To the untrained eye, TCL’s mini-LED-powered QM7L is remarkably difficult to distinguish from a lower-end OLED television. This striking similarity allows viewers to enjoy a high-end visual experience at a fraction of the cost, rivaling budget OLED models tested side by side.
Design and Setup Challenges
The QM7L is available in sizes ranging from 55 inches up to a massive 98 inches, featuring a virtually borderless screen supported by a central pedestal stand instead of traditional side feet. This pedestal design works well for narrower pieces of furniture and offers a visually appealing aesthetic. However, the base presents a notable obstacle for external audio equipment because it projects forward by a little over 4 inches, preventing a soundbar from resting snugly against the screen. Placing a soundbar on top of the base creates an awkward, uneven angle due to the slope of the stand.
Additionally, while the pedestal offers two height adjustments, the higher setting leaves only 2.25 inches of clearance between the television and the furniture. This space accommodates ultra-compact sound options like the Bose TV Speaker, but bulkier devices such as the Sonos Arc measure 3 inches tall and obstruct a small portion of the display.
