Key Takeaways
1. Premium Features: The Crane 6 Ultra and Crane 6 Pro series include MiniLED backlighting, high refresh rates, and AI-enhanced visuals for superior performance.
2. Crane 6 Ultra Specs: The Ultra model offers sizes from 55 to 98 inches, with up to 1,152 local dimming zones, 2,000 nits brightness, and a 7000:1 contrast ratio.
3. Gaming Performance: Both models support a native refresh rate of 144Hz and up to 288Hz input, making them ideal for gaming and fast-paced content.
4. Audio Quality: The Ultra features a 2.1-channel Hi-Fi system, while the Pro has a 2.1.2 Hi-Fi setup with sky sound field design, both providing excellent sound quality.
5. Affordable Pricing: The Crane 6 Ultra starts at 3,499 yuan ($476) for the 55-inch model, while the Pro series begins at the same price for the 65-inch version, offering premium features at competitive prices.
TCL’s sub-brand Thunderbird is enhancing its premium television range with the launch of the Crane 6 Ultra and Crane 6 Pro 2025 series. These new models feature MiniLED backlighting, high refresh rates, and AI-enhanced visuals, aimed at delivering superior performance without entering the realm of high-end pricing.
Thunderbird Crane 6 Ultra 2025
The Crane 6 Ultra stands out as the premium choice among these new offerings, available in five sizes, from a cozy 55 inches to a gigantic 98 inches. It incorporates an HVA panel paired with a MiniLED backlight and supports up to 1,152 local dimming zones, providing impressive brightness levels of up to 2,000 nits. With a contrast ratio of 7000:1 and covering 95% of the DCI-P3 color range, it also features a 0.5% anti-reflective coating, making it suitable for viewing in both dark and bright environments.
When it comes to performance, this model excels. The Ultra boasts a native refresh rate of 144Hz and is capable of handling up to 288Hz input, which is great for gaming and fast-paced content. It operates on a quad-core A73 CPU, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The AI upscaling has been improved, offering a 60% increase in processing capabilities. The audio setup includes a 2.1-channel Hi-Fi system and is compatible with Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, and IMAX Enhanced.
Thunderbird Crane 6 Pro 2025
On the other hand, the Crane 6 Pro has many similarities with the Ultra but makes certain adjustments to keep the cost lower. It comes in 65″, 75″, and 85″ sizes while retaining vital features such as the 144Hz panel, 288Hz input support, 2,000-nit peak brightness, and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage.
Like its premium counterpart, the Pro is powered by the quad-core A73 CPU, featuring 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It also offers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB 3.0. The audio system comprises a 2.1.2 Hi-Fi setup with sky sound field design, providing remarkable sound quality for the price. In terms of software, it includes the same Lingkong OS 3.0 with a 4K interface, customizable smart modes, and no startup ads. Both TVs utilize DeepSeek for AI functions.
Pricing
The Ultra series begins at 3,499 yuan ($476) for the 55-inch variant, reaching up to 10,999 yuan ($1,496) for the 98-inch model. Conversely, the Pro series starts at 3,499 yuan ($476) for the 65-inch version and goes up to 6,199 yuan (~$843) for the 85-inch model.
