TCL QM6K vs Samsung Q7F: Which One to Choose?

Finding the right 4K TV in 2025 is less about choosing a brand and more about choosing the right display technology for your viewing habits. With Mini-LED TVs becoming more affordable and traditional QLED models still dominating store shelves, buyers often face options that look similar on paper but perform very differently in real-world viewing.

The TCL QM6K and Samsung Q7F sit in this competitive lower-to-midrange segment, alongside other popular models like the Hisense U65QF. While the QM6K represents TCL’s most accessible Mini-LED TV, the Q7F is Samsung’s mainstream QLED model, positioned above the entry-level Q6F and below Samsung’s Mini-LED Neo QLED lineup. Hisense’s U65QF targets a similar buyer by emphasizing affordability and modern features, making this part of the market especially crowded.

They also exist alongside slightly more premium alternatives such as the TCL QM7K and Samsung’s Q8F, which push brightness and performance further at higher prices. This comparison focuses on picture quality, HDR formats, motion and gaming, smart platforms, audio, and overall value, helping you decide which TV best fits your room, content preferences, and budget.

TCL QM6K — Short Review

TCL QM6K

TCL QM6K

The TCL QM6K is built around a QD-Mini LED backlight system, which gives it a significant advantage in contrast and black-level control compared to standard QLED TVs. Mini-LED local dimming allows the QM6K to more precisely control light output, reducing blooming and preserving shadow detail in darker scenes.

HDR performance is one of the QM6K’s standout strengths. It supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision Gaming, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, making it one of the most format-flexible TVs in its price class. This ensures HDR content is displayed with dynamic metadata when available rather than relying on basic tone mapping.

Gaming is another area where the QM6K clearly targets modern setups. It features a native 144Hz panel along with VRR and ALLM, allowing smoother motion, lower input lag, and better responsiveness with next-gen consoles and gaming PCs. This is a meaningful upgrade over 60Hz-limited TVs.

The QM6K runs on Google TV, offering broad app availability, strong content aggregation, and seamless integration with Google services. Voice search, Chromecast support, and personalized recommendations make it easy to navigate large streaming libraries.

Audio performance is better than average for the category. The QM6K includes an ONKYO-tuned 2.1-channel speaker system, delivering fuller sound and more bass presence than typical entry-level TV speakers, even without an external sound system.

TCL QM6K Prices
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Samsung Q7F — Short Review

Samsung Q7F

Samsung Q7F

The Samsung Q7F is positioned as a lower-midrange / mainstream QLED TV, sitting above the entry-level Q6F and below Samsung’s Mini-LED Neo QLED lineup. It targets buyers who prioritize ease of use, brand familiarity, and Samsung’s ecosystem, focusing on smooth everyday performance rather than advanced backlighting or high-end gaming features.

Color performance is a strength, thanks to quantum dot technology, which helps the Q7F produce vibrant and punchy colors in bright rooms. However, the lack of local dimming limits contrast depth, particularly in dark scenes where blacks can appear more gray compared to Mini-LED alternatives.

HDR support follows Samsung’s typical approach. The Q7F supports HDR10+ (plus HDR10 and HLG), but it does not support Dolby Vision. This means HDR performance relies on Samsung’s internal tone mapping rather than dynamic Dolby Vision metadata.

Motion handling is tuned for general viewing rather than high-performance gaming. The Q7F uses a 60Hz panel and does not support VRR or HDMI 2.1 gaming features. Casual gaming is fine, but it’s not intended for high-frame-rate or competitive gameplay.

The TV runs on Samsung’s Tizen platform, which is fast, stable, and well integrated with Samsung’s ecosystem. Features like smart device control and seamless app performance make it appealing for users already invested in Samsung products.

Samsung Q7F Prices
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TCL QM6K vs Samsung Q7F Specs & Key Features

Below is a side-by-side overview of the key specifications and features that define the TCL QM6K and Samsung Q7F:

Feature TCL QM6K Samsung Q7F
Display Type QD-Mini LED (Mini-LED + Quantum Dot) QLED (LED LCD + Quantum Dot)
Local Dimming Yes (Mini-LED local dimming) No
Available Screen Sizes 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, 98″ 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, 98″
Native Refresh Rate 144Hz 60Hz
VRR / ALLM Yes No
HDMI Ports 4 total (HDMI 2.1 on select ports) 3 total (HDMI 2.0 bandwidth)
HDR Formats Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Vision Gaming, HDR10+ HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (no Dolby Vision)
Smart Platform Google TV Tizen
Audio System ONKYO 2.1-channel 2.0-channel
Price Often higher Often lower
 
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TCL QM6K and Samsung Q7F Comparison

Now that the key specs are covered, let’s see how the TCL QM6K and Samsung Q7F stack up in real-world performance across the most important categories.

Picture Quality

The most important difference between these two TVs is the backlight system. The TCL QM6K’s Mini-LED local dimming allows it to deliver deeper blacks, stronger contrast, and better shadow detail, especially in movie content and dark rooms. Highlights appear more controlled, and blooming is better managed.

The Samsung Q7F, while capable of bright and colorful images, lacks local dimming, which limits contrast precision. In darker scenes, blacks appear less uniform, and subtle detail can be lost. In bright daytime viewing, the gap is smaller, but overall image depth favors the QM6K.
Winner: TCL QM6K

HDR Formats

HDR format support plays a major role in how streaming content is displayed. The QM6K supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, allowing dynamic metadata from a wide range of sources. This results in more accurate tone mapping scene by scene.

The Q7F relies on HDR10+ and Samsung’s internal processing, which works well with compatible content but does not offer Dolby Vision support. For users who stream heavily from platforms that favor Dolby Vision, the QM6K has a clear advantage.
Winner: TCL QM6K

Motion & Gaming

The QM6K’s 144Hz panel, combined with VRR and ALLM, delivers smoother motion, reduced screen tearing, and lower input lag. This makes it well suited for next-gen consoles and PC gaming, as well as fast-moving sports.

The Q7F’s 60Hz panel is adequate for everyday viewing but lacks the fluidity and responsiveness needed for high-frame-rate gaming. Without VRR or HDMI 2.1 support, it’s clearly aimed at casual users rather than performance-focused gamers.
Winner: TCL QM6K

Smart Platform

Both TVs offer mature, easy-to-use smart platforms. Google TV excels at content discovery, cross-app search, and personalization, especially for users already using Google services.

Tizen, on the other hand, is fast, clean, and deeply integrated with Samsung’s ecosystem. Device compatibility and interface smoothness are strong, making this largely a matter of personal preference rather than capability.
Winner: Draw

Audio Quality

The QM6K’s ONKYO-tuned 2.1-channel system provides fuller sound with more noticeable low-frequency presence, making dialogue and action scenes more engaging without external speakers.

The Q7F’s 2.0-channel audio is serviceable for everyday TV but lacks bass depth and overall impact. Most users will want a soundbar sooner with the Q7F.
Winner: TCL QM6K

Price & Value

While pricing can fluctuate, the QM6K generally delivers more hardware and performance per dollar, including Mini-LED contrast, high-refresh gaming, and wider HDR support.

The Q7F can still make sense when heavily discounted or for buyers focused on brand familiarity and simplicity, but from a pure feature-for-price perspective, the QM6K offers stronger long-term value.
Winner: TCL QM6K

Which One to Choose?

Choose the TCL QM6K if you want a more future-proof TV with better contrast, wider HDR support, and real next-gen gaming features. It’s the stronger choice for movie lovers, gamers, and anyone who wants premium performance without stepping up to OLED pricing.

TCL QM6K Prices
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Choose the Samsung Q7F if you prefer a simple Samsung QLED experience with a smooth smart interface and reliable everyday performance. It’s best suited for casual viewing in bright rooms and users who value Samsung’s ecosystem over advanced picture and gaming features.

Samsung Q7F Prices
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