TCL 805 TV: Review, Specs, And Alternatives
So, you're checking out the TCL 805 TV, huh? Awesome choice! In this article, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about this television. We'll cover the key features, specs, and even some potential alternatives if you're still on the fence. Let's get started!
What is the TCL 805 TV?
First things first, let's define what the TCL 805 TV actually is. The TCL 805 is a mid-range television offering from TCL, known for delivering a solid balance of picture quality, features, and affordability. It's designed to appeal to folks who want a great viewing experience without breaking the bank. The TCL 805 series typically incorporates features like 4K resolution, HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, and smart TV capabilities, often powered by platforms like Google TV or Roku. This makes it a versatile option for everyday viewing, streaming, and even gaming.
But, what really sets the 805 apart from other TVs in its class? Well, it often boasts impressive color accuracy and contrast, thanks to technologies like QLED (Quantum Dot LED) or similar enhancements. This translates to richer, more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, making your movies, shows, and games look stunning. Furthermore, the smart features provide a seamless user experience, giving you easy access to a wide range of streaming services and apps. The TCL 805 is designed to be user-friendly, making it a great option for tech-savvy users and those who are newer to the smart TV world.
Why should you consider the TCL 805? For starters, it's a fantastic value proposition. You're getting a lot of bang for your buck, with features that are often found in more expensive TVs. The picture quality is definitely a highlight, offering a noticeable upgrade over standard LED TVs. The smart features are intuitive and responsive, ensuring you spend less time navigating menus and more time enjoying your favorite content. Plus, TCL has built a solid reputation for reliability, so you can expect your TV to last for years to come. So, whether you're a movie buff, a sports fanatic, or a casual streamer, the TCL 805 offers something for everyone.
Key Features and Specs
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the key features and specs that make the TCL 805 tick. Knowing these details will give you a clearer picture of what this TV can do and how it stacks up against the competition.
- Display: The TCL 805 typically features a 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolution. This means you're getting four times the resolution of Full HD, resulting in incredibly sharp and detailed images. The panel technology often includes QLED or similar enhancements, which use quantum dots to produce a wider color gamut and improved brightness. This translates to more vibrant and realistic colors, making everything from nature documentaries to animated movies pop off the screen. Viewing angles are generally good, ensuring that the picture remains clear and consistent even when viewed from off-center positions. Sizes usually range from 55 inches to 75 inches or even larger, catering to different room sizes and viewing preferences. A larger screen size immerses you further into your movies and shows, while a smaller screen might be more suitable for smaller spaces. Don't forget to measure your space before making a decision.
 - HDR Support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a crucial feature for modern TVs, and the TCL 805 doesn't disappoint. It typically supports multiple HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), and sometimes even Dolby Vision. HDR expands the range of colors and contrast, resulting in more realistic and lifelike images. Bright highlights are brighter, shadows are deeper, and colors are more nuanced. Dolby Vision takes it a step further by providing dynamic metadata, which optimizes the HDR performance on a scene-by-scene basis. This ensures that you're always getting the best possible picture quality, regardless of the content you're watching. Watching HDR content on the TCL 805 is a truly immersive experience.
 - Smart TV Platform: The TCL 805 usually runs on either Google TV or Roku, both of which are excellent smart TV platforms. Google TV is based on Android TV and offers a clean, user-friendly interface with access to a vast library of apps through the Google Play Store. It also integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Assistant. Roku, on the other hand, is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It features a straightforward interface with access to thousands of channels, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Both platforms offer voice control capabilities, allowing you to control your TV with simple voice commands. This makes navigating menus, searching for content, and adjusting settings a breeze. The choice between Google TV and Roku often comes down to personal preference, so it's worth checking out both interfaces before making a decision.
 - Audio: While the built-in speakers on the TCL 805 are decent, they might not be enough for serious audiophiles. The TV typically features a two-channel speaker system with a decent amount of power, but the sound quality can be a bit lacking in terms of bass and clarity. However, the TCL 805 usually supports audio output options like HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and optical digital audio, allowing you to connect to external soundbars or surround sound systems for a more immersive audio experience. A good soundbar can significantly enhance your viewing experience, adding depth and dimension to the sound. If you're serious about audio, investing in a soundbar is definitely recommended.
 - Connectivity: The TCL 805 offers a good range of connectivity options. It typically includes multiple HDMI ports, allowing you to connect devices like game consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. USB ports are also included for connecting external storage devices or charging peripherals. Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity options are standard, providing you with flexibility in terms of internet access. Some models may also include Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect wireless headphones or speakers. These connectivity options ensure that you can easily integrate the TCL 805 into your existing home entertainment setup.
 
Pros and Cons
Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the TCL 805 TV. No TV is perfect, and it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a purchase.
Pros:
- Excellent Picture Quality: The TCL 805 delivers impressive picture quality, thanks to its 4K resolution, HDR support, and QLED or similar enhancements. Colors are vibrant and realistic, and the contrast is excellent. This makes it a great choice for watching movies, shows, and playing games.
 - Smart Features: The smart TV platform, whether it's Google TV or Roku, is user-friendly and offers access to a wide range of streaming services and apps. Navigating menus and finding content is a breeze.
 - Value for Money: The TCL 805 offers a lot of features and performance for its price, making it a great value proposition. You're getting a high-quality TV without breaking the bank.
 - Sleek Design: The TCL 805 typically features a modern and sleek design that will complement any living room. The bezels are usually thin, and the overall aesthetic is pleasing.
 
Cons:
- Audio Quality: The built-in speakers are decent but not exceptional. Serious audiophiles will likely want to invest in an external soundbar or surround sound system.
 - Motion Handling: Some users have reported that the motion handling could be better, especially during fast-paced action scenes. However, this can often be mitigated by adjusting the TV's settings.
 - Viewing Angles: While the viewing angles are generally good, they're not as wide as some higher-end TVs. The picture quality may degrade slightly when viewed from extreme angles.
 
Potential Alternatives
Okay, so maybe you're not 100% sold on the TCL 805 just yet. No worries! Let's take a look at some potential alternatives that might be a better fit for your needs and budget.
- Samsung Q60 Series: The Samsung Q60 series is a popular alternative to the TCL 805. It offers similar features and performance, including 4K resolution, HDR support, and Samsung's QLED technology. Samsung's Tizen smart TV platform is also user-friendly and offers a wide range of apps.
 - LG NanoCell Series: LG's NanoCell TVs are another great option. They use NanoCell technology to deliver accurate colors and wide viewing angles. LG's webOS smart TV platform is also highly regarded. LG also has OLED TVs that are great.
 - Sony X80J Series: The Sony X80J series offers excellent picture quality and Sony's renowned processing power. It runs on Google TV and supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Sony is renowned for the quality and durability of their TVs.
 
When considering alternatives, think about what features are most important to you. Do you prioritize picture quality, smart features, or audio performance? Also, keep your budget in mind and compare prices to find the best deal.
Final Verdict
So, what's the final word on the TCL 805 TV? It's a fantastic mid-range TV that offers a great balance of picture quality, features, and affordability. The 4K resolution, HDR support, and smart TV platform make it a versatile option for everyday viewing, streaming, and gaming.
While the built-in speakers could be better, and the motion handling isn't perfect, the overall package is excellent, especially for the price. If you're looking for a high-quality TV that won't break the bank, the TCL 805 is definitely worth considering. Of course, it's always a good idea to compare it to other models and brands to make sure you're getting the best TV for your specific needs and preferences. Happy watching, guys!