TCL 55C7L 55-inch SQD-Mini LED 4K Google TV

The TCL 55C7L is the smallest model in the C7L series: a 55-inch TV with 800 precise dimming zones and HDR 2700nits, and a depth of only 270mm including the stand. It suits bedrooms, or small living rooms with a narrow TV cabinet.

The stand footprint is only 315 x 270mm, so it is easy to place on a narrow TV cabinet

The other three C7L sizes are 367 to 379mm deep including the stand, so the 55C7L has the lowest TV cabinet depth requirement in the series. It is 1226mm wide and weighs only 13.3kg without the stand, making it the lightest C7L model too.

800 precise dimming zones with All-domain Halo Control effectively reduce blooming

SQD-Mini LED backlighting uses Super Quantum Dot to produce ultra-pure white light, so light from neighbouring zones does not interfere. This avoids colour crosstalk and colour shifts. The more dimming zones there are, the higher the picture contrast.

All-domain Halo Control combines the Powerful Light-emitting Chip, Super Condensed Micro Lens and Micro-OD, giving each zone several times the blooming control of an ordinary zone. The Super Condensed Micro Lens uses an arch-bridge design to control the direction of light point by point, which spreads the backlight evenly. The Micro-OD optical design also keeps the TV slim, at only 55.9mm thick.

When you watch night scenes or dark scenes, the 26-bit Dynamic Dimming algorithm makes the transition between light and dark smooth and natural.

HDR 2700nits peak brightness shows clear detail in both bright and dark areas

The TV supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG and IMAX Enhanced video formats, with a colour gamut of up to 100% BT.2020. Whether you are binge-watching dramas or watching a match, the TSR AiPQ picture processor uses AI to optimise sharpness, contrast, colour and motion pixel by pixel, for a detailed and smooth picture.

The screen uses a 0.5% Low Reflection Film that reduces glare from sunlight and lamps, so the picture stays clear and sharp whether you watch with the curtains open in the daytime or with the lights on in the evening.

Native 144Hz refresh rate keeps sports, action films and games smooth

The whole signal chain supports 4K 144Hz, so even fast-moving images are less likely to blur. When a 288Hz HDMI source is connected to HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 and runs at Full HD 1080p resolution, the refresh rate can rise further to 288Hz.

When gaming, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro reduces stutter and screen tearing. Gamebar has a dedicated screen for each of the three major games consoles, and commonly used tools and game modes are gathered in one interface, so you can adjust settings to your own preference before you start playing.

Google TV hands-free voice control, and Audio by Bang & Olufsen 2.2-channel sound that changes the sound mood instantly

You can control the TV by voice without picking up the remote, and content from a phone or tablet can be cast to the TV via Google Cast, AirPlay 2 or Miracast, which makes it easy to watch together with the family.

Wireless connectivity supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.4. The TV also has 4 HDMI ports, so games consoles, set-top boxes and other devices can be connected at the same time, with no need to keep unplugging them.

The same engineers who created B&O's classic sound systems helped design and tune the built-in speakers, and the TV also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. Simply move the pointer on the circular Beosonic interface and the sound mood changes instantly; your favourite sound modes can be saved and used again at any time.

For everyday viewing you can use the built-in speakers directly. To strengthen dialogue, bass or surround sound further, you can add a soundbar via eARC.

How to choose between the 55C7L, 55C8L and 65C7L?

The 55C8L and 55C7L have the same body and dimensions with stand, so either model fits the same TV cabinet. The difference is that the 55C8L has 1008 zones, HDR 3000nits and Wi-Fi 6, while the 55C7L has 800, 2700nits and Wi-Fi 5. If you want more zones and higher brightness in the same spot, choose the 55C8L.

If you want a 65-inch screen, consider the 65C7L: zones rise to 1152 and HDR is the same 2700nits, but it is 369mm deep including the stand, so check your TV cabinet depth before placing it.

Before you buy

• Dimensions with stand are 1226 x 760 x 270mm (W x H x D). The stand footprint is 315 x 270mm, and the TV cabinet must be at least 270mm deep.
• VESA wall-mount pattern is 300 x 300mm, and the TV weighs 13.3kg without the stand.
• Package dimensions are 1400 x 875 x 150mm and the package weighs 19kg. Please measure the lift, doorways and corridor turns before delivery.
• Hong Kong Grade 2 energy label, with annual energy consumption of 104kWh.
• Comes with a 3-year warranty.
• The C7L series is also available in 65-inch, 75-inch and 85-inch models.