The Clubic Awards are a prestigious distinction that honors the best tech products of the year, presented by the editorial team of the specialist website Clubic. After a 13-year hiatus, the Clubic Awards made a major comeback in 2025 to shine a spotlight on the products that truly defined the year. The philosophy behind these awards is simple: to recognize products that are accessible and relevant to as many people as possible, with a focus on those that offer the best balance between performance, quality, and price. The winners are selected after months of in-depth testing carried out by the Clubic Lab team, ensuring an independent and objective assessment.
The TCL 65C8K marks the arrival of the seventh generation of Mini LED technology, positioning this 65-inch TV as a technical benchmark in the accessible premium segment. This technological evolution comes with major innovations in contrast, display uniformity, and gaming performance, all enhanced by an audio system designed by Bang & Olufsen and a Google TV interface enriched with the Gemini assistant.
The technical revolution of the 65C8K lies in its seventh-generation Mini LED backlighting system, a significant advancement over previous technologies. TCL has drastically reduced the optical distance to values between OD5 and OD7, compared to OD8 to OD20 on 2024 models, resulting in a 143% improvement in display uniformity.
The 1,880 local dimming zones feature 100-micron diodes equipped with specially designed lenses to optimize light diffusion at 160°, up from 130° previously. This innovation reduces clouding by 60.63% and drastically minimizes blooming by 96%, virtually eliminating halos around bright elements on dark backgrounds.
Brightness control operates on 23 bits with over 65,536 gradation levels, ensuring faithful reproduction of even the slightest image variations. Direct Drive technology allows the diodes to change state faster than the display time of a 120Hz image, eliminating any latency between signal and light response.
The CrystGlow WHVA panel is a major evolution of CSOT’s HVA technology, maintaining an ultra-high native contrast ratio reaching 45 million:1. This native 10-bit panel displays over a billion colors with 97% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut.
QLED Pro technology incorporates next-generation quantum nanocrystals in an innovative multilayer structure, combining nanometric quantum and organic materials for increased luminous efficiency, stability, and durability. These quantum dots offer a lifespan of 100,000 viewing hours under optimal conditions.
Peak brightness reaches 4,500 nits, delivering exceptional HDR performance with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats. The AiPQ Pro processor automatically optimizes the image and upscales standard and HD content to 4K using UHD Deep Learning AI SR artificial intelligence.
The 65C8K excels in gaming with its native 144Hz display and full HDMI 2.1 connectivity. The four HDMI ports are optimized for different uses: one 4K 144Hz port, one 4K 120Hz port, and two 4K 60Hz ports, all eARC compatible.
Advanced gaming features include VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for automatic console detection, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification. For the most demanding gamers, a 2K 240Hz mode is also available.
MOTION CLARITY PRD technology and automatic game mode ensure optimal smoothness without stutter or screen tearing, especially appreciated with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles.
The sound system developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen delivers 90W of power in a configuration that optimizes audio spatialization. This collaboration brings beosonic technology for sophisticated audio processing, complemented by a 7-band equalizer for precise adjustment according to preferences.
Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual-X compatibility ensures virtualization and upmixing of audio content for three-dimensional sound, even without an external surround system. An integrated woofer enhances low frequencies, while automatic sound control adjusts settings according to the content being played.
The Google TV interface based on Android TV 12.0 benefits from the integration of Gemini, Google’s AI voice assistant, eliminating the need to always use the “Ok Google” command. The platform provides access to the Google Play Store and major streaming apps: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+.
The TV’s built-in smart microphone makes voice commands easy, while Chromecast functionality allows wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers. The internal memory of 52.7GB (50.7GB available) offers ample space for apps and system cache.
Dual-band 2.4/5GHz MIMO WiFi ax/ac/n ensures a stable connection for 4K streaming, complemented by an Ethernet port for wired connections. DVB-T2/C/S2 tuners allow terrestrial, cable, and satellite reception with EPG up to 8 days.
TCL’s ZeroBorder approach minimizes screen bezels for optimal visual integration into any environment. The brushed aluminum chassis provides a premium finish while ensuring robustness suitable for the 165cm diagonal.
The dimensions with stand (1444 × 869 × 369 mm) and weight of 18.9kg make installation easy, while VESA 300×300mm compatibility allows for wall mounting. The 387mm foot spacing ensures optimal stability on furniture.
The included RC933A remote simplifies navigation in the Google TV interface, with direct shortcuts to major streaming apps.
The 65C8K is IMAX Enhanced certified for optimal playback of cinema content produced with this technology. HbbTV 2.0.3 compatibility allows access to interactive TV channel services.
Full HDMI CEC (T-link) support makes it easy to control connected devices with a single remote, while the quick HDMI switch optimizes source changes. The CI+ 1.4 ECP function allows the insertion of access cards for pay TV channels.
Energy management includes automatic and programmable standby, optimizing consumption according to usage habits. The detachable 2-meter power cable makes installation and maintenance easier.
The TCL miniLED 8 series has been one of our favorite premium mid-range models for several years. The new TCL 65C8K panel offers good contrast, record-breaking brightness, improved anti-reflective treatment, and a wide viewing angle. However, it should be noted that the contrast is a bit too close to that of the C7K. The image processing is excellent, with exceptionally precise 10-bit color gradients in HDR.
Instead, you can simply marvel at pictures that combine TCL’s familiar brightness and punch with a stunning new level of refinement and naturalism - underscoring in big red letters just how much the brand has become a serious TV player.
The C8K series features seventh-generation Mini LED with reduced optical distance, 33% brighter diodes consuming 40% less energy, and a 96% reduction in blooming. Display uniformity is improved by 143% thanks to new lenses on the 100-micron diodes.
Absolutely. With its four HDMI 2.1 ports, the 65C8K supports 4K 144Hz on PC and 4K 120Hz on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles. VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technologies ensure optimal smoothness with no latency.
The 90W Bang & Olufsen system with Dolby Atmos offers remarkable quality for most uses. A soundbar is still recommended for audiophiles or dedicated home theater setups, thanks to the available eARC output.
While precise data is not provided, the seventh-generation Mini LED reduces consumption by 40% compared to the previous generation while increasing brightness. Eco modes and automatic standby optimize energy efficiency.
No, the distribution is optimized for different uses: one 4K 144Hz port for PC gaming, one 4K 120Hz port for next-gen consoles, and two 4K 60Hz ports for other devices. All include eARC for audio return.
The CrystGlow WHVA panel features an effective anti-reflective coating, while the 4,500-nit brightness ensures optimal visibility even in daylight. The brightness sensor automatically adjusts the image according to ambient lighting conditions.
Joel
very good product, its high-quality soundtrack, superb image, very fast, I recommend it!!
Comment from July 27, 2026 — Experience from January 01, 2026
Miha
Top TV, better as expected. Really pleased with the picture quality and realistic colors. The blacks are really black.
I would also like to ad that HomeCineSolutions deliverd the products inntime and in perfect condition
Comment from October 17, 2025 — Experience from October 06, 2025
Bertrand
Very bright, very beautiful picture.
The minimalist bezel makes the 65" size quite close to my old 55".
The Google TV system is always easy to use.
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility is appreciated.
Comment from October 11, 2025 — Experience from September 30, 2025
