TCL TV Model Number, 2015-2025, Meaning and Decoding

TCL, a well-known Chinese company, sells its televisions under several brand names, including TCL, Thomson, RCA and Rowa. Initially, TCL focused on being a large contract TV manufacturer, producing models for other brands, paying little attention to its own parent brand. However, after acquiring an LED panel factory from Samsung, TCL began to shift its focus to promoting its own brand.

One notable problem with TCL’s products is that the model numbers of its TVs have not been systematized. As a result, the model number usually only indicates the size of the TV and its series. As of 2022, model numbers also indicate which operating system the TV uses – Google TV, Roku TV, or Fire TV. The format of model numbers has changed; until 2023, they may not include an OS identifier. The lack of clarity has led to some confusion, with many customers purchasing TVs without realizing that their new device runs Roku TV rather than the more familiar Android or Google TV.

Also, model and series numbers vary by region, so model numbers in the U.S. are not the same as model numbers in Europe or China, this is because the TVs are manufactured by different divisions of the company.

TCL TV model numbers in the USA, Canada

In the US, televisions are generally categorized by series. However, in 2023, there was a slight change in how the operating systems of TVs are designated. There are now two types of model numbers: the old format used from 2015 to 2022, and the new model number format introduced in 2023.

In 2024, three series of TVs will be available:

• QM Series: A range of TVs that include QLED screens along with Mini LED backlighting.
• S Series: Standard series featuring LED screens with HD, Full HD, and UHD resolutions.
• Q Series: A series of TVs equipped with QLED screens.

Here is an example of a typical TCL TV model number in the U.S., starting from 2023.

The model number 65QM851G is composed of four distinct parts:

1. Screen Size: The first two digits represent the screen size in inches.
2. TV Series: The “QM” indicates the series, which in this case is a Quantum Dot display with Mini LED backlight.
3. Model Identifier: The “851” specifies the TV model.
4. Operating System: The final letter identifies the operating system:
   • R: Roku TV
   • G: Google TV
   • F: Fire OS

TCL TV Model Numbers (2015–2022)

During this period, TCL TV model numbers included information about screen size, series, and model. If the TV featured the Roku TV operating system, the letter R was either substituted for the series or added to the series number. Below is an illustration of the model number structure from this era.

TCL TV Model Numbers Before 2015

Before 2015, the model number structure was slightly different, as UHD displays were just being introduced. These earlier model numbers provided information about resolution and the use of Bluetooth remote controls. For example, the model 55UP130 can be broken down as follows:

1. 55: Screen size in inches.
2. U: Screen resolution:
   • Q: Quantum dot screen.
   • U: UHD.
   • F: Full HD.
   • (No letter): HD.
3. P: Remote control type:
   • P: Remote control with a headphone jack for listening to TV audio.
   • S: Standard remote control.
4. 130: Model identifier.

TCL TV Model Numbers in Europe

In Europe, TCL TV model numbers follow a slightly different structure, with distinctions between the UK and the rest of Europe. These differences arise from the availability of TVs with Roku TV and Fire OS in the UK, whereas in the rest of Europe, TVs are typically offered with Google TV or Android.

For example, the model 65RC630K can be explained as follows:

• K: Designates a TV made for the UK market.
• 65: Screen size in inches.
• R: Roku TV.
• C: Series.
• 630: Model.

Old model numbers of TCL TVs in Europe

Explanation of Model Number U65S8806DS

• U – screen resolution
  • U – UHD,
  • F – Full HD,
  • H – hd
• P – curved
• 65 – screen size inches
• S88 – series
• 06 – model
• DS – color,
  • W – white,
  • S – gray,
  • DS – dark gray