TCL 85″ Q5K QLED Google TV: Big Screen, Smart Features, Affordable Price
TCL has once again stepped into the spotlight with the release of its new 85-inch Q5K QLED TV, a massive smart television that combines impressive display technology with modern features—all at a surprisingly affordable price. Designed for viewers who want a cinematic experience at home without breaking the bank, the Q5K offers a compelling blend of size, quality, and smart functionality.
Let’s dive into what makes this model stand out, from its eye-catching display to its integration with Google TV, as well as how it stacks up to its predecessors.
A Bold Display: 85 Inches of Immersion
The TCL Q5K features an enormous 85-inch screen, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a home-theater-like experience. With 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160), viewers can expect exceptional clarity and detail, whether watching movies, playing games, or streaming shows.
What sets the Q5K apart in this size category is its use of QLED (Quantum Dot LED) technology, which enhances color vibrancy and brightness. Combined with a direct LED backlight, the result is deeper blacks and a broader color spectrum. It’s a significant step up from standard LED displays, especially in color-rich scenes.
TCL includes Motion Rate 240 with MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation), designed to smooth out fast-moving scenes by inserting additional frames. While the TV has a native 60Hz refresh rate, the motion enhancement tech ensures a better experience for action-packed movies and live sports.
Visual and Audio Enhancements
To complement its visual prowess, the Q5K supports several high dynamic range (HDR) formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG. These formats improve contrast and brightness, offering a richer viewing experience. Whether you’re watching a sunset over a mountain or a dark scene in a thriller, you’ll see more depth and detail.
On the audio front, TCL has integrated support for Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, delivering immersive, room-filling sound without needing external speakers. While exact speaker specs are not listed, users can expect a theater-like soundscape, enhanced by audio upscaling and virtual surround sound.
Google TV Takes Over
A major shift from previous TCL models, the Q5K has switched its operating system from Amazon’s Fire TV to Google TV. This change significantly enhances the user interface and brings a more personalized experience. With Google TV, content recommendations are smarter, and navigation is smoother.
Through the Google TV platform, you gain access to a wide range of popular streaming apps including Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, and more. You can also download additional apps via the Google Play Store.
The Q5K is compatible with Google Assistant, allowing users to control the TV, search for content, or even manage smart home devices using voice commands. It also supports Amazon Alexa, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred assistant.
Chromecast Built-in and Seamless Casting
Another benefit of Google TV integration is the inclusion of Google Chromecast built-in. This makes it easy to cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly onto the big screen. Whether you’re mirroring a presentation or playing videos from your mobile device, the connection is fast and reliable.
Connectivity Options
Despite being a budget-friendly model, the TCL Q5K doesn’t skimp on connectivity. It includes:
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Three HDMI ports, with one supporting eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for better soundbar or receiver integration.
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USB-A port for media playback or device charging.
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LAN port for a stable wired internet connection.
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Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.
These options allow you to connect everything from game consoles and streaming devices to external storage and Bluetooth headphones.
Sleek Design and Build
The design of the Q5K reflects TCL’s modern aesthetic. A thin metal frame surrounds the screen, giving it a near bezel-less look that enhances immersion. Whether wall-mounted or placed on a stand, this TV is sure to be a centerpiece in any room.
Despite its size, TCL has managed to keep the body relatively slim, making it easier to integrate into large living rooms or home theaters. The build quality feels premium for its price range, and the minimalist design fits well with contemporary interiors.
Comparison to Its Predecessor: TCL 85Q550F
The Q5K closely follows the TCL 85Q550F, released in 2024. While the two models share many features—such as the 4K resolution, QLED technology, and Dolby Vision support—there are some notable differences.
The biggest change is the move from Fire TV to Google TV. This swap opens up more integration with Google services, better app support, and a more seamless interface for Android users. The addition of Google Assistant and Chromecast gives the Q5K more smart functionality out of the box.
Overall, while both models perform similarly in terms of display and audio, the Q5K offers a better smart experience and future-proof features.
Pricing and Value
One of the most impressive aspects of the TCL 85″ Q5K is its affordable pricing. Currently, it’s available at Best Buy in the US for just $749.99, which is a remarkable price for an 85-inch 4K QLED smart TV.
TCL lists the regular price as $1,199.99, suggesting that the current promotion offers a $450 discount. For comparison, many 85-inch TVs from competing brands still cost well over $1,000, even without QLED panels or advanced HDR features.
This price point makes the Q5K one of the most accessible large-screen QLED TVs on the market today.
Who Is This TV For?
The TCL 85″ Q5K is ideal for:
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Home theater enthusiasts looking for a large display without a massive budget.
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Families who want a shared screen experience with access to all major streaming apps.
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Gamers who want an immersive display, though it’s worth noting that the native 60Hz refresh rate may not fully satisfy competitive gaming needs.
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Smart home users who already use Google Assistant or Alexa for voice control and automation.
Potential Downsides
While the Q5K offers excellent value, it’s important to consider a few limitations:
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60Hz Refresh Rate: While adequate for most content, some users may prefer a higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) for gaming or smoother motion.
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No HDMI 2.1 Support: This may limit next-gen gaming console features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
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Audio Quality: Though enhanced by Dolby Atmos, the built-in speakers might not match the output of a dedicated sound system or soundbar.
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No Local Dimming: Being a direct-lit LED panel, the absence of full-array local dimming may slightly impact contrast levels in very dark scenes.
Final Verdict
The TCL 85″ Q5K Series QLED Smart Google TV delivers a strong combination of display quality, smart features, and affordability. With its massive screen, vivid colors, Dolby Vision support, and user-friendly Google TV interface, it’s an excellent pick for viewers who want to enjoy modern streaming and cinematic content on a grand scale.
At just $749.99, it stands out in the crowded TV market as a budget-friendly giant. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, it easily competes in terms of value, especially for those prioritizing screen size and smart functionality over gaming performance.
If you’re looking for a large TV that doesn’t compromise on core features—and comes from a reliable brand—then the TCL 85″ Q5K is definitely worth considering.