If you are looking For a TV that maximizes picture performance with minimal hit to your budget, you may want to keep the lucky number 7 in mind. For the past few years, Hisense's U7 series of TVs have offered some of the best performance you can get for the money, including this year's mighty U7N (8/10, Wired recommends), while TCL's 2023 Q7 and the upgraded QM7 are equally top performers.
The QM7 usually costs more than the U7N, but it rewards you with a better design and a slightly more refined picture. From a pure performance standpoint, you'll be hard-pressed to get one without spending more, especially if you find it on a good sale.
Unfortunately, it's hard to stand behind the software that drives the experience. During my initial evaluation, adjusting the TV's SDR picture mode also affected the HDR mode, which is problematic for several reasons. TCL provided a solution for me, but there's no widespread update yet for buyers, and at least one other reviewer had a similar issue,
Otherwise, there's little to complain about with a TV that combines its great performance with top-line gaming features and one of my favorite smart interfaces. If you don't mind rolling the dice on TCL's potential software bugs, the QM7 could pay off handsomely.
a clever setup
Putting together the QM7's tall pedestal stand takes a little more effort than rivals with dual-leg stands, and its 4-pound height brings the 65-inch model to 50 pounds heavier than the one I reviewed. The payoff is a sturdy and stylish base, matched with thin chrome bezels and a checkered backside for a classy, if not entirely distinctive aesthetic.
The input hub on the right side includes four HDMI inputs, two of which offer HDMI 2.1 support for gaming features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) up to 144Hz and ALM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Like the U7N, TCL offers a separate HDMI eARC port, meaning you won't lose a precious gaming port when connecting. of sound Or receiver. This is always appreciated; The Onkyo sound system of the QM7 is good, but I would still recommend a separate sound system audio setup,
Photograph: Ryan Vaniata
The backlit remote offers some handy quick keys and a built-in microphone for Google Assistant commands. You can also call Google hands-free through the TV's onboard microphone, but if you're not interested in having the device always listening, you can disable it by flipping the switch on the bottom of the front plate.