Serena Anderson
Member
Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 System
- 4 Display
- 5 Audio
- 6 Features
- 7 Connectivity
- 8 User Feedback
First Impressions
The TV looks pretty good. It's made entirely of plastic, including its feet, but it has sleek metal-brushed borders that give the entire package an impressive flair.The back is entirely plastic but has a nice chiseled look. The power cable comes out of the right side of the TV, while the inputs are in a recessed inlet on the left side of the TV. Theres a rubber grommet in the middle to help withcable management. The side-facing inputs are hard to reach without pulling the TV slightly forward when the TV is wall-mounted. Note that the back of the 85-inch model looks a bit different, with a flatter section in the TVs upper region.
The TV has good build quality even if its entirely made of plastic, aside from its metal-brushed borders. Theres a slight flex near the VESA holes, but its to be expected. The TV doesnt wobble much on its feet, which is great.Halfway through the testing phase, the TV developeda stuck green pixel that hasnt disappeared. This could happen on any panel, so it doesnt impact the build quality score of this particular TV.
Introduce
| Parameter | TCL Q7 |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $497 |
Model Year | 2024 |
Built-In Media | 1x Power Cable, 1x TV Remote, 1x Stand Plate, 1x Stand Neck Component, 1x Quick Start Guide, 2x AAA TV Remote Batteries |
Highlight | • Display: 55-inch 4K UltraHD (3840 x 2160) QLED • HDR Support: HDR ULTRA, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG • Refresh Rate: 120Hz (144Hz Variable Refresh Rate) • Motion Rate: 480 • Game Accelerator: 240 • Smart TV Platform: Google TV • Processor: TCL AIPQ PRO |
System
| Parameter | TCL Q7 |
|---|---|
Operating System | Google TV |
Internet Applications | Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, YouTube |
Remote Control | Bluetooth |
Controller Type | Voice Control |
Control Method | Voice |
System Experience | Overall Impression: The TV offers a user-friendly experience with the latest version of Google TV OS, providing fast and smooth navigation. It boasts a comprehensive selection of popular streaming apps, enhancing its entertainment value. However, the presence of ads in the interface, which cannot be disabled, may detract from the overall viewing experience for some users. |
Display
| Parameter | TCL Q7 |
|---|---|
Display Technology | QD Mini-LED, QLED |
Screen Finish | Flat |
Has Color Screen | Yes |
Resolution | 4K |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
HDR Format | HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
Backlight Technology | Mini-LED |
Backlight Setting | Local Dimming |
Viewing Experience | The TCL Q7 delivers impressive native contrast and excels in producing deep blacks, especially in dark room settings with local dimming set to high. Its blooming performance is commendable, as the small local dimming zones help reduce blooming around bright objects, although some noticeable blooming remains with very dark backgrounds. The TV handles fast-moving content well, though there is some darkening on bright object edges. The HDR color gamut is strong, particularly in DCI-P3 coverage, but it shows under-saturation in key colors and has limited coverage of the Rec. 2020 space. Gray uniformity is good on dark screens but suffers in brighter scenes, displaying noticeable vignetting. Black uniformity is excellent, even without local dimming, with minor blue clouding visible. However, the viewing angle is poor, leading to significant color shifting and washed-out images off-center, making it unsuitable for wide seating arrangements. Reflection handling is decent but can be distracting with direct reflections. Lastly, the BGR subpixel layout can lead to text clarity issues when used as a PC monitor, although there are workarounds available. Overall, the TCL Q7 is a strong performer in contrast and black levels, but some limitations in color saturation, viewing angles, and reflection handling may affect the viewing experience. |
Audio
| Parameter | TCL Q7 |
|---|---|
Audio Experience | The TCL Q7 offers an acceptable audio experience, particularly at low to moderate volumes where dialogue clarity is a strong point. However, it struggles with bass response and produces distortion at maximum volume, leading to an unpleasant listening experience in louder environments. While it performs adequately for casual viewing, its limitations in sound quality, especially in noisy settings, are notable. Overall, the audio quality is decent for everyday use, but it may fall short for those seeking a robust audio performance. |
Features
| Parameter | TCL Q7 |
|---|---|
Tuner Type | ATSC |
D x W x H | 2.76"D x 48.19"W x 27.95"H |
Other Features | Built-In Speaker, Game Mode, Chromecast, Wide Color Enhancer, Bezel-Less Design |
Motion Smoothing | Overall Impression: This TV excels in enhancing low-quality content by effectively smoothing out macro-blocking and pixelization in dark scenes, although it sacrifices some fine detail in the process. Its response time performance with variable refresh rate (VRR) can be inconsistent, leading to ghosting or blurring at certain refresh rates, which may be a drawback for gamers. While the backlight flickers at a high frequency of 960Hz, it is generally not noticeable during use. The optional motion interpolation feature can improve slower content but struggles with fast-paced action, resulting in visible artifacts. Overall, the TV offers some impressive features but comes with caveats that may affect the viewing experience, particularly for gamers and those who prioritize fine detail. |
Connectivity
| Parameter | TCL Q7 |
|---|---|
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
Wireless Technology | Wi-Fi |
Usb Ports | 2 |
USB2.0 Ports | 1 |
USB3.0 Ports | 1 |
HDMI Ports | 4 |
Connecting TV | The TCL Q7 offers impressive performance, particularly for gamers, with low input lag across various resolutions and refresh rates, making it well-suited for high-paced gaming. Its support for 4K at 120Hz and variable refresh rate enhances the gaming experience, especially when paired with the PS5. The HDMI 2.1 capabilities on select ports allow for high bandwidth and versatility in connection options. Additionally, the eARC support ensures high-quality audio transmission to external sound systems. However, the limitation of not supporting ATSC 3.0 for over-the-air broadcasts is notable. Overall, the TCL Q7 stands out for its gaming performance and solid audio capabilities, making it a compelling option for gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts. |
User Feedback
Pros:• Solid picture quality, comparable to UHD Samsung Series 6
• Exceptional sound quality; no need for a soundbar
• Easy setup for Apple Play
• TCL remote conveniently controls Firestick and has dedicated buttons for popular streaming services
• Stable base design, with good performance at both 55-inch and 65-inch sizes
• Great value for the price
Cons:
• Lacks preset picture settings; requires individual adjustments for brightness, tint, and contrast
• Can tip easily when handling, especially during setup
• No App Store available to load additional applications
• Buzzing noise from the 3.5mm audio out port when using headphones
Overall Impression:
This TV offers impressive picture and sound quality at a reasonable price, making it a strong contender in the market. While it has some limitations in settings and app support, the overall performance and value make it a recommended choice for consumers looking for a high-quality viewing experience without the need for additional audio equipment.
