The TCL QM8 series of televisions has made a name for itself in recent years, especially for its exceptional brightness and solid performance. In this review, we take a detailed look at the latest model, the TCL QM8 51G, and compare it with its predecessor, the QM8 50G. If you’re in the market for a new TV, this review is just what you need.
Design and Build Quality of the TCL QM8 51G
The latest version of the TCL QM8 introduces some design changes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Aesthetics and Build
The TCL QM8 51G has a sleek, modern design with a thin gray plastic frame, which is slimmer compared to the previous QM8 50G model. An interesting new feature is the reflective branding in the top right corner, which looks stylish but can be distracting in bright rooms.
Stand and Stability
A center-mounted stand makes a return, which is compact and doesn’t require a large table surface. The screen is raised about 3.5 inches above the table, allowing most soundbars to fit comfortably in front of the TV. Although the TV wobbles slightly when touched, it stabilizes quickly, which is typical for this type of stand.
Back and Connectivity
From the back, the new model looks different than its predecessor because TCL has opted for a checkerboard pattern similar to the latest Sony TVs. All ports are located on the right side of the TV and are recessed into the back panel, making access a bit tricky when wall-mounted.
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Connectivity and Features
Without the right connections, a TV is just a piece of decor. The TCL QM8 51G offers a variety of connection options, making it versatile and future-proof.
HDMI and USB
The TV features two HDMI 2.1 ports, though only one supports 4K at 144 Hz or 1080p at 240 Hz. The second HDMI 2.1 port maxes out at 4K at 120 Hz. There are two additional HDMI 2.0 ports, one of which is the TV’s eARC port. It’s nice that you don’t lose an HDMI 2.1 port because of the eARC.
Other Ports
Other ports include an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving over-the-air channels in 4K, two USB 2.0 ports on the back, and a USB 3.0 port on the right side of the TV. There’s also a digital optical audio output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an Ethernet port. The TV supports Wi-Fi 6E, which fully covers the 6 GHz band.
Sound Quality
While the subwoofer in the TCL QM8 51G produces some bass, it cannot compare to a dedicated soundbar. The sound profile is balanced overall, making dialogues easy to understand. However, the sound quality at maximum volume is not impressive, as it experiences some distortion.
Picture Quality and Contrast
Picture quality is one of the most critical factors when choosing a TV, and this is where the TCL QM8 51G shines.
Contrast and Blooming
The TV offers an excellent native contrast ratio. With local dimming enabled, it displays deep blacks that remain dark even with bright highlights on the screen. However, some direct competitors have better contrast. What they do not have is the QM8’s excellent blooming performance. Blooming around bright objects and subtitles is minimal, and the lighting zone transitions are also excellent.
HDR Brightness
The TCL QM8 51G impresses with its incredible HDR brightness. At the time of this review, it is the brightest TV we have ever tested, at least in HDR. All HDR content appears particularly vivid on this TV. Bright highlights stand out even in extremely bright scenes. The TV supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring the best HDR picture quality possible regardless of the source.
Color Reproduction
The color reproduction of the TCL QM8 51G is very broad, though some colors are slightly undersaturated. Highly saturated green and cyan tones perform the worst, but overall, the TV has very good color space coverage. It can display an incredibly wide range of colors at high brightness levels and also portray dark, saturated colors well due to its excellent contrast.
Reflection Handling and Viewing Angles
The QM8 51G handles reflections superbly, making it suitable for bright rooms. However, there is some rainbow smearing, which can bother some viewers. The viewing angle is limited; for the best visual quality, you should sit directly in front of the TV.
Image Processing
In terms of image processing, TCL has significantly improved compared to the previous year. The upscaling function is excellent, ensuring that even lower resolution content looks good. The TV smooths out most compression artifacts and low-bitrate content. The HDR native gradient handling is also very good, making it a great choice for watching HDR content.
Gaming Performance
For gamers, the TCL QM8 51G offers impressive specifications.
Input Lag and Game Mode
The input lag is remarkably low in Game Mode, as low as 5 milliseconds at 4K and 144 Hz. The TV does not lose brightness in Game Mode, so games look just as brilliant as in other picture modes. However, there is a known bug where the input lag is not as low as it should be. Restarting the TV resolves this issue.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
The TCL QM8 51G supports all three types of VRR: FreeSync, G-Sync, and HDMI Forum VRR. Unfortunately, there is also a bug where VRR seems to be on but isn’t, leading to screen tearing. This issue can also be resolved by restarting the TV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main differences between the TCL QM8 51G and the QM8 50G?
The QM8 51G offers improvements in HDR brightness and blooming, as well as better overall picture quality. There are also minor design changes, such as a thinner frame and a new back panel pattern.
How good is the sound of the TCL QM8 51G?
The sound is balanced, with some bass thanks to the built-in subwoofer. However, for a better audio experience, an external soundbar is recommended.
Is the TCL QM8 51G good for gamers?
Yes, the TV offers low input lag and supports VRR, making it a great choice for gamers.
Can the TCL QM8 51G be used in bright rooms?
Yes, the TV offers excellent brightness and reflection handling, making it ideal for use in bright rooms.
How does the TCL QM8 51G compare to the Hisense U8 series?
The QM8 51G is brighter, while the Hisense U8 series offers better contrast. Both models are powerful, with the QM8 51G having a slight edge in gaming performance.
Conclusion
Should You Buy the TCL QM8 51G?
The TCL QM8 51G is in direct competition with the Hisense U8 series, specifically the U8N. While both TVs are very similar, we slightly prefer the U8N due to its better contrast and better PQ EOTF tracking. The QM8 is slightly brighter overall than the U8N, but the U8N offers slightly better reflection handling, giving them very similar performance in bright rooms.
However, the QM8 has better blooming and lighting zone transitions, making it especially suitable for games where bright highlights move quickly across the screen. In games, the U8N loses some brightness in Game Mode, while the QM8 maintains its brightness.
For gamers, the QM8 is a better choice due to its superior HDR brightness and low input lag. However, if you find last year’s model at a bargain price, you can also consider it. It offers great performance, even though it can’t quite match the latest models.
This detailed review provides a comprehensive insight into the TCL QM8 51G and helps you make an informed decision when purchasing your next TV.
