It wasn’t too long ago that Chinese technology brand TCL entered the South African market with its range of televisions. While in the process of building the same name recognition locally as say LG and Samsung, the company has established itself firmly on the global stage, maintaining the number one position for Google TVs shipped worldwide from 2021 to 2024 and securing the top spot for Mini LED TVs in 2024.

The 65C6K, one of TCL’s Mini LED models in their entry-range, was sent to TechSmart for testing. After spending a month with it, I came away pleasantly surprised by just how much it offers for the price.

Value for money

At a retail price of around R14 000, the 65-inch TCL 65C6K is a standout option (recently it went on sale for even less). The television delivers 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) and features an HVA panel, a form of LCD technology designed to provide deeper blacks and improved viewing angles compared to standard panels. TCL claims a native contrast ratio of 7000:1, which is immediately noticeable in darker scenes.

It does come, of course, with Google TV, which is easy to set up and to connect to your wi-fi network. The TV takes almost no time to start up, the interface is quick and responsive, with Google Assistant also working through the remote if you prefer using your voice to search. The built-in media player played most files competently, even larger 4K ones, though it occasionally struggled to display the available media files on larger USB drives.

As an extra, buyers will also receive access to TCL Media, a free Netflix of sorts worth browsing through just for the amount of obscure, never-heard-of-before movies and series available. As screensaver you also have access to a few well-known pieces of art, as well as AI generated art for some reason. If you’re an Android user with your smartphone photos backed-up to Google Photos, these can also be displayed on the big screen as wallpaper.

Picture performance

Ultimately, it’s image quality that counts, and the 65C6K impresses here. Blacks are dark without artifacts and maintained throughout, with enough contrast left to not feel you’re missing out when watching movies with scenes taking place in the dark. The TCL in the living room was positioned next to a bright porch, but the set held its own against ambient light. You do notice reflections during the day and night, and I noticed certain lights reflected streakily at night - so keep it dark throughout.

Once the correct picture mode has been selected, very little further adjustment is required. Selecting the “Intelligent” mode proved especially useful, as it automatically adapts to both content and environment. However, Filmmaker mode proved best for movies and series, getting rid of the strange soap opera effect these high res TVs’ motion interpolation causes.

Also, if you are a gamer you might be interested in the 4K 144 Hz native refresh rate, which should add to a smooth gaming experience. 

While it doesn’t reach the visual heights of OLED, the 65C6K delivers far more than expected at this price point.

Audio performance

Sound is often the weak point of modern televisions, with many requiring a separate soundbar. The TCL 65C6K, however, performs better than expected. Thanks to ONKYO’s 2.1-channel Hi-Fi setup, complete with bass speakers at the rear, the set produces a total of 40 W of audio power. The result is fuller sound with far less of the thin, metallic tone common in other mid-range or even higher end TVs.

Although it doesn’t offer hi-fi precision, the audio is relatively clear across sports, films and music videos. The set can reach high volumes too, though tonal richness dips when pushed to its limits.

Importantly, never once throughout the month I thought of mounting a soundbar or extra speakers, although if higher clarity is required, it could be best.

Verdict

The TCL 65C6K is a highly compelling option for anyone seeking a 65-inch TV without sacrificing too much moolah. With strong picture performance, better-than-average sound and a competitive price, the 65C6K represents excellent value for money. For those willing to look beyond the usual big-name brands, TCL’s latest Mini LED model makes a persuasive case. The 65-inch model retails online for R14 000, or even less if you can find it one special.