TCL QM6K vs QM7K Review 2025: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
By Vineet Malhotra, Smart TV Expert | Published May 2, 2025
Choosing between the TCL QM6K and TCL QM7K in 2025 can be tricky, especially with TCL’s reputation for delivering high-value TVs at competitive prices. Both models, part of TCL’s 2025 Mini-LED lineup, promise impressive features, but the QM7K comes at a higher price. Is the upgrade worth it? This in-depth review compares the TCL QM6K vs QM7K based on hands-on testing, insights from a detailed YouTube review by RTINGS.com, and market trends, helping you decide which TV suits your needs and budget.

Why Compare TCL QM6K vs QM7K in May 2025?
TCL has solidified its position as a leader in affordable Mini-LED TVs, with the QM6K (entry-level) and QM7K (mid-range) targeting different budgets. With summer sales in May 2025 slashing prices (e.g., QM6K from ~₹60,000 to ~₹45,000 for a 55-inch), now is an ideal time to buy. This comparison focuses on 55-inch and 65-inch models, analyzing picture quality, gaming performance, and value to help you decide whether the QM7K’s premium features justify the extra cost or if the QM6K is the smarter buy.
Note: Prices and availability reflect Indian market trends as of May 2025. Verify deals on Amazon, Flipkart, or TCL’s official website, as discounts may vary.
TCL QM6K vs QM7K: Key Specifications
Feature | TCL QM6K | TCL QM7K |
---|---|---|
Price (55-inch, Regular) | ~₹60,000 | ~₹90,000 |
Price (55-inch, Sale) | ~₹45,000-₹50,000 | ~₹70,000-₹75,000 |
Price (65-inch, Regular) | ~₹80,000 | ~₹1,10,000 |
Price (65-inch, Sale) | ~₹60,000-₹65,000 | ~₹85,000-₹90,000 |
Panel Type | 4K QD-Mini LED, 500 dimming zones | 4K QD-Mini LED, up to 2500 dimming zones |
Brightness (HDR) | ~700-900 nits | ~2000-3000 nits |
Contrast Ratio | 7,000:1 (good) | Higher (fantastic) |
HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
Refresh Rate | 144Hz (288Hz at 1080p with VRR) | 144Hz (288Hz at 1080p with VRR) |
Gaming Features | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, low lag | Same, with slightly faster pixel transitions |
OS | Google TV (Version 12) | Google TV (Version 12) |
Audio | 2.1-channel, 40W (weak) | 2.2-channel by Bang & Olufsen (better) |
HDMI Ports | 4 (2x HDMI 2.1, 1x eARC) | 4 (2x HDMI 2.1, 1x eARC) |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Sizes Available | 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98” | 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, 98”, 115” |
Source: Specifications compiled from RTINGS.com YouTube review and TCL’s official website.
Detailed Comparison: TCL QM6K vs QM7K
1. Picture Quality
Brightness
- QM6K: Peaks at ~700-900 nits in HDR, which is mediocre for bright highlights. It’s decent in moderately lit rooms but struggles with glare from direct light sources.
- QM7K: Reaches up to ~2000-3000 nits, offering a significant brightness boost. It crushes glare and performs well in bright rooms, making HDR content pop.
Winner: QM7K. Its higher brightness ensures vibrant HDR visuals, which are ideal for well-lit Indian living rooms.
Contrast and Black Levels
- QM6K: Boasts a 7,000:1 contrast ratio with good black levels for its price. Mini-LED with 500 dimming zones reduces blooming, but bright highlights can cause noticeable halos in dark scenes.
- QM7K: Offers superior contrast with deeper blacks, thanks to up to 2500 dimming zones and TCL’s Halo Control System (new LED chip, micro-lens, and 23-bit backlight controller). Blooming is nearly eliminated, enhancing dark scenes.

Winner: QM7K. Its a fantastic contrast that delivers a more immersive experience, especially for movies and HDR gaming.
Color Accuracy
- QM6K Excels in pre-calibration HDR accuracy, with near-perfect color temperature. However, its lower brightness makes it less vibrant, and it struggles with bright colors like magenta.
- QM7K: Slightly less accurate out of the box (cold color temperature with over-represented blues). Post-calibration, it improves but still has minor errors. It’s more colorful overall, covering a wider HDR color volume.

Winner: QM6K for budget buyers prioritizing accuracy; QM7K for vibrant colors post-calibration.
Viewing Angles
- QM6K: Uses a standard VA panel, with ~20-30% color shift at off-angles, suitable for centered viewing.
- QM7K: Features TCL’s CrystGlow HVA panel with improved anti-reflective coating, offering better viewing angles and glare reduction, ideal for group viewing.
Winner: QM7K. Better for family setups with multiple viewers.
2. Gaming Performance
Both TVs are stellar for gaming, supporting 4K @ 144Hz, 1080p @ 288Hz, VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and ALLM. They have low input lag and identical HDMI 2.1 ports (2 high-speed, 1 eARC).
- QM6K: Delivers smooth gaming with good HDR visuals, though limited by lower brightness. Pixel transitions are slightly slower at 144Hz.
- QM7K: Slightly faster pixel transitions reduce motion blur, and its brighter, more colorful HDR enhances game visuals (e.g., vibrant landscapes in Elden Ring).
Winner: QM7K. The visual edge makes games look better, though both are excellent for casual and competitive gaming.
3. Audio Quality
- QM6K: 2.1-channel 40W system lacks clarity, with weak treble and muddled dialogue. A soundbar (e.g., TCL Q65, ~₹10,000) is recommended.
- QM7K: A 2.2-channel system by Bang & Olufsen offers improved clarity and bass, though still not cinematic. A soundbar is ideal for immersive sound.

Winner: QM7K. Better out-of-the-box audio, but both benefit from external speakers.
4. Smart Features and Processing
- OS: Both run Google TV (Version 12), which is smooth but occasionally laggy when loading apps. Supports Apple AirPlay, HomeKit, and Chromecast.
- Processing:
- QM6K: Decent upscaling and gradient handling, but shows banding in grays and greens. Struggles with low-bitrate content.
- QM7K: Slightly better upscaling and smoother gradients, with less macro-blocking in low-quality streams. Uses TCL’s AiPQ Pro processor for enhanced motion and dynamic adjustments.
Winner: QM7K. Marginally better for streaming and older content.
5. Design and Build
- QM6K: Slim (2.2 inches deep), lightweight (~38 lbs for 65-inch), with adjustable feet for soundbar placement. Plastic nubs on feet are prone to breaking.
- QM7K: Similar slim design, but with a premium CrystGlow HVA panel and sturdier build. Includes a backlit remote and far-field microphone.
Winner: QM7K. More refined design and premium touches.
Is the TCL QM7K Worth the Upgrade?
Reasons to Choose the TCL QM6K
- Budget-Friendly: At ~₹45,000-₹50,000 (55-inch, sale price), it’s a steal for Mini-LED with 500 dimming zones, good contrast, and robust gaming features.
- HDR Accuracy: Out-of-the-box color accuracy is excellent, ideal for purists who don’t want to calibrate.
- Good Enough for Most: Perfect for casual viewers, gamers, and small to medium rooms with controlled lighting.
- Who It’s For: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a feature-packed TV under ₹60,000 for movies, gaming, and streaming.
Reasons to Choose the TCL QM7K
- Superior Visuals: Brighter (up to 3000 nits), with deeper contrast and more vibrant colors, making it ideal for HDR content and bright rooms.
- Versatile Performance: Better reflection handling and viewing angles suit larger, well-lit spaces or group viewing.
- Premium Features: Bang & Olufsen audio, faster processing, and a refined design elevate the experience.
- Who It’s For: Buyers with a budget of ~₹70,000-₹90,000 who prioritize premium picture quality and future-proofing.
Alternative Option: TCL QM7 (2024 Model)
- Price: ~₹50,000-₹55,000 (55-inch, sale price).
- Pros: Nearly matches QM7K’s performance, with good brightness (~1500 nits) and contrast. Cheaper than QM7K.
- Cons: Less accurate in SDR, struggles with reflections, and may soon be out of stock.
- Who It’s For: Deal-seekers wanting QM7K-like performance at QM6K prices, if still available.
Final Verdict: Which TCL TV Should You Buy in May 2025?
- Choose the TCL QM6K if you’re on a tight budget (~₹45,000-₹60,000) and want a well-rounded Mini-LED TV with excellent gaming features and decent picture quality for dimly lit rooms. It’s a fantastic value for casual viewers and gamers.
- Choose the TCL QM7K if your budget allows (~₹70,000-₹90,000) and you prioritize brighter, more vibrant visuals, better contrast, and versatility for bright rooms or group viewing. It’s the better long-term investment.
- Consider the 2024 TCL QM7 if you find it at a steep discount (~₹50,000) and don’t mind slightly lower accuracy and stock availability risks.
Pro Tip: Pair either TV with a soundbar (e.g., TCL Q65, ~₹10,000) for immersive audio, as built-in speakers are underwhelming. Check Amazon and Flipkart for bundle deals during May 2025 sales.
Why Buy During May 2025 Summer Sales?
- Discounts: Expect ~20-25% off (e.g., QM6K at ~₹45,000, QM7K at ~₹70,000 for 55-inch).
- Availability: High stock on Amazon, Flipkart, and TCL’s website reduces sell-out risks.
- Warranty: Both offer a 2-year warranty, ensuring reliability.
Warning: Post-May, newer 2025 models or price drops may emerge. If you can wait, monitor our June 2025 updates for the latest TCL lineup.
Buying Tips for TCL QM6K and QM7K
- Compare Sale Prices: Check Amazon, Flipkart, and TCL’s website for the best deals. Look for soundbar bundles or extended warranties.
- Verify Dimming Zones: Larger sizes (e.g., 75-inch+) have more zones, enhancing contrast. Confirm specs for your size.
- Test in Store: View brightness and angles in showrooms, especially for QM6K in bright settings.
- Calibrate for Accuracy: If buying QM7K, consider professional calibration (~₹5,000) to fix color temperature issues.
- Check Room Lighting: QM6K suits dim rooms; QM7K handles bright spaces better.
The QM7K’s brighter display, deeper contrast, and better audio justify the ~₹25,000-₹30,000 premium for bright rooms or premium visuals. QM6K is fine for budget buyers.
Both excel with 144Hz, 288Hz at 1080p, and low lag, but QM7K’s brighter HDR and faster transitions enhance visuals.
QM6K’s ~700-900 nits is decent for dim rooms but struggles with glare. QM7K’s ~3000 nits is better for bright spaces.
The TCL QM6K is a budget champion, offering Mini-LED, great gaming features, and solid contrast at ~₹45,000-₹60,000, perfect for cost-conscious buyers. The TCL QM7K, at ~₹70,000-₹90,000, delivers a premium experience with brighter, more vibrant visuals and better versatility, making it worth the upgrade for those with larger budgets. For the best deals, check Amazon, Flipkart, or TCL’s website during May 2025 summer sales, and consider the 2024 QM7 if you find it at a discount.
Where to Buy: [Amazon | Flipkart | TCL India]
About the Author: Vineet Malhotra is a Smart TV expert with over a decade of experience testing consumer electronics. His hands-on reviews provide reliable advice for Indian buyers. Follow him on YouTube for the latest TV insights.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate based on the RTINGS.com transcript and Indian market trends as of May 2025. Verify deals before purchasing.
Further Reading: Explore our guides on Best 55-Inch 4K TVs 2025 and Gaming TVs Under ₹1 Lakh for more options.