TCL QM7 TV Review: Great Picture, Suspect Software

For those who’re wanting for a TV that maximizes image efficiency with a minimal hit to your funds, it’s possible you’ll wish to maintain the fortunate quantity 7 in thoughts. For the previous few years, Hisense’s U7 sequence TVs have provided a few of the finest efficiency you will get for the cash, together with this 12 months’s punchy U7N (8/10, WIRED Recommends), whereas TCL’s 2023 Q7 and the upgraded QM7 are comparable prime performers.

The QM7 normally prices greater than the U7N, but it surely rewards you with a classier design and a barely more-refined image. From a pure efficiency perspective, you’ll have a tough time getting extra with out spending up, particularly in the event you discover it on sale.

Sadly, the software program that drives the expertise is more durable to face behind. Throughout my preliminary analysis, adjusting the TV’s SDR image modes additionally affected the HDR modes, which is problematic for a wide range of causes. TCL offered a repair for me, however there’s no broad replace for patrons but, and at the very least one different reviewer had a similar issue.

In any other case, there’s little or no to complain about in a TV that provides to its nice efficiency with top-line gaming options and one among my favourite good interfaces. For those who don’t thoughts rolling the cube on TCL’s potential software program bugs, the QM7 might repay handsomely.

A Slick Setup

Cobbling the QM7’s lengthy pedestal stand collectively takes a bit extra effort than rivals with dual-leg stands, and its 4-pound heft brings the 65-inch mannequin I reviewed to a weighty 50 kilos. The payoff is a sturdy and trendy base, matched by slim chrome bezels and a checkered bottom with a middle woofer for a sophisticated, if not altogether distinctive aesthetic.

The precise-side enter hub contains 4 HDMI inputs, two of which provide HDMI 2.1 help for gaming options like VRR (Variable Refresh Fee) at as much as 144 Hz and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Just like the U7N, TCL offers a separate HDMI eARC port, that means you gained’t lose a treasured gaming port when connecting a soundbar or receiver. That’s all the time appreciated; the QM7’s Onkyo sound system is first rate, however I nonetheless advocate a separate audio setup.

{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata

The backlit distant provides some helpful fast keys and a built-in microphone for Google Assistant instructions. You can too summon Google hands-free through the TV’s onboard microphone, however in the event you’re not into an always-listening system you may disable it by flipping the swap beneath the entrance plate.