Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED) vs TCL QM8 65"
The Verdict
Sony's X90K delivers excellent picture quality with full array LED backlighting, 1200-nit brightness, and superior contrast control, making it ideal for darker rooms. TCL's QM8 counters with mini-LED technology achieving a stunning 5000 nits of peak brightness, superior color volume, and brighter HDR performance,better suited for bright living spaces. Gaming performance favors TCL slightly with 6ms input lag versus Sony's 8ms, though both support 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. Audio differs significantly: TCL's 50-watt 2.1ch system outperforms Sony's 20-watt 2.0ch considerably. TCL adds Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity advantages. For most buyers, TCL QM8 offers superior brightness, gaming, and audio at $100 less, though Sony remains competitive for contrast-focused viewing. TCL QM8 is the better overall value and performance package.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony X90K 65" (Full Array LED) if…
- →Excellent Sony image processing at a competitive mid-range price
- →Full Array Local Dimming provides solid contrast for an LED TV
- →Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for home theater HDR experience
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 X90K 65" (Full Array LED)
Pros
- Excellent Sony image processing at a competitive mid-range price
- Full Array Local Dimming provides solid contrast for an LED TV
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for home theater HDR experience
- 120Hz with VRR and ALLM — capable gaming display
- Google TV with Chromecast built-in for seamless streaming
Cons
- Only 2 of 4 HDMI ports support 4K@120Hz
- 20W audio is very weak — soundbar essential
- Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5 are behind current standards
- Some blooming visible with full array backlighting in dark scenes
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 X90K 65" (Full Array LED) | TCL QM8 65" |
|---|---|---|
| Body | ||
| VESA mount | 300 x 300mm | 400 x 300mm |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs | 68.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 57.2 x 33.1 x 2.7 inches | — |
| Dimensions (w/ stand) | 57.2 x 35.3 x 12.0 inches | 56.7 x 36.6 x 12.8 inches |
| Audio | ||
| Output (watts) | 20 | 50 |
| Speakers | 2.0ch Acoustic Multi-Audio | 2.1ch |
| Dolby Atmos | ||
| Gaming | ||
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
| ALLM | ||
| Input lag (ms) | 8 | 6 |
| Display | ||
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Size | 65" | 65" |
| Type | Full Array LED (VA LCD) | Mini-LED QLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 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 X90K 65" (Full Array LED) or the TCL QM8 65".
