Key takeaways of zdnet
- TCL QM7K (65-inch) is on sale for approximately $ 800.
- It has extraordinary contrast and brilliant dazzling resistance, plus AI features and gaming boosts.
- The setup process for this beautiful looking TV is tedious.
June / 2025
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Recently, I took a look at this year’s base-level mini-lad set from TCL, QM6K. After spending some time with his high-ended brother, TCL QM7KI immediately saw some progress on the low model, but it is up to you whether it is worth the extra cost (more than $ 500).
Here is a breakdown after testing it for more than a month, including personal observation, lab-tested results, and my definite purchase advice.
Unboxing and setup
Once it feels good that it is operated and running, then a complaint with a high-end model is a matter of design instead of performing, so I will get my grip out of the first way. Simply put, I was surprised at how difficult it was to attach Aadhaar to the monitor, especially because it was easy to install QM6K.
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Perhaps targeting elegance, TCL opted to make the stand of this model a central chair instead of two uneven legs. The problem is, it is not attached at all. The pedestal is actually made of three parts that you have to puzzle together to include twelve screws. Quick-Start instructions did not visually match the physical product, and the cable management clips noted in that small booklet were missing.
While the metal plates are integrated into the bottom pieces, most of the stand is made of plastic, and I found that it is not a plastic scratch-resistant. It has a type of later brush plastic appearance, and simply using a screwdriver to keep the cheese together, I accidentally killed the base with several indelible scars.
All of all, after screwing the stand together, joining Wi-Fi and running the OS of the TV through updates, took about 45 minutes to install this 65-inch model. Your mileage may be different.
TV OS Navigate
As mentioned with QM6K, TCL has consolidated the most power with Google TV, if not all, in its latest sets. Each 2025 model now moves with a built-in chromecast on the OS of Google and reaches all common streaming apps such as Apple TV, Hulu and Netflix, and I am a fan.
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After setting Google TV (in which you will need to accept some disconnections), the airplay app to connect the TCL Home app and the Apple device, you will find a general aesthetic option such as using your saved photos as wallpaper. There is a healthy variety of privatization to customize the home screen, with enough algorithm tips to spark interest.
The hands-free operation is available through Google Assistant-you can get acquainted with “Hey Google” prompt-which I have always found, well, easy. And while refusing through the settings, I noticed that ACR (automatic material recognition) was defaulted in the position. Good.
Performance and Testing
Before turning on QM7K, the first thing that I killed was its shiny, mirror -like screen. This is particularly noticeable than the more matte-finish QM6K screen.
When I turned it on, I burnt some NFL highlights on YouTube with my studio lights. The picture was rich in color and was bright enough to cancel any overhead light. (I could see why TCL prefers football players on the screen in its marketing.) Despite its bright appearance – or perhaps because of this – the black level of the screen remained impressive even in bright conditions.
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Then we conducted some lab tests in our pitch-black testing room to assess HDR analysis. In the filmmaker mode, QM7K tilted blue for multipoint grayscale and peak luminance. Nevertheless, for my naked eyes, I found the filmmaker mode like a dimer and “brown out”.
Switching on the cinema mode, the screen simply looked better, and the multipoint grancale and peak luminance tests for RGB color analysis were far more balanced and trusted for expectations.
In addition to the increased number of diming zones (more than QM6K), the “Christglo” of TCL is the integration of the high vertical alignment (HVA) panel. HVA panels are known for better contrast ratio and wider viewing angles. QM7K depends on this, although my eyes could not detect the difference of QM6K. In theory, the “Christglo” designation refers to an increase for light transmission or reflective properties of the panel, which contributes to better brightness, color accuracy and black uniformity.
TCL is proud of its Halo Control System, which I can minimize the bloom very effectively. When the dirty screen effects (dirty screen effects testing/banding, subtitle blooming, scrolling text smoothness) were running through the normal battery, I was as satisfied with the results of QM7K as I was with QM6K as I was with QM6K.
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Given the advanced build of this model and this price point, it should not be surprised. Conversely, however, it surprises me whether the midrange model is worth the extra cost.
Finally, I should mention the audio upgrade from an ONKYO 2.1 system in a bang and olufasen audio setup, with two backfiring 10-watt speakers and 20-watt subwoofers that support Dolby Atomos, DTS Virtual: X, and DTS: X. Translation? This is not much better than QM6K as far as I can tell (or listen), so I would still recommend linking QM7K with a good soundbar for the best audio experience.
ZDNET purchase advice
So, who should buy TCL QM7KFrom my test, it is a great pick for shopkeepers to upgrade their existing budget/midrange TV, as QM7K’s QD Mini LED technology should get the most noticeable advantage. Most buyers will be satisfied with luxurious color breeding and HDR performance (which goes to support a lot of materials now), all are outlined by the user -friendly Google TV interfaces.
He said, “Save for engineering upgradation focused around the picture quality, low -priced TCL QM6K has the same specifications as TCL QM7K. For more people, you cannot notice visual discrepancy unless you are watching both TVs together.
In the light of these things, I do not go out to grab a QM7K, until I come with unavoidable discounts. In fact, now, the 65 -inch model testing I have done is already available Amazon for $ 700If you can make a deal Infrastructure QM6K model, it can be another sweet purchase.
TCL QM7K Tech Specs
- 144hz native fresh rate
- 4 HDMI input (one with EARC)
- 4K ultradered resolution
- Apple Airplay 2
- Audio by Bang & Olufaseen
- AMD FREESYNC Auto Game Mode with Premium Pro (Allm)
- Bluetooth personal audio
- Christglo HVA Panel
- Dolby atomos audio
- DTS Virtual: X
- Game accelerator 288
- Google chromecast underlying
- Google TV with Smart OS-free voice control and backlit voice remote
- HDR Ultra with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR 10+, HDR 10, and HLG
- High HDR2600 Shine
- Imax increased certification
- MEMC frame with insertion speed rate 480
- Leaded coody-mine
- TCL AIPQ Pro processor
- TCL Aura control system
- LD2500 accurate dimming
- Wi-Fi 5
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit
TCL QM7K is entitled to the choice of an editors as this QD mini-LED display levels the impressive contrast with stunning brightness and OLED TV at a more accessible price. This model is one step below TCL’s 2025 flagship, QM8K. But, it is the choice of ZDNET because it is simply a better value that it provides a grand picture and about $ 1,200 less of all the characteristics of the flagship.
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Update log:
- The article was originally published on May 7, 2025, and was updated on 5 October 2025, with a completely fact-connected and pricing change before Amazon’s Prime Day sale.
