When it comes to boosting your home entertainment setup, an 85-inch TV can really change the game. These giant screens bring the movie theater vibe right into your living room, offering an immersive experience that smaller screens just can't match. Whether you're a movie lover, sports fan, or gaming enthusiast, an 85-inch TV can turn your media consumption into something truly spectacular. With the latest tech, these TVs now come with features like 4K resolution, HDR support, and smart capabilities, making them a versatile addition to any home.
But let's be real, picking the right 85-inch TV can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices out there, from budget-friendly models to high-end options, each with its own set of features, pros, and cons. In this guide, we'll break down some of the best 85-inch TVs available, highlighting what makes each one special. We'll cover everything from picture quality and sound performance to smart features and gaming capabilities, helping you make an informed decision. So, let's dive in and find the perfect 85-inch TV for your home.
TCL QM8
What our experts say: The TCL QM8 is a fantastic option if you're looking for a high-quality viewing experience without spending a fortune. With excellent black level control, high brightness, and Quantum Dot color technology, this TV offers a lot of bang for your buck. It's especially great for gamers, thanks to its low input lag and support for HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.
Who Should Buy this Product: Perfect for gamers and movie buffs who want a high-performing TV without the risk of burn-in.
Highlight: Best for budget-friendly high performance.
Pros:
- Excellent black level control
- High brightness
- Quantum Dot color technology
Cons:
- Not the absolute best TV on the market
The TCL QM8 is a high-end QLED TV featuring Mini-LED technology, offering up to 5000 local dimming zones and up to 5000 nits peak brightness. It supports 4K resolution, HDR, and Google TV, making it versatile for various types of content. The design is sleek and modern, with thin bezels and a center-mounted stand that can be adjusted for better soundbar compatibility. The TCL QM8 uses version 11 of Google's popular Google TV OS, which is user-friendly and has a large selection of apps. The remote is medium-sized with motion-activated backlighting and dedicated buttons for popular streaming apps.
In terms of performance, the TCL QM8 excels in black uniformity and contrast due to its highly effective local dimming feature, making it suitable for dark rooms. It also supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, up to 4k @ 144Hz, and has lower input lag, making it great for gaming. The TV's internal speakers are also noteworthy, providing a decent audio experience without the need for external speakers. However, it's worth noting that while the TCL QM8 offers excellent performance, it may not be the absolute best TV on the market.
For those who prioritize picture quality and gaming performance, the TCL QM8 is a fantastic option. Its combination of high brightness, excellent black levels, and Quantum Dot color technology makes it a versatile choice for various types of content. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or streaming your favorite shows, the TCL QM8 delivers a high-quality viewing experience.
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Sony X95L
What our experts say: The Sony X95L is known for its wonderful brightness, beautiful black levels, and excellent upscaling capabilities. It's a top choice for those who prioritize clarity and sharpness, making it ideal for both movies and gaming.
Who Should Buy this Product: Perfect for those who want a premium viewing experience with excellent picture quality and advanced features.
Highlight: Best for premium picture quality.
Pros:
- Wonderful brightness
- Beautiful black levels
- Excellent upscaling capabilities
Cons:
- Motion issues with motion processing
- Limited HDMI 2.1 ports
The Sony X95L is a high-end 4K Ultra HD TV that belongs to Sony's BRAVIA XR series. It features a Mini LED backlight and is powered by Sony's Cognitive Processor XR, which enhances image processing and upscaling. The TV runs on Google TV, offering a user-friendly interface with access to a wide range of apps and streaming services. It also supports hands-free voice control using Google Assistant and features HDMI 2.1 ports, making it suitable for gaming.
In terms of performance, the Sony X95L excels in both bright and dark room viewing. Its high peak brightness and superb reflection handling make it suitable for watching shows or sports in bright rooms, while its excellent contrast and deep blacks make it ideal for watching movies in dark rooms. The TV also offers low input lag and supports 4K @ 120Hz, making it a great option for current-gen consoles and PCs.
Compared to other models, the Sony X95L stands out for its superior image processing and wider color gamut. While it may have some motion issues and limited HDMI 2.1 ports, its overall performance makes it a top choice for those looking for a high-end TV experience.
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TCL Q7
What our experts say: The TCL Q7 is an excellent alternative with good color and black levels, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality TV at a lower price point. It's particularly well-suited for gaming, thanks to its low input lag and support for HDMI 2.1.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a high-quality viewing experience.
Highlight: Best for budget-friendly quality.
Pros:
- Good color
- Excellent black levels
- Affordable
Cons:
- Speakers not as great
- Brightness is acceptable but not outstanding
The TCL Q7/Q750G QLED TV is a mid-range model in TCL's 2023 lineup, offering a range of features suitable for both casual viewing and gaming. It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution and has a panel refresh rate of 120Hz. The TV features Full Array PRO Local Dimming with up to 200+ dimming zones and a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits. It also supports various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG.
The TV is equipped with Google TV, offering a user-friendly interface and broad app support. It also has two HDMI 2.1 ports, one supporting up to 144Hz at 1440p and 4k, or up to 240Hz at 1080p. This makes it a great option for gaming, as it supports all variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies. The TV also supports Dolby Atmos and has a backlit remote for easy navigation.
In terms of performance, the TCL Q7 is known for its vibrant colors and precise local dimming, providing deep blacks and less blooming around bright highlights. It has terrific contrast and incredible black uniformity, making it suitable for dark rooms. However, it does have an inadequate viewing angle, making it a poor choice for viewing arrangements where many people sit around the TV.
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Hisense U6K
What our experts say: The Hisense U6K offers mini LED, Quantum Dot color, and decent brightness at a lower price point, making it a great budget-friendly option. It's particularly well-suited for those who want good performance without spending too much.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for budget-conscious buyers looking for a quality TV with advanced features.
Highlight: Best for budget-friendly advanced features.
Pros:
- Mini LED
- Quantum Dot color
- Decent brightness
Cons:
- Brightness not fantastic
- Not as good for advanced resolutions on PC
The Hisense U6K is a budget-friendly 4K TV that offers several notable features and performance characteristics. It features Mini-LED backlighting, which provides excellent contrast and brightness, making it suitable for both dark and bright rooms. The TV also uses Quantum Dot technology to ensure well-saturated colors, offering a wide range of colors. It has Full Array Local Dimming, which enhances the dynamic range of the TV, delivering brighter whites and deeper blacks.
The TV runs on Google TV 11, providing a user-friendly interface with support for both Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands. It also supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which helps reduce screen tearing and improve gaming performance. The TV is available in various sizes, including 55, 65, and 75 inches, and most sizes are available for under $500.
In terms of design, the Hisense U6K has a simple design with thin bezels on three sides, but the bottom bezel is slightly thicker. The stand has adjustable feet that support the TV well, although it can wobble easily. The back of the TV has a flat metallic top part and a thicker plastic housing on the bottom half.
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Samsung CU8000
What our experts say: The Samsung CU8000 is an affordable option with solid motion and good color, making it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly TV. It's particularly well-suited for basic TV needs and casual viewing.
Who Should Buy this Product: Ideal for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable TV for everyday use.
Highlight: Best for budget-friendly reliability.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Solid motion
- Good color
Cons:
- Not as good in nighttime environments
The Samsung CU8000 is an entry-level model in Samsung's 2023 lineup, part of the Crystal UHD series. It features a Crystal Processor 4K for powerful 4K upscaling and a simplified version of Samsung's Tizen OS interface. The TV supports voice controls and comes with a great remote, similar to more expensive models like the Samsung S95C.
In terms of performance, the Samsung CU8000 has a wide color gamut, which leans towards showing dark, saturated images. It is adequate for watching movies in a dark room but has poor reflection handling, making it unsuitable for bright rooms. It also has a narrow viewing angle, so the image fades when viewed from the sides. The TV features Object Tracking Sound Lite and Q-Symphony, which enhance the audio experience.
The TV has very low input lag in Game Mode, making it responsive for gaming. However, it lacks features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and HDMI 2.1 support, except for the 85-inch model. Overall, the Samsung CU8000 is a decent performer, suitable for basic TV needs, but it may lack advanced features and has some limitations in terms of picture quality and viewing angle.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right 85-inch TV can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience, whether you're into movies, gaming, or just casual viewing. Each of the models we've discussed offers unique features and benefits, catering to different needs and budgets. The TCL QM8 stands out for its excellent black level control and gaming capabilities, making it a great budget-friendly option. The Sony X95L, on the other hand, offers superior brightness and upscaling capabilities, making it ideal for those who prioritize picture quality. The TCL Q7 and Hisense U6K are both excellent mid-range options, offering good performance at a lower price point. Lastly, the Samsung CU8000 is a reliable entry-level model that offers solid performance for everyday use.
In summary, there's an 85-inch TV out there for everyone, whether you're looking for high-end features or a budget-friendly option. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find the perfect TV to elevate your home entertainment experience. So go ahead, make your choice, and get ready to enjoy a truly immersive viewing experience.