TCL QLED TV Lawsuit: Did You Pay a Premium for Fake Tech?

TCL, one of America’s fastest-growing TV brands, is under fire from consumers who claim the company sold them televisions falsely advertised as having high-end QLED technology. 

A proposed class action lawsuit filed in California alleges that TCL either didn’t include quantum dot LED tech in some of its QLED-branded TVs or included it in such small amounts that it made no real difference in picture quality.

The lawsuit accuses TCL of fraud, unjust enrichment, and deceptive business practices. The lawsuit argues the company has knowingly misled customers, touting QLED features to justify higher prices while delivering standard LED performance.

TCL Accused of Selling Standard LED TVs as QLED

Stephan Herrick of Fontana, California, filed the lawsuit after he bought a TCL 55Q651G television from Amazon last summer, expecting vibrant, quantum-dot-enhanced picture quality. He says he chose that model specifically because of its “QLED Pro” branding, which appeared on Amazon, TCL’s own website, and the TV’s packaging.

Before purchasing, Herrick says he did his homework—reading reviews, comparing specs, and checking forums. Everything pointed to the model being a true QLED TV. But once it was set up, he suspected the display didn’t match what QLED tech is supposed to deliver.

Had he known the TV lacked genuine QLED capabilities, Herrick says he wouldn’t have bought it—or at least wouldn’t have paid $329 for it.

Lawsuit Claims "QLED Pro" Branding Was Misleading

QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode) technology uses microscopic particles to enhance color accuracy and brightness, making for sharper, more vivid images than traditional LED displays. It’s marketed as a major upgrade and commands higher prices.

According to the complaint, TCL advertised several models, including the one Herrick purchased, as having this feature. But testing commissioned by material supplier Hansol Chemical and conducted by independent labs allegedly found little to no QLED capability in those TVs.

TCL has promoted itself as a QLED pioneer, even claiming it debuted the world’s first big-screen QLED TV in 2014. Yet the lawsuit says many of its newer “QLED” models lack the hardware needed to deliver the benefits of the technology.

TCL Joins Other Tech Firms Facing Misrepresentation Lawsuits

TCL isn’t alone in facing scrutiny for alleged product misrepresentations. Apple is dealing with a class action over crackling audio in its first-generation AirPods Pro, while Intel is accused of selling defective processors prone to crashing. 

Another TV maker, Hisense, is facing a lawsuit claiming its smart TVs come equipped with faulty main boards that cause app crashes and other performance problems.

As for TCL, Herrick wants the company to stop advertising its TVs as QLED unless they truly meet the mark. He wants to represent anyone in California who purchased a TCL television advertised and labeled as having a “QLED” or “QD-Mini LED” display.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Herrick v. TTE Technology, Inc., DBA TCL North America
• Case Number: 5:25-cv-00945  
• Court: U.S. Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Riverside 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Andrea R. Gold, David A. McGee, and Annick M. Persinger (Tycko & Zavareei LLP)

Did you buy a TCL QLED TV? What is your experience with the picture quality? Share your thoughts below.