TCL or Xiaomi: Which TV is better to buy? full comparison 2026

Why the choice between TCL and Xiaomi has become so difficult

5 years ago, the answer to the question “which TV is better — TCL Or Xiaomi? was obvious: the first one offered mediocre budget models, and the second one was just beginning to enter the market. Today, things have changed dramatically. 4K-And the quantum dot TVs that support Dolby Vision, power the devices with powerful processors, and offer competitive prices, but what differences are hidden behind similar specs?

This article will help you figure out which TV is right for you: TCL with its time-tested Mini-LED technology and advanced gaming features, or Xiaomi with the MIUI TV ecosystem, smart home integration and aggressive pricing. We will analyze 10 key parameters that directly affect viewing comfort, compare flagship and budget models, and uncover the pitfalls that are not being discussed by sellers.

Spoiler: If you're looking for a movie TV, the answer is one, for games, another, and for a smart home, a third. Let's get it straight.

Image quality: Mini-LED vs. VA-panel

The main thing to look at when buying a TV is image quality, where TCL has traditionally led the way thanks to Mini-LED technology, which the brand is actively implementing even in mid-budget models. For example, the TCL C745 (2026) is equipped with a matrix with 576 backlight zones, which provides deep black and high contrast. For comparison, the Xiaomi TV Q2 QLED has only 96 backlight zones, and even less in budget models.

But it's not that clear, but Xiaomi is using it. VA-panels with quantum dots that display more saturated colors in mode HDR10+. According to RTINGS.com, Xiaomi models are better at showing shades of green and red, which is important for viewing natural landscapes — TCL out-of-competition.

• 🔹 TCL: Best contrast, deep black, Mini-LED even in the middle segment
• 🔹 Xiaomi: More saturated colors in the HDR, But worse than working with gray gradations.
• 🔹 Both brands support Dolby Vision, but the TCL Optimization for dark scenes

If you watch a lot of movies in a dark room, take TCL. Xiaomi is good for daytime viewing with bright lights, especially if you like juicy colors. But remember: TCL's Mini-LED can have the "blooming" effect that you see in dynamic scenes.

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To reduce the effect of "blooming" on TCL, turn on Local Dimming at "High" level in the backlight settings.

2.Sound: Why embedded speakers are always a compromise

It’s no secret that the built-in speakers in TVs are a weak spot even for premium models. However, there are differences between TCL and Xiaomi: the former often complete their devices with 2.1 systems with a separate subwoofer (for example, the TCL C845 has a power of 50 watts), while Xiaomi is limited to stereo speakers 2.0 by 30 watts.

But there's a caveat: Xiaomi is better at optimizing sound for voice dialogues with Dolby Audio technology and a built-in equalizer with presets for different genres. But TCL's bass sounds dumber and less clear, but the overall sound profile is more balanced. If you're not planning on connecting the sound bar, look at models that support DTS Virtual:X, which mimic surround sound.

⚠️ If you are planning to use the TV to listen to music, you will not be able to TCL, Xiaomi will not replace even the budget sound bar, and the built-in speakers of both brands distort the sound at high volumes (above 70%).

3. Smart TV: MIUI TV vs Google TV - which is more convenient?

Here, Xiaomi is clearly taking off with MIUI TV firmware, which is integrated with the brand ecosystem.

• 📱 Quick sync with Xiaomi phone (file transfer, notifications, screen mirroring)
• 🏠 Smart home management through Mi Home (lighting, robot vacuum cleaners, cameras)
• 🎮 Built-in Game Turbo to optimize games with gamepads

TCL, depending on the model, uses either Google TV (in the new series) or its own TCL TV OS shell. The former is more versatile and offers access to Google Play with thousands of apps, but runs slower on budget models. The latter is simpler and faster, but lacks many features.

The key difference is that Xiaomi updates the firmware more often (every 1-2 months), and TCL can stay on one version for years, but the latter has a feature - ONM (One-Network-Multi-View), which allows you to display up to 4 sources at a time (for example, YouTube + surveillance camera + TV-air).

4. Gaming Opportunities: 120Hz, ALLM and VRR

If you're connecting to a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X TV, TCL is the best choice. Most models in the C745 series and above support:

• 🎮 HDMI 2.1 throughput 48 Hz (enough for) 4K@120fps)
• 🔄 VRR (Variable Refresh Rate for smoothness of the picture
• 🕒 ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode – Automatically reduces input delay to 8-12 miss

Xiaomi is lagging behind: even the flagship Xiaomi TV Master does not support HDMI 2.1 completely - the maximum refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz in 4K. But the brand has a unique feature: the MEMC mode (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation), which artificially increases the frame rate to 120 Hz for movies. However, this only works with 24/30 fps content and can create artifacts.

⚠️ Attention: TCL switched-on VRR You may see micro-stuttering in the console menu. HDMI-port.

Enable Game Mode in the settings HDMI-port

Activate VRR (if supported)

Disable post-processing (Sharpness, Noise Reduction)

Set the input delay to a minimum (10 ms)

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5. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal

Xiaomi has traditionally relied on minimalist design: thin bezels (3 mm at flagships), metal stands and a matte back cover. TVs look premium, but the build is not always perfect - users complain of backrests and creaks when adjusting the angle of inclination.

TCL, by contrast, uses more durable materials: a shock-resistant plastic case, reinforced bracket mounts, and rubber legs that prevent slipping, but the design is inferior to the wider frame (8-10 mm), and the stands look more massive, but these TVs are easier to repair: access to boards is easier and parts are cheaper.

If you care about the look, take Xiaomi. If you're planning to hang the TV on the wall or transport it, the TCL is more reliable. Pay attention to the weight: the Xiaomi TV Q2 65 weighs 18.5 kg, and the TCL C745 65" - 22 kg due to the metal frame.

Price and price-quality ratio

Here, Xiaomi has traditionally benefited from aggressive pricing. TV A Pro 55" with" 4K Dolby Vision costs about $45,000 ₽, whereas similar TCL P745 It'll cost 55,000. ₽. 10,000 difference ₽ Only if Mini-LED or gaming features are critical to you.

But the premium segment is changing: the TCL C845 with Mini-LED and 144 backlight zones is 15-20% cheaper than the Xiaomi TV Master at comparable specs, and TCL often offers discounts and installments without overpaying.

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If the budget is limited to 50,000 ₽, Choose Xiaomi if you're willing to spend $70,000.+ ₽ — TCL We offer the best technology for the same amount of money.

7. Pitfalls: What the sellers are silent about

Both brands are not without flaws that you will not learn from the advertising booklets:

• 🔌 TCL: In budget models (P635, P735) It uses a stripped-down version of Android TV without access to Google Play. apps are installed only through APK.
• 📶 Xiaomi: Wireless Wi-Fi 5 modules (even in 2026 models!) are not pulling 4K-streaming without lags. You need an Ethernet cable to work smoothly.
• 🔧 Both brands save on cooling systems, with long-term operation at high brightness (>80% of TVs overheat, which leads to automatic lowering of backlights.

Another unpleasant thing: Xiaomi blocks the ability to disable ads in MIUI TV at the firmware level. Even after resetting to the factory settings, banners return. TCL has no advertising, but the menu is full of unnecessary preinstalled apps (for example, TCL Channel) that can not be removed.

⚠️ Attention: In models TCL Mini-LED (series) C745, C845) Over time, the backlight zones may be burned out with static content (channel logos, HUD To minimize the risk, enable the Pixel Shift feature in the screen settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions