TCL QLED Pro 85Q651GKIT1 85"

The TCL 85Q651GKIT1 gives you an 85-inch QLED with a 92nd percentile display for $1,249. The 144Hz refresh rate and full-array local dimming are the highlights. Picture processing and smart features are the weak spots, landing in the 36th and 45th percentiles respectively.

The 144Hz refresh rate is the headline number for gamers, and it's a real one. Combined with VRR support, motion stays smooth whether you're playing fast shooters or watching sports. The gaming score of 58.3 out of 100 puts this set in the 70th percentile, which translates to strong but not leading. You'll get a great experience, but dedicated gaming displays from LG and Samsung still pull ahead.

For everyday viewing, the full-array local dimming is the star. It's what gives this panel its deep blacks and punchy contrast, and it's the main reason the display ranks in the 92nd percentile. Dolby Vision support helps HDR content look right, though the HDR score of 57th percentile suggests the peak brightness and tone mapping are about average for this class. The 85-inch size is the real flex here. You're getting a massive screen with decent processing behind it, just not the best processing.

Against the LG C5 OLED55C5PUA, the TCL wins on size and price but loses on picture quality. The LG's OLED panel will deliver better contrast and color accuracy, but you're getting 55 inches instead of 85. The Sony BRAVIA XR XR77A95L is in a different league for processing and HDR performance, but it costs several times more. The Samsung Neo QLED QN75QN990FFXZA brings better gaming features and brighter highlights, though at a smaller size and higher price. The Hisense U8 Series 100U8QG is the closest direct competitor, offering even more screen real estate with similar QLED tech. If you want the biggest screen for the least money, the TCL is hard to beat. If you want the best picture, look elsewhere.

At $1,249, this is one of the cheapest ways to get an 85-inch QLED with full-array local dimming and a 144Hz panel. The display percentile alone makes a strong case. You're paying roughly $14.70 per inch of screen, which is aggressive for this class. The bundle sweetens things with a 12-month protection plan, an HDMI 2.0 cable, and a screen cleaner. Just know that the savings come from somewhere. The picture processing and smart platform are where TCL cut corners, and the HDMI 2.0 ports mean you won't get full 4K 144Hz bandwidth from a PC.

The TCL 85Q651GKIT1 is an 85-inch QLED that puts its money where the screen is. The display sits in the 92nd percentile of our database, which means this panel is one of the best on the market for sheer size and brightness. Full-array local dimming and UltraWide Color do the heavy lifting here, and Dolby Vision support means HDR content gets proper treatment. At $1,249, TCL is selling a lot of screen for the money.

But the rest of the package is more mixed. Gaming lands at the 70th percentile, which is solid but not spectacular, and the 144Hz refresh rate with VRR is the main draw there. Audio and connectivity both sit at the 64th percentile, while smart features come in at a middling 45th. The picture quality score of 36th percentile is the head-scratcher. The panel specs look great on paper, but our scoring suggests the processing and color accuracy don't keep up with the best in class.

Skip this if you care about picture accuracy more than screen size. The 36th percentile picture quality score means color purists and home theater enthusiasts will notice the processing gaps, especially next to an OLED or a high-end Sony. PC gamers who want true 4K 144Hz should also look elsewhere, since the HDMI 2.0 ports can't deliver that bandwidth. And if you rely heavily on smart TV apps, the 45th percentile smart score suggests the Google TV experience here is just average, not the snappy interface you'd get on a higher-end set.

The TCL 85Q651GKIT1 is a size play, and it's a good one. The 92nd percentile display ranking means you're getting a genuinely impressive panel for $1,249, and the 144Hz refresh rate keeps gamers happy. The picture quality score of 36th percentile is the trade-off. You're buying screen size and brightness, not processing excellence. If you want an 85-inch TV for movies, sports, and casual gaming without spending a fortune, this is a solid pick. If you're picky about color accuracy and motion handling, save up for something better.