TCL Q7 Class 65" Class Q7 Series 2023 Review
The TCL Q7 packs premium features like a 120Hz panel and full HDR support into a surprisingly affordable package, making it one of the best value TVs you can buy right now.
The 30-Second Version
The TCL Q7 65-inch QLED 4K TV delivers premium features at a mid-range price. It offers a bright, contrast-rich picture with excellent HDR support, a 120Hz panel perfect for gaming, and the full Google TV experience. It's one of the best values in the TV market right now.
Overview
If you're looking for a 65-inch 4K TV that punches way above its price tag, the TCL Q7 should be at the top of your list. This QLED model from 2023 packs a serious feature set for a mid-range TV, including a 120Hz panel, full-array local dimming with over 200 zones, and support for every major HDR format. It's built around Google TV, so you get a familiar smart interface with built-in Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2. For anyone asking 'what's the best TV under $800?', this is a contender you can't ignore.
Performance
This TV is fast where it counts. The 120Hz native refresh rate is a real game-changer for sports and gaming, making motion look incredibly smooth. In our database, its gaming performance sits in the 97th percentile, thanks to HDMI 2.1 ports, FreeSync Premium Pro, and a Game Accelerator mode that can push variable refresh rates up to 240Hz. The picture quality is its star feature, ranking in the 97th percentile. With a peak brightness hitting 1000 nits and those 200+ local dimming zones, you get deep blacks and bright highlights that make HDR content pop. It handles Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG with ease, putting its HDR support in the absolute best right now category.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding HDR performance with support for all major formats. 99th
- Excellent gaming features including 120Hz, VRR, and low input lag. 98th
- Google TV is a polished and comprehensive smart platform. 97th
- Full-array local dimming provides great contrast for the price. 97th
- Bright, vibrant picture that excels in both dark and well-lit rooms.
Cons
- Audio is decent but not exceptional; a soundbar is recommended.
- The sheer brightness can be overwhelming for some in dark rooms.
- Build quality and design are functional but not premium.
- Motion handling, while good, isn't quite on par with the very highest-end sets.
- Some users report occasional software quirks with Google TV.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 65" |
| Resolution | 4K (2160p) |
| Panel Type | QLED |
| Backlight | Full Array Local Dimming |
| Curved | No |
| Year | 2023 |
Picture Quality
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Motion Tech | Motion Rate 480 |
| Processor | HDR Compatible |
HDR
| HDR Formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Dolby Vision | Yes |
| HDR10+ | Yes |
| HLG | Yes |
Gaming
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| VRR | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| ALLM | Yes |
| Game Mode | Yes |
Smart TV
| Platform | Google TV |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Screen Mirroring | Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Works With | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home |
Audio
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| Surround Sound | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus |
| eARC | No |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 4 |
| HDMI Version | 2.1 |
| USB Ports | 1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Optical Audio | Yes |
| VESA Mount | 300x300 |
Power & Size
| Power | 240 |
| Energy Star | No |
| Annual Energy | 300 |
| Weight | 20.1 kg / 44.3 lbs |
Value & Pricing
Here's the kicker: you can find this TV for between $570 and $770 depending on the retailer. At that price, getting a 65-inch QLED with full-array local dimming, a 120Hz panel, and top-tier HDR support is frankly a steal. It undercuts similar models from Samsung and Sony by a significant margin. If your budget is firm around $700, this TV offers more core performance features than anything else in its class.
Price History
vs Competition
Let's name names. Compared to the Samsung Neo QLED 65", the TCL Q7 gets you similar gaming specs and HDR support for hundreds less, though Samsung's processing and upscaling might be slightly better. The Hisense U6 Series MiniLED is a direct competitor, often at a similar price; the TCL typically has better motion handling and a more reliable smart OS. Against the more expensive LG C5 OLED, you lose the perfect blacks of OLED, but you gain much higher brightness for HDR and no risk of burn-in, all while saving a ton of cash. The Roku Pro Series is another alternative, but we prefer the flexibility of Google TV over Roku's simpler platform.
| Spec | TCL Q7 Class 65" Class Q7 Series | Sony Bravia Sony BRAVIA 5 85" 4K HDR Smart Mini-LED TV | Samsung Neo QLED Samsung - 65” Class QN80F Series Neo QLED Mini LED | LG OLED evo - C5 series LG - 55" Class C5 Series OLED evo AI 4K UHD Smart | Hisense U65QF Mini-LED Hisense - 75" Class U6 Series MiniLED QLED UHD 4K | Roku Mini-LED QLED 4K - Pro Roku - 65" Class Pro Series 4K QLED Mini-LED Smart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 65 | 85 | 65 | 55 | 75 | 65 |
| Resolution | 4K (2160p) | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
| Panel Type | QLED | MiniLED | Neo QLED | OLED | MiniLED | MiniLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 144 | 120 |
| Hdr | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
| Smart Platform | Google TV | Google TV | Tizen | webOS | Fire TV | Roku TV |
| Dolby Vision | true | true | false | true | true | true |
| Dolby Atmos | true | false | true | true | true | true |
| Hdmi Version | 2.1 | 2.1 | - | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Hdr | Audio | Smart | Gaming | Display | Connectivity | Social Proof | Picture Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL Q7 Class 65" Class Q7 Series | 98.8 | 81.7 | 97.7 | 97.4 | 38.5 | 95.4 | 90.7 | 97.1 |
| Sony Bravia 5 85" Compare | 92.9 | 67.6 | 91.6 | 94.9 | 75.4 | 99 | 97.6 | 86.1 |
| Samsung Neo QLED 65” Class Series Neo Compare | 89.9 | 90.4 | 96.6 | 92.8 | 80.1 | 92.4 | 97.6 | 86.1 |
| LG OLED evo - C5 series 55" Class C5 Series Compare | 92.9 | 90.4 | 95.3 | 99.9 | 84.6 | 99.8 | 99.5 | 43 |
| Hisense U65QF Mini-LED 75" Class U6 Series MiniLED Compare | 98.8 | 90.4 | 93.8 | 96.5 | 69.1 | 97.2 | 97.6 | 97.1 |
| Roku Mini-LED QLED 4K - Pro 65" Class Pro Series Compare | 96.5 | 90.4 | 92.5 | 97.4 | 62.4 | 99 | 98.8 | 86.1 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the TCL Q7 good for gaming?
Yes, it's excellent. With a native 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, FreeSync Premium Pro, and a low-latency Game Mode, it's a top-tier choice for console and PC gaming.
Q: Does this TV have good HDR?
It has fantastic HDR. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, and its 1000-nit brightness and local dimming zones make HDR content look vibrant and detailed.
Q: How many HDMI ports does the TCL Q7 have?
It has four HDMI ports, with at least two of them being the full bandwidth HDMI 2.1 standard, which is great for connecting next-gen game consoles and media players.
Q: How does the TCL Q7 compare to a Samsung QLED?
The TCL Q7 offers very similar core specs like QLED color and 120Hz gaming, but at a much lower price. You might sacrifice some premium build quality and processing finesse, but you get incredible value.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this TV if you're setting up a dedicated, pitch-black home theater and want the absolute perfect blacks of an OLED. In that case, look at the LG C5. Also, if you hate the idea of needing a separate soundbar, the built-in audio here is just okay. For a simpler, bargain-basement streaming experience, a basic Roku TV might suffice. But for most people wanting a high-performance 65-inch TV, the Q7 is hard to beat.
Verdict
So, should you buy it? Absolutely, if you want a fantastic all-around TV without breaking the bank. It's a no-brainer for gamers and movie buffs who crave high brightness and full HDR support. The combination of specs you get for the money is almost unmatched. The only real reasons to look elsewhere are if you absolutely need the best possible sound from the TV itself, or if you're a purist who wants the absolute best motion processing available. For everyone else, the TCL Q7 is an easy recommendation.