Bright TVs: TCL QM9K Takes on OLED with a Twist

Brightness at Its Peak

The TCL QM9K is a TV that stands out for its unprecedented brightness. It's not just any bright TV—it's the brightest TV ever tested in a lab. However, brightness isn't everything, and the QM9K comes with some trade-offs.

Trade-offs and Comparisons

Performance vs. Affordability

• Brightness Over Detail: The QM9K isn't as good as its cheaper sibling, the QM8K, which has better shadow detail. This might be because the QM9K is pushed to its limits for extra brightness.
• Gaming & Well-Lit Rooms: The QM9K excels in bright rooms and gaming scenarios.
• Price Advantage: It's cheaper than high-end OLED models like the LG G5 and Sony Bravia 8 II.

Design and Features

• Simple Yet Functional: The QM9K has a straightforward design, similar to other TCL TVs, but lacks premium aesthetics.
• Backlit Remote: A rare feature that enhances usability in dark rooms.
• HDR and Audio: Supports multiple HDR standards and Dolby Atmos audio.
• Halo Control: A new feature designed to reduce backlight bleed.

Smart Features

• Google TV: Regular updates, Google Home integration, and a new AI assistant called Gemini.
• Gemini AI: Can answer questions and play content, though its usefulness may vary.

Picture Quality and Competition

The QM9K faces stiff competition from the Sony Bravia 8 II and LG G5 OLED TVs.

• LG G5: Best overall performance.
• QM9K: Poor shadow detail and dimmer highlights but handles mixed light and dark scenes well.

Gaming Performance

• Pros: Bright, fast response times.
• Cons: Some motion blur and high input lag if Gaming mode isn't enabled.

Brightness and Reflections

• Extreme Brightness: Up to 4,500 nits, ideal for bright rooms.
• Reflective Screen: Can be distracting if light sources shine directly on the screen.

Sound Quality

• Dolby Atmos Support: But sound quality is lacking.
• Comparison: The LG G5 sounded the best, while the QM9K had movement but lacked bass and clarity.

Final Verdict

The TCL QM9K is a bright and gaming-friendly TV, but it's not perfect. It has trade-offs like poor shadow detail and sound quality. If you want the best picture for the price, consider the LG G5 or the cheaper TCL QM8K.