TCL Class QM7-Series 4K QD-Mini LED TV Review

TCL is a household name for consumer electronics like televisions, mobile phones, and tablets, so it’s only fitting that the company continues its partnership with one of the best-selling and most recognizable video game franchises ever, Call of Duty. Indeed, just as Black Ops 6 deserves tons of praise, so too does one of TCL’s newest products: the Class QM7-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV. While this new 2024 TV is perfect for entertainment and video games at large, it’s a match made in heaven when paired with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Right out of the box, it’s clear that TCL prioritizes the consumer. Removing the TV is made as easy as it comes, and the setup is the same. Even the 65-inch version of this TV is quite light, making setting up its stand or mounting it to the wall a breeze. For safety reasons, two people should handle the TV at all times, but neither person is going to feel the lightest strain. Then, with options to set up the TV through on-screen instructions or via mobile app, fans are ready to go within a reasonable 30 minutes of unboxing the TV.

Consumers should be aware that wall mounts are sold separately and should be rated to handle the weight of this TV.

The out-of-the-box result is a home theater system that truly becomes the “theater” experience. There is a world of difference between experiencing a movie in a theater and a movie at home, but this narrows that divide with how clear each and every image is. Crisp feels like an understatement, especially because this TV’s picture and shadow quality is second to none among TCL and its competitors. Indeed, going from a standard HD smart TV to this 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED is immediately noticeable and striking. It’s not as much of a leap as RCA plugs to HD, for example, but it’s more than enough to warrant any upgrade, with the Class QM7-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV being worth the price on the image alone.

The picture quality is crisp, rich, and incredibly accurate. Whereas some older TVs may struggle to differentiate between similar shades of color (two similar but distinct greens for example) or dark brown and black, there is no mistaking any pop in color on this TCL TV.

Joining that is some truly impressive grayscale and shadow technology, with the QD-Mini LEDs providing deep contrast that keeps the daunting nature of dark, shadowy areas but ensures that players can reasonably see within them. This can truly be a game-changer for something like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Activision has made several strides, but when combined with the power of this TV, it is impossible to go back. The cinematics of the campaign are more realistic than ever with the two combined, and even the darkest nighttime missions provide both haunting darks and genuine clarity. It works well even in Black Ops 6‘s Zombies mode, where there are a lot of things going on at once, but the TV never falters in its ability to deliver.

TCL Class QM7-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV Features

• 4K UltraHD Resolution
• QD-Mini LED
• QLED ULTRA – Quantum Dot Technology
• High Brightness ULTRA LED Backlight
• 120Hz Panel Refresh Rate (144Hz Variable Refresh Rate)
• TCL AIPQ PRO Processor with Deep Learning AI
• HDR ULTRA with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG
• Motion Rate 480 with MEMC Frame Insertion
• Game Accelerator 240
• Auto Game Mode (ALLM) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
• IMAX Enhanced Certification
• Dolby Atmos Audio
• DTS Virtual:X
• Bluetooth Personal Audio
• FullView 360 Metal Bezel-less Design with Height Adjustable Pedestal Stand
• 4 HDMI Inputs including one with eARC
• Wi-Fi 5
• Google TV Smart OS with Hands-Free Voice Control and Backlit Voice Remote
• Google Chromecast Built-in
• Apple AirPlay 2
• Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit

The TV’s navigation and UI are top-notch, automatically switching to any connected game device. There is also a handy “watch again” list of the TV’s homepage which lets users jump to the last thing they were watching across several apps, saving some valuable time. However, it’s worth mentioning that most TV remotes have input buttons that can be changed manually if needed, whereas this TCL TV still requires menu navigation. That’s only really necessary if someone is running multiple devices, but otherwise, its user experience from this standpoint remains strong.

Display Specifications

• QLED ULTRA Display Technology
• 120HZ Panel Refresh Rate
• VRR Up to 144Hz
• 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) Panel Resolution
• 1.07 billion Display Colors
• QD-Mini LED Local Dimming Tech

Where this Class QM7-Series 4K UHD truly differentiates itself from other TVs, even those claiming to be designed for gaming, is its game mode and game bar—dubbed Game Master. Most modern gaming TVs are going to have a “game mode” that is automatically turned on when firing up a console, and this TV is no different. However, most of the time, these changes are static settings with no real input from the player. That’s not the case here, with this TV’s Game Master giving players the options they so love.

The Game Master lets players see their FPS, ensures things like HDR, ALLM, and VRR are turned on or off as required, and gives players the additional options of an Aiming Aid, customizable game picture, and shadow enhancements. These things are not necessarily game-changers, but they go a long way in personalizing the TV experience. For example, having Game Picture set to RPG really brings out the best of Dragon Age: The Veilguard‘s graphics, while having it set to FPS doubles down on the already impressive graphics of Black Ops 6. There is a standard game mode for someone wanting something more natural, but gearing the TV’s settings to the type of game being played brings out the best of everything. Meanwhile, the shadow enhancements help someone define their shadows a little better outside the initial setup of any game, giving them control over their experience.

It’s worth pointing out, however, that the Game Master overlay is quite bulky, so it’s more for giving frames per second a quick look rather than actively tracking a game’s performance.

The Aiming Aid was an interesting prospect that we had to check out in Black Ops 6‘s Multiplayer. In short, it ensures there is a large white icon surrounding any weapon’s reticle to help players track enemies and land shots. This is not something like an aim assist, and it’s not going to win anyone any firefights they would’ve lost naturally. However, for those who perhaps struggle to keep up with the fast-paced nature of multiplayer or for those who struggle to see and play FPS games, this feature may go a long way in helping them have fun too. Seeing accessibility features built into a TV is something that would be great to see more of, and that’s pretty much what this Aiming Aid is.

All of this is possible thanks not only to TCL giving gamers what they love most—customization—but also by providing features that can really make or break a gaming experience. The fast response times, 144HZ VRR, Auto Low Latency Modes, Game Accelerator 240, and so much more ensure this TV is packed with features that some players might expect out of a strong PC monitor and setup. Couch gaming with a console and PC gaming are pretty much two different worlds, but this TV goes a long way in bridging them.

While the TCL Class QM7-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV is a perfect fit for any game and general entertainment, it’s clear why Call of Duty partnered up with TCL. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 brings the best out of this TV, and this TV brings the best out of Black Ops 6. Its refresh times meet the fast pace of multiplayer while giving players more options than ever, its features like AMD FreeSync and high zone local dimming, among others, ensure that every moment of the campaign is at its strongest, and Zombies is as visceral as imaginable. The result is an excellent addition to any entertainment setup and a strong claim to the “Best Gaming TV” throne.

Game Rant was provided the TCL Class QM7-Series 4K UHD HDR QD-Mini LED Smart Google TV for the purposes of this review.