Intro

 When shopping around for a new TV. Some might get overwhelmed with the options, brand names and buzzwords.

They end up making a wrong decision due to not fully understanding the differences between the types of display tech available to them.

So, to help you better understand the specific differences between Mini LED TVs and OLED tech, I'm comparing the new TCL C855k to the LG C2 OLED.

 Picture Quality

Brightness and Contrast

 So, let's start with the differences between brightness and contrast. Due to the nature of organic light-emitting diodes in the LG C2, each individual pixel can be controlled and even switched off to create pure, infinite blacks. That's one of the most significant upsides to OLED panels.

 Now, on the flip side. Newer Mini LED tech like the panel used on the TCL. The control is not quite as granular as OLED.

However, it's gotten very good now. Thanks to the smaller LED clusters, significantly more zones than ever before can be controlled and switched off.

It massively increases contrast and reduces light blooms. It is not quite the same level as OLED, but it is close. And there are some really big advantages that we'll come back to. And one of them is regarding brightness.

Typically, Mini LED TVs can get brighter than OLEDs.

 Colour Accuracy and Gamut

 So, aside from brightness and contrast. Something really vital to making the right purchase decision is colour accuracy. And overall picture performance. So, it's easy to think that the more expensive options would have the best colour calibration by default. But this isn't always the case.

 Now, I'm not going to get too scientific with the comparisons here, but I will give you a few things to look at. One is the DCI P3 colour Gamut. This relates to how many colours can actually be shown. On the LG C4, it's 79.2%, and on TCL's Mini LED, the C855K is 95%. So, the LG on paper has better contrast, but the TCL has a broader colour range.

 Also, it might be worth comparing viewing angles, especially if you know the TV isn't front and centre. And with these two particular TVs, the viewing angles are excellent. This was a problem on older LED TVs, but with these newer QD Mini LEDs, the viewing angles are very good and definitely comparable to the more expensive OLED tech.

 Also, HDR Performance & certified HDR ratings are something worth looking into. This is the range between peak brightness and pure darkness. The TCL C855K has an official HDR10+ rating with HDR 10+ Adaptive support. The LG is no slouch in this area either; it is HDR10 rated and both TVs support Dolby Vision content. You can get it on most of the popular streaming services.

 Technology Differences

Backlight Technology

 So, ultimately, the two different panel techs affect the picture, and both sides have ups and downs, for example, due to the organic nature of the OLED tech used on the LG C4. The panels' lifespan typically does not last as long as Mini-led displays.

 Also, screen burn-in is a real possibility. For example, if there's a watermark display in a fixed position for an excessive amount of time, it could become a permanent fixture. LG is aware of this, especially since they're the number one in OLED TVs. So, safety measures are in place, but it's worth noting that this isn't an issue you need to worry about with the TCL C855K.

 Refresh Rate and Motion Handling

 This is important if you're a gamer, even if you're not. If anyone using the TV wants to do some gaming, they'll be glad you looked into this. It is the refresh rate on the TV. This is how quickly the display can refresh the image per second.

 Most game consoles at the moment max out at 120Hz. And both the LG C4 and the TCL855K support this. And you'll be happy to know both support up to 144Hz. Now, this, in reality, will only come into play when hooking up a gaming PC, for example.

 Gaming Performance

And just quickly, on the topic of gaming. If this is an area that's important to you. Aside from the refresh rates supported. It'll be worth looking out for a few things.

 For example, the input lag relates to the response time between your gaming hardware and the display. This does vary depending on the input signal, but with the LG C4 for gaming, it can be as quick as 4.6 ms, and the TCL C855K comes in at around 5.6 ms.

 Also, variable refresh rate (VRR) support and automatic low latency modes can be important for more serious gamers. So it's also worth looking out for.

Both of these TVs support VRR. Also, Freesync and Gsync are a plus for PC gamers. The TCL C855K and the LG support both of them. So it's a close contest here.

 Overall Value and Considerations

 Price

However, the price might be the first and foremost factor to consider when comparing these two very formidable TVs. This is because OLED tech is quite costly to produce. OLED TVs tend to have a heftier price tag. Prices can change, of course, but at the time of this video, the 65" C4 comes in at £1699.

The TCL, in comparison, is probably due to the fact it is a QD Mini LED & that TCL are not as well known here in the UK at this point in time. It is significantly cheaper at £1299. That's £400 difference.

 So just to give you my opinion on the pros and cons of these two TVs. The LG is thinner, which is nice. But it does mean there is little room for speakers, so the built-in sound isn't quite as good as the Onkyo Dolby Atmos speakers on the TCL.

 The black levels from the OLED are perfect, but the Mini LED tech used on the TCL is so close now. So that's one area you'd be paying more for. But keep in mind the lifespan of the TV may be shorter.

 While I like the LG software, I particularly like the pointer remote. I really like the clean and simplified Google TV software on the TCL.

It just feels a little easier to use. Also, you get two remotes with the TCL…, which could reduce the issue of losing your remote down the side of the sofa.

 The picture performance is close, and I don't think you'd be disappointed with either of the two. I was to nitpick between the LG C4 & TCL C855K. The LG has the edge when it comes to pure blacks, but the TCL has the advantage when it comes to brightness and colour. So it's tricky to call, but I'm hoping you've come to your own conclusions based on the areas we looked at in this video.

 TCL summary

 So to just summarise the pros and cons of each of these two TVs

 The LG C4 OLED has infinite black levels and a slightly wider colour gamut but suffers a little bit in regard to brightness and panel lifespan in comparison.

 It is a lot slimmer in profile compared to the TCL which is nice but this of course does make the display more fragile and due to the thinness, it doesn't quite have as much room for larger speakers as the TCL. It's a fantastic TV but the higher price tag may not be so fantastic if you're concerned about your budget.

 On the Flipside the TCL C855k has impressive black levels that are very close to the OLED, but a significant advantage it has is the brightness of the display, its more robust frame and built-in Dolby Atmos speakers.

 Also, the Google software makes using the TV a little bit easier to operate & the colour calibration out of the box is fantastic.

 And a huge selling point for the TCL is its value for money. If you shop around it will be very hard to find a QD Mini LED that can compete with the C855K at its price point.

 If you want a closer look at the remotes and ports on these two TVs, check out the written version on WhatGear.net. If you want the most up-to-date prices, affiliate links will be below.