TV Comparisons
TCL QM7K vs TCL QM8K: Which One Should You Buy?
The TCL QM7K and QM8K share Google TV, 4K resolution, native 144Hz panels, Mini LED local dimming, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, FreeSync Premium Pro and two inputs capable of 4K/144Hz. The QM8K is the premium choice, with a wider-viewing-angle WHVA panel, stronger manufacturer-rated HDR brightness, a higher local-dimming tier and more natural-looking color in the side-by-side comparison. The QM7K is the value choice, delivering similar processing, motion and gaming fundamentals at substantially lower launch prices while offering a broader 55- to 115-inch size range.
TCL QM7K vs QM8K: Which 2025 Mini LED TV Is Better for You?
The TCL QM7K and QM8K share Google TV, 4K resolution, native 144Hz panels, Mini LED local dimming, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, FreeSync Premium Pro and two inputs capable of 4K/144Hz. The QM8K is the premium choice, with a wider-viewing-angle WHVA panel, stronger manufacturer-rated HDR brightness, a higher local-dimming tier and more natural-looking color in the side-by-side comparison. The QM7K is the value choice, delivering similar processing, motion and gaming fundamentals at substantially lower launch prices while offering a broader 55- to 115-inch size range.
| Feature | QM7K | QM8K | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture detail and natural color | Warmer and more saturated presentation with less visible highlight and shadow detail | More natural color, more realistic skin tones and greater visible detail | The QM8K produced the more natural-looking and detailed picture in the side-by-side demonstrations. |
| Manufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim | Up to 3,000 nits | Up to 5,000 nits | The higher claimed peak brightness supports stronger HDR highlights, which were visible in the comparison. |
| Panel and viewing angle | CrystGlow HVA | CrystGlow WHVA with wider-viewing-angle design | The QM8K held a slight off-axis viewing advantage while retaining strong contrast. |
| Local-dimming tier | Precise Dimming L2 | Local Dimming Ultimate and Precise Dimming L2 | The QM8K uses TCL's higher local-dimming tier, although exact zone counts are not specified for each size. |
| Native 4K refresh rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | Both models use native 144Hz panels and accept up to 4K/144Hz on two HDMI inputs. |
| Reduced-resolution gaming mode | Game Accelerator 240 | Game Accelerator 288 | The QM8K advertises the higher reduced-resolution accelerator rate, but both remain limited to 144Hz at native 4K. |
| Console gaming fundamentals | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming and FreeSync Premium Pro | 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming and FreeSync Premium Pro | Both provide the primary features needed for current Xbox and PlayStation consoles. |
| Motion and upscaling | Smooth motion and AiPQ Pro processing | Smooth motion and AiPQ Pro processing | The motion and upscaling demonstrations appeared essentially identical. |
| Available sizes | 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 and 115 inches | 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches | The QM7K provides more size flexibility and is the only model offered at 55 and 115 inches. |
| Launch-price value at shared sizes | $1,499.99 at 65 inches; $1,999.99 at 75; $2,499.99 at 85; $3,999.99 at 98 | $2,299.99 at 65 inches; $2,999.99 at 75; $3,799.99 at 85; $6,499.99 at 98 | The QM7K launched for substantially less while retaining the same native refresh rate, smart platform and core gaming support. |
| Anti-reflection performance | Very good anti-reflection performance | Very good anti-reflection performance | Anti-glare performance appeared nearly the same during the comparison. |
| Industrial design | Conventional bordered construction | ZeroBorder construction | The QM8K's reduced visible border gives it a more premium edge-to-edge appearance. |
QM7K Series QD-Mini LED QLED 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV
A native 144Hz QD-Mini LED Google TV with a CrystGlow HVA panel, broad HDR support and two 4K/144Hz inputs.
Key technology
TCL Halo Control SystemCoordinates the Mini LED emitters, optical lens design, panel, backlight controller and image-processing algorithms to reduce visible blooming and improve transitions between bright and dark areas.
CrystGlow HVA PanelTCL's high-contrast VA-family LCD panel with reflection-reducing characteristics intended to preserve image detail in rooms with ambient light.
Precise Dimming L2TCL's local-backlight control system. TCL advertises a series-level maximum of up to approximately 2,500 zones, but exact counts were not verified for the individual sizes.
AiPQ Pro ProcessorUses TCL image-processing algorithms to adjust color, contrast, clarity and other picture characteristics according to the incoming content.
Game Accelerator 240A reduced-resolution high-frame-rate gaming feature advertised up to 240Hz. It is not the panel's native refresh rate and is excluded from maximum refresh rate at the native 4K resolution; the exact reduced resolution was not verified in the retrieved manufacturer material.
Audio by Bang & OlufsenBang & Olufsen sound tuning and Beosonic sound-profile controls are provided on the 55-inch through 98-inch variants.
Buyer advantages
- Both models provide native 144Hz 4K panels and two inputs capable of receiving 4K/144Hz.
- QM8K delivers brighter HDR highlights, more visible detail and more natural-looking color.
- QM7K offers substantially lower launch pricing and an unusually broad 55- to 115-inch lineup.
- Both support Dolby Vision, HDR10+, FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM and eARC.
- Halo Control produced effective blooming control in both televisions.
- Google TV, AirPlay and Chromecast provide broad streaming and casting support.
Things to consider
- Only two HDMI inputs on each model support 4K/144Hz; the other two are limited to 4K/60Hz.
- QM8K carries a significant price premium at every directly comparable screen size.
- QM8K has no 55-inch or 115-inch option.
- The 98-inch variants require very wide furniture because they use separated feet.
- Game Accelerator 240 and 288 require reduced resolution and are not native 4K refresh rates.
- A soundbar is still preferable for deep bass and a more cinematic audio experience.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55"55QM7K | 3,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 55QM7K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 300 x 300 | 12.4 in | 6.3–8.6 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 65"65QM7K | 3,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 65QM7K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 300 x 300 | 15.2 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"75QM7K | 3,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 75QM7K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 300 x 300 | 15.2 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 85"85QM7K | 3,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 85QM7K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 400 | 16 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 98"98QM7K | 3,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 98QM7K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 500 | 71.2 in | 11.2–15.2 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 115"115QM7K | 3,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 115QM7K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 1000 x 600 | — | 13.2–17.9 ft | Check price ↗ |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker SystemAudio by Bang & Olufsen on 55-98 inches; Onkyo 4.2.2 system on 115 inches
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Dolby AtmosYes
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital
DTS SupportYes
DTS Audio FormatsDTS, DTS:X
Sound ModesMovie, Speech, Music, Games, Night, Sports, Custom
Dialogue EnhancementSpeech sound mode
Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
Optional AccessoriesCompatible TCL webcam
Connectivity
HDMI Ports4
HDMI Inputs4
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes
Optical Inputs0
Video PassthroughHDMI inputs 1 and 2 support up to 4K/144Hz. HDMI inputs 3 and 4 support up to 4K/60Hz; one of the latter is the eARC/ARC connection.
AirPlayYes
ChromecastYes
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
Native Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
Maximum Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
VRRUp to 144Hz at 4K; AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is advertised.
ALLMYes
Picture
Display TechnologyQD-Mini LED QLED LCD
Panel TypeCrystGlow HVA
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingFull-array local dimming marketed as Precise Dimming L2; TCL gives only series-level maximum-zone claims rather than a verified count for every size.
HDR FormatsDolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision Gaming, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches48.30 W x 28.00 H x 2.20 D in
Weight Without Stand lb29.3 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches56.80 W x 32.70 H x 2.20 D in
Weight Without Stand lb39.6 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches65.60 W x 37.80 H x 2.20 D in
Weight Without Stand lb54.2 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.40 W x 42.70 H x 2.30 D in
Weight Without Stand lb75.2 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches85.80 W x 49.10 H x 2.40 D in
Weight Without Stand lb119.7 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches101.02 W x 57.91 H x 2.24 D in
Weight Without Stand lb216.71 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemGoogle TV
ProcessorTCL AiPQ Pro Processor
Specifications
Screen Sizes55, 65, 75, 85, 98, 115
VESA By Size55": 300 x 300 mm, 65": 300 x 300 mm, 75": 300 x 300 mm, 85": 600 x 400 mm, 98": 600 x 500 mm, 115": 1000 x 600 mm
Stand Width By Size55": 12.40 inches, center pedestal width, 65": 15.20 inches, center pedestal width, 75": 15.20 inches, center pedestal width, 85": 16.00 inches, center pedestal width, 98": 71.20 inches, separation between feet
Stand Depth By Size55": 10.60 inches, 65": 14.50 inches, 75": 14.50 inches, 85": 14.90 inches, 98": 16.50 inches, 115": 17.52 inches
Picture Modes SDRIntelligent, Vivid, Standard, Sports, FILMMAKER MODE, Movie
QM8K Series QD-Mini LED QLED 4K UHD Smart TV with Google TV
A premium native 144Hz QD-Mini LED Google TV with a CrystGlow WHVA panel, ZeroBorder design and higher-tier local dimming.
Key technology
CrystGlow WHVA PanelTCL's wide-viewing-angle, high-contrast VA-family LCD panel. It is the principal panel upgrade separating QM8K from QM7K.
ZeroBorderA panel construction intended to minimize the visible black matrix border around the picture for a more edge-to-edge appearance.
TCL Halo Control SystemCoordinates the Mini LED emitters, optical lens design, panel, backlight controller and image-processing algorithms to reduce visible blooming and improve transitions between light and dark image areas.
Local Dimming UltimateTCL's highest QM8K local-backlight control tier. Current series material advertises up to approximately 3,800 zones, while some marketing text cites up to 5,000-plus; exact per-size counts were not verified.
AiPQ Pro ProcessorUses TCL image-processing algorithms to adjust color, contrast, clarity and other picture characteristics according to the incoming content.
Game Accelerator 288A reduced-resolution high-frame-rate gaming feature advertised up to 288Hz. It is not the panel's native refresh rate and is excluded from maximum refresh rate at native 4K resolution; the exact reduced resolution was not verified in the retrieved manufacturer material.
Audio by Bang & OlufsenBang & Olufsen sound tuning and Beosonic sound-profile controls are integrated into the QM8K audio system.
Buyer advantages
- CrystGlow WHVA panel improves off-axis color viewing for rooms with wider seating arrangements.
- Higher manufacturer HDR brightness claim produces stronger highlights and more visible detail than the QM7K.
- Colors and skin tones appeared more natural and neutral in SDR, HDR and Dolby Vision demonstrations.
- Local Dimming Ultimate and Halo Control provide strong contrast with effective blooming suppression.
- ZeroBorder construction gives the television a more premium edge-to-edge appearance.
- Height-adjustable center pedestals on 65-85-inch models can accommodate a soundbar while requiring little furniture width.
- Native 144Hz refresh, FreeSync Premium Pro and two 4K/144Hz inputs make it well suited to premium gaming.
Things to consider
- Launch pricing is $800 to $2,500 higher than the same-size QM7K, making the picture improvements expensive.
- The lineup begins at 65 inches and stops at 98 inches, with no 55-inch or 115-inch option.
- Only HDMI inputs 1 and 2 accept 4K/144Hz; inputs 3 and 4 are limited to 4K/60Hz.
- Game Accelerator 288 operates at reduced resolution and does not increase native 4K refresh beyond 144Hz.
- The flatter, more neutral color presentation may look less immediately vivid to shoppers who prefer stronger saturation.
- The 98-inch model uses feet separated by approximately 73 inches instead of a center pedestal.
- Built-in audio still lacks the deep bass available from a soundbar with an external subwoofer.
Sizes, mounting and buying details
| Size / model | Peak HDR | VESA | Feet width | Viewing distance | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65"65QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 65QM8K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 300 x 300 | 15.28 in | 7.4–10.1 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 75"75QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 75QM8K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 400 x 400 | 15.28 in | 8.6–11.7 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 85"85QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 85QM8K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 500 | 16.14 in | 9.7–13.2 ft | Check price ↗ |
| 98"98QM8K | 5,000 nitsManufacturer HDR peak-brightness claim for the 98QM8K specification entry; not an independent measurement. | 600 x 500 | 73 in | 11.2–15.2 ft | Check price ↗ |
Complete specifications
Audio
Speaker SystemAudio by Bang & Olufsen
Included Rear SpeakersNo
Dolby AtmosYes
Dolby Audio FormatsDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital
DTS SupportYes
DTS Audio FormatsDTS, DTS:X
Sound ModesMovie, Speech, Music, Games, Night, Sports, Custom
Dialogue EnhancementSpeech sound mode
Voice AssistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
Optional AccessoriesCompatible TCL webcam
Connectivity
HDMI Ports4
HDMI Inputs4
HDMI Outputs0
HDMI eARCYes
Optical Inputs0
Video PassthroughHDMI inputs 1 and 2 support up to 4K/144Hz. HDMI inputs 3 and 4 support up to 4K/60Hz; one of the latter is the eARC/ARC connection.
AirPlayYes
ChromecastYes
Design & Installation
Wall Mount IncludedNo
Gaming
Native Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
Maximum Refresh Rate Hz144 Hz
VRRUp to 144Hz at 4K; AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is advertised.
ALLMYes
Picture
Display TechnologyQD-Mini LED QLED LCD
Panel TypeCrystGlow WHVA
Resolution3840 x 2160
Local DimmingFull-array local dimming marketed as Precise Dimming L2 and Local Dimming Ultimate; TCL gives only series-level maximum-zone claims rather than a verified count for every size.
HDR FormatsDolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision Gaming, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Size Details
Dimensions Without Stand Inches56.46 W x 32.44 H x 1.97 D in
Weight Without Stand lb46.52 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches65.28 W x 37.36 H x 2.01 D in
Weight Without Stand lb62.61 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches74.02 W x 42.24 H x 2.09 D in
Weight Without Stand lb85.76 lb
Dimensions Without Stand Inches85.80 W x 48.66 H x 2.13 D in
Weight Without Stand lb121.25 lb
Smart Features
Operating SystemGoogle TV
ProcessorTCL AiPQ Pro Processor
Specifications
Screen Sizes65, 75, 85, 98
VESA By Size65": 300 x 300 mm, 75": 400 x 400 mm, 85": 600 x 500 mm, 98": 600 x 500 mm
Stand Width By Size65": 15.28 inches, center pedestal width, 75": 15.28 inches, center pedestal width, 85": 16.14 inches, center pedestal width, 98": 73.00 inches, separation between feet
Stand Depth By Size65": 14.49 inches, 75": 14.49 inches, 85": 14.92 inches, 98": 16.54 inches
Picture Modes SDRIntelligent, Vivid, Standard, Sports, FILMMAKER MODE, Movie
Which one should you buy?
The QM8K is the stronger television for shoppers prioritizing HDR impact, natural-looking color, off-axis viewing and premium industrial design. Its higher brightness claim, WHVA panel, ZeroBorder construction and Local Dimming Ultimate tier make the biggest practical difference in demanding movie scenes and bright highlights, but it carries a large price premium and is limited to 65- through 98-inch sizes. The QM7K is the smarter value for most buyers: it keeps the native 144Hz panel, two 4K/144Hz inputs, broad HDR support, Google TV and strong blooming control while costing substantially less at comparable sizes. It is also the only option here at 55 or 115 inches. Choose the QM8K for maximum picture performance; choose the QM7K for size flexibility and a better performance-per-dollar balance.
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