TCL 85Q681G 85" specifications and in-depth review

TCL 85Q681G 85"

Manufacturer: TCL

The TCL 85Q681G is an 84.6-inch QLED television built on a LED-backlit LCD panel with a native 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 px. It covers all four major HDR formats — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG — and runs a built-in smart TV platform with Chromecast, AirPlay, and compatibility with both Google Assistant and Alexa. A smartphone can be used as a remote, and USB recording is supported for saving broadcast content to external storage.

The display delivers 10-bit color depth across over 1 billion colors, a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, and 178-degree viewing angles in both directions, complemented by an anti-reflection coating and an ambient light sensor. On the connectivity side, the set offers four HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB ports, Wi-Fi 5, and Miracast support, though there is no RJ45 Ethernet port or external memory slot. Audio is handled by a stereo system rated at 2 x 15W with a built-in subwoofer, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, and both HDMI ARC and eARC for external audio system integration.

Pros
  • The QLED panel supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, covering all major HDR formats for broad streaming and media compatibility
  • Four HDMI 2.1 ports provide ample high-bandwidth connections for multiple sources without the need for a switch
  • The 120Hz refresh rate enables smoother motion handling for fast-moving content such as sports and action films
  • Built-in Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and a subwoofer deliver multi-format immersive audio without requiring an external sound system
  • Both HDMI ARC and eARC are included, keeping the option open for lossless audio passthrough to compatible external devices
  • Chromecast and AirPlay are both built in, allowing flexible wireless casting from a wide range of devices
Cons
  • There is no RJ45 Ethernet port, meaning a wired network connection is not possible on this set
  • Wi-Fi tops out at Wi-Fi 5 with no Wi-Fi 6 support, which may limit wireless throughput in high-traffic environments
  • Siri and Apple HomeKit are not supported, restricting full smart home integration for users within the Apple ecosystem
  • There is no external memory slot, so local media playback is confined to USB-connected storage only
  • The physical remote control is not rechargeable, requiring conventional battery replacements over time
Who is this for?

The TCL 85Q681G is well-suited for home theater setups where a large screen, broad HDR compatibility, and smooth motion are priorities — the 84.6-inch QLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate handles everything from cinematic content to live sports with noticeably fluid motion, while support for HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG ensures the set works seamlessly with virtually any HDR source. The four HDMI 2.1 ports make it a practical choice for users with multiple connected devices such as gaming consoles, media streamers, and Blu-ray players, eliminating the need for a switch. Households that use both Android and Apple devices for casting will also benefit from the simultaneous support for Chromecast and AirPlay, along with Google Assistant and Alexa voice control.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on a wired Ethernet connection for stable network performance will find this set unsuitable, as there is no RJ45 port and all network connectivity depends on Wi-Fi, which tops out at Wi-Fi 5. Those integrated into the Apple HomeKit ecosystem will face limitations as well, since Siri and HomeKit compatibility are absent, making seamless smart home automation with Apple devices unavailable. Additionally, users who need to play media directly from memory cards or prefer not to use USB drives for local playback will be restricted by the absence of an external memory slot.

Display:

display resolution 4K (UHD)
Display type QLED, LED-backlit, LCD
screen size 84.6"
resolution 3840 x 2160 px
pixel density 52 ppi
display colors 1070 million
bit depth 10-bit
refresh rate 120Hz
supports HDR10
supports HDR10+
supports Dolby Vision
supports HLG
has anti-reflection coating
has an ambient light sensor
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º

The TCL 85Q681G uses a QLED, LED-backlit LCD panel measuring 84.6 inches with a 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 px at 52 ppi, rendered in 10-bit color depth covering over 1 billion colors. The display runs at a 120Hz refresh rate and supports all four major HDR standards — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. Viewing angles extend to 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, and the screen includes an anti-reflection coating along with an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment.

Connectivity:

Has Bluetooth
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
HDMI ports 4
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
USB ports 2
RJ45 ports 0
supports Miracast
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has an external memory slot
has a VGA connector
has a DVI connector

The TCL 85Q681G is equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports and two USB ports for wired source connections, along with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. There is no RJ45 Ethernet port, no external memory slot, and no VGA or DVI connector. Wireless connectivity covers Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth is built in, and Miracast is supported for screen mirroring from compatible devices.

Audio:

supports Dolby Digital
audio output power 2 x 15W
supports Digital Out
supports Dolby Digital Plus
has SRS TheaterSound HD
has stereo speakers
has Dolby Atmos
has Dolby Audio
supports Dolby Virtual
has a subwoofer
has DTS:X
HDMI ARC / eARC HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC

The TCL 85Q681G includes a stereo speaker system rated at 2 x 15W with a built-in subwoofer, supporting Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos for object-based surround sound, while Dolby Virtual and SRS TheaterSound HD are not available. DTS:X is also supported for immersive audio decoding. Digital Out is present for routing audio to external equipment, and both HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC are included to accommodate compatible soundbars and AV receivers.

Design:

width 1889.8 mm
weight 35788 g
thickness 73.7 mm
height 1089.7 mm
volume 151771.519922 cm³
Supports VESA mount
maximum operating temperature 35 °C
lowest potential operating temperature 5 °C

The TCL 85Q681G measures 1889.8 mm wide, 1089.7 mm tall, and 73.7 mm deep, with a total volume of approximately 151,772 cm³ and a weight of 35,788 g. The set supports VESA mounting for wall installation, and its rated operating temperature range spans from 5 °C to a maximum of 35 °C.

Features:

has Chromecast built-in
has AirPlay
has built-in smart TV
compatible with Google Assistant
works with Alexa
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit
supports a remote smartphone
has a rechargeable remote control
supports USB recording
standby power consumption 0.5W
has a search browser
has a sleep timer
has a child lock
warranty period 1 years
has voice commands

The TCL 85Q681G runs a built-in smart TV platform with Chromecast and AirPlay for wireless casting, and supports voice control through both Google Assistant and Alexa, though Siri and Apple HomeKit are not compatible. Voice commands are available directly on the set, and a smartphone can be used as a remote control; the physical remote is not rechargeable. Practical features include a built-in web browser, sleep timer, child lock, and USB recording for saving broadcast content to external storage. Standby power consumption is rated at 0.5W, and the set comes with a 1-year warranty.

Miscellaneous:

has a front camera
Final Verdict

The TCL 85Q681G is a well-equipped 84.6-inch QLED television that brings together a strong combination of display and connectivity features for large-screen home entertainment. Its 120Hz refresh rate paired with full HDR format support across HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG makes it a genuinely versatile screen for a wide range of content, while the four HDMI 2.1 ports and dual casting support via Chromecast and AirPlay add meaningful practical flexibility. The absence of a wired Ethernet port and Apple HomeKit compatibility does limit its appeal for certain user profiles, and those without access to stable Wi-Fi may find the network options restrictive. For viewers who prioritize motion smoothness, HDR versatility, and a well-connected multi-source setup in a large format, the TCL 85Q681G delivers a coherent and capable package.

Popular Comparisons

TCL 85Q681G 85"
TCL 85Q681G 85"
VS
Samsung UN85DU8000F 85"
Samsung UN85DU8000F 85"