The TCL QM7 QD-Mini LED series represents a mid-tier television option within TCL’s 2024 lineup, positioned between the premium TCL QM8 and the more affordable TCL Q6. This model is powered by TCL’s AIPQ PRO processor, achieving a peak brightness of up to 2,400 nits and featuring as many as 1,500 dimming zones, depending on the screen size. This significantly surpasses the dimming zone count found in the earlier TCL Q7 QLED.
The series is equipped with notable features including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDMI 2.1 ports, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. The QM7 also holds advanced IMAX certification and is compatible with DTS and Dolby audio formats through eARC. It operates on Google’s widely recognized and user-friendly operating system. In our review of the TCL 65QM751G 4K QD-MiniLED HDR, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this particular model.
Design
The TCL 65QM751G features slim bezels on three sides, measuring approximately 0.8 cm, with a slightly wider bottom bezel that includes branding positioned in the top-right corner when viewed head-on. The bezels exhibit a sleek metal finish, while the stand, constructed from metal, is covered with a plastic shell.
The stand is centrally located and does not require a large surface area for placement. Only the 98-inch model utilizes legs for support. While the stand provides stable support for the TV, it does exhibit slight wobbling when pushed. The screen is elevated about 9 cm above the table, allowing most soundbars to fit in front without obstructing the view.
The rear of the TV is made from plastic and features a mesh pattern similar to that of the 2023 TCL Q7 QLED. Most input ports are positioned on the side within a recessed area, which may make access challenging if the TV is wall-mounted. The built-in subwoofer is centrally located on the back panel, and cables can be neatly routed through the stand for better organization.
At the bottom center of the TV, there is a button that allows users to switch inputs, adjust the volume, change channels, and power the TV on or off. Adjacent to this button is a small switch for activating or deactivating the built-in microphone. The remote control for the TCL QM751G features motion-activated lighting, dedicated buttons for popular streaming services, and an integrated microphone.
Image quality
The QM7 offers exceptional picture quality for its price point. While its contrast and black levels may not match those of OLEDs or the higher-end QLEDs from Samsung and Sony, this is an anticipated trade-off. In the mid-range market, the QM7 stands out with few rivals, making it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable home theater experience without overspending.
Equipped with a VA panel, the TV utilizes quantum dots to provide a broad color spectrum and features local dimming to enhance brightness in targeted areas. Unlike the previous year’s Q7 QLED, the QM7 incorporates mini LEDs, allowing for a greater number of dimming zones (1,248 for the 65-inch model), which results in improved contrast management.
The performance is commendable, but it is important to maintain realistic expectations within this category. While the black levels are satisfactory, they may not completely vanish in a dark environment. Some light leakage can be observed, particularly when viewing widescreen films with black bars at the top and bottom, which can appear slightly elevated due to light seeping from adjacent areas. This is an area where pricier QLEDs excel, and OLEDs do not experience this issue at all.
Some backlight spotting can be observed when the TV does not effectively darken its zones. However, this flaw is subtle and primarily noticeable when viewing movies in a dark environment. Instances of ghosting, characterized by halos around bright objects against a dark backdrop, are also minimal. They may occasionally appear around icons while navigating the TV menu, but are infrequent during regular content viewing.
Similar blooming effects can sometimes be seen on the higher-end Samsung QN90D. However, it is worth noting that the QN90D provides brighter and more vivid highlights. The TCL model, on the other hand, is also exceptionally bright. In a 10% test pattern (a bright white area on a black background), it achieves peak brightness of approximately 1,700 nits.
This level of brightness is sufficient to produce stunning HDR images and represents a significant improvement over the 800-900 nits offered by last year’s Q7 model. It is also bright enough for most environments. During daylight, the 65QM751G can be comfortably viewed in SDR mode with the brightness set around 50%. As with all HDR TVs, the QM7 automatically adjusts the brightness to 100% in HDR mode.
There are occasional instances where the TV’s brightness algorithm may falter. For instance, during rapid transitions to scenes featuring bright white text on a black background, particularly in YouTube videos, the white text may appear excessively bright for a brief moment before the TV corrects itself and lowers the brightness to the appropriate level.
Like many mid-range QLEDs, the QM751G has limited viewing angles. When viewed from an angle, the colors and contrast of the TV can become distorted. This is typical for most panels of this kind, so for improved off-axis performance, a more expensive Samsung QLED or OLED would be necessary.
When discussing higher-end televisions, it is essential to recognize that the QM7 is categorized as a mid-range model. Within this framework, the QM7 stands out, yet its overall picture quality falls short compared to premium alternatives, such as the TCL QM851G. Notably, the TCL QM7 struggles with lower-quality content, including YouTube streams and cable television, more so than its more expensive counterparts.
Moreover, despite the inclusion of local dimming, the QM7 lacks the striking visual impact that top-tier OLED TVs provide, primarily due to their superior contrast ratios. To acquire a television that significantly surpasses the QM7 in performance, one must invest considerably more, as even entry-level OLED models are priced at about half the cost.
Games
The QM7 is a strong contender for gaming enthusiasts, being one of the most budget-friendly QLED models that provides full 4K/144Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) support. This capability allows you to connect a gaming PC, synchronizing high-resolution gameplay with the display’s refresh rate, which results in fluid motion without any stuttering or screen tearing.
The VRR functionality is also compatible with the PS5 and Xbox Series X, although these consoles are restricted to 4K/120Hz output. Additionally, it supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically activates the QM7 Game Mode to reduce input lag to approximately 8ms when a gaming source is detected.
Similar to many mid-range to premium televisions, the QM7 features a convenient pop-up Game Bar that provides essential information such as the current refresh rate and quick access to advanced settings. However, while screen tearing is minimal, the visual quality of games on the QM7 may not be as sharp as that on rival OLED models or Samsung’s QLEDs. There is some motion blur present, but it does not significantly detract from the overall gaming experience.
Smart TV
The TCL QM7 operates on Google TV 12, delivering a seamless smart TV experience. Its home screen features rows of icons showcasing top recommendations alongside all installed applications. Below these, users will find a section for content that has been started but not completed, as well as additional rows offering suggestions across various categories.
While the layout is straightforward, it appears to be more streamlined and user-friendly compared to similar interfaces from Amazon Fire TV, LG, and Samsung. The performance of Google TV can differ significantly among various TV models, influenced by their processing capabilities and the specific software implementations by each manufacturer.
It is impressive to experience such swift navigation on a mid-range model like the TCL QM7. Users will not face lag when browsing through apps, although there may be some delays when streaming 4K HDR content on YouTube. Additionally, accessing the TV’s picture settings menu can result in a brief pause.
Nonetheless, navigating through the various menus remains efficient. Google Assistant voice control functions effectively, whether through the remote or the hands-free option activated by a wake word. Occasionally, minor glitches may arise, but these can typically be resolved by unplugging and re-plugging the TV.
Some users may find it inconvenient that Google TV OS pauses playback in certain streaming applications when the picture settings menu is accessed for adjustments. This limitation prevents real-time observation of how changes affect the picture quality, and it is specific to select apps.
Sound
The TKL QM7 features a standard frequency response range of 120 Hz to 10 kHz. However, it struggles with bass performance, even with its integrated subwoofer, and exhibits some compression artifacts when played at or near maximum volume. The TV’s 2.1-channel audio system, rated at 50 watts, lacks the power needed for effective listening in noisy environments.
On the other hand, at low to medium volume levels, the audio quality is satisfactory, and dialogue remains clear. Distortion is minimal at medium volumes, but becomes significantly more apparent at maximum levels. Therefore, investing in a soundbar, such as the TCL S643W, or opting for separate speakers would be a more effective solution.
Connections
The rear panel features a robust array of ports, comprising two HDMI 2.0 inputs capable of 4K at 60Hz and two HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K at 120Hz. Notably, one of the HDMI 2.1 ports can achieve up to 4K at 144Hz when connected to a compatible PC. In addition, there are USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, a composite video input (accessible via an adapter), a LAN port, a headphone jack, and an optical audio output. The device also supports WiFi6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Conclusion
The TCL QM7 offers impressive contrast and a user-friendly smart interface, along with a comprehensive range of gaming features. The price point is exceptionally reasonable for a TV that delivers such high performance. While higher-end models may provide deeper blacks and superior image processing, the QM7 is an excellent choice for those seeking a quality HDR television without breaking the bank.
Specifications
| Panel | |
| Resolution | 4K UHD 3840×2160 |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Diagonal size | 164 cm |
| Type | VA QLED MiniLED Ultra |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz / 144Hz |
| HDR | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ |
| Color depth | 10 bits |
| Contrast | 5500:1 (typ.) |
| Brightness | 2000 nits (max) |
| Backlight | Direct FALD |
| Local dimming | 1248 zones |
| Audio | |
| System | 2.1 channels |
| Total power | 50 W |
| Number of speakers | 2 x 15W L/R + 20W Sub |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| Smart TV | |
| operating system | Android 12 / Google TV |
| CPU | AiPQ Pro, MediaTek Pentonic 700 |
| Operational memory | 3 GB |
| Google Assistant | Yes |
| Chromecast | Yes |
| Game center | Game Master Pro 2.0 |
| Game options | VRR 144 Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM |
| Improving clarity in games | Game Accelerator 240Hz (DLG) |
| Connections | |
| HDMI | 2 x 2.1, 2 x 2.0 |
| USB | 1 x 2.0, 1 x 3.0 |
| Audio output | Digital optical |
| Analog video input | Yes, via adapter |
| Headphone output | Mini jack 3.5 mm |
| LAN port | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | 5/2.4GHz WiFi6 802.11 ax/ac/b/g/n |
| Nutrition | |
| Working consumption | 70 W |
| Max. consumption | 309 W |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Size with stand (WxHxD) | 1440 x 894 x 340 mm |
| Dimensions without stand (WxHxD) | 1440 x 836 x 71 mm |
| Weight with stand | 22.7 kg |
| Weight without stand | 20.8 kg |
| Vesa mount | 400 x 400 |