Hands on: TCL C8K (75C8K-UK) review

TCL's latest batch of super-bright Mini LED TVs is here, and we've seen the new flagship model in the flesh. The C8K is the latest iteration in the series that has previously featured the Award-winning C845K and last year's C855K, but what does it bring to the table?

It should come as no surprise that TCL is touting a higher peak brightness and broad feature set that undercuts its rivals in price, as this has been its mantra for years. However, it plans to take its mission even further in 2025, with upgrades to be found across the board. TCL is leveraging new Mini LED panel technology and a partnership with Bang & Olufsen to improve picture and sound performance, which seems like a smart move.

After a flying visit to Paris to spend some time basking in the glow of TCL's new European Mini LED range, we have some early thoughts to share on the C8K (officially titled the TCL 75C8K-UK) – though you'll have to wait for our full review to read our final verdict and to see if it joins the ranks of our best Mini LED TVs.

Price

Unlike most of the hands-on reviews we have conducted this year, we actually know exactly how much this TV will cost in the UK. The 65-inch version starts at a reasonable £1599, the 75-inch model costs £1999, and the 85- and 98-inch versions cost £2799 and £4799, respectively. As is the case with many TCL TVs we've seen previously, we don't expect these prices to hold firm for long, as discounts are likely to occur.

While £1599 sounds like a relative bargain compared to the likes of Samsung and LG's Mini LED TVs, there is a major concern. The C8K is £300 more expensive than the C855K, which we reviewed at £1299. Furthermore, that TV has dropped to £999 since our review. No matter how you look at it, it's a noticeable price increase, so the C8K will need to justify that with an equivalent performance boost.

While the C8K is the flagship 4K model in the UK, it's worth noting that there are models that sit above this in TCL's lineup that will be released in other markets. The C9K is the obvious step up, with an even brighter panel and more dimming zones, while the X11K is TCL's flagship large-screen TV (available in 85 and 98 inches) which steps up to a whopping claimed 14,000+ dimming zones. Unfortunately, neither will make it to the UK.

Build

The C8K is a smarter-looking set compared to its predecessor, as TCL has neatened up the design to make it appear a bit more premium. This is evidenced by the super-slim bezel around the display that eliminates the black border between the screen and the chassis of the TV. The build also now sports a suave silver finish which adds a premium touch.

It's still looks fairly chunky when viewed side on, but we don't expect OLED-level thinness considering that this is a backlit TV. We also approve of the centrally mounted pedestal, which will make it easy to position the TV on your media unit regardless of its width.

Features

TCL has historically packed an extensive list of features into its TVs, and the C8K appears to continue this trend. It's quoting up to 4000 dimming zones (presumably in the 98-inch model), and the CrystGlow WHVA, which will reportedly reduce reflections and boost contrast. In TCL's words, the C8K's upgrades will offer "deeper blacks and stunning light control", though we'll be the judge of that when it lands in our testing room.

One area in which TCL surpasses its Korean rivals is in HDR support; while Samsung and LG squabble over HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, TCL remains format-agnostic. This means that you'll find HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ support on the C8K, meaning you'll get advanced format support regardless of which streaming service or source you're watching.

Gaming specs, on the other hand, are a step behind the brands mentioned above; however, they're on par with other manufacturers such as Hisense, Sony and Panasonic. You'll find two HDMI 2.1 sockets on this TV, which will handle up to 4K/144Hz signals with VRR and ALLM. Furthermore, TCL's Game Accelerator 288Hz feature will reportedly deliver "ultra-responsive, low-latency gameplay".

Once again, one of those HDMI 2.1 sockets will serve as the eARC connection for hooking up external audio equipment, which could pose an issue to those who wish to hook up an AVR or soundbar to this TV alongside an Xbox Series X and a PlayStation 5.

However, you might not need to worry about external audio kit, as TCL has gone to great lengths to improve the built-in audio on the C8K. It's partnered with Bang & Olufsen to soup up the sound system in this TV. While we have some reservations, as built-in TV sound tends to disappoint, the two companies are making some serious claims regarding the sonic credentials of this set.

Finally, TCL has equipped this set with its AiPQ Pro processor, which, as the name suggests, will utilise AI to improve picture processing aspects such as sharpness, colour presentation and, most importantly, local dimming. It will also power the Google TV operating system, which features a wide range of international and localised streaming apps.

Picture

Usual disclaimer: any findings here aren't representative of our full review, as the conditions in which we saw this TV were not ideal for testing. It was a bright room with multiple TVs running, and overall a far-detached setting from our controlled TV testing room environment. Therefore, we're sharing our thoughts on the C8K as an early impression rather than a full review. So, what do we think of the TV so far?

One word: bright. Yes, TCL's pursuit of dazzling peak brightness that sears the retinas of anyone who dares to look in the direction of its Mini LED TVs continues, with the C8K producing a claimed peak brightness of 5000 nits; that surpasses the likes of the Sony Bravia 9, which has previously been touted as one of the brighter sets out there.

While the looping demo footage provided by TCL didn't reveal much regarding the C8K's picture performance, we could certainly get a gauge of how bright the set can go. A shot of lava flowing from a volcano was presented with glowing oranges and reds, with the highlights (presumably the hottest part of the lava – I'm not a scientist) looking particularly dazzling.

Colours appeared punchy too, with an overhead shot of some tropical islands featuring lush greens, while the various hues of blue on screen looked rich and inviting. We're already prepping our eyeballs for the very brightly mastered Pan, which we assume will be simply dazzling on the C8K. Detail levels also appeared to be solid from the brief clips in TCL's demo reel. However, this will need further assessment with some 4K reference material.

One area that the C8K might need some work, however, is with blooming. This demo footage ended with a white TCL logo on a black background, which was highlighted with an unwanted white glow surrounding it. We caught this screen at various points of the demo session, and from various angles; each time it was very apparent.

Sound

We'll keep this section simple; we didn't hear the C8K's speakers in action, which is a shame considering how much TCL and Bang & Olufsen were hyping up their collaboration. We do know that the C8K will feature a 6.2.2 channel sound system, with dual rear-firing subwoofers and two upward-firing drivers to handle Dolby Atmos height effects, alongside six drivers for the centre, left and right channels.

Considering the TCL C855K's Onkyo-branded sound system scored a four out of five in our review, our expectations for this reportedly improved sound system are understandably high.

Early verdict

We'll need to test the TCL C8K properly in our AV testing room with our reference equipment to truly assess the capabilities of the TV. So far, we've seen a super-bright and punchy image and sleeker design overall. Pair that with a new sound system developed in tandem with a notable name in hi-fi, and TCL could have a winning formula.

MORE:

Read our full TCL C855K review

As well as our list of the best Mini LED TVs

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