In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer electronics, TCL has emerged as a noteworthy player, making big strides toward competing with major manufacturers. From its humble origins as a budget brand, TCL has transformed itself into a formidable contender, captivating consumers and industry experts alike with its commitment to quality, innovative technology, and refined designs.
TCL is unveiling its newest lineup of televisions in 2023, with the Q Class models positioned as the successors of the well-received 6-Series. Unlike its predecessors, the Q7 does not include a mini-LED backlight. In order to enjoy that feature, customers will be required to upgrade to TCL's 2023 flagship TV, the QM8.
Specifications
Available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch screen sizes, these televisions offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets, with prices ranging from $799.99 to $2,199.99. For this review, I’ll be testing the 65-inch model that’s priced at $999.
The Q7 Class TV is a Quantum Dot Direct LED backlight system with a little over 200 local dimming zones and is powered by the AIPQ Engine Gen3 processor, which is the same processor found in TCL’s flagship model.
The TV is equipped with a 120Hz display panel and support for a 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) so gamers can enjoy enhanced responsiveness and reduced screen tearing. It also features a Game Accelerator 240 feature, enabling gamers to experience 240Hz VRR gaming at lower resolutions.
When it comes to HDR content, the Q7 offers a variety of options. It’s compatible with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats. This TV has also received IMAX Enhanced certification, ensuring an optimized audio and video experience.
Design
The TCL Q7 QLED TV boasts an appealing design with some nice elements. It features a brushed-metal strip framing the screen and offers adjustable, reversible feet that can accommodate a soundbar. This TV follows the trend of minimalistic design, with a slim frame that focuses on maximizing the display area.
On the back of the TV, you'll find a variety of ports available for your connectivity needs. These include ethernet, four HDMIs, two being 2.1 inputs, one with 4K 120Hz support, one with 4K 144Hz support, and a dedicated HDMI eARC input. The TV supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. It also includes a built-in 2 x 15-watt speaker system. For added convenience, there’s a Bluetooth output that allows you to connect external audio devices for late-night viewing.
Smart Features
The TCL Q7 has shifted away from the Roku TV platform and embraced Google TV in its place. Google TV offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, providing easy access to popular video streaming services. The interface is reminiscent of what you would find on other TVs, making it familiar and intuitive for users.
Personally, I find the Google TV platform to be enjoyable and this holds true for the Q7. It offers a smooth and responsive performance, meeting most of the essential requirements one would expect from a TV platform.
Remote
With the transition to the Google TV platform, the design of the remote no longer resembles a Roku remote. One particularly convenient new feature is the motion-sensor backlight. When picked up in low-light conditions, the backlight automatically activates.
The top portion of the remote includes the familiar power, settings, and input buttons, along with a dedicated Google Assistant button. Towards the bottom, you'll find playback controls and dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Additionally, there are TCL Channel and TCL Home buttons for quick access to their respective features. The volume control and mute button have been relocated to the middle, similar to what you would find on a traditional remote. Lastly, there is a directional pad with the OK (select) button conveniently positioned in the center.
Picture Quality
The TCL Q7 does a commendable job of displaying vibrant colors, as exemplified by the vividness of Spiderman's suits in "Spiderman: No Way Home." The TV's color reproduction accurately brings out the distinct hues and tones of the costumes, enhancing the visual appeal of the film.
During the climactic battle scene at the end of the movie, the Q7 demonstrates good contrast performance. The balanced contrast levels enhance the overall visual impact without compromising the integrity of the image. This contributes to a more immersive experience, as I notice the finer details, textures, and nuances within the frame.
When discussing contrast, the TCL Q7 benefits from its efficient local dimming technology. It handles dimly lit scenes quite well for a TV in this price range, as is seen in the movie "Elysium." As the camera pans out to showcase the expansive view of Elysium, there’s some slight blooming around the objects, but nothing that significantly detracts from the overall viewing experience.
When watching widescreen movies, there’s no light bleed in the black bars. These areas remained deep black regardless of the content displayed on the screen. The uniformity of the TCL Q7 unit that I received is excellent, and I didn’t see any noticeable banding issues on the screen.
The TCL Q7, powered by the advanced AIPQ Engine Gen3 processor, demonstrates strong capabilities in handling motion and minimizing noise. When it comes to fast-paced action scenes, such as those found in sports broadcasts, the TV delivers smooth and clear visuals without any noticeable blurring or lag.
In comparison to last year’s model, the Q7 addresses one of my previous concerns —upscaling performance. TCL has taken feedback into account and made significant improvements in this aspect. During testing, the Q7 exhibited impressive upscaling performance with both 720p and 1080i content. The TV effectively upscaled these resolutions, resulting in a noticeable improvement in visual clarity and detail.
Since the TCL Q7 lacks an anti-glare coating on its screen, I did notice some screen glare when viewing it in daylight with my windows open. However, the glare is not excessively distracting, and I have seen other TV sets at higher price points exhibit worse glare.
Despite the absence of an anti-glare coating, the TCL Q7 compensates with its impressive brightness levels. When testing the TV with a 10 percent white test pattern in HDR mode, the Q7 achieved a peak brightness of 960 nits in the default Vivid preset and 885 nits in the default Movie preset. This higher brightness capability allows the TV to deliver striking highlights, as exemplified in movies like "Zack Snyder's Justice League."
Gaming
TCL's Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), seamlessly engages as soon as the PlayStation 5 is powered on, ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience. While testing the input latency of the TV while connected to any of the 4K 144Hz HDMI ports, the results are truly impressive, providing gamers with a fantastic gameplay experience.
The inclusion of Game Accelerator 240 and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro further enhances the TV's gaming capabilities, guaranteeing gamers a responsive, smooth, and immersive gaming experience of which I enjoyed for several hours.
Conclusion
The TCL Q7 stands out as a significant option that offers an abundance of value without compromising on performance or features. It delivers a comparable viewing experience at a significantly lower price point compared to other TVs available in the market.
Considering the features, performance, and affordability of the TCL Q7, it is undeniably a top contender in the market. It offers a compelling package that rivals more expensive options. I am delighted to designate the TCL Q7 as an AVS Top Choice of 2023, recognizing its exceptional value and impressive performance that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning viewers.
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FAQ
What is TCL known for?
TCL is known for its production of consumer electronics, including televisions. The company has gained recognition for offering affordable yet feature-rich TVs, becoming one of the leading global manufacturers in the industry. TCL is particularly known for its advancements in display technologies, such as QLED and Mini-LED, delivering impressive picture quality and vibrant colors in their TV models.
What is local dimming?
Local dimming is a feature found in many modern LED/LCD televisions. It is designed to enhance contrast and improve black levels by selectively dimming or brightening specific areas of the screen. Instead of the entire backlight being uniformly lit, local dimming allows for individual zones or sections of the backlight to be independently controlled. By dimming the backlight in darker areas of the image and brightening it in brighter areas, local dimming helps to create a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience.
What does full array LED mean?
By employing a Full Array LED Backlight, the television utilizes LEDs distributed throughout the entire screen. This enables more precise control over the power and intensity of the LEDs, allowing them to adapt accordingly to the specific scene being displayed. As a result, light is directed to the areas where it is required, while the darker portions remain appropriately dark.
TCL is unveiling its newest lineup of televisions in 2023, with the Q Class models positioned as the successors of the well-received 6-Series. Unlike its predecessors, the Q7 does not include a mini-LED backlight. In order to enjoy that feature, customers will be required to upgrade to TCL's 2023 flagship TV, the QM8.
Specifications
Available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch screen sizes, these televisions offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets, with prices ranging from $799.99 to $2,199.99. For this review, I’ll be testing the 65-inch model that’s priced at $999.
The Q7 Class TV is a Quantum Dot Direct LED backlight system with a little over 200 local dimming zones and is powered by the AIPQ Engine Gen3 processor, which is the same processor found in TCL’s flagship model.
The TV is equipped with a 120Hz display panel and support for a 144Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) so gamers can enjoy enhanced responsiveness and reduced screen tearing. It also features a Game Accelerator 240 feature, enabling gamers to experience 240Hz VRR gaming at lower resolutions.
When it comes to HDR content, the Q7 offers a variety of options. It’s compatible with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats. This TV has also received IMAX Enhanced certification, ensuring an optimized audio and video experience.
Design
The TCL Q7 QLED TV boasts an appealing design with some nice elements. It features a brushed-metal strip framing the screen and offers adjustable, reversible feet that can accommodate a soundbar. This TV follows the trend of minimalistic design, with a slim frame that focuses on maximizing the display area.
On the back of the TV, you'll find a variety of ports available for your connectivity needs. These include ethernet, four HDMIs, two being 2.1 inputs, one with 4K 120Hz support, one with 4K 144Hz support, and a dedicated HDMI eARC input. The TV supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. It also includes a built-in 2 x 15-watt speaker system. For added convenience, there’s a Bluetooth output that allows you to connect external audio devices for late-night viewing.
Smart Features
The TCL Q7 has shifted away from the Roku TV platform and embraced Google TV in its place. Google TV offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, providing easy access to popular video streaming services. The interface is reminiscent of what you would find on other TVs, making it familiar and intuitive for users.
Personally, I find the Google TV platform to be enjoyable and this holds true for the Q7. It offers a smooth and responsive performance, meeting most of the essential requirements one would expect from a TV platform.
Remote
With the transition to the Google TV platform, the design of the remote no longer resembles a Roku remote. One particularly convenient new feature is the motion-sensor backlight. When picked up in low-light conditions, the backlight automatically activates.
The top portion of the remote includes the familiar power, settings, and input buttons, along with a dedicated Google Assistant button. Towards the bottom, you'll find playback controls and dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Additionally, there are TCL Channel and TCL Home buttons for quick access to their respective features. The volume control and mute button have been relocated to the middle, similar to what you would find on a traditional remote. Lastly, there is a directional pad with the OK (select) button conveniently positioned in the center.
Picture Quality
The TCL Q7 does a commendable job of displaying vibrant colors, as exemplified by the vividness of Spiderman's suits in "Spiderman: No Way Home." The TV's color reproduction accurately brings out the distinct hues and tones of the costumes, enhancing the visual appeal of the film.
During the climactic battle scene at the end of the movie, the Q7 demonstrates good contrast performance. The balanced contrast levels enhance the overall visual impact without compromising the integrity of the image. This contributes to a more immersive experience, as I notice the finer details, textures, and nuances within the frame.
When discussing contrast, the TCL Q7 benefits from its efficient local dimming technology. It handles dimly lit scenes quite well for a TV in this price range, as is seen in the movie "Elysium." As the camera pans out to showcase the expansive view of Elysium, there’s some slight blooming around the objects, but nothing that significantly detracts from the overall viewing experience.
When watching widescreen movies, there’s no light bleed in the black bars. These areas remained deep black regardless of the content displayed on the screen. The uniformity of the TCL Q7 unit that I received is excellent, and I didn’t see any noticeable banding issues on the screen.
The TCL Q7, powered by the advanced AIPQ Engine Gen3 processor, demonstrates strong capabilities in handling motion and minimizing noise. When it comes to fast-paced action scenes, such as those found in sports broadcasts, the TV delivers smooth and clear visuals without any noticeable blurring or lag.
In comparison to last year’s model, the Q7 addresses one of my previous concerns —upscaling performance. TCL has taken feedback into account and made significant improvements in this aspect. During testing, the Q7 exhibited impressive upscaling performance with both 720p and 1080i content. The TV effectively upscaled these resolutions, resulting in a noticeable improvement in visual clarity and detail.
Since the TCL Q7 lacks an anti-glare coating on its screen, I did notice some screen glare when viewing it in daylight with my windows open. However, the glare is not excessively distracting, and I have seen other TV sets at higher price points exhibit worse glare.
Despite the absence of an anti-glare coating, the TCL Q7 compensates with its impressive brightness levels. When testing the TV with a 10 percent white test pattern in HDR mode, the Q7 achieved a peak brightness of 960 nits in the default Vivid preset and 885 nits in the default Movie preset. This higher brightness capability allows the TV to deliver striking highlights, as exemplified in movies like "Zack Snyder's Justice League."
Gaming
TCL's Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), seamlessly engages as soon as the PlayStation 5 is powered on, ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience. While testing the input latency of the TV while connected to any of the 4K 144Hz HDMI ports, the results are truly impressive, providing gamers with a fantastic gameplay experience.
The inclusion of Game Accelerator 240 and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro further enhances the TV's gaming capabilities, guaranteeing gamers a responsive, smooth, and immersive gaming experience of which I enjoyed for several hours.
Conclusion
The TCL Q7 stands out as a significant option that offers an abundance of value without compromising on performance or features. It delivers a comparable viewing experience at a significantly lower price point compared to other TVs available in the market.
Considering the features, performance, and affordability of the TCL Q7, it is undeniably a top contender in the market. It offers a compelling package that rivals more expensive options. I am delighted to designate the TCL Q7 as an AVS Top Choice of 2023, recognizing its exceptional value and impressive performance that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning viewers.
We are committed to researching and recommending the best products for our readers. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how this works.
Pros | Cons |
Good brightness | Some screen glare during daytime |
Budget-friendly price | Minor blooming |
Motion handling | |
Backlit remote |
FAQ
What is TCL known for?
TCL is known for its production of consumer electronics, including televisions. The company has gained recognition for offering affordable yet feature-rich TVs, becoming one of the leading global manufacturers in the industry. TCL is particularly known for its advancements in display technologies, such as QLED and Mini-LED, delivering impressive picture quality and vibrant colors in their TV models.
What is local dimming?
Local dimming is a feature found in many modern LED/LCD televisions. It is designed to enhance contrast and improve black levels by selectively dimming or brightening specific areas of the screen. Instead of the entire backlight being uniformly lit, local dimming allows for individual zones or sections of the backlight to be independently controlled. By dimming the backlight in darker areas of the image and brightening it in brighter areas, local dimming helps to create a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience.
What does full array LED mean?
By employing a Full Array LED Backlight, the television utilizes LEDs distributed throughout the entire screen. This enables more precise control over the power and intensity of the LEDs, allowing them to adapt accordingly to the specific scene being displayed. As a result, light is directed to the areas where it is required, while the darker portions remain appropriately dark.
