TCL T89C QLED TV Review (2025): A True Game-Changer in Mid-Range QLED TVs?

When you hear names like Samsung, Sony, and LG, you instantly think of premium TVs with top-notch picture quality and cutting-edge features. But what if I told you that a brand like TCL is challenging them head-on in 2025—offering nearly the same (and sometimes better) features at almost half the price?

Enter the TCL T89C QLED TV (2025).
Launched in the same price range where Samsung and LG’s basic 4K TVs begin, this model brings a premium QLED panel, powerful gaming features, Dolby Vision support, and an advanced audio system—all at a price that undercuts its rivals.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve extensively tested the TCL T89C, watching movies, gaming, streaming OTT content, and even regular DTH channels. And in this blog, I’ll break down everything you need to know:

• 📺 Display quality & brightness
• 🎮 Gaming performance (120Hz + VRR + 144Hz HDMI)
• 🎨 Color accuracy & HDR
• 🔊 Audio quality with Hi-Fi speakers
• ⚡ Software experience (Google TV OS 12)
• 🔌 Connectivity options
• ✅ Pros & Cons compared to Samsung, LG & Sony

By the end, you’ll know whether this is truly the best mid-range QLED TV of 2025 or just another overhyped budget option.

Design & Build Quality

At first glance, the TCL T89C doesn’t scream “premium” the way an OLED might, but it’s sleek and modern enough to blend well in any living room.

• Bezels: Ultra-slim, almost invisible from a normal viewing distance.
• Back Panel: Made of plastic, but sturdy enough. It has a dedicated subwoofer cut-out for extra bass.
• Stand: Plastic table mounts included in the box. Not the most premium, but stable.
• Branding: Minimalistic TCL branding at the center of the front panel.

Overall, while the design doesn’t break new ground, it’s clean, functional, and exactly what you’d expect in this price range.

Display & Picture Quality

This is where TCL has really stepped up.

The T89C features an HVA (Advanced VA) QLED panel, which is essentially an improved VA panel offering better contrast and slightly wider viewing angles.

✅ Brightness & HDR Performance

• Claimed Peak Brightness: 450 nits
• Tested Brightness: ~370 nits sustained (HDR) and up to 450 nits peak for 3 seconds.

That’s actually excellent for this price range. HDR content—whether on Netflix, Disney+, or Dolby Vision titles—looks bright, punchy, and full of detail.

✅ Contrast Ratio

• Measured Contrast Ratio: 5620:1 (insanely good)

What does this mean?

• Deep, inky blacks
• Vibrant highlights
• Lifelike depth in both dark and bright scenes

This is the kind of performance that even entry-level Samsung and LG 4K TVs can’t match.

✅ Color Accuracy & Range

• 100% sRGB coverage
• 87% DCI-P3 coverage

TCL tends to push reds a little extra, so the colors appear more vivid and punchy—great for movies, animations, and sports. Greens and blues are well-balanced, so the overall tone feels natural but slightly enhanced.

✅ Viewing Angles

• Better than normal VA panels, thanks to HVA tech.
• Expect around 15–20% loss in brightness & color accuracy at wide angles.
• Not as perfect as IPS or OLED, but for typical living room viewing (front or 45° angle), it’s excellent.

✅ Dynamic Range & Detail

This is where TCL shines:

• Darker areas retain details without crushing blacks.
• Bright zones don’t overexpose.
• Excellent HDR tone mapping—movies look cinematic.

In simple words: movies, sports, and OTT shows look phenomenal.

Gaming Performance

If you’re a gamer, this TV is an absolute beast. TCL has loaded it with features usually found in much more expensive models.

Key Gaming Features:

• Native 120Hz refresh rate panel
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
• DLG technology: Can boost up to 240Hz at Full HD (via PC gaming).
• Two HDMI 2.1 ports (4K at 144Hz) with eARC support
• Low input lag (excellent for FPS & sports titles)

Real-world Gaming Test

• PS5/Xbox Series X: Smooth, stutter-free performance at 4K 120Hz.
• PC Gaming: Capable of running 144Hz refresh for eSports titles.
• HDR Gaming: HDR10 Gaming support enhances visuals dramatically.

For this price range, you simply won’t find a TV that gives you this kind of next-gen gaming experience.

Audio Quality

Unlike most mid-range TVs that deliver weak sound, the TCL T89C comes with a 2.1-channel, 35W Hi-Fi speaker setup.

• 12W x 2 stereo speakers
• 11W subwoofer built into the TV
• Hi-Fi audio for crystal-clear vocals & dialogue clarity

During testing, dialogue-heavy shows like The Crown sounded sharp, while action movies had decent bass rumble.

👉 No, it won’t replace a dedicated soundbar, but for most users, it’s more than enough.

Software & Performance

The T89C runs on Google TV OS 12, which is smooth, intuitive, and loaded with features.

• 3GB RAM + 32GB storage (22GB usable) → helps reduce lags over time.
• Pre-installed OTT apps: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, etc.
• Google Assistant & Chromecast built-in
• Content recommendations right on the home screen.

Compared to Samsung’s Tizen OS or LG’s webOS, Google TV is more flexible and app-rich.

Connectivity

TCL has nailed the connectivity game here.

• 4 HDMI ports
  • 2x HDMI 2.1 (4K @144Hz, one with eARC)
  • 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K @60Hz)
• 1x USB 3.0 port
• Optical Audio Out
• Bluetooth 5.4
• Dual-band Wi-Fi

This makes it future-proof for gaming consoles, soundbars, and PCs.

✅ Pros & Cons

👍 Pros:

• Excellent contrast ratio (5620:1) & deep blacks
• Bright panel (~370–450 nits) with HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• 120Hz native refresh rate with VRR + ALLM
• Gaming beast (4K 120Hz, HDMI 2.1, DLG tech up to 240Hz FHD)
• Google TV OS 12 with 3GB RAM → smooth UI
• Solid Hi-Fi audio with subwoofer
• Great value compared to Samsung, LG, Sony in the same price range

👎 Cons:

• Plastic build (not premium like OLEDs)
• Viewing angles still weaker than IPS/OLED
• Reds slightly oversaturated (TCL tuning style)
• Built-in audio good, but not cinematic (needs soundbar for best experience)
• Average SD upscaling (news channels look okay, not great)

TCL T89C vs Samsung / LG / Sony (2025 Entry-Level 4K TVs)

Clearly, the TCL T89C beats them all in raw specs, especially for gamers and movie lovers.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the TCL T89C QLED TV?

After weeks of testing, here’s my honest take:

👉 If you’re someone who watches OTT content (Netflix, Prime, Disney+), HDR movies, and plays games on PS5/Xbox/PC, this TV is an absolute steal.
👉 If your primary usage is SD/HD set-top box channels, then it’s decent, but not jaw-dropping.
👉 If you want a premium design and OLED-level viewing angles, you’ll need to spend a lot more.

But considering the price, the TCL T89C offers phenomenal value—outperforming Samsung, LG, and Sony’s basic 4K TVs in almost every way.

⭐ My Rating: 8.3/10
✔️ Brilliant picture quality
✔️ Gaming powerhouse
✔️ Strong audio system
✔️ Feature-packed & future-proof

For most buyers in 2025, the TCL T89C is the best mid-range QLED TV you can buy.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy TCL T89C (2025) QLED TV

Author Section: My name is Vineet Malhotra, and I am a tech and electronics Enthusiast based in Delhi, NCR. My reviews differ from others because I don’t make sponsored content on my Channel. I buy all the products, test them, and then review/compare them to make videos. My reviews aren’t complete without the Uncomfortable Truth or the Pros and cons of products, and that’s why I call them tRuE-VieW.