Sony X85K 65" (LED) vs TCL QM8 65"
The Verdict
Both TVs share the same $999 price point and 65-inch 4K resolution, but differ significantly in display technology and performance. Sony's X85K features a Direct LED IPS panel with 700 nits brightness and 20W audio, suitable for moderate room viewing. TCL's QM8 employs mini-LED QLED technology delivering exceptional 5000 nits peak brightness, 50W audio with 2.1 channels, and lower input lag (6ms vs 10ms) for gaming. TCL also includes Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and the AiPQ Pro processor for superior picture processing. For gaming, TCL's faster response time and advanced local dimming provide tangible advantages. In bright rooms or for competitive gaming, TCL dominates with substantially better contrast, brightness, and audio capability. Sony remains competitive for standard viewing in controlled lighting. TCL QM8 represents superior value and performance at identical pricing, making it the stronger choice for most buyers seeking premium features without premium pricing.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony X85K 65" (LED) if…
- →120Hz with VRR at $999 makes it a capable mid-range gaming TV
- →Wide viewing angles from IPS panel suit family viewing
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR support
Buy the TCL QM8 65" if…
- →Exceptional value — up to 5,000 nits peak brightness for under $1,000
- →One of the brightest consumer TVs available regardless of price bracket
- →All four HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR and ALLM for 4K@120Hz gaming
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Sony X85K 65" (LED)
Pros
- 120Hz with VRR at $999 makes it a capable mid-range gaming TV
- Wide viewing angles from IPS panel suit family viewing
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for full HDR support
- Sony X1 processor handles upscaling and motion well
- Google TV platform with Chromecast built-in
Cons
- IPS panel has poor black levels — contrast is a weakness
- No local dimming — black uniformity suffers in dark scenes
- 700 nits brightness is modest for HDR performance
- 20W speakers need external audio support
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated for a 2022 TV
TCL QM8 65"
Pros
- Exceptional value — up to 5,000 nits peak brightness for under $1,000
- One of the brightest consumer TVs available regardless of price bracket
- All four HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR and ALLM for 4K@120Hz gaming
- Google TV provides a smooth, well-supported smart TV experience
- Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ covered for the full HDR ecosystem
Cons
- Aggressive brightness can look oversaturated out of the box — calibration recommended
- Mini-LED blooming is more visible than on premium Samsung or Sony panels
- Build quality and remote feel cheaper than Samsung or Sony equivalents
- Fan noise under extreme brightness conditions reported by some users
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sony X85K 65" (LED) | TCL QM8 65" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 400 x 300mm |
| Weight | 43.2 lbs | 68.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.1 x 33.1 x 3.0 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.1 x 35.8 x 13.4 inches | 56.7 x 36.6 x 12.8 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 50 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch | 2.1ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 10 | 6 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Direct LED (IPS panel) | Mini-LED QLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 5000 |
| Smart TV | ||
| Os | Google TV | Google TV |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Alexa | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Ethernet | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| USB ports | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI ports | 4 | 4 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | — | AiPQ Pro Processor |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in tvs, see all Sony products or all TCL products. View full details for the Sony X85K 65" (LED) or the TCL QM8 65".