TCL 55C8L 55-inch SQD-Mini LED 4K Google TV

In the C8L series, the 55-inch TCL 55C8L is the smallest size and also the model with the shallowest depth including the stand, while still offering 1008 precise dimming zones and HDR 3000nits. It suits bedrooms, or living rooms with limited space where picture quality matters.

The only C8L that is just 270mm deep with stand, so even a narrow TV cabinet can enjoy this series' picture quality

The other C8L sizes are 368 to 420mm deep including the stand. For a bedroom or living room with limited TV cabinet depth, the 55C8L is the easiest to fit, and its stand footprint is only 315mm wide.

It weighs only 13.3kg without the stand, making it the lightest C8L model too, and before placing it you only need to leave 1226mm for the width of the TV.

1008 precise dimming zones with All-domain Halo Control give fine blooming control

SQD-Mini LED backlighting produces ultra-pure white light through Super Quantum Dot. Light from neighbouring zones does not interfere, which avoids colour crosstalk and reduces colour shifts as a result.

All-domain Halo Control is made up of 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 Powerful Light-emitting Chip greatly improves brightness and energy efficiency over the previous-generation chip. TCL's in-house Super Condensed Micro Lens uses an arch-bridge design to control the direction of light point by point, giving an evenly spread backlight and clear detail.

In film scenes where light and dark are interwoven, 26-bit Dynamic Dimming makes the transitions between light and dark smooth and natural.

HDR 3000nits peak brightness, with rich detail in highlights and shadows

The TV supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG and IMAX Enhanced video formats, with a colour gamut of up to 100% BT.2020. The TSR AiPQ picture processor combines AI with TCL's own tuned algorithms to optimise sharpness, contrast, colour and motion pixel by pixel, so action scenes look smooth and detailed.

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 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 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 6 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.

55C8L compared with the 55C7L and 65C8L

The 55C8L and 55C7L have exactly the same body and dimensions with stand, so they can go in the same spot. The 55C7L has 800 zones, HDR 2700nits and Wi-Fi 5, while the 55C8L upgrades to 1008, 3000nits and Wi-Fi 6.

If your TV cabinet is deep enough, the 65-inch 65C8L has 2040 zones, HDR 5000nits and a 50mm body, and is 368mm deep including the stand.

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 C8L series is also available in 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch and 98-inch models.