When shopping for a high-end TV in 2024, two models that often come up are the Sony BRAVIA 7 65" ($1,399) and the TCL QM8 65" ($899). Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which is right for your setup.
The TV market has evolved dramatically in recent years. Mini-LED technology, which uses thousands of tiny LED lights for backlighting, has become the new standard for premium sets. This technology delivers much better contrast than traditional LED TVs by allowing precise control over which parts of the screen are lit.
Both of these TVs use Mini-LED, but they implement it quite differently. Having tested several Mini-LED TVs in home theater settings, I can tell you the differences are noticeable, especially in dark rooms.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 uses their latest Cognitive XR processor, which analyzes content in a way that mimics human visual processing. In practical terms, this means better upscaling of non-4K content and more natural-looking images. I've noticed this particularly with broadcast TV and older movies.
The TCL QM8 uses their AIPQ processor, which while capable, doesn't quite match Sony's refinement. However, it delivers exceptionally bright, punchy images that many viewers prefer for bright room viewing.
Here's where things get interesting:
While the TCL is technically brighter, Sony's superior local dimming control often makes its images look more dynamic. Think of it like having more precise control over a slightly less powerful light.
For gamers, these TVs offer different advantages:
The TCL QM8 has a slight edge for competitive gaming, while the Sony BRAVIA 7 might be better for cinematic gaming experiences.
Both TVs use Google TV as their operating system, which provides:
The main difference lies in implementation. Sony's interface feels more polished and responsive, while TCL's occasionally shows slight lag when navigating menus.
As someone who's set up numerous home theaters, I can tell you both TVs excel in different scenarios:
Let's break down the value proposition:
The Sony BRAVIA 7 at $1,399:
The TCL QM8 at $899:
In day-to-day use, here's what I've observed:
Consider your primary use case:
The Sony BRAVIA 7 and TCL QM8 represent different approaches to premium TV design. Sony focuses on accuracy and refinement, while TCL emphasizes brightness and value.
If budget isn't a major concern and you value picture accuracy, the Sony is worth the premium. However, if you're looking for the best bang for your buck and don't mind slightly less refined processing, the TCL offers exceptional value.
Remember that both TVs are excellent choices - the decision really comes down to your specific needs and preferences. And whichever you choose, you'll be getting one of the best TVs available in their respective price ranges.
| Sony BRAVIA 7 65" ($1,399) | TCL QM8 65" ($899) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Mini-LED quality impacts contrast and black levels | |
| Superior local dimming control, 480 zones | More zones but less refined control |
| Peak Brightness - Affects HDR impact and daytime viewing | |
| 1,500 nits (excellent for most rooms) | 2,000 nits (better for very bright rooms) |
| Processing Quality - Determines how good non-4K content looks | |
| Cognitive XR (best-in-class upscaling) | AIPQ Pro (good but not as refined) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for console gamers | |
| 120Hz, VRR, 8.5ms input lag | 144Hz VRR, lower input lag, better for competitive gaming |
| Color Accuracy - Important for movie lovers | |
| Superior out-of-box accuracy, minimal calibration needed | Good but may need professional calibration (+$300) |
| Motion Handling - Matters for sports and action movies | |
| Excellent, best-in-class | Very good but occasional judder |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability | |
| Google TV (more responsive) | Google TV (occasional lag) |
| Warranty - Consider for long-term value | |
| 5-year warranty included | 1-year warranty |
| Sound Quality - May affect need for external speakers | |
| 50W, better built-in audio | 40W, adequate but basic |
The Sony BRAVIA 7 ($1,399) has superior picture quality for movies due to better processing and more accurate colors. While the TCL QM8 ($899) offers higher brightness, Sony's superior local dimming control and motion handling make it the better choice for dedicated home theater use.
The $500 price difference is justified if you value picture accuracy and processing quality. The Sony BRAVIA 7 offers better upscaling, motion handling, and a longer warranty. However, the TCL QM8 delivers 80% of Sony's performance at 65% of the cost.
The TCL QM8 is better for gaming with its 144Hz refresh rate and lower input lag. While the Sony BRAVIA 7 offers good gaming features at 120Hz, competitive gamers will prefer TCL's faster response times.
Both perform well in bright rooms, but the TCL QM8 has higher peak brightness at 2,000 nits versus Sony's 1,500 nits. However, the Sony BRAVIA 7 has better anti-glare coating and more precise local dimming.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 handles motion better, making it superior for sports viewing. While the TCL QM8 is brighter, Sony's better processing reduces motion blur and judder during fast action.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 comes with excellent out-of-box calibration. The TCL QM8 may require professional calibration ($200-300) for optimal picture quality.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 clearly wins here with superior upscaling technology that makes older content look better. The TCL QM8's processing is good but not as refined with non-4K content.
For dedicated home theater use, the Sony BRAVIA 7 is superior due to better black levels, more accurate colors, and superior motion handling. The TCL QM8 can still perform well but lacks Sony's refinement in dark rooms.
Both use Google TV, but the Sony BRAVIA 7 implements it more smoothly with fewer delays. The TCL QM8 occasionally shows lag when navigating menus.
The Sony BRAVIA 7 comes with a 5-year warranty, while the TCL QM8 only offers 1 year. Both use Mini-LED technology that should last many years with proper care.
The TCL QM8 might be better for mixed-use rooms due to higher brightness and better gaming features. However, the Sony BRAVIA 7 offers better overall performance if budget allows.
Both TVs benefit from external speakers for home theater use, but the Sony BRAVIA 7 has better built-in speakers (50W vs TCL's 40W). The TCL QM8 particularly benefits from a soundbar or external audio system.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - avsforum.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - sony.com - rtings.com - schaeferstv.com - youtube.com - displayspecifications.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - tcl.com - the-gadgeteer.com - nfm.com - ecoustics.com - careyscommunications.com - pcrichard.com - tcl.com
