
Let me start by saying this TV is a game-changer for home entertainment. The moment I unboxed the TCL 85Q651G, its massive 85-inch screen made my living room feel like a mini theater. The thin bezels and sleek design give it a premium look that belies its affordable price tag.
The 4K QLED display is where this TV truly shines (literally!). Quantum Dot technology delivers colors so vibrant they practically jump off the screen. Watching nature documentaries, the rainforest scenes were so lifelike I could almost feel the humidity. Dark scenes in movies like Dune maintained incredible detail without that annoying grayish haze cheaper TVs often have.
Setup was surprisingly painless. Google TV integration means all my favorite apps (Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max) were ready to go in minutes. Though fair warning - the initial software updates took about 10 minutes of patience. The included remote with dedicated app buttons is super convenient when you just want to binge your shows without menu-hopping.
Gaming performance impressed me more than expected. While it's 'only' 60Hz, features like ALLM and VRR make PS5 gameplay buttery smooth. The Game Master mode actually helped my K/D ratio in Call of Duty - no joke! Just remember to switch from Power Saving to Movie mode for optimal picture quality.
The built-in S Class Sound Bar delivers decent audio, but serious movie buffs will want an external system. At max volume, dialogue stays clear though bass lacks punch. For casual viewing it's perfectly adequate - my neighbor actually complained about the noise during an Avengers marathon!
A few quirks: The wall mount holes follow a non-standard pattern (4" wide vs typical 8"), forcing me to modify my existing bracket. Also, Google TV's interface can feel sluggish until you disable unnecessary features - I recommend setting it to boot directly to your last used input.
Final verdict? For under $1000 (especially when on sale), this TCL delivers premium features at a budget price. It's not perfect - audiophiles and competitive gamers might want higher-end options - but for most viewers, it offers incredible value. After two months of daily use, I'm still amazed every time I power it on.
