Choosing between TCL and Xiaomi in 2026 has been a puzzle for many buyers, both offering modern models with 4K, HDR, smart features and attractive pricing. But which one is really better? The answer depends on your priorities: someone cares about a picture with deep black, someone cares about a fast Smart TV, and someone about reliability for years to come.
In this article, we will compare TCL and Xiaomi TVs in detail on key metrics, from screen and sound quality to firmware and service features, which models to consider in different price categories, what to look for when buying, and what pitfalls both brands harbor, and exclusive data on the real-world experiences of users who have already faced a choice between these giants.
Spoiler: If you want a movie TV with perfect color reproduction, the answer might surprise you, but for gamers and streamers, the priorities are different. Let's get this straight.
1. Image quality: QLED vs Mini-LED and your eyes
The first thing that people pay attention to when they buy a TV is a picture. TCL Xiaomi is going their separate ways. TCL It relies on Mini-LED lighting in premium models (for example, TCL C845 or TCL 98C745), Xiaomi is more likely to use classics. QLED-Matrixes (like in Xiaomi) TV Q2 75) Difference of principle:
Mini-LED from TCL It provides a deeper black color and a higher brightness (up to 1,500 nits), which is critical for watching movies in dark scenes, and better local lighting (the dimming zones work more accurately than most competitors in this price segment). TCL (for example, series P735) standardize LED-lighting where black can be "grey".
Xiaomi has a different approach: even budget models (such as the Xiaomi TV A2 43) use a quantum dot (QLED), which gives more saturated colors. However, without Mini-LED contrast is inferior to the flagships of TCL. Xiaomi has better motion processing, important for sports and dynamic games.
- 🔥 TCL Wins in: Black depth (Mini-LED), brightness, contrast.
- 🎨 Xiaomi is better at: color rendering (QLED), fluidity.
- ⚠️ Careful: Cheap models TCL Without Mini-LED lose even budget Xiaomi.
Critical fact: The TCL C745/C845 models use backlight with 200+ dimming zones, while the Xiaomi Q2 only has about 30.This means that in scenes with bright objects on a dark background (stars, lanterns), TCL will perform much better.
2. Smart TV: Google TV vs MIUI - which is more convenient?
The firmware of the TV determines how comfortable you will be using it. Here Xiaomi is traditionally strong thanks to MIUI TV, and TCL in recent models has moved to Google TV (previously used Roku TV or its own shell).
Xiaomi’s MIUI TV is an optimized version of Android TV with branded features:
Quick access to Xiaomi Home (smart home management).
Built-in services: Mijia, Xiaomi Cloud, Mi Remote support.
Minimalist interface without unnecessary banners (unlike Samsung Tizen).
But Google TV on TCL has a trump card:
Recommendations based on your preferences (analyzes views on YouTube, Netflix).
More apps on Google Play (including niche services)
Better integration with Google Assistant (voice search works more accurately)
⚠️ Attention: In budget models TCL (for example, TCL 40S5400) You can have an outdated firmware based on Android 9 without updates!
| Parameter | Xiaomi (MIUI TV) | TCL (Google TV) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of operation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (optimized) | ⭐⭐⭐ (model) |
| Number of applications | Restricted (Chinese services) | The Complete Google Play |
| Voice assistant | XiaoAI (Chinese accent) | Google Assistant |
| PO Updates | Regular (2-3 years) | Irregular (depending on the model) |
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If you want to use Western streaming services (Disney+, HBO Max), choose TCL with Google TV. Xiaomi is better for Chinese platforms (iQiyi, Tencent).
3. Sound: built-in speakers or sound bar?
Built-in speakers in TVs rarely please audiophiles, but some models are able to surprise. Xiaomi in the latest flagships (for example, Xiaomi TV Q2 75) installs a Dolby Atmos system with support for DTS:X, which gives surround sound even without external acoustics. The power of the speakers here reaches 30 watts (2×15 watts), and the bass pumped better than most competitors.
TCL mid-range models (e.g. TCL 55C645) use ONKYO technology for sound, which gives cleaner high frequencies, but bass is often booed, while premium series (e.g. TCL 98C745) have built-in subwoofers, which are rare for TVs.
- 🎵 Xiaomi wins in: sound volume (Dolby Atmos), bass.
- 🔊 TCL better in: clear voices, high frequencies (in models with high frequency) ONKYO).
- 🚫 Weakness of both: In budget models (up to 40) sound "tin" - you will have to buy the sound panel.
How to improve sound without buying a sound panel?
4. Gaming Opportunities: 120Hz, ALLM and Delayed Entry
If you plan to connect to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or PC gaming, pay attention to the gaming features of the TV. Here TCL is noticeably ahead of Xiaomi thanks to support for HDMI 2.1 in the C745/C845 models, which allows you to output 4K@120Hz and use ALLM (automatic switch to game mode).
Xiaomi's situation is worse:
Only the flagship Xiaomi TV Q2 75" supports HDMI 2.1, but without 120 Hz.
In most models, the input lag is 15-20 ms, while the TCL C845 has only 9 ms.
There is no support for VRR (variable frame rate) even in top models.
Another critical aspect for gamers is screen size. TCL offers models up to 98 inches (like the TCL 98C745), while Xiaomi has a maximum size of 86 inches (Xiaomi TV Master 86).
⚠️ Attention: In budget models TCL (for example, TCL 50P635) There may be no Game Mode, which increases latency to 30.+ Always check this parameter before buying!
HDMI 2.1 (for 4K@120Hz)
Support for ALLM and VRR
Delayed input (input lag) less than 15 ms
Presence of Game Mode-->>
5. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Metal
The appearance of the TV is important if it becomes the center of the interior, and here Xiaomi traditionally looks more premium:
Metal frames (in models Q2 and Master).
- Thin body (thickness less than 7 mm in some models).
Minimalistic legs (often with the ability to adjust the width).
The TCL has improved the design in recent models, but the budget series (such as the TCL 43P725) still sin thick plastic frames and massive legs, while the premium series (such as the TCL 98C745) uses a seamless screen with minimal bezels.
Both brands are on the same level of assembly, but there is a caveat: Xiaomi has more problems with mounting legs (according to user reviews, they can stagger). TCL has fewer such complaints, but in some models the back cover rattles when touched.
- 🖼️ Xiaomi is better in: premium design, subtleties of the body.
- 🔧 TCL Wins in: reliability of fasteners, lack of backlashes.
- 🛠️ Common minus: In both brands, cheap models have flimsy plastic legs for large screens (55"+) It is better to buy the bracket immediately.
Price and price-quality ratio
One of the key factors is cost, and here TCL is traditionally cheaper in similar configurations.
- TCL 55C645 (55", 4K, Mini-LED is worth it. ~50 000 ₽.
- Xiaomi TV Q2 55" (55", 4K, QLED) — ~60 000 ₽.
But there are nuances:
Budget segment (up to 30,000) ₽): Xiaomi TV A2 often more profitable TCL 40S5400 through better color reproduction and firmware.
2. Mid-segment (50,000-80,000) ₽): TCL C745 Mini-LED bypasses Xiaomi Q2 in contrast, but loses in sound.
3. Premium (100,000)+ ₽): TCL 98C745 (98′′ is cheaper than Xiaomi Master 86′′, but has a larger screen.
It is important to consider the propensity for discounts:
Xiaomi often participates in promotions on AliExpress and in Russian stores (for example, "Svyaznoy").
TCL is less likely to cut prices, but in M.Video and Eldorado you can find cashback up to 10%.
| Price category | Best TCL model | The best model Xiaomi | What to choose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (up to 30,000) ₽) | TCL 40S5400 | Xiaomi TV A2 43" | Xiaomi (better sound and firmware) |
| Medium (50 000-80,000) ₽) | TCL 55C745 | Xiaomi TV Q2 55" | TCL (Mini-LED vs QLED) |
| Premium (100,000)+ ₽) | TCL 98C745 | Xiaomi Master 86" | TCL (big screen for the same amount of money) |
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If budget is tight, Xiaomi often offers the best price-to-quality ratio in the segment up to 40 000. ₽. For screens 55"+ It is better to look away from the top. TCL Mini-LED.
7.Service and warranty: what to do if the TV breaks down?
Both brands have an official representative office in Russia, but there are differences in service:
Xiaomi offers a 1-year warranty, but in some stores (for example, "Svyaznoy") it can be extended to 3 years.
TCL gives a 2-year warranty for all models, but the network of service centers is smaller, and in the regions it may be necessary to send the TV to Moscow or St. Petersburg.
According to user feedback:
Xiaomi repairs TVs faster (average time is 7-14 days), but more often refuses warranties for formal reasons (for example, if the TV is connected to an unstable network).
TCL lasts longer (up to 20 days) but breaks less frequently (especially Mini-LED models).
The critical point: firmware updates. Xiaomi has been keeping its TVs for 2-3 years, whereas TCL often drops models after 1-1.5 years, which means that in a couple of years your TV may be left without security updates and new features.
⚠️ If you buy a TV on credit, check with the bank whether insurance covers the failure of the matrix - this is the most expensive part of the repair (up to 70% of the cost of the TV).