Scorata scores summarize analyzed review evidence on a 1–5 scale; they are not laboratory measurements or a simple average of customer star ratings. Feature scores summarize the reviews covering that feature. The overall score averages feature scores within each review, then combines review averages. When both expert and customer evidence are available, those two groups receive equal weight. Products can have different review coverage, so small score gaps do not establish a winner.
Recommendations prioritize important features for the category, with a score of at least 3.5, a gap of at least 0.25 points and at least two supporting reviews per product. Features with widely varying scores or broad connectivity contexts are excluded from recommendations. These safeguards do not establish statistical significance.
Quick verdict
The review evidence points to a tradeoff: 4K at 120 Hz support and high-refresh-rate gaming versus Off-axis color shift and viewing angles. Choose according to which strengths matter more to you; the overall score alone does not settle that choice.
Choose TCL Q77K for 4K at 120 Hz support and high-refresh-rate gaming.
Choose LG UA77 for Off-axis color shift and viewing angles.
Scores are out of 5. Missing scores mean missing review evidence, not a missing feature.
Everyday 4K material can look crisp and colorful for the price, but rigorous testing finds obvious weaknesses in brightness, contrast and HDR.
Casual viewing can look colorful and attractive, but gray blacks, weak HDR, glare and motion blur make overall image performance underwhelming.
Calibration can bring white balance and gamma very close to target, although some saturated blues remain slightly off.
Default HDR color temperature and tracking have notable inaccuracies, especially an overly cool cast.
Native contrast is acceptable for the price, yet the lack of local dimming makes dark scenes visibly weaker than better TVs.
Native contrast is poor, turning dark scenes flat with little separation between blacks and highlights.
Dark rooms expose raised blacks and limited HDR punch; it works for casual viewing but disappoints for cinematic contrast.
Gray blacks, visible haze and low contrast make night viewing a major weakness across the family.
Gaming is the clearest strength thanks to rapid inputs, VRR and high-refresh modes, though fast pixels and dark-game contrast are weaker.
Gaming feels responsive to some players, while slow pixel transitions and the 60Hz cap hold back more demanding play.
Native 4K scenes look crisp with excellent fine detail; upscaled text and other tiny details are less dependable.
Fine image detail draws mixed impressions: one evaluation finds it excellent, while the 75-inch test looks soft and weaker for small text.
Both HDR highlights and regular SDR scenes are relatively dim, limiting impact and daytime versatility.
Peak output is too low to make bright HDR highlights visually impressive.
The initial cool cast and gray inaccuracies are notable, but careful calibration can bring tones much closer to neutral.
The default picture has a distinctly cool, blue bias, especially in HDR; calibration can improve it.
Compressed videos receive useful smoothing, although finer details may look softened or waxy.
Low-bitrate compression artifacts are reduced well, at the expense of a slightly waxy image.
Standard content is watchable and sometimes pleasantly colorful, especially when reflections and ambient light are managed.
The standard and cinema picture presets look more natural than the overblown Vivid setting.
Opinions diverge: fine flesh tones and detail can look natural, but uncalibrated color and white balance may be cool or inaccurate.
Color impressions vary widely: several hands-on assessments enjoy vivid or natural colors, while instrumented HDR and white-balance results are much less flattering.
The speakers lack genuine low-end weight and rumble, leaving music and action effects thin.
Low frequencies are weak and lack definition; speakers can sound thin without an external audio system.
HDR highlights fail to stand out against surrounding scenes, and overall brightness is too low to create dramatic impact.
HDR highlights struggle to stand apart from the rest of the image. The panel cannot deliver the luminous impact expected of strong HDR TVs.
HDR format compatibility is broad, but contrast, color volume and brightness are too limited to make HDR particularly convincing.
Measured HDR performance is flat and low-impact because of brightness, contrast and color limitations. One hands-on account enjoyed its punchier HDR colors more than expected.
There is no zone-by-zone backlight control, so dark areas stay brightened and highlights lack the contrast of Mini LED competitors.
There is no effective local dimming to deepen dark areas, leaving black backgrounds gray and flat.
Changing brightness and color-temperature settings can improve dark or flat-looking content significantly.
Cinema, Filmmaker and expert settings provide ways to tame exaggerated colors and customize the presentation.
Fine for ordinary SDR viewing in a controlled room but too dim to overcome direct sunlight or bright lamps.
Basic daylight output is limited and cannot overcome strong glare. A brighter daytime preset helps only so much.
Built-in audio handles casual dialogue but lacks rich bass, spaciousness and consistent loudness across sizes.
Built-in sound is functional for everyday shows but light on bass and cinematic impact. A soundbar helps substantially.
Assessments vary, but detailed testing finds conspicuous 60Hz blur even as some evaluations praise ordinary motion.
The UA77 divides opinion: slow measured transitions hurt sport and gaming clarity, while some lighter motion demonstrations look smooth.
Very low input delay makes the Q77K feel responsive in supported console and PC modes.
Low input delay is a consistent strength, making commands register quickly even when the pixels blur moving action.
Fast PC modes are outstanding value at up to 4K/144Hz or 1080p/288Hz on supported sizes, despite slower 60Hz pixel response.
The 60Hz panel cannot serve high-refresh-rate console or PC gaming; 4K/120fps is not available.
Supported high-bandwidth HDMI inputs cover a broad VRR range, reducing tearing when frame rates dip; the 60Hz ports are less capable.
VRR stops being effective below roughly 48Hz, so lower-frame-rate games can still tear.
A native 144Hz panel is exceptional for this price range, though faster input support does not guarantee blur-free motion.
A native 60Hz panel handles regular TV and conventional gaming, but it cannot meet 120fps demands.
24fps movies play without distracting cadence judder, and 1080i film broadcasts also receive strong frame-rate treatment.
Film cadence handling varies by source: 1080i film-based content performs well, but many 60Hz external sources retain 24p judder.
Two foot positions on the 75-inch model provide narrower or wider furniture options, a welcome flexibility for a large TV.
Widely separated feet require a broad console, especially for large sizes, with no narrower alternative position.
Adjustable stand positions and sturdy feet are practical strengths, although construction varies and the overall set is budget-oriented.
The two simple feet function as a base but are awkward to align during assembly.
Rear inputs are generally workable but can be awkward to reach once the television is close to a wall.
Wall mounting can make the central input panel hard to reach, and a rear-facing HDMI connection may need a right-angle adapter.
Colors shift and fade toward the sides; it remains usable for some side seats but looks best head-on.
Colors stay remarkably consistent from side seats; some brightness loss remains at wider angles.
Near-black scenes remain fairly even without obvious vertical bands, though some patchiness and warm spots occur.
Dark scenes often appear cloudy, with backlight bleed undermining black-screen uniformity.
Four HDMI connections offer good basic connectivity, although not all can carry the highest refresh-rate signals.
Three HDMI inputs are enough for simpler setups but can become restrictive with multiple consoles and a soundbar.
High notes lack detail and contribute to a bright, closed-in sound presentation.
High frequencies come through clearly, although their presentation can sound thin or bright.
Common VESA mounting options are available, although spacing, port access and handling become important with the biggest models.
Wall mounting is possible but can obstruct rear inputs, complicate cables and require careful model-specific planning.
Interpolation can smooth camera pans effectively, but some find motion processing artificial or blurry and prefer it off.
TruMotion can look smoother in hands-on use, but technical testing finds inconsistent results and little improvement in stutter.
Pixel response is mixed: high-refresh gaming feels responsive, but dark transitions and 60Hz scenes can be noticeably blurry.
Slow pixel transitions create long blurry trails, especially in shadowy fast-moving scenes.
Off-center viewing is acceptable for a VA-style set, but saturation and image depth fade noticeably at steeper angles.
Colors remain impressively stable from the sides, making wide seating the clearest picture advantage.
Wide VRR format and range compatibility keep games nearly tear-free as frame rates fluctuate, especially on the full-speed inputs.
VRR is a welcome addition over older entry-level models, but its narrow range cannot prevent tearing at lower frame rates.
Loudness varies by size and source: the 55-inch test struggled in larger spaces, while the 65-inch unit and one video evaluation sounded adequate.
The speakers can get reasonably loud, although high-volume compression and pumping reduce sound quality.
The simple voice remote is functional and pleasant to use, with backlighting an unexpectedly helpful extra.
The bundled remote has familiar physical controls but lacks voice input and the Magic Remote pointer; ease of use is otherwise decent.
Motion interpolation reduces stutter effectively on slow pans when enabled, with little variation in timing.
Slow pixel response reduces some 24fps stutter, but slow camera pans can still show issues and blur remains.
Cartoons and everyday SDR scenes can look lively, but the limited HDR color range prevents deeply saturated highlights from looking rich.
The panel covers a limited range of saturated colors, especially for demanding HDR material.
Automatic Game Mode removes the need to hunt through settings before gaming, keeping input lag low.
ALLM detects gaming and switches to a low-lag mode automatically, a useful convenience within the 60Hz limit.
Shaded gradients look mostly smooth, with relatively little obvious banding, although the darker end is less polished.
One test sees banding in dark blue and green, while another finds smooth tonal gradients with little obvious banding.
Without local dimming, blacks look gray or washed out in darker scenes even though the native panel contrast is serviceable.
Blacks look noticeably gray instead of deep, the most consistent and consequential image complaint.
Bright subtitles do not create the usual local-dimming halos, but this advantage comes at the expense of deep blacks and strong highlights.
Without local dimming zones, distinct halos are uncommon, although the entire image can look hazy and raised.
Calibration is straightforward and can improve white balance and overall color accuracy dramatically.
Expert controls improve color and white balance substantially, even if the panel cannot achieve excellent accuracy in every mode.
The tested panel had noticeable uneven gray shading and a pinch mark, so checking a new unit for patches is worthwhile.
Gray-screen uniformity is inconsistent between the tested examples, with visible patches in some scenes.
Speech is intelligible at normal volume, making news, sitcoms and casual TV easy to follow without external speakers.
Dialogue is usable for news, but an uneven speaker response can make voices less clear than ideal.
Reflections are intrusive on glossy variants, whereas the 85- and 98-inch matte coatings make placement easier near bright lights.
The glossy coating reflects lights and windows too strongly for a consistently comfortable bright-room image.
HD and some lower-resolution material upscale clearly, yet very fine text and textures can become soft.
The scaling picture is mixed: some HD material looks clean and detailed, but technical tests find soft edges and text.
Results are mixed: gentle tonal gradations can be reproduced well, yet some near-black areas appear crushed before calibration.
Poor native contrast loses depth in dark scenes, though one assessment finds subtle shadow gradations surprisingly well preserved.
The tested 75-inch panel showed uneven patches and a pinch mark that could stand out on grass, ice or other broad flat colors.
One test finds distracting central blotches for sports, while the hands-on 55-inch unit looks comparatively uniform.
Low-brightness settings use low-frequency backlight modulation that may bother sensitive viewers and cause visible image duplication.
The slow PWM dimming persists at all brightness settings, an issue for flicker-sensitive viewers.
TCL’s built-in live TV section loads fairly quickly and expands the selection of no-extra-cost viewing.
LG Channels adds convenient free content alongside the familiar webOS app library.
Game Mode keeps controls responsive, but it cannot fix flat HDR and blurry pixel transitions in every scene.
Game Optimizer makes controls responsive, but opinions diverge on how smooth games look and black levels remain poor.
Compressed streams and old video remain watchable, though noise cleanup trades away some fine texture.
Compression smoothing cleans up low-bitrate streams nicely, but images can appear waxy or soft at lower resolutions.
Slow dark transitions and variable-refresh overdrive can cause colored trails, overshoot and blurred moving edges.
Fast-moving edges can show minor color artifacts alongside the more obvious blur.
The high refresh-rate specification masks mediocre pixel transitions, especially in dark areas and ordinary 60Hz footage.
Fast objects blur badly in measured testing, despite a particularly enthusiastic hands-on impression of 60fps motion.
The BGR subpixel arrangement can make fine desktop text look less crisp than on a conventional RGB monitor.
The picture can appear soft and make small text difficult to read, even though the TV accepts PC-friendly chroma signals.
Glossy models visibly mirror lamps and windows. Matte finishes on the two largest sizes improve reflections but cannot add brightness.
Direct lamps and windows produce distracting reflections on the glossy screen; a hands-on impression finds them tolerable in a gentler room.
Backlit buttons and a simple layout make the remote comfortable to operate in the dark.
The traditional remote is easy to handle and access settings with, though it does not offer Magic Remote pointer navigation.
Google TV includes ads and recommendations that cannot be fully switched off, a drawback for people wanting an uncluttered home screen.
Ads appear on the webOS home screen and cannot be fully disabled.
A capable game bar provides frame-rate readouts, aiming tools and quick access to VRR, picture modes and latency settings.
Game Bar exposes frame rate, VRR and other settings without requiring deep menu navigation.
The Q77K struggles to maintain saturated HDR colors, particularly darker tones, despite acceptable color presentation in standard content.
Low measured color volume makes HDR hues look muted, despite positive impressions of colorful demo scenes.
Bright details can be lost or appear too dim, making HDR objects look flat rather than luminous.
Clipping in the brightest HDR areas loses subtle gradients and fine highlight structure.
As a direct-lit LCD, the screen carries little risk of permanent burn-in from static game HUDs or channel logos.
Direct-lit LCD construction keeps the risk of permanent static-image burn-in very low.
There is no integrated cable-routing system, so wires need to be organized separately.
No built-in cable-routing aids are provided, leaving exposed wires harder to organize.
Color and brightness transitions are mostly smooth, though darker gradients can reveal some banding.
Gradients are generally acceptable, but dark blue and green areas can show visible steps and softness.
Expected longevity is decent rather than outstanding, with low burn-in risk offset by more vulnerable direct-lit backlight failure behavior.
The direct-lit LCD panel has a low predicted burn-in risk, though some backlight faults could affect large areas.
Modern consoles can reach 4K at 120Hz on the high-bandwidth ports, with VRR and automatic Game Mode available.
The UA77 is a 60Hz display and cannot show 4K games at 120fps. Its gaming conveniences do not remove that ceiling.
Two HDMI inputs on the tested 75-inch unit handle modern 4K high-refresh signals, unlike the two limited 60Hz ports.
HDMI 2.0-class bandwidth limits the UA77 to conventional signals rather than advanced 4K/120 gaming.
The 75-, 85- and 98-inch models provide substantial screen size for the money, with gaming support rarely found this cheaply.
More screen area does not bring local dimming, 120Hz, or better HDR. Large-size value depends on the actual discount.
The low Costco pricing buys unusually advanced gaming features and large screen options, but picture weaknesses make a cheap Mini LED upgrade worth comparing.
A low sale price is the chief justification for buying it. At similar prices, stronger contrast and motion elsewhere make the value harder to defend.
An eARC connection makes it easy to pair a soundbar or receiver and pass compatible surround audio from external devices.
eARC provides a useful path to higher-quality audio through a compatible soundbar or receiver.
Tone tracking is surprisingly faithful for moderately bright HDR scenes, with a smooth highlight roll-off, yet hardware limits cap the final effect.
HDR tracking is uneven: midtones fare better than shadows, while the brightest details clip abruptly.
Google TV is mostly quick and smooth for a budget set, with occasional hesitation during scrolling and app navigation.
Most accounts find webOS somewhat slow and delayed, while another reports smooth, fast app navigation.
Apps and the interface generally load quickly, with occasional brief hiccups during navigation.
Apps load quickly on one video test, contributing to a fluid streaming experience.
The Google TV interface scrolls smoothly for most interactions and generally feels quicker than expected for a low-cost set.
Menu delays show up in several evaluations, but one reviewer finds app switching exceptionally quick.
Hands-free and remote-based voice commands simplify searches and app launches, with a physical mic-off option available.
Voice and pointer control require a separate Magic Remote or phone, so the bundled setup is comparatively limited.
A generous selection of picture modes allows different looks for films, sports, games and Dolby Vision content.
Picture menus are easy to reach, with multiple presets and advanced adjustments.
Google TV offers a broad range of major streaming services and downloadable apps, making everyday content easy to access.
webOS offers a broad selection of major streaming services, free channels and other entertainment applications.
Bezels look slim at a glance, but the visible gap between the frame and first pixels reduces the premium effect.
Relatively thin bezels give this affordable display a clean, modern look.
The 55-inch variant tops out at 1080p/240Hz, while listed larger models can reach 288Hz; specifications should be checked by size.
Every size remains limited to 60Hz, so choosing a larger model does not unlock 120fps gaming.
The 85- and 98-inch variants have reflection-friendly matte screens, while smaller models are glossy; refresh ceilings and port arrangements can vary too.
Uncertainty about IPS versus VA panels across versions makes it important to check the exact size rather than assume identical viewing angles and contrast.
The slim exterior is appealing for a budget television, although materials and frame details are less refined than premium models.
The appearance ranges from straightforward and utilitarian to surprisingly sleek, depending on expectations.
Construction is adequate for the price but plastic-heavy. Metal feet are appreciated on the smaller showcased unit, while another sample showed a panel pinch mark.
The budget construction is basic but solid enough, with no major fit or assembly defects beyond the troublesome feet.
webOS is generally straightforward to navigate, with abundant apps and accessible everyday functions.
Both PlayStation 5 and Xbox gaming support 1440p at 120Hz, providing flexibility between image resolution and speed.
An optional Magic Remote can add pointer and voice controls absent from the bundled remote.
The built-in chatbot offers handy shortcuts into settings and app management, making troubleshooting less of a hunt through menus.
Missing ATSC 3.0 support limits over-the-air broadcasts to older standards rather than next-generation broadcasts.
A varied selection of decorative seasonal and ambient art gives the display an entertaining second purpose.
The live TV interface includes a useful program guide showing current broadcasts.
Virtual surround processing adds some spatial presentation, but the two built-in speakers cannot deliver genuine multi-channel immersion.
Google TV collects shows and suggestions from several services in one home screen, helping reduce app hopping.
At maximum volume, pumping artifacts become noticeable and weaken audio quality.
Filmmaker Mode can provide a warmer, more restrained picture, but it cannot restore missing contrast or HDR brightness.
The tested 75-inch unit has two full-speed gaming ports rather than four; other sizes may differ, so several high-bandwidth devices require planning.
Flesh tones and some cinema presets can look pleasingly natural when the image is adjusted properly.
Soft scaling can make fine lines and small text harder to make out.
The central connector area is awkward to reach after the TV is mounted against a wall.
The big sizes provide affordable scale, though the larger picture still has entry-level blacks and motion.
The UA77 offers a useful low-cost screen for light viewing, but assessments range from enthusiastic budget approval to a recommendation to shop elsewhere.
Protective foam and packing keep the TV securely cushioned during unboxing.
Wide IPS-like viewing is useful for side seats, but contrast can suffer, and panel variations by size complicate assumptions.
The attached power lead is inconvenient for routing and would be harder to replace than a detachable one.
Traditional keys, a number pad and application shortcuts make routine control convenient.
Native 4K content can look crisp and detailed when the source is good.
The largest matte-screen variants reduce mirror-like reflections substantially compared with the glossy smaller sizes.
Aligning the two plastic feet can be frustrating and may take several attempts.
The 55-inch unit feels manageable enough that one capable person can handle installation, apart from the awkward feet.
Compatible wired, optical and wireless speaker options broaden audio configurations beyond the built-in stereo speakers.
Two high-bandwidth ports on the tested 75-inch set enable 4K/144Hz, making high-frame-rate PC play a major attraction.
The 55-inch model can reach 240Hz at 1080p, offering a fast mode for PC gamers who prioritize frame rate over resolution.
Larger specified sizes can accept 1080p at 288Hz on supported inputs, an exceptional option at this price tier.
Dolby Vision playback is not available, a drawback for viewers with Dolby Vision streaming or disc libraries.
Lack of common DTS formats makes this a less convenient match for some Blu-ray audio systems.
FreeSync Premium Pro helps Xbox and compatible gaming hardware deliver smoother play as frame rates vary.
HDR10 and HLG cover basic HDR playback, but the lack of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ leaves important formats unavailable.
Initial software setup is quick and straightforward, typically taking only a few minutes after the stand is attached.
Lack of ATSC 3.0 means this set cannot receive 4K over-the-air broadcasts directly.
The Costco bundle’s advertised five years of combined coverage and return window strengthen the value proposition, but the extra years are a protection plan, not manufacturer warranty.
T-Exhibition brings attractive looping 4K artwork to the screen, although some selections take a while to load.
Major audio formats pass through from connected external sources, although the same behavior is not guaranteed for every built-in app.
Built-in EQ presets and multiple output combinations provide extensive audio configuration choices.
Brightness is not strong enough for significant direct glare, though lighter content can look acceptable and one hands-on test was satisfied.
The IPS-type panel favors wide viewing angles over deep blacks, an important image-quality tradeoff.
Aiming overlays, shadow controls and a visible FPS counter give gamers quick, practical tools during play.
The stand leaves around 3.6 inches beneath the screen, enough space for most soundbars without blocking the picture.
The built-in presentation is narrow and thin rather than immersive, particularly with demanding film soundtracks.
Flexible zoom options can fill the screen or accommodate different sources, although zooming in can crop part of a film.
The option to use a Bluetooth speaker alongside the TV's own speakers makes audio routing unusually flexible.
A physical microphone switch can fully disable the TV’s hands-free mic for added reassurance.
Voice assistant, casting and compatible smart-home controls add everyday convenience beyond streaming.
Google TV supplies comprehensive apps and a familiar interface, but unavoidable ads diminish the experience.
Full webOS, familiar apps and free content make the smart platform useful, with occasional complaints about sluggish navigation.
LG's Re:New commitment offers additional platform upgrades for the next several years.
HDR mids track reasonably well, but dark shading is raised and bright highlights clip.
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