Bright TVs: TCL QM9K Takes on OLED with a Twist

TCL QM9K is a TV that stands out for its brightness. It's not just any bright TV, though. It's the brightest TV ever tested in a lab. But brightness isn't everything. The QM9K has some trade-offs. For starters, the QM9K isn't as good as its cheaper sibling, the QM8K. The QM8K has better shadow detail. This might be because the QM9K is pushed to its limits for extra brightness. But the QM9K has its perks. It's great for well-lit rooms and gaming. It's also cheaper than high-end OLED models like the LG G5 and Sony Bravia 8 II. The QM9K has a simple design. It looks like other TCL TVs but isn't as fancy. It has a backlit remote, which is a rare feature. The TV supports many HDR standards and has Dolby Atmos audio. It also has a new feature called Halo Control. This is supposed to reduce backlight bleed. The QM9K runs on Google TV. This means it gets regular updates and has features like Google Home integration. It also has Gemini, a new AI assistant. Gemini can answer questions and play content. But do you really need AI on your TV? Maybe not. It can be useful for some tasks, though. When it comes to picture quality, the QM9K faces tough competition. It was compared to the Sony Bravia 8 II and LG G5 OLED TVs. The LG G5 was the best overall. The QM9K had poor shadow detail and dimmer highlights. But it handled mixed scenes of light and dark well. For gaming, the QM9K is a good choice. It's bright and has fast response times. But it's not perfect. It has some motion blur. And if you don't use Gaming mode, the input lag is terrible. Always use Gaming mode for the best experience. The QM9K is very bright, up to 4, 500 nits. This makes it great for bright rooms. But it's also very reflective. If you have a light source shining on the screen, it can be distracting. Sound quality is another area where the QM9K falls short. It has Dolby Atmos, but the sound isn't great. The LG G5 sounded the best. The QM9K's sound had plenty of movement but lacked bass and clarity. In the end, the QM9K is a good TV. It's bright and great for gaming. But it's not perfect. It has some 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.