TCL is shaking up the TV market once again with the launch of its 85-inch Q5K series, a massive yet surprisingly affordable 4K Google TV that promises to bring premium features to living rooms without the premium price tag. Unveiled at CES 2025 alongside a broader lineup of Mini-LED TVs, the Q5K is already turning heads as a frontrunner for shoppers seeking size, smart functionality, and cutting-edge display tech on a budget.
Big Screen, Small Price: TCL’s Formula for Accessibility
Starting at just $1,299, the 85" Q5K undercuts competitors like Samsung, Sony, and LG by hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars for screens of similar size. TCL’s strategy has long focused on democratizing high-end TV tech, and the Q5K continues that trend. Positioned as an entry-level QLED model, it’s designed for viewers who crave cinematic scale but don’t want to sacrifice modern features like Google TV integration or Mini-LED backlighting, a technology previously reserved for pricier sets.
Mini-LED and QLED: A Visual Powerhouse
While the Q5K sits at the lower end of TCL’s 2025 TV roster, it doesn’t skimp on performance. The Mini-LED backlighting system, which uses thousands of tiny LEDs for precise brightness control, delivers deeper blacks and eye-popping contrast compared to standard LED TVs. Paired with quantum dot color (QLED), the panel boasts 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, ensuring vibrant, accurate hues for streaming, gaming, and sports. With 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the Q5K also supports smooth motion for fast-paced content, though it stops short of the higher 144Hz or 240Hz modes found in premium gaming monitors.
For a closer look at how TCL’s 2025 Mini-LED lineup—including the Q5K—stacks up against rivals, check out the full breakdown from CES 2025 here.
Google TV: Smart, Simple, and Streamlined
The Q5K runs on Google TV, Google’s intuitive smart platform that aggregates content from Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and other apps into a single, personalized homepage. Voice control via Google Assistant is baked in, letting users search for shows, adjust settings, or even dim the lights (with compatible smart home devices). The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports also means support for 4K/120Hz gaming on consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, though it lacks advanced gaming features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
Sleek Design Meets Practicality
TCL hasn’t ignored aesthetics. The Q5K sports a slim, bezel-less design that blends seamlessly into modern spaces, and its lightweight build (for an 85-inch TV) makes wall mounting feasible. On the connectivity front, you’ll find four HDMI ports, including one with eARC for high-quality soundbars, along with USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.2 support.
Availability and Early Reception
The 85" Q5K is now available at major retailers, including Best Buy, with early reviews praising its value proposition. “The Q5K isn’t the brightest or most feature-packed TV, but for under $1,300, it’s a steal,” said tech analyst Maria Chen of Stream & Screen Daily. “TCL is forcing bigger brands to rethink their pricing strategies.”
The Bottom Line
TCL’s 85-inch Q5K is a compelling option for anyone craving a large-screen TV without financial guilt. While it won’t replace high-end OLEDs for videophiles, its combination of Google TV smarts, Mini-LED enhancement, and sheer size makes it a standout in the budget category. As the lines between “affordable” and “premium” continue to blur, TCL is proving once again that bigger doesn’t have to mean pricier.
