everything you need to know

by Ian Collen ·
A comprehensive guide to every LG TV set to arrive in the UK this year, with everything that's new and a full model list to help you consider your options.  
TV News

103

Sony TV 2022 Line-Up: QD OLED, OLED, Mini LED – All you need to know

Sony TV 2022 Line-Up: QD OLED, OLED, Mini LED – All you need to know

by Ian Collen ·
Our comprehensive guide to every notable Sony TV set to launch in the UK this year, complete with all that’s new and improved, and how the technologies shape up.  
TV News

35

Samsung 2022 TV line-up: QD-OLED and Neo QLED – all you need to know

Samsung 2022 TV line-up: QD-OLED and Neo QLED – all you need to know

by Ian Collen ·
A complete guide to all of the company’s main TV releases to help you weigh up all of your purchasing options for the year ahead.  
TV News

65

Panasonic 2022 TV lineup: Master OLED Pro to LED - all you need to know

Panasonic 2022 TV lineup: Master OLED Pro to LED - all you need to know

by Ian Collen ·
A comprehensive round-up covering all of Panasonic’s key 2022 TV releases, highlighting the key features and differences with each model.  

SOURCE: TCL (press releases and website)
IMAGES: TCL

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