The video below from AP Tech shows how an M-series TV and one with FALD handle dimming differently.
Meanwhile, TCL’s budget QM6K ($550 MSRP at time of writing) achieved a contrast ratio of 118:059:1 after RTING calibration. But even this set fails in areas where the Mini LED might be expected to shine. Its HDR performance, for example, is reportedly poor.
“Visually, the TV doesn’t impress, although its black levels are quite good due to its impressive contrast and good black uniformity. Unfortunately, there are more halos around bright lights than you’d like, but that’s okay. Its HDR brightness is mediocre at best, so the TV doesn’t provide a striking HDR experience overall,” the RTING review says.
Mini busbar LED
TCL has an obvious interest in challenging Samsung’s marketing. The companies are long-time rivals and casting doubt on Samsung’s claims could help TCL sell more TVs. But it’s still worth asking the underlying question: What should consumers expect when a TV is marketed as Mini LED?
I would say that a TV with slightly smaller than average LEDs but without local dimming should not be considered Mini LED with local dimming. The important distinction is not simply the size of the LEDs; This is how they are used to deliver improved contrast and HDR performance.
But even that definition has limits, as small LEDs and local dimming zones are not enough to ensure good performance. TCL’s own budget line of Mini LED TVs may disappoint in areas where the technology should have an advantage, such as HDR support. And compared to Samsung’s more expensive Mini LED TVs, the M series has worse HDR performance and black levels and is harder to use in a dark room, according to RTING tests.
That leaves buyers in an awkward position. Terms like “Mini LED” or “QLED” are now widely used, but they don’t always indicate how a TV will perform. Manufacturers often do not disclose basic details, such as the size of the LEDs, the number of dimming zones, or precise contrast and brightness measurements.
So for buyers it’s important to remember that comparative pricing and independent testing is ultimately much more useful than a label on a box.
