TCL · Television Reviews · QM851G

TCL QM8 QM851G First Look: A Giant QD-Mini LED Surprise

The 2024 TCL QM8 QM851G is a premium QD-Mini LED Google TV offered in 65-, 75-, 85- and 98-inch sizes. This first look centers on the enormous 98-inch model, including its two-person installation, widely spaced metal feet, connections, picture controls and gaming menu. Its strongest verified features include full-array local dimming, support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, 4K gaming up to 144Hz through HDMI 1, and an Onkyo 2.1.2-channel audio system. The major considerations are its two-port limit for high-refresh 4K sources, the 1080p limitation of Game Accelerator 240, and the space and installation demands of the 85- and 98-inch versions.

Video summary

Tech Steve and B The Installer unbox and set up the 98-inch TCL QM8, demonstrating why a television this large requires at least two capable installers and plenty of working space. The packaging includes substantial screen protection, metal feet, cable-management covers, a remote, batteries and the required hardware. After setup, Steve calls the initial picture fantastic and explores the connections, picture controls, intelligent brightness adjustment, Google TV features, ambient artwork, casting, AirPlay and gaming dashboard. He highlights 144Hz VRR support on HDMI 1, 120Hz support on HDMI 2, ALLM, HDR controls, a shadow enhancer and genre-based game modes. Audio testing and detailed picture evaluation are reserved for a separate full review.

Bottom line

Tech Steve Takeaway

The 98-inch QM8 makes a compelling first impression for shoppers who want a theater-sized, bright-room-friendly Mini LED television with strong gaming connectivity. Plan the installation carefully: the 98-inch set is extremely heavy, its feet span about 67.2 inches, and two people should be considered the minimum for handling it safely. The smaller 65- and 75-inch versions are much easier to place because they use narrow center pedestals.

The 2024 TCL QM8 QM851G combines a quantum-dot LCD panel with full-array Mini LED backlighting, Google TV and an Onkyo 2.1.2-channel sound system. It is sold in 65-, 75-, 85- and 98-inch sizes. All four have a 120Hz native panel and support up to 144Hz at 3840 x 2160 through HDMI 1 with VRR enabled.

Picture quality

Steve's initial impression of the 98-inch picture was very positive, describing it as fantastic after setup. The QM851G combines quantum-dot color with a full-array Mini LED backlight and local zone control. TCL also equips it with an anti-glare screen and the AiPQ PRO processor for color, contrast, clarity, upscaling and motion adjustments. A complete picture-quality evaluation was not performed during this first look.

HDR performance

The QM851G supports Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. Documented Dolby Vision presets include Dolby Vision IQ, Bright and Dark. TCL promotes a series-level peak of up to 5,000 nits, but that is a manufacturer claim rather than a measured result and is not assigned independently to every screen size.

Gaming performance

HDMI 1 supports VRR signals up to 3840 x 2160 at 144Hz, while HDMI 2 supports up to 4K at 120Hz. ALLM and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro are included. The gaming interface provides frame-rate information, HDR and VRR controls, game-specific picture modes, an aiming aid and a shadow enhancer. Game Accelerator 240 accepts up to 240Hz only at 1920 x 1080; the television does not have a native 240Hz panel and cannot display 4K at 240Hz. HDMI 3 and HDMI 4 are limited to 4K/60Hz.

Motion handling

The physical panel has a 120Hz native refresh rate and accepts up to 144Hz at its native 4K resolution through HDMI 1 with VRR. TCL's Motion Rate 480 with MEMC uses interpolation and must not be confused with the panel refresh rate. The optional 240Hz gaming mode requires a reduction to 1080p.

Sound quality

The QM851G uses an Onkyo-branded 2.1.2-channel system with built-in bass and two up-firing speakers, plus Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support. Steve found a built-in equalizer and additional sound controls during setup, but did not conduct the planned listening test. Audio hardware varies by size: the 65- and 75-inch models are rated at 80 watts with one subwoofer, while the 85- and 98-inch models are rated at 60 watts with two subwoofers.

Smart TV experience

Google TV provides access to streaming applications, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit integration. Voice-assistant support includes Google Assistant and compatibility with Amazon Alexa. Ambient mode can show personal photos or artwork. The television also includes Wi-Fi 6 and an ATSC 3.0 tuner.

Calibration notes

The picture menus provide controls for brightness, color, clarity, motion and calibration. An intelligent picture option can use the television's sensor to adjust brightness automatically for viewers who prefer not to configure the image manually. No specific calibrated settings were established during this first look.

Size variations

65-inch 65QM851G: QD-Mini LED QLED LCD with anti-glare coating; panel subtype and exact local-dimming-zone count are not verified. It has a 120Hz native panel, supports up to 4K/144Hz, and uses a narrow 13.46-inch-wide by 12.6-inch-deep center pedestal. VESA is 400 x 400 mm. Dimensions are 56.7 x 34.3 x 12.6 inches with the stand and 56.7 x 32.7 x 1.4 inches without it. Weight is 60.7 pounds with the stand and 51.2 pounds without it. Audio is rated at 80W with one subwoofer and two up-firing speakers. Launch MSRP was $1,999.99.

75-inch 75QM851G: QD-Mini LED QLED LCD with anti-glare coating; panel subtype and exact zone count are not verified. It retains the 120Hz native panel and 4K/144Hz maximum. The center pedestal is also 13.46 inches wide and 12.6 inches deep. VESA is 500 x 400 mm. Dimensions are 65.6 x 39.2 x 12.6 inches with the stand and 65.6 x 37.7 x 2.2 inches without it. Weight is 84.9 pounds with the stand and 72.8 pounds without it. Audio is rated at 80W with one subwoofer and two up-firing speakers. Launch MSRP was $2,699.99.

85-inch 85QM851G: Uses an H-VA LCD panel identified by TCL customer support, QD-Mini LED backlighting and an anti-glare coating. The exact zone count is not verified. It has a 120Hz native panel and supports up to 4K/144Hz. Unlike the smaller sizes, it uses two feet spaced about 55.3 inches apart and measuring 16.5 inches deep. VESA is 600 x 500 mm. Dimensions are 74.3 x 44.2 x 16.5 inches with the feet and 74.3 x 42.7 x 1.3 inches without them. Weight is 106 pounds with the feet and 102.5 pounds without them. Audio is rated at 60W with two subwoofers and two up-firing speakers. Launch MSRP was $3,999.99.

98-inch 98QM851G: The featured size uses QD-Mini LED QLED LCD technology and an anti-glare coating; its panel subtype and exact zone count are not verified. It has a 120Hz native panel and supports up to 4K/144Hz. Its two feet are spaced about 67.2 inches apart and are 16.5 inches deep, so a very wide console is required. VESA is 600 x 600 mm. Dimensions are 85.8 x 50.7 x 16.5 inches with the feet and 85.8 x 49.2 x 1.6 inches without them. Weight is 152.1 pounds with the feet and 147.3 pounds without them. Audio is rated at 60W with two subwoofers and two up-firing speakers. Launch MSRP was $7,999.99.

All four sizes share the same verified native and maximum 4K refresh rates. TCL's up-to-5,000-nit and up-to-5,000-zone figures are series-level claims rather than confirmed size-specific values.

What we like

Full-array QD-Mini LED backlighting provides localized light control instead of relying on edge lighting.
Supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, covering both major dynamic-metadata HDR formats.
Accepts 4K/144Hz VRR signals through HDMI 1 and 4K/120Hz through HDMI 2.
Includes ALLM and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for compatible game systems.
Anti-glare screen is designed to reduce the impact of ambient-room reflections.
Onkyo 2.1.2-channel audio system includes built-in bass and up-firing speakers.
Google TV includes Chromecast, AirPlay 2, HomeKit integration and voice-assistant support.
The 65- and 75-inch center pedestals fit substantially narrower furniture than conventional wide-set feet.

What to consider

Only HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 support 4K signals above 60Hz; HDMI 3 and HDMI 4 top out at 4K/60Hz.
Game Accelerator 240 is limited to 1920 x 1080 and should not be mistaken for native 4K/240Hz support.
The 85- and 98-inch feet require approximately 55.3 and 67.2 inches of furniture width, respectively.
The 98-inch model weighs about 147.3 pounds without its feet, making installation difficult and potentially requiring professional assistance.
A compatible wall mount must be purchased separately.
Audio hardware and rated output differ between the smaller and larger screen sizes.

Tech Steve verdict

The TCL QM8 QM851G is best suited to shoppers seeking a large, high-output Mini LED television with broad HDR compatibility and capable gaming features. The 65- and 75-inch versions are the easiest to accommodate because their center pedestals fit relatively narrow furniture, and their 80W audio systems provide more rated power than the larger variants. The 85-inch model is a strong choice for a more cinematic scale, but its 55.3-inch foot spacing and 106-pound assembled weight require planning. The 98-inch model delivers the most dramatic home-theater experience, but buyers need a console at least as wide as its 67.2-inch foot spacing or a properly rated 600 x 600 mm wall mount, plus professional-level help handling its 147.3-pound chassis. Across every size, the main connectivity tradeoff is that only two HDMI ports support 4K above 60Hz, and the promoted 240Hz mode works only at 1080p.

Choose your size

Size-by-size buying guide

Brightness measurements are shown only for the exact size researched. Recommended distance uses a 30°-40° field-of-view range for mixed TV and cinematic viewing.

Size / model	Panel / finish	Refresh	Dimming zones	Peak HDR	VESA	Feet width	Viewing distance	Buy
65"65QM851GMSRP $1,999.99	QD-Mini LED-backlit QLED LCDAnti-glare coated screen	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	No size-specific test	400 x 400	13.46 in	7.4-10.1 ft	Check price ↗
75"75QM851GMSRP $2,699.99	QD-Mini LED-backlit QLED LCDAnti-glare coated screen	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	No size-specific test	500 x 400	13.46 in	8.6-11.7 ft	Check price ↗
85"85QM851GMSRP $3,999.99	H-VA LCD, identified by TCL customer support for this sizeAnti-glare coated screen	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	No size-specific test	600 x 500	55.3 in	9.7-13.2 ft	Check price ↗
98"98QM851GMSRP $7,999.99	QD-Mini LED-backlit QLED LCDAnti-glare coated screen	120 Hz native Up to 144 Hz at native resolution	—	No size-specific test	600 x 600	67.2 in	11.2-15.2 ft	Check price ↗

What makes it different

Exclusive technology

QD-Mini LED

Combines a dense Mini LED full-array backlight with quantum-dot color reproduction and local zone control.

QLED PRO

TCL's quantum-dot color system, promoted as covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space.

High Brightness ULTIMATE

The branding used for the QM8's high-output Mini LED backlight. TCL makes a series-level claim of up to 5,000-nit peak brightness.

TCL AiPQ PRO Processor

Analyzes and adjusts color, contrast, clarity, upscaling and motion processing.

Game Accelerator 240

Accepts high-frame-rate gaming signals up to 240Hz at 1920 x 1080. It does not make the panel natively 240Hz and does not support 240Hz at 4K.

Motion Rate 480 with MEMC

Uses motion estimation and frame insertion to reduce perceived motion blur; it is not a physical 480Hz panel rate.

HEXA Mini LED Chip

TCL describes this as a six-in-one LED chip design intended to improve brightness, light control and power efficiency.

UWA Optical Lens

An ultra-wide-angle optical lens intended to distribute the Mini LED backlight more evenly across the panel.

ODR LED Technology

Reduces the optical distance within the backlight assembly to improve light control and limit visible blooming.

FullView 360 Metal Bezel-less Design

Uses an edge-to-edge glass appearance, narrow borders and a metal exterior design.

Specifications

Audio

Speaker SystemOnkyo 2.1.2-channel speaker system with built-in subwoofer or subwoofers and two up-firing speakers; driver power and woofer count vary by size

Included SubwooferYes

Included Rear SpeakersNo

Dolby AtmosYes

Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital

DTS SupportYes

DTS Audio FormatsDTS Virtual:X

Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit integration

Optional AccessoriesCompatible VESA wall mount, sold separately