The AP Tech video below shows how an M-series TV and one with FALD handle dimming differently.

TCL’s budget QM6K ($550 MSRP as of this writing), meanwhile, reached a contrast ratio of 118:059:1 after RTINGs’ calibration. But even this set falters in areas where you might expect Mini LED to shine. Its HDR performance, for example, is reportedly lacking.

“Visually, the TV doesn’t impress, although its black levels are quite good due to its impressive contrast and good black uniformity. Unfortunately, there’s more haloing around bright highlights than you’d like, but it’s alright. Its HDR brightness is mediocre at best, so the TV doesn’t provide an impactful HDR experience overall,” RTING’s review says.

Mini LED muddied

TCL has an obvious stake in challenging Samsung’s marketing. The companies are longtime rivals, and casting doubt on Samsung’s claims could help TCL sell more TVs. But the underlying question is still worth asking: What should consumers expect when a TV is marketed as Mini LED?

I’d argue that a TV with slightly smaller LEDs than average but without local dimming shouldn’t be considered Mini LED with local dimming. The important distinction isn’t simply the size of the LEDs; it’s how they’re used to deliver improved contrast and HDR performance.

But even that definition has limits, as small LEDs and local dimming zones aren’t enough to guarantee good performance. TCL’s own budget line of Mini LED TVs can disappoint in areas where the technology should have an advantage, such as HDR support. And compared with Samsung’s more expensive Mini LED TVs, the M-series has worse HDR performance and black levels and is harder to use in a dark room, according to RTINGs’ testing.

That leaves shoppers in an awkward position. Terms like “Mini LED” or “QLED” are now used liberally, but they don’t always tell you how a TV will perform. Manufacturers often fail to disclose basic details, like the size of the LEDs, the number of dimming zones, or accurate contrast and brightness measurements.

For shoppers, then, it’s important to remember that comparative pricing and independent testing are ultimately much more useful than a label on a box.