TCL 805 TV: Review, Specs, And Should You Buy It?

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TCL 805 TV: Review, Specs, and Should You Buy It?

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the TCL 805 TV. If you're in the market for a new television, especially one that balances price and performance, this model might have caught your eye. We're going to break down everything you need to know: from its picture quality and sound to its smart features and overall value. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

What is the TCL 805 TV?

The TCL 805 TV is a mid-range television designed to offer a premium viewing experience without breaking the bank. TCL has been making waves in the TV industry by delivering impressive technology at competitive prices, and the 805 series aims to continue that trend. It typically boasts features like 4K resolution, HDR support (including Dolby Vision), and smart capabilities powered by popular operating systems like Google TV.

The TCL 805 TV often comes in various sizes, catering to different room sizes and viewing preferences. Whether you're looking for a smaller screen for your bedroom or a larger display for your living room, there's likely a version of the 805 that fits your needs. Its sleek design and slim bezels also make it an attractive addition to any home theater setup. This TV distinguishes itself with Quantum Dot technology, which enhances color vibrancy and accuracy, offering a more immersive viewing experience compared to standard LED TVs. This technology allows for a wider color gamut, resulting in richer and more realistic images. High Dynamic Range (HDR) support is another key feature, enabling brighter highlights and deeper blacks, further enhancing contrast and detail. Gamers will appreciate features like HDMI 2.1 ports, which support high refresh rates and variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies like AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-SYNC, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. The integration of smart features, such as built-in Wi-Fi and voice assistant compatibility, makes it easy to stream content from popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Overall, the TCL 805 TV aims to deliver a well-rounded entertainment experience with its combination of picture quality, smart functionality, and gaming capabilities.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty. Understanding the TCL 805 TV's specifications is crucial for determining if it's the right fit for you. Here’s a breakdown of the key features you should know about:

  • Resolution: Typically, it’s a 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution. This means you get four times the detail of a Full HD TV, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
  • HDR Support: You'll usually find support for multiple HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Dolby Vision is particularly important as it offers dynamic metadata, optimizing the picture quality scene-by-scene.
  • Panel Type: The TCL 805 TV often uses a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel, which provides excellent contrast ratios for deep blacks. However, viewing angles might be slightly narrower compared to IPS panels.
  • Refresh Rate: A 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate is common. A higher refresh rate (120Hz) is beneficial for smoother motion, especially in fast-paced content like sports and video games.
  • Smart TV Platform: TCL usually employs Google TV or Roku TV as their smart platform. These platforms offer a user-friendly interface, access to a vast library of apps, and voice control capabilities via Google Assistant or Alexa.
  • Connectivity: Expect multiple HDMI ports (at least HDMI 2.0, if not HDMI 2.1 for next-gen gaming), USB ports, Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi.
  • Audio: While built-in speakers are decent, consider pairing the TV with a soundbar or external audio system for a more immersive audio experience.

When considering these specs, think about what's most important to you. Are you a gamer who needs HDMI 2.1 and a high refresh rate? Or are you a movie buff who prioritizes Dolby Vision and deep blacks? These factors will help you determine if the TCL 805 TV meets your requirements.

Picture Quality Analysis

Okay, let's talk about what really matters: how good does the TCL 805 TV actually look? Picture quality is subjective, but there are objective measurements we can consider. Here's a breakdown:

  • Color Accuracy: The TCL 805 TV generally delivers good color accuracy, thanks to technologies like Quantum Dot. This means colors appear vibrant and true to life. Look for reviews that mention Delta E values; lower values indicate better accuracy.
  • Contrast Ratio: VA panels typically offer excellent contrast ratios, leading to deep blacks and bright whites. This is crucial for creating a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the image looks, especially in dark scenes.
  • Brightness: The TCL 805 TV usually has adequate brightness for most viewing environments. However, if you watch TV in a very bright room, you might want to look for a model with higher peak brightness.
  • Motion Handling: Motion handling is decent, especially on models with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, some users may notice some motion blur in fast-paced scenes. Features like motion interpolation can help reduce blur, but they can also introduce the soap opera effect.
  • Upscaling: Upscaling performance is important because most of the content we watch is not in native 4K. The TCL 805 TV generally does a good job of upscaling lower-resolution content to 4K, but don't expect miracles. The quality of the upscaled image will depend on the source material.

Overall, the TCL 805 TV provides a solid picture quality experience, especially for its price range. Colors are vibrant, contrast is excellent, and upscaling is decent. However, if you're a videophile who demands the absolute best, you might want to consider a higher-end model.

Sound Quality Assessment

While picture quality often takes center stage, sound quality is equally important for a complete viewing experience. Let's evaluate the TCL 805 TV's audio capabilities:

  • Built-in Speakers: The TCL 805 TV comes with built-in speakers, but their performance is typically average. They're fine for casual viewing, but they lack the depth and clarity of a dedicated sound system. Expect clear dialogue but limited bass.
  • Audio Technology: Some models may feature audio enhancements like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. These technologies create a more immersive soundstage, but their effectiveness is limited by the quality of the built-in speakers.
  • Connectivity: The TCL 805 TV usually offers multiple audio output options, including HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and optical audio output. These connections allow you to easily connect the TV to a soundbar or AV receiver.

For the best audio experience, consider pairing the TCL 805 TV with a soundbar or external audio system. A soundbar will significantly improve the clarity and depth of the audio, while an AV receiver and surround sound speakers will provide a truly immersive cinematic experience. Don't underestimate the importance of good audio; it can make a world of difference in your viewing enjoyment.

Smart Features and User Interface

The TCL 805 TV is a smart TV, which means it comes with a built-in operating system that allows you to stream content, browse the web, and access various apps. Here's what you need to know about its smart features and user interface:

  • Operating System: TCL typically uses Google TV or Roku TV as their smart platform. Both platforms are user-friendly and offer access to a vast library of apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
  • User Interface: The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and find the content you're looking for. Google TV offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits, while Roku TV is known for its simplicity and ease of use.
  • Voice Control: The TCL 805 TV supports voice control via Google Assistant or Alexa. This allows you to control the TV with your voice, search for content, and even control other smart home devices.
  • App Support: You'll have access to a wide range of apps, but the availability of specific apps may vary depending on the operating system. Make sure your favorite apps are supported before you buy the TV.

Overall, the TCL 805 TV offers a solid smart TV experience. The user interface is intuitive, the app selection is vast, and voice control is a convenient feature. Whether you prefer Google TV or Roku TV, you'll find plenty to enjoy.

Gaming Performance

If you're a gamer, you'll want to know how the TCL 805 TV performs with video games. Here's what you need to consider:

  • Input Lag: Input lag is the delay between your input on the controller and the action on the screen. Lower input lag is crucial for a responsive gaming experience. The TCL 805 TV typically has decent input lag, but it's not the lowest on the market. Look for reviews that measure input lag in game mode.
  • HDMI 2.1: Some models may feature HDMI 2.1 ports, which support high refresh rates (120Hz) and variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies like AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-SYNC. These features reduce screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay.
  • Motion Handling: Motion handling is important for fast-paced games. A higher refresh rate (120Hz) and motion interpolation can help reduce motion blur.
  • Color Accuracy: Accurate colors are important for a visually immersive gaming experience. The TCL 805 TV's Quantum Dot technology helps deliver vibrant and true-to-life colors.

Overall, the TCL 805 TV is a decent option for gamers, especially if you can find a model with HDMI 2.1 and low input lag. However, if you're a serious gamer who demands the absolute best, you might want to consider a TV specifically designed for gaming.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the TCL 805 TV:

Pros:

  • Excellent picture quality for the price
  • Good color accuracy thanks to Quantum Dot technology
  • High contrast ratio for deep blacks
  • User-friendly smart TV platform (Google TV or Roku TV)
  • Decent gaming performance (especially with HDMI 2.1)

Cons:

  • Average built-in speakers
  • Motion handling could be better
  • Viewing angles could be wider

Who is This TV For?

The TCL 805 TV is a great option for budget-conscious consumers who want a TV with excellent picture quality and smart features. It's also a decent choice for gamers, especially if you can find a model with HDMI 2.1 and low input lag. However, if you're a videophile who demands the absolute best or an audiophile who wants top-notch sound, you might want to consider a higher-end model. If you're after great value, this is a fantastic option. For casual viewers, gamers on a budget, and anyone who wants to upgrade their viewing experience without spending a fortune. If you want a TV that delivers great performance at an affordable price, this is a fantastic choice.

Alternatives to the TCL 805 TV

If the TCL 805 TV doesn't quite meet your needs, here are some alternative options to consider:

  • Sony X80J/X85J: Sony offers excellent picture quality and motion handling, but they're typically more expensive than TCL TVs.
  • Samsung Q60A/Q70A: Samsung's QLED TVs offer vibrant colors and good brightness, but their viewing angles might be limited.
  • Hisense U6G/U8G: Hisense offers TVs with similar features to TCL at a competitive price, but their picture quality might not be as consistent.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, should you buy the TCL 805 TV? If you're looking for a TV that offers excellent picture quality, smart features, and decent gaming performance at an affordable price, then the answer is yes. The TCL 805 TV is a great value for the money and is definitely worth considering. However, if you're a videophile or audiophile who demands the absolute best, you might want to consider a higher-end model. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and budget.

We hope this comprehensive review has helped you make an informed decision about the TCL 805 TV. Happy viewing!