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Tom’s Guide’s tests favor the TCL QM8L for overall performance, chiefly because it produced brighter HDR and showed stronger backlight control with less haloing. The QM7L remains a compelling value choice in the comparison’s dated pricing context, and it is the only one of the two available in a 55-inch size. The right pick depends on whether you prioritize picture performance and HDMI 2.1 connections or lower cost and a smaller screen.
Which TCL TV tested better overall?
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 comparison scored the QM8L 91/100 and the QM7L 89/100. The difference is modest in the overall score, but the QM8L’s lead is clearest in HDR brightness and backlight control. Tom’s Guide author Michael Desjardin summarized the main distinction: “The QM8L carries a significant advantage over the QM7L: peak brightness.”
RTINGS’ comparison, updated September 2026, also rates the QM8L higher overall. It reports that the QM8L is brighter in SDR and HDR, has slightly more vivid colors, upscales better, and produces deeper blacks with less haloing. RTINGS’ exception is direct reflections: the QM7L reduces their intensity slightly better, though RTINGS says neither model excels at reflections.
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Tom’s Guide tested both TVs in Filmmaker picture mode. Its published comparison reports these results; they are outlet measurements and scores, not guaranteed values for every screen size or individual set.
#1 Best Overall
- SQD-Mini LED: As the ultimate Mini LED TV, it integrates the expansive TCL Deep Color System with the breakthrough TCL Halo Control System to ensure the most brilliant, pure, and immersive viewing experience possible.
- TCL Ultra Color Filter: TCL’s Ultra Color Filter with fine 5 nanometer particles (vs. standard 60 nanometer particles) bring every scene to life with pinpoint, pixel-perfect color accuracy.
- High Static Contrast: Experience exceptional picture quality driven by a high 7000:1 contrast ratio for stunning clarity between light and dark scenes.
- High Zones & High Brightness: Up to 4000+ Discrete Dimming Zones and up to 6,000 Peak Nits combine for a picture that is brighter, deeper, and more realistic.
- AI-Powered Experience: Elevate every viewing experience with AI Color for vibrant hues, AI Contrast for dynamic depth, AI Clarity for razor-sharp detail, AI Motion for smooth action, AI Upscaling for lifelike resolution, and AI Sound for immersive, crystal-clear audio.
| Tom’s Guide measurement (2026) | TCL QM8L | TCL QM7L | What it indicates |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDR brightness, 10% window | 3,719 nits | 2,270 nits | The QM8L has a substantial measured HDR brightness lead. |
| SDR brightness, 10% window | 229 nits | 196 nits | The QM8L also measured brighter in SDR. |
| Delta-E | 3.7 | 2.6 | Lower is better, so this measurement favors the QM7L. |
| UHDA-P3 gamut coverage | 97.97% | 97.64% | Nearly identical coverage, with a slight QM8L edge. |
| Rec.2020 gamut coverage | 90.34% | 90.28% | Effectively very close, with a slight QM8L edge. |
| Input latency | 9.5 milliseconds | 9.4 milliseconds | Nearly identical; the QM7L measured 0.1 ms lower. |
| Comparison score | 91/100 | 89/100 | Tom’s Guide’s overall comparison score favors the QM8L. |
The comparison separately assigns the QM8L four stars and the QM7L four-and-a-half stars in their full reviews, reflecting value’s effect on recommendation rather than a reversal of the head-to-head performance result. Tom’s Guide’s cited passages disclose Filmmaker mode and 10% windows for brightness, but not a fuller measurement protocol; the results should not be read as a guarantee across sizes or samples.
What practical differences matter most?
| Feature | TCL QM8L | TCL QM7L | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen sizes listed | 65, 75, 85, 98 inches | 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches | The QM7L is the only option of the two below 65 inches. |
| HDMI inputs | Four HDMI 2.1 | Two HDMI 2.1 and two HDMI 2.0 | The QM8L offers more high-bandwidth connections for consoles, a PC, and other devices. |
| Resolution and refresh rate | 4K, 144Hz | 4K, 144Hz | Both share these headline specifications. |
| HDR formats listed | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | The comparison lists the same formats for both. |
| Smart platform | Google TV | Google TV | The platform is shared. |
| Backlight and reflections | Brighter, with stronger halo control according to Tom’s Guide | Slightly better direct-reflection reduction according to RTINGS | Picture performance favors the QM8L, while the QM7L’s small reflection edge may matter with challenging room lighting. |
Tom’s Guide says both TVs support 4K gaming at 120Hz and PC gaming at 144Hz with VRR. It reports that all four QM8L inputs are HDMI 2.1, supporting 4K at 120Hz and up to 144Hz with VRR. On the QM7L, the eARC input does not overlap with a high-bandwidth input, so its two HDMI 2.1 ports remain available for those devices.
Rank #2
- SQD-Mini LED: As the ultimate Mini LED TV, it integrates the expansive TCL Deep Color System with the breakthrough TCL Halo Control System to ensure the most brilliant, pure, and immersive viewing experience possible.
- TCL Ultra Color Filter: TCL’s Ultra Color Filter with fine 5 nanometer particles (vs. standard 60 nanometer particles) bring every scene to life with pinpoint, pixel-perfect color accuracy.
- High Static Contrast: Experience exceptional picture quality driven by a high 7000:1 contrast ratio for stunning clarity between light and dark scenes.
- High Zones & High Brightness: Up to 4000+ Discrete Dimming Zones and up to 6,000 Peak Nits combine for a picture that is brighter, deeper, and more realistic.
- AI-Powered Experience: Elevate every viewing experience with AI Color for vibrant hues, AI Contrast for dynamic depth, AI Clarity for razor-sharp detail, AI Motion for smooth action, AI Upscaling for lifelike resolution, and AI Sound for immersive, crystal-clear audio.
Is the QM8L worth paying more for?
That depends on current pricing and how you use the TV. In Tom’s Guide’s August 21, 2026 article, the 65-inch QM8L was listed at $1,399 and the 65-inch QM7L at $1,199 at Best Buy—a $200 difference in that article’s pricing context. Those are historical prices, not current quotes; check today’s price, size availability, and seller before buying.
- Choose the QM8L if brighter HDR, stronger backlight control, or four HDMI 2.1 inputs are worth the price difference to you.
- Choose the QM7L if it is meaningfully cheaper at the time you buy, you need the 55-inch size, or its measured performance is sufficient for your room and viewing habits.
Which should you buy?
For the stronger overall picture and more flexible high-bandwidth connectivity, pick the QM8L. For a lower-cost alternative or a screen smaller than 65 inches, the QM7L is the more practical fit. If your room has direct reflections, account for RTINGS’ slight QM7L advantage in reducing them, but it does not erase the QM8L’s broader performance lead.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- SQD-Mini LED: As the ultimate Mini LED TV, it integrates the expansive TCL Deep Color System with the breakthrough TCL Halo Control System to ensure the most brilliant, pure, and immersive viewing experience possible.
- TCL Ultra Color Filter: TCL’s Ultra Color Filter with fine 5 nanometer particles (vs. standard 60 nanometer particles) bring every scene to life with pinpoint, pixel-perfect color accuracy.
- High Static Contrast: Experience exceptional picture quality driven by a high 7000:1 contrast ratio for stunning clarity between light and dark scenes.
- High Zones & High Brightness: Up to 4000+ Discrete Dimming Zones and up to 6,000 Peak Nits combine for a picture that is brighter, deeper, and more realistic.
- AI-Powered Experience: Elevate every viewing experience with AI Color for vibrant hues, AI Contrast for dynamic depth, AI Clarity for razor-sharp detail, AI Motion for smooth action, AI Upscaling for lifelike resolution, and AI Sound for immersive, crystal-clear audio.
Rank #3
- SQD-Mini LED: As the ultimate Mini LED TV, it integrates the expansive TCL Deep Color System with the breakthrough TCL Halo Control System to ensure the most brilliant, pure, and immersive viewing experience possible.
- TCL Ultra Color Filter: TCL’s Ultra Color Filter with fine 5 nanometer particles (vs. standard 60 nanometer particles) bring every scene to life with pinpoint, pixel-perfect color accuracy.
- Wide Viewing Angles: Enjoy vibrant colors and perfect contrast, no matter where you sit, thanks to exceptionally wide viewing angles.
- High Zones & High Brightness: Up to 4000+ Discrete Dimming Zones and up to 6,000 Peak Nits combine for a picture that is brighter, deeper, and more realistic.
- AI-Powered Experience: Elevate every viewing experience with AI Color for vibrant hues, AI Contrast for dynamic depth, AI Clarity for razor-sharp detail, AI Motion for smooth action, AI Upscaling for lifelike resolution, and AI Sound for immersive, crystal-clear audio.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
