TCL QM7/QM751G QLED TV Review

The TCL QM7/QM751G QLED TV serves as a solid mid-range option in TCL’s 2024 lineup, fitting somewhere in between the top-tier QM8/QM851G and the more affordable Q6/Q651G line. Powered by TCL’s AIPQ PRO processor, the QM7 shines with brightness levels reaching up to 2,400 nits and features up to 1,500 dimming zones, varying with screen size.

Design: Sleek, Stylish, and Slightly Reflective

The QM7 boasts a modern and elegant design characterized by thin bezels on three sides, with a slightly thicker border at the bottom. The front displays reflective branding near the top right corner, which might catch your eye when the sun is just right—perfect for those who enjoy a bit of light show with their TV viewing.

The metal-brushed finish of the borders adds a touch of sophistication, while the sturdy stand, crafted from metal encased in plastic, ensures the TV remains stable, even if your pet decides to investigate its sturdiness.

The 65-inch model rests on a center-mounted metal stand, elevating the TV by about 3.5 inches. This clever design allows soundbars to slide neatly underneath without blocking your view. For larger models, such as the 98-inch variant, TCL opts for side-mounted feet, maintaining a clean and balanced look that fits well in various living spaces.

I’m currently using the TV with the metal stand; however, I plan to transition to a wall mount in the near future. I was concerned that having the TV elevated around chest height on a stand might prove to be a challenge. Would it wobble or move as people walk around, or play with a puppy in the room? Suffice it to say, it’s heavy enough and weighted properly that it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. That said, I still think it will ultimately work better on the wall and tidy the room up a bit.

Features: Packed with Modern Goodies

Loaded with a variety of contemporary features, the QM7 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, enabling 4K resolution at 144Hz and 1080p at 240Hz. It includes Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, catering to gamers seeking smooth and rage-free gameplay. The TV is IMAX Enhanced Certified, ensuring that your movie nights feel like a trip to the cinema without the popcorn.

Running on Google TV, the QM7 provides access to a vast selection of streaming apps and integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Homekit. This integration allows for hands-free voice control, making it easy to search for content, control smart home devices, and get updates without lifting a finger—unless you enjoy pressing buttons for fun.

I’ve long been an advocate for Android/Google TV as the smart platform for TVs, streaming sticks, and projectors. It’s evolved nicely over the years and feels fully fleshed out. For a generation of people growing up without the proverbial cord, all of the content is presented in an intuitive manner with its algorithmically enhanced personalization and customization options.

Hardware Features

• Display:
  • Screen Sizes: Available in 55-inch to 98-inch variants
  • Panel Type: QLED with mini-LED backlight technology
  • Resolution: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz native, supports up to 144Hz on selected ports
  • Dimming Zones: Up to 1,500 for enhanced contrast and black levels
  • Brightness: Peaks at up to 2,400 nits for vibrant HDR highlights
• Connectivity:
  • HDMI Ports: 4 total
    • HDMI 1 & 2: HDMI 2.1 bandwidth supporting 4K@144Hz and 1080p@240Hz
    • HDMI 3 & 4: Standard bandwidth, with HDMI 4 featuring eARC for high-quality audio
  • USB Ports: 2 for media playback and device connectivity
  • Ethernet Port: For stable wired internet connection
  • Audio Outputs: Optical audio out and headphone jack for versatile sound options
  • Antenna/Cable Connector: Built-in tuner support
  • Composite Video Input: For older devices
• Audio:
  • Built-in Speakers: Support for DTS and Dolby audio formats via eARC HDMI port
• Gaming Features:
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Reduces screen tearing for smoother gameplay
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro: Enhances gaming performance by synchronizing the display’s refresh rate with the GPU
  • IMAX Enhanced Certification: Optimizes content for an enhanced cinematic experience
• Remote Control:
  • Design: Slim, motion-activated backlight for easy use in the dark
  • Buttons: Dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video
  • Voice Control: Built-in microphone for issuing voice commands directly from the remote

Setup: Easy Peasy with a Dash of Tech Savvy

Setting up the TCL QM7 is a breeze, thanks to the aforementioned intuitive Google TV interface that makes navigation smooth and straightforward. The TV accommodates multiple input resolutions up to 4K at 144Hz, with HDMI 1 and 2 handling the highest refresh rates.

Managing cables is hassle-free, thanks to the stand’s built-in cable management system, keeping your setup clean and reducing the risk of tripping over stray wires during movie marathons. Running cables down the spine of the stand is nice and easy once you’ve got it in place.

The remote included with the QM7 is both functional and user-friendly. It features a motion-activated backlight, dedicated buttons for popular streaming services, and a built-in microphone for voice commands. Whether you’re adjusting the volume, switching inputs, or searching for your favorite show, the remote is designed to make your experience seamless and efficient.

General Performance: Versatile and Vivid

The QM7 performs admirably across various viewing scenarios. In darker settings, its excellent contrast and deep blacks enhance the viewing experience, making every scene more immersive. The impressive HDR brightness ensures that highlights stand out, adding depth and detail to action-packed sequences and breathtaking landscapes alike.

In well-lit rooms, the TV’s high SDR brightness and decent handling of reflections make it a reliable choice, minimizing glare and maintaining picture clarity. The fast response time reduces motion blur, making it suitable for sports enthusiasts, gamers, and those who might wish to use the TV as a PC monitor.

Worth noting here, the viewing angles are somewhat restricted, leading to slight color washout when viewed from the sides. This limitation means the best picture quality is achieved when you’re directly in front of the screen, so gathering around might require a bit of strategic seating arrangement. Thankfully, these are larger TVs to begin with and you’ll rarely have that much of an issue.

Out of the box, the Cinema mode tends to display slightly warm HDR colors. While the default settings offer a vibrant and engaging picture, a quick calibration can fine-tune the color balance to better match your preferences, ensuring that everything from movie scenes to gaming visuals looks just right.

I invite you to spend a bit of time with the settings, playing around with what Google TV offers and how TCL configures things. A couple of settings to be enabled or disabled could dramatically change your experience or simply make things flow easier.

Audio: Clear Dialogues, Meh Bass

The QM7 supports advanced audio formats like DTS and Dolby through its eARC HDMI port, ensuring high-quality sound when paired with compatible receivers or soundbars. However, the built-in speakers have their limitations. Dialogue is clear and easily understandable at low to moderate volumes, but the TV struggles a touch with bass performance at higher volumes. This makes it less suitable for noisy environments or those who enjoy booming soundtracks.

For a more robust audio experience, pairing the QM7 with an external sound system is recommended. This setup not only compensates for the built-in speakers’ shortcomings but also enhances the overall sound quality, making your viewing experience more immersive and enjoyable.

Fortunately, I find that I rarely have to get the volume up beyond lower levels for my needs. And the criticism only comes because I am conditioned to look for drawbacks. Am I ever going to crank the volume for a house party? No, those days are behind me. But the sound will be more than adequate for a playoff game.

Value: Bang for Your Buck

Priced at $1,499.99 for the 65-inch model, the QM7 provides excellent value, especially when discounts bring the price closer to $1,000. TCL TVs are often available at attractive markdowns, making the QM7 an appealing choice for those seeking premium-like features without the steep cost.

Pros

• Bright picture with strong contrast
• Comprehensive gaming features, including VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro
• Hands-free Google Assistant voice control
• Supports Apple AirPlay and Google Cast
• Sleek and sturdy design

Cons

• Limited viewing angles leading to color washout from the sides
• Built-in audio lacks strong bass and distorts at high volumes
• Warm HDR colors in Cinema mode out of the box

Final Verdict: An Excellent Value with Minor Quirks

The TCL QM7/QM751G QLED TV is a versatile and value-packed option for those seeking balanced performance across various usage scenarios. Its bright display and robust feature set make it suitable for both entertainment and gaming, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs.

While it has minor drawbacks in viewing angles and built-in audio quality, these can be mitigated with external sound solutions and optimal viewing positions.

Priced competitively, especially when discounted, the QM7 is a commendable choice in the mid-range TV market. Whether you’re a gamer looking for responsive performance, a movie enthusiast craving vivid visuals, or someone seeking a reliable all-rounder, the QM7 delivers on multiple fronts without demanding an extravagant investment.