For those who’re wanting for a TV that maximizes image efficiency with a minimal hit to your finances, it’s possible you’ll need to hold 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 may 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 high performers.
The QM7 normally prices greater than the U7N, however it 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 when you discover it on a superb sale.
Sadly, the software program that drives the expertise is tougher to face behind. Throughout my preliminary analysis, adjusting the TV’s SDR image modes additionally affected the HDR modes, which is problematic for quite a lot of causes. TCL offered a repair for me, however there’s no broad replace for consumers but, and a minimum of 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 sensible interfaces. For those who don’t thoughts rolling the cube on TCL’s potential software program bugs, the QM7 may 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 best-side enter hub consists of 4 HDMI inputs, two of which provide HDMI 2.1 help for gaming options like VRR (Variable Refresh Charge) at as much as 144 Hz and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Just like the U7N, TCL supplies a separate HDMI eARC port, that means you gained’t lose a valuable gaming port when connecting a soundbar or receiver. That’s at all times appreciated; the QM7’s Onkyo sound system is first rate, however I nonetheless suggest a separate audio setup.
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
The backlit distant affords some helpful fast keys and a built-in microphone for Google Assistant instructions. You too can summon Google hands-free through the TV’s onboard microphone, however when you’re not into an always-listening gadget you may disable it by flipping the change beneath the entrance plate.
