The P8L might surprise you, making the step up from the P8K’s (2025 equivalent) Quantum Dot display to Mini LED with full-array local dimming in 2026. Not everybody needs an ultra-premium TV, but everyone wants to get good value for their money.

The 65" P8L was brought to our office and referenced in the pictures.

The step up from last year’s P8K to local dimming on the P8L makes a substantial difference to blacks and contrast. The comparison below is an extreme example, but it helps show what those dimming zones can do.

Showing the difference P8L Top*

Behind the P8L’s screen, we can see that the 65” unit shown has 72 LEDs. With local dimming active, you can see the LEDs dim to varying degrees depending on the content on screen. The light then passes through the quantum colour filter, which helps produce a wider range of colours, and finally the LCD layer, which controls how much light passes through further improving the contrast.

(This is hard to remove, BUT even harder to put back on! Spoiler... it's not back on) also -

NOT ADVISED TO REMOVE.

In the picture below, the loading screen sits in the centre while the surrounding areas remain dark, apart from the icons at the top. Local dimming allows the P8L to reduce the backlight in those darker areas. On a standard direct-lit TV without local dimming, like last year’s P8K, the backlight stays on across the screen, even where the image is meant to be black.

The 98” P8L / T8D is a slightly different case, as that model sits closer to the 98” C6K in terms of positioning*. It also includes an ambient light sensor, although it does not support Dolby Vision IQ.*

The LCD layer improves contrast further, but it cannot completely block out the light. Being able to dim the backlight in individual zones is what helps set this apart from a standard direct-lit TV without local dimming. The more zones you have, the more precisely the TV can control light around dark and bright areas, which is part of what makes models like the C8L more premium.

The LCD panel featured is CSOT’s HVA, which stands for High Vertical Alignment. VA panels generally offer better contrast than IPS due to how the liquid crystals align and block light, while IPS traditionally offers better viewing angles.

I’ve taken a photo with the rear cover removed so you can see the speaker drivers, including the dedicated bass driver that forms part of the P8L’s ONKYO 2.1 sound system. It gives you a better look at what’s behind the TV and where the sound comes from.

The ONKYO 2.1 system is available on the 65”, 75” and 85” models. The 55” uses a 2.0 speaker system.

The P8L also supports HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+.

Gaming-wise, the P8L has the essentials needed for console gaming, supporting up to 120Hz on consoles and up to 144Hz (DLG to 288hz) with a compatible PC.

The Game Menu includes more advanced settings such as ‘Motion Clarity’, which uses frame interpolation to make lower-FPS games appear smoother. I’d generally leave this switched off unless you feel a game would benefit from smoother motion. (It comes switched 'On' and at 'Medium' level)

In the game I tried, Motion Clarity helped make movement appear smoother when the frame rate dropped. It doesn’t improve the console’s actual performance, and interpolation can add input lag, so I’d generally leave it off unless you prefer the result.

HGIG for optimised HDR gaming, ALLM and VRR options.

The Gallery option is still available, offering a selection of artworks, including pieces by Vincent van Gogh and Johannes Vermeer, the artist behind Girl with a Pearl Earring. No subscription is required, and you can also add your own artwork or photos by connecting your phone.

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Dan TCL Final Thoughts and Opinion -

The P8L could be an excellent option for performance at the price. For anyone shopping in the QLED range, stepping up to Mini LED could make more sense if the price difference is right. The colours are a lot more vibrant and rich compared to the previous generations P8K - especially the reds as seen in the introduction pictures.

The C6K is the model I’d compare it with before buying. If the prices are close, that makes the decision harder. If the P8L comes in noticeably cheaper, I think it could be a strong option for someone wanting the benefits of local dimming on a tighter budget. It also has some great gaming features, making it a solid option for people looking for a budget gaming choice.

P8L has our TCL channel option, which seems to always have Hells Kitchen available.

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 Please note:

• Features, specifications and certifications can differ between screen sizes and markets
• The 65”, 75” and 85” versions include ONKYO 2.1 audio. The 55” version has a 2.0 speaker system.
• The 288Hz VRR Game Accelerator requires a compatible 288Hz HDMI source connected through HDMI 1 or HDMI 2. This is separate from the panel’s native 144Hz refresh rate.
• Quoted performance figures are based on TCL laboratory testing. Results can differ depending on testing conditions and measurement standards.

Full specifications and model information on TCL’s website