TCL's RM9L RGB-Mini LED television offers a compelling set of connectivity features at a competitive price point, according to a review by John Brandon in WIRED. The set includes four HDMI 2.1 ports, each capable of a 144Hz refresh rate for low-latency PC gaming or high-frame-rate video. One of these ports supports eARC passthrough audio to powered speakers or a receiver. Additional ports include two USB (one coaxial), an Ethernet port for wired networking, and a digital optical audio output. The TV also integrates Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless connectivity.
Remote Design and Usability
The remote control is backlit and features brightness controls on the right-hand side, a design choice Brandon calls "surprisingly brilliant" for quick adjustments during late-night gaming or sunny conditions. Tiny notches on the remote for volume and channel buttons aid blind operation. However, Brandon notes that the Home button is not centered, making it harder to locate, and dedicated buttons for free television channels seem unnecessary.
Real-World Picture Testing
Brandon tested the RM9L using two movies: Awake on Netflix and The Creator on the Fandango at Home app, both chosen for their extremely dimly lit scenes. In Awake, even some OLED models appear washed out during a cycling scene with actor Gina Rodriguez. On the RM9L, only after selecting the Vivid picture mode could Brandon discern details. For The Creator, an early ocean scene lacked vividness and appeared washed out even after using Vivid or Dolby Vision IQ modes. In skin-tone benchmarks, the RM9L underperformed compared with the LG Micro RGB Evo, showing a lack of tonal variation. In a side-by-side test, the RM9L matched more closely with the midrange Sony Bravia 7 Mark II and the Hisense UR9, both also using Mini RGB technology.
Benchmark Comparison
In a demo reel benchmark featuring white mist over a snowy mountain, the Leica Cine Play 1 projector—despite being cheaper—rendered the mist more distinctly. Green grass near a fence appeared more noticeable on the Hisense UR9 than on the RM9L, though the two TVs were equal during a segment with buffalo on a field, showing similar shades of brown. The LG Micro RGB Evo outperformed the RM9L across several scenes, including a yellow flower, red cactus, purple butterfly, and dark trees at night.
Overall Assessment
While the RM9L offers robust connectivity including four HDMI 2.1 ports with 144Hz support, Wi-Fi 6, and a user-friendly remote, its picture quality requires frequent mode adjustments and falls short in skin-tone accuracy and overall color vibrancy compared to competitors like LG's Micro RGB Evo. For buyers prioritizing connectivity and price over picture-perfect performance, the RM9L is a solid option, but those seeking top-tier image quality may need to look at higher-end models.
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