I been using rocking with TCL for awhile as my go-to TV with models such as the Q7 and then after the QM7. These TVs provided a pleasant viewing experience, especially for its price point but I always wanted more. This is where QM9K comes into play. It has superb brightness, details in color, and the sound is surprisingly good too. How does it hold up after months of use?
Style
Taking the 65” QM9K(65QM9K) out the box and getting it setup is reminiscent of the QM7. It has an adjustable stand that you can also use to hide your various cables if necessary. It is wide and can be utilized for placing a suitable soundbar. I always prefer a stand over legs as it can even fit on the smaller side of TV stands.
This TV has a “ZeroBorder” as TCL coins it which is an edge to edge no screen border experience. It is there but you must get so close to the TV to even notice it. This 65” model weights 50.9lbs w/ the stand. It is VESA mountable too.
There are four HDMI ports which should fit all your connection needs. Ports 1 & 2 support 4K 144Hz while the other two are 4K 60k. I typically have my PS5 and Xbox Series X occupying the first two slots while Nintendo Switch or NVIDIA Shield TV will take Port 3 and Port 4 aka (e)ARC will be for a soundbar such as Sonos Arc Ultra. There are other inputs such as USB 3.0 / 2.0, Ethernet, and Optical all of which I rarely ever use.
An area which most TV brands seem to just take it on the chin so to speak is built-in TV speakers. But over the years TCL has dedicated itself to improving that area with their models. With the TCL QM9K, a speaker system by Bang & Olufsen is equipped. They are loud, not even at the highest levels and even bring along some detail with them utilizing Dolby Atmos. This will help fill the void while you are out looking for a soundbar setup.
Navigation / Apps / Features
QM9K is running Google TV and it’s quite speedy. It powers on instantly, navigating through the various apps while menus are swift and easy. This model was also launched first with Google Gemini. With Gemini enabled you can control your TV hands-free so to speak. You can ask it simple questions like “what’s the weather?”, or “what movies have Keanu Reeves in it?” and get presented with a list of titles you can then click on. Ask it to change tv inputs, request summaries for shows, control other smart home devices, there are various possibilities. If you don’t want to go hands-on you can also use the mic button on the remote too.
An interesting feature on QM9K is called Ambient Display. There is a built-in presence sensor that can detect movement. Walk out of the room and after a while the TV will turn off. Come back and it flicks back on instantly. It can be set to turn off during later hours. You can even set up widgets and wallpaper when it goes idle. It’s a fun addition but can also be sensitive and turn on from any movement such as fans, digital picture frames, etc. But overall, it can be a great way to save power.
I liked the upgrade on the remote with its metallic silver finish. It’s tall, feels nice in hand, and takes a beating as I have dropped it numerous times. There are dedicated app buttons such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. There is a Free TV button as well. I see TCL tried to streamline it making it overall easy to navigate.
The 65” display has a Crystglow WHVA Panel which essentially makes it fine to view at angles. Looking at the TV from my desk or in the kitchen still provided me with nice picture quality. There is also an anti-reflective screen reducing that glare you get from sun shining through your curtains or lights in the room.
What to Watch?
I don’t think I realized just how bright this TV got. It has a HDR6500 Nits Peak. Everything pops in colors while 7000:1 Native Contrast pushes for deep backs in the darkest of scenes. I have spent time a good time watching sports like World Cup matches to the Knicks winning the NBA Finals or the biggest matches at WrestleMania. Switching to the presets such as Sports adds more color and handles fast motion easily. Also toggling to this on the audio side providing a greater soundscape and feeling like you are in the live audience. Movies like “The Batman” and “Sinners” which feature predominately dark scenes still punch with deep details. Animated films like “Hoppers” look vibrant.
What to Play?
I thoroughly enjoy gaming on QM9K. I play a good deal playing Fortnite on my PS5 which can run at 4K 120Hz looking detailed, colorful, and not miss a step. Their Game Accelerator 288 VRR keeps everything in line. Other games like God of War: Ragnarök will let you take on adversaries left and right slashing away without issue. Same can be said playing Street Fighter 6 on Xbox Series X and Forza Horizon 6 while driving through the streets of Japan. Auto Game Mode kicks soon as you power on your console making sure you get the best experience.
Worth the Price Tag?
If you are looking for a premium TV set, the QM9K can make your dollars go far. It’s quite the step up from its QM7 model I used previously. Better colors, more details, and better handling of content whether I ran the apps off the set itself or from a console or other device. Google Gemini is like having another handsfree device in your home ecosystem and once you adjust it can do wonders. Also, its built-in sound system isn’t a slouch and a nice holdover until you get anything externally permanent.
TCL’s QM9K 65” typically goes for $1799 but has been on sale quite a few times around the $1200 mark.
