ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The TCL QM7K (65-inch) is on sale at Amazon for $998 ($502 off).
- It has exceptional contrast and superb glare resistance, plus AI features and gaming boosts.
- The setup process for this beautiful-looking TV is tedious.
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Following Memorial Day, the TCL QM7K model remains discounted by up to 38% off, with the largest sizes getting the most competitive prices.
Recently, I took a look at this year’s base-level Mini-LED set from TCL, the QM6K. After spending some time with its higher-end sibling, the TCL QM7K, I immediately noticed some advancements over the lesser model, but it’s up to you whether it’s worth the extra cost (of about $500 more). Here’s the breakdown.
Unboxing and setup
As good as the QM7K looks once it’s powered up and running, one of my complaints with the higher-end model is a matter of design rather than performance, so I’ll get my gripes out of the way first. Simply put, I was surprised at how difficult it was to attach the base to the monitor, especially because setting up the QM6K was easy-peasy.
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Perhaps aiming for elegance, TCL opted to make this model’s stand a central pedestal instead of two disparate feet. The problem is, it’s not easy to attach at all. The pedestal is actually composed of three parts you’ll have to puzzle together involving twelve screws. The quick-start instructions didn’t visually match the physical product, and the cable management clips noted in that little booklet were missing.
Chris Bayer/ZDNET
While metal plates are integrated into the bottom piece, the majority of the stand is made of plastic, and I found out the hard way that this plastic is not scratch-resistant. It has a kind of laterally brushed plastic appearance, and just by using a screwdriver to put the thing together, I accidentally marred the base with several indelible marks.
All in all, it took about 45 minutes to set up this 65-inch model after screwing together the stand, connecting to Wi-Fi, and letting the TV’s OS run through updates. Your mileage may vary.
Navigating the TV OS
As noted with the QM6K, TCL has consolidated with Google TV to power most, if not all, of its latest sets. Every 2025 model now runs on Google’s OS with built-in Chromecast and access to all the usual streaming apps like Apple TV, Hulu, and Netflix, and I’m a fan.
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After setting up Google TV (which will require you to accept a few disclaimers), the TCL Home app, and the AirPlay app for connecting Apple devices, you’ll get the usual aesthetic options like using your saved photos as the wallpaper. There’s a healthy variety of personalization features to customize the home screen, with just enough algorithmic suggestions to spark interest.
Chris Bayer/ZDNET
Hands-free operation is available through Google Assistant — you might be familiar with the “Hey Google” prompt — which I’ve always found to be, well, handy. And while perusing through the settings, I noticed that ACR (automatic content recognition) was defaulted to the off position. Nice.
Performance and testing
Before even turning on the QM7K, the first thing that struck me was its shiny, mirror-like screen. This is especially noticeable in comparison with the more matte-finish QM6K screen.
When I did turn it on, I tuned into some NFL highlights on YouTube with our studio lights blazing. The picture was rich with color and bright enough to cancel out any overhead illumination. (I could see why TCL likes to feature football players on screen in its marketing.) Despite its glossy appearance — or perhaps because of it — the screen’s black levels remained impressively deep even in brighter conditions.
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Then we ran some lab tests in our pitch-black testing room to assess HDR analysis. In Filmmaker mode, the QM7K leaned disproportionately toward blue for multipoint grayscale and peak luminance. Yet, to my naked eye, I found the Filmmaker mode to be dimmer and sort of “browned out.”
Chris Bayer/ZDNET
Switching to Cinema mode, the screen simply looked better, and the multipoint grayscale and peak luminance tests for RGB color analysis were far more balanced and truer to expectations.
In addition to the increased number of dimming zones (over the QM6K) is the integration of TCL’s “CrystGlow” high vertical alignment (HVA) panel. HVA panels are known for superior contrast ratios and wide viewing angles. The QM7K lives up to this, although my eyes couldn’t detect the difference from that of the QM6K. In theory, the “CrystGlow” designation signifies an enhancement to the panel’s light transmission or reflective properties, which contribute to improved brightness, color accuracy, and black uniformity.
TCL is proud of its Halo Control system, which I can attest minimizes blooming very effectively. When running through the usual battery of visual tests (dirty screen effect test/banding, subtitle blooming, motion smoothness of scrolling text), I was as satisfied with the results of the QM7K as I was with the QM6K.
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This should come as no surprise, given the upgraded build and corresponding price point of this model. Conversely, however, this does make me wonder if the midrange model is worth the extra cost.
Lastly, I should mention the audio upgrade from an Onkyo 2.1 system to a Bang & Olufsen audio setup, with two backfiring 10-watt speakers and a 20-watt subwoofer that supports Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and DTS:X. Translation? It doesn’t sound much better than the QM6K as far as I can tell (or hear), so I would still recommend pairing the QM7K with a good soundbar for the best audio experience.
ZDNET’s buying advice
So, who should buy the TCL QM7K? From my testing, it’s a great pick for shoppers looking to upgrade their existing budget/midrange TV, as the QM7K’s QD Mini LED technology should yield the most noticeable benefits. Most buyers will be satisfied with the fantastic color reproduction and HDR performance (which a lot of content tends to support now), all underscored by a user-friendly Google TV interface.
That said, save for the engineering upgrades centered around picture quality, the lesser-priced TCL QM6K has nearly identical specifications as the TCL QM7K. And for more people, you may not notice the visual discrepency unless you’re viewing both TVs side by side.
In light of these things, I wouldn’t rush out to grab a QM7K until the inevitable discount comes along. In fact, right now, the 65-inch model I tested is already available on Amazon for $502 off. If you can score a deal on the inferior QM6K model, that might be an even sweeter purchase.
TCL QM7K’s tech specs
- 144Hz Native Refresh Rate
- 4 HDMI inputs (one with eARC)
- 4K UltraHD Resolution
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Audio by BANG & OLUFSEN
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Bluetooth Personal Audio
- CrystGlow HVA Panel
- Dolby Atmos Audio
- DTS Virtual:X
- Game Accelerator 288
- Google Chromecast Built-in
- Google TV Smart OS with Hands-Free Voice Control and Backlit Voice Remote
- HDR ULTRA with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG
- High HDR2600 Brightness
- IMAX Enhanced Certification
- Motion Rate 480 with MEMC Frame Insertion
- QD-Mini LED
- TCL AIPQ PRO Processor
- TCL Halo Control System
- LD2500 Precise Dimming
- Wi-Fi 5
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
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Televisions, many of which are manufactured in these nations, may experience price increases of up to 20%, making them less affordable for consumers. Manufacturers contemplate relocating assembly operations to countries with tariff exemptions, but such moves involve logistical challenges and substantial costs. Companies like Samsung, which produces a significant portion of their TVs in Mexico, anticipate being less affected than competitors relying heavily on Chinese manufacturing.
Overall, consumers should brace for higher prices and potential shifts in product availability within the home entertainment market.
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