It’s unbelievable to me why people spend thousands of dollars on a television that will likely need an upgrade in the next few years. Yet, at the same time, I get it. TVs are likely the device many people use more than any other in their homes. Why not invest in the best? I’ve done it. I’ve been happy temporarily but ultimately wish I would have just bought a mid-grade and saved some money. It all depends on how you use it. TCL tends to make budget to middle-tier televisions. The options you get though mimic that of the higher-end televisions. The TCL QM7 is no exception. It’s no slouch. It has everything a general consumer could want, and it crushes video games for the latest requirements.
Easy Setup
I consider myself tech savvy, but sincerely, setup is as simple as getting the TV out of the box, mounting it (mount not included – stand is included), and plugging it in. Directions are there for the everyday user, and they’re easy to follow. I definitely needed my son to help me get this thing setup, and I don’t recommend trying it yourself unless you want a broken television.
Once powered on, I’m instantly guided through setup and Wi-Fi connection. I choose what apps I need and off I go. Menus are clean and easy to navigate, and the remote feels contours to my hand. The remote is even backlit which is perfect for dark room movie watching. Additionally, I notice how quickly I find and customize picture settings without having to Google instructions. Connecting my Xbox Series X was nothing. I just make sure I’m using a HDMI 2.1 ready cable for optimal quality. Thankfully, the built-in apps like Netflix and YouTube launch without any lag.
Picture Quality
I’ll be honest – switching up my TV makes me anxious. I just don’t ever want to leave my Sony TV behind. That being said, the moment I power the TCL QM7 on and stream a 4K Netflix Nature doc, my doubts erode. I’m left visually stunned. The TCL’s colors are vibrant without being overblown, and the contrast impressive. After some adjustments (I recommend turning off the light sensor under Intelligent Picture settings) I set up a picture that looks truly phenomenal.
It all looks so real. More real than real if that makes sense. I notice in darker scenes, the level of detail is remarkable, and I don’t see any blotchy gray spots. I think The TCL QM7 handles fast motion like a pro too. Watching the action-packed Gladiator 2 is too much fun. Every dramatic fight scene looks crisp, and I rarely notice any blur. I’m picky about screen glare as my living room has a giant sliding door, but the anti-reflective coating keeps the picture sharp. It doesn’t matter how sunny it is either. Watching my beloved Minnesota Vikings lose (again) in the playoffs has never “looked” (or felt) more painful.
For the Gamer
As a gamer who enjoys the occasional deep dive into intense games, I’m thrilled how the QM7 performs in my tests. I test it out with Marvel Rivals on the Xbox Series X, and it is a total beast. The visuals are, in a word, stunning – far better than my 2K PC monitor which offers incredibly smooth gaming. I actually enjoy gaming on a console again because of this thing. I can see the tiniest details on character costumes and backgrounds. Even though the game is ridiculously fast paced, I’m impressed by how good…no…how great it feels to play. Most gamers know – it isn’t just about the visuals; the “smoothness” needs to stand out too. The QM7 features VRR support with 144Hz capable refresh rate in 4K, meaning zero screen tearing or lag. Every move feels responsive. It genuinely makes me better at the game (at least I like to think so!).
Mid-Tier Preference
I gotta say – there’s something really refreshing about choosing a mid-tier TV like the TCL QM7 over a top-tier model. Yes, those flagship models come with cutting-edge tech. Yes, OLED still can offer superior image quality. The thing is you never really notice until they’re side by side. They also come with a price tag that makes my wallet shed tears. I have a friend who splurges on high-end TVs only to realize he doesn’t use half of its features. Personally, I like to find the sweet spot in my tech. I have to have great performance, but it has to be at a reasonable and affordable price. The QM7 scratches that itch for me. I get really good picture quality and solid gaming features without feeling like I need to take out a second mortgage on my home. No guilt.
I once had a tiny white dot where my kids scratched a screen on a television. It drove me nuts. Why? Because I would look for it. No one else noticed. Long story short, the TCL QM 7 is a TV that 85% of TV owners will be overwhelmingly satisfied with. There are so many tech options out there right now. Only the 15% of users who go to extremes to adjust their picture to perfection or watch the screen for any flaws will notice those flaws (blooming, motion blur etc).
Summing it up
TCL is a company that strives to give the vast majority of people what they really need. I love that they focus on delivering some great features without overcomplicating things or charging ridiculous prices. With the QM7, I feel like I’m getting an overall great experience without the gut-wrenching experience of a high-end price tag. For the vast majority of us, that’s all that matters. If you are looking for a reliable, feature-packed TV that games incredibly well but doesn’t break the bank, TCL should absolutely be on your list. This thing is just proof that you don’t have to spend your life savings just to get a fantastic viewing experience.