Telephone Communication Limited, or TCL, is a pioneer in the quantum dot TVs sector. The Chinese tech company unveiled the world’s first big-screen QLED TVs in 2014 and launched several quantum dot TV series over the years. The last one, TCL Q7, was announced at CES 2023. What improvements does it bring to Q6? Is it worth waiting for, or would last year’s models suit you? Our TCL Q6 vs. Q7 comparison can help you figure it out.
TCL Q6 vs. Q7: Side-by-Side Comparison
While not as famous as LG, Sony, or Samsung, TCL affordable QLED TVs. Its most popular series is the Q6, which includes four TVs. Yet, with the announcement of the TCL Q7 Series, you might wonder whether it’s worth the wait. Here’s how the two compare:
| Features | TCL Q6 | TCL Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2020 | 2023 |
| Screen size | 55” to 85” | 55” to 85” |
| Display type | Quantum Dot Mini-LED | Quantum Dot Mini-LED |
| Brightness | ~ 1,500 nits | ~ 3,000 nits |
| Resolution | 4K and 8K | 4K |
| Screen thickness | 3.6” | 2.9” |
| Color accuracy | True-to-life | True-to-life |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 240Hz |
| Smart OS | Google TV, Roku | Google TV |
| Built-in camera | No | Yes |
| Price range | Less expensive | More expensive |
- Picture clarity combined with the contrast, color, and detail of Dolby Vision HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the most lifelike picture
- Panel Resolution 3840 x 2160p
- VESA Hole Pattern 300mm x 300mm
- Mini-LED Technology: Uncompromised contrast, brightness, and uniformity for incredible viewing in any environment
- Product Size (WxHxD) with Stand: 48.3" x 31.1" x 13.7"; Product Size (WxHxD) without stand: 48.3" x 28.1" x 2.8"
- QLED: Quantum dot technology delivers better brightness and wider color volume
- Contrast is individually optimized across up to 240 localized zones for striking contrast between bright and dark areas of the image
TCL Q6 vs. Q7: What’s the Difference?
Recently announced TCL Q7 Series was not released on all markets, but the new televisions are here and promise to improve user experience compared to Q6. Yet, they only come in limited size and resolution options right now.
Image Quality
TCL Q6 and Q7 Series include a range of QLED televisions, all of them sporting the brand’s signature quantum dot mini-LED HighBright displays. These displays can increase brightness by about 66 percent compared to the brand’s non-QLED TVs.
Q7 has an upgraded version of the HighBright, called HighBright PRO. This new display doubles the brightness and dimming zones compared to the displays used in the Q6 Series. Specifically, the PRO display features a brightness of around 3,000 nits. Individual models have between 480 and 720 dimming zones (Q6’s TVs have either 240 or 360 dimming zones), a feature that further improves picture quality.
Full-array local dimming is also upgraded in the Q7 Series. So, in addition to more dimming zones, the actual dimming management enhances the user experience. A similarity between Q6 and Q7 is the refresh rate; televisions in both series feature a refresh rate of 120Hz during normal streaming. However, the Q7 televisions actually feature a variable refresh rate (VRR) of up to 240Hz.
The difference isn’t so distinct during streaming, but it can make or break the deal if you’re an avid gamer. In fact, the Game Accelerator 240 feature can provide blistering-fast gaming.
Color Accuracy
TVs in both Q6 and Q7 series feature quantum dot technology. It is similar to the NanoCell seen in LG televisions, but the nanoparticles added to the liquid crystal display (LCD) typically have different sizes. Each size corresponds to a specific color, and how each particle reflects light can drastically improve color accuracy.
QLED televisions deliver higher brightness and contrast, achieving almost true blacks. In the Q6 and Q7 Series, the colors are accurate and true-to-life. This comes as no surprise considering these displays have over one billion colors.
However, QLED displays can’t achieve true black and are inferior in quality to OLED displays. So, if you want the best large-screen TV, you might want to consider another brand altogether. TCL has no line of OLED televisions at the moment.
Resolution
When choosing a big-screen TV, most of us want the biggest screen possible. And in this department, neither the Q6 nor the Q7 series disappoints. Both range in size from 55 to 85 inches, suiting living rooms of all sizes.
One difference between the series is the resolution. Launched in 2020, the Q6 Series includes a range of four televisions with 4K and 8K resolution. At the moment, the Q7 series only includes 4K TVs. We expect this to change in the future. If you want a TCL Q7 right now, you’ll have to settle for what’s available.
Because 8K content is scarce on TV channels and streaming services, you should hold on the decision to buy an 8K TV until 8K content becomes the norm. You may save a buck by opting for a 4K television.
Smart Operating System
With few exceptions, most smart TVs come with Google TV or Roku smart systems. Google TV is Android-based, while Roku is an entirely different platform. Both are worthy choices, but fidelity towards a brand or content options might make you prefer one.
However, you can only choose your favorite platform in the TCL Q6 Series. These televisions come in both Roku and Google TV versions. TCL Q7 Series only use Google TV, which can be a plus if you want an “Android TV,.” However, it has less content compared to Roku. Both Roku and Google TV only have 4K or lower resolution content. So, investing in an 8K TV is an overkill.
Remote Working
New features on the Q7 Series might make it a better choice if you work from home. These features include a built-in camera that records high-quality footage and enhanced connectivity options.
You can use the TV and integrated voice control to open and edit files and pair the TV to a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse for seamless online working. Moreover, you can make or answer calls on Zoom and similar services. Q6 Series has most of these features, except a built-in cam.
Price
TCL Q7 TVs are not yet available on the US market, but they will likely be more expensive than the Q6 Series. The actual price of TCL Q6 televisions varies from around $650 for the 2022 55-inch 4K TV to around $2,199 for a 75-inch 8K TV released in the same year.
TCL Q6 vs. Q7: 6 Must-Known Facts
- TCL Q6 Series launched in 2020, but the original models were improved and received updates in the past years. The latest models in the Q6 Series were released in 2022, but the brand didn’t confirm whether production will continue in 2023.
- TCL announced the Q7 Series at CES Innovation Awards 2023 and is already available in selected countries, except the US.
- TCL Q7 televisions bring improved brightness, full-array dimming, and variable refresh rate. They are a better choice for gaming and other demanding applications, including remote working.
- A surprising add-on in the Q7 Series is the built-in camera located on top of the TV frame. This camera is designed to improve the user experience when working remotely.
- TCL Q6 Series includes several 4K and 8K TVs with Roku or Google TV smart operating systems. The Q7 Series currently includes only 4K TVs with Google TV.
- Televisions in both series feature edge-to-edge view displays, easy voice control through Siri, Alexa, or Google Home, auto-game mode, and an integrated cable management system.
TCL Q6 vs. Q7: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Picking the best big-screen TV can be challenging, but at the moment, the TCL Q6 Series could be a better choice. Televisions in this series vary from affordable to expensive, depending on their release year. However, they all share similar features and characteristics, including similar image quality.
You can also choose between 4K and 8K resolution and the desired smart platform, Google TV or Roku. Meanwhile, TVs in the Q7 series only come in 4K resolution and with Google TV. You’ll get a built-in cam, though, and better overall performance. The problem is that this series hasn’t yet reached the U.S. market. So, if you want a TCL Q7, you will have to wait patiently.
- Picture clarity combined with the contrast, color, and detail of Dolby Vision HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the most lifelike picture
- Panel Resolution 3840 x 2160p
- VESA Hole Pattern 300mm x 300mm
- Mini-LED Technology: Uncompromised contrast, brightness, and uniformity for incredible viewing in any environment
- Product Size (WxHxD) with Stand: 48.3" x 31.1" x 13.7"; Product Size (WxHxD) without stand: 48.3" x 28.1" x 2.8"
- QLED: Quantum dot technology delivers better brightness and wider color volume
- Contrast is individually optimized across up to 240 localized zones for striking contrast between bright and dark areas of the image
