This TCL QLED Is One of the Best Budget-Friendly TVs I’ve Ever Used

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Most people won't be able to tell the difference in visual quality between a QLED and OLED TV at a glance, but the difference in price is immediately obvious. The truth is, if you get a good QLED TV, most people will be happy with the picture quality and be happy to pocket the price difference.

If you think that applies to you, I think this QLED from TCL is a about as good a choice as it gets. The TCL QM7 is a Quantum Dot Mini Light Emitting Diode (QD Mini-LED) QLED TV, meaning TCL combines QD and Mini-LED tech to improve picture quality with more realistic colors, better contrast, and higher brightness. The QM7 also supports most HDR formats that most people want and is a great TV for gamers. Perhaps the best part is how affordable this TV is for how good it is.

TCL sent me a 65-inch QM7 for me to review. After testing it for a while, I can recommend this TV to anyone who wants a solid, budget QLED TV without the premium perks and prices of TVs like TCL's QM8 or OLEDs.

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TCL QM7 pros, cons, and specs

Specs

• Type: QLED with QD-Mini LED technology

• Dimming Zones: Up to 1,240 local dimming zones

• Brightness: Up to 2,400 nits peak brightness

• Ports: 4 HDMI inputs (One 4K/144Hz, one 4K/120Hz, one 4K/60Hz, and one eARC/ARC with 4K/60Hz), 2 USB ports (one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0), 1 Ethernet port, 1 Digital Audio Optical output, 1 Antenna/cable input, 1 RF Input, 1 Headphone output, 1 AV Input (Composite Video + L&R Audio In)

• Screen Size and Weight: 55-inch model: 28.9 lbs (13.1 kg), 65-inch model: 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg), 75-inch model: 63.1 lbs (28.6 kg), 85-inch model: 81.6 lbs (37 kg), 98-inch model: 130.1 lbs (59 kg)

• Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)

• HDR Support: HDR ULTRA with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG

• Input Lag: Low input lag, enhanced by features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, providing a responsive gaming experience.

• Refresh Rate: 120Hz native panel refresh rate, supporting up to 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

• Contrast: Enhanced contrast with 1,240 local dimming zones, delivering deep blacks and bright whites

• Voice Assistant: Built-in Google Assistant; also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit

• Operating System: Google TV

Pros

• Bright with up to 2,400 nits

• Strong contrast makes colors pop

• Hands-free Google Assistant

• Support for most HDR formats

• Support for Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit

• Native 120Hz and support VRR up to 144Hz

Cons

• Colors are saturated out of the box

• Plastic build feels cheap

• Stand is wobbly (but you can just mount it)

TCL QM7 first impressions

The QM7 didn't make a good impression out of the box. The plastic build quality was poor and felt cheap and weak. However, as you will read on, this is mainly where TCL made cuts to give such a good value TV. I would much rather have TV companies make cuts on the build than on the specs, ports, formats, or picture quality. Once my TV was set up, none of the physical aspects of the TV mattered.

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Design

The ports on the QM7.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Thin bezels give this TV a very modern look. The ports on the QM7 are well thought out and will make gamers happy. You have four HDMI ports, two of which are HDMI 2.1, and one of those can handle 4K at 144Hz. Neither of these two is the eARC port, letting you hook up a soundbar without taking one of the good HDMI ports. Good job TCL.

The "Ultra-Bass" subwoofer from Onkyo on the back of the TV.
Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The stand on the QM7 is in the center, with a 3.5-inch gap to place a soundbar. However, I felt the stand was too wobbly, so I opted to mount the TV using a standard VESA bracket for my bedroom. I personally recommend getting a soundbar if you value proper audio. The "Ultra-Bass" subwoofer from Onkyo on the back of the TV looks cool, but it was nothing more than a gimmick. I could not hear any difference in audio, much less in bass, compared to any other TV.

Controller of the QM7.

Author Of article : Daniel Oropeza

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