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Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Sony QLEDs vs OLEDs: What do you get when you pay more?
If you're shopping for a TV and you've already decided that Sony is the brand for you, the choice will most likely come down to two options: a QLED or an OLED. These terms refer to the TV's display technology, and depending on your budget, your viewing habits and your overall needs, one of these types might be better than the of the best TVs you can buy are among these two categories, and even if you don't intend to spend top-dollar on a high-end model, it's in your best interest to understand their many differences. Sony QLEDs are LED TVs with quantum dots. These nanocrystals enhance color and brightness, and while a ton of TVs feature quantum dots, many ultra-affordable models you can buy don't come with them. Until recently, Sony did not refer to its quantum dot-enhanced TVs as QLEDs. Instead, the feature was referred to by the brand as offering Triluminos color, sometimes called Triluminos Pro. Today, you can still find Triluminos color as a feature on a Sony TV's spec sheet. Some marketing materials refer to them as QLEDs. If you don't see these terms, chances are the model in question is without quantum dots. Unless you're trying to spend as little as possible, I recommend buying a quantum dot-equipped set if you're buying an LED TV. They've become enough of a standard feature that even budget-friendly Sony LED TVs have them. For instance, the Sony Bravia 3 — one of the brand's most affordable offerings (but a set we don't recommend) — comes with quantum-dot color. The higher-end Sony Bravia 7 and the flagship Bravia 9 come with quantum dots, too, but these TVs also feature Mini-LED backlighting, so you'll have to spend more for that upgrade. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I recommend buying a quantum dot-equipped set if you're buying an LED TV. Like all OLED TVs, Sony's OLEDs don't rely on traditional backlighting at all. Instead, every single pixel in the display is self-illuminating, which has a positive impact on almost every aspect of performance — especially contrast. Despite this fundamental difference, there are Sony OLED TVs with quantum dots, too. Commonly referred to as QD-OLED TVs, these souped-up sets (like the Sony A95L and the upcoming Bravia 8 II) offer better color volume — and in many cases better brightness — than traditional WOLED TVs (like the Bravia 8 OLED). You can take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of each of these display technologies in our Mini-LED vs OLED guide, but as I'll soon explain, one isn't necessarily better than another. It largely depends on your viewing habits. Price is another important factor. Of these types, you can expect to pay the least for a Sony QLED with basic backlighting, more for a Sony QLED with Mini-LEDs and the most for a top-shelf Sony OLED. If you're shopping for a Sony-branded TV, I've got good news: They're well-designed TVs, both aesthetically and functionally. In recent years, mid-range and high-end Sony TVs offer multiple ways to configure their respective stands. This makes them plenty accommodating regardless of living room layout, especially if you're trying to fit a large TV on a narrow credenza. And, although everyone's entitled to their own opinion, I find Sony TVs to be among the nicest-looking in the game. There's an attention to detail that is often lacking among rival TV-makers, from the crosshatched pattern on the back of some displays to the pinpoint alignment of their stand. The brand's OLED TVs tend to offer the slimmest panels, but Sony doesn't lean into the ultra-thin look the way rival OLED TVs do. Its Mini-LED TVs tend to be bulkier-looking than competitive sets, but not in ways that belie their excellent build quality. At the time of publishing, all mainline Sony TVs leverage the Google TV smart platform. They also lean on the same basic interface for their settings menus. This means that the core Sony TV experience will be mostly the same on an entry-level Sony QLED as it will on a high-end Sony OLED. Certain settings and enhancements are tailored to display type, however. (You won't find OLED-specific settings on a Sony Mini-LED's settings menu, for instance, or local dimming settings on a Sony OLED.) Across the board, though, Sony TVs offer a tremendous range of settings for tweaking the picture and audio. If you like to tinker with that stuff, you'll feel right at home with any Sony TV. Another thing to keep in mind is that, as is the case with all TV brands, lower-end Sony TVs will likely feel less snappy than higher-end Sony TVs due to their relatively limited processing power. I've never reviewed a Sony TV whose software was outright unusable, but it's something to remember if you're particularly sensitive about sluggish software. Even the best Sony TVs you can buy are limited to just a pair HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs. Additional features — be them gaming-, A/V-related or otherwise — will come down to which series the TV belongs to. In general, you can expect lower-level Sony QLEDs to offer the lightest amount of bells and whistles, while higher-end models offer the most. That said, even if you're splashing out on a top-of-the-line Sony flagship, you ought to be aware of their limitations. At the time of publishing, even the best Sony TVs you can buy are limited to just a pair HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs. This means only two of the four total ports will be able to make the most out of current-generation gaming consoles. What makes this issue even thornier is that one of the ports that offers HDMI 2.1 compatibility also serves as a dedicated eARC input. If you have two consoles and a soundbar, even the most expensive Sony TVs won't be able to make the most of all three. Needless to say, this is not the case with high-end TVs from LG and Samsung. Here's the simplest way I can put it: Sony's Mini-LED and OLED TVs will almost always perform better than budget-friendly Sony QLEDs that don't offer Mini-LED backlighting, but when comparing high-end Sony TVs, your mileage may vary. The flagship Bravia 9 Mini-LED TV looks incredible. It's one of the best Mini-LED TVs you can buy. The Sony A95L looks incredible, too. It's one of the best OLED TVs you can buy. Both of these sets will set you back a considerable amount of money, but deciding which is best for you will depend on your viewing habits. In either case, they're both better-performing TVs than the Bravia 7 — a terrific mid-range Mini-LED TV that is nevertheless mid-range for a reason. I'll once again direct you to our Mini-LED vs OLED guide for an in-depth comparison between these display technologies, but here's the basic gist: High-performance Mini-LED TVs typically offer better brightness than most OLED TVs, particularly if those OLED TVs use a traditional WOLED-style display, like the Bravia 8. However, a Mini-LED TV lacks the depth, clarity and unparalleled contrast control of an OLED. Many Mini-LED TVs come close to replicating the patina of an OLED display — the impressive Bravia 9 being a prime example — but pixel-level dimming control is ultimately the difference-maker. QD-OLEDs, like the Sony A95L, are capable of cutting the brightness gap even more. Its highlight brightness stands toe to toe with heavy-hitting Mini-LEDs (though full-screen brightness remains much dimmer). The addition of quantum dots also allows TVs like the A95L and the Bravia 8 II to deliver some of the brightest, most voluminous color in the industry. If you're chasing color, there's nothing quite like QD-OLED. Regardless of how much you're looking to spend on a Sony TV, you can be confident that the finer aspects of picture processing have been carefully considered. Many industry experts — myself included — laud Sony's attention to detail when it comes to things like upscaling, motion handling and out-of-the-box color accuracy. Much ink has been spilled about the so-called 'Sony tax' — a built-in upcharge for Sony TVs (relative to the competition) that some folks find hard to stomach. While it's true that Sony TVs are typically priced higher than comparable sets from rival brands, I've never found Sony prices to be out of bounds. Whether you're shopping for an entry-level Sony QLED or a top-shelf Sony OLED, you're very likely to get a well-engineered, well-designed TV that squeezes every ounce of performance out of whatever hardware is strapped to the panel. That said, I wouldn't blame anyone for carefully considering the value proposition inherent in competitively priced sets that tap the same tech and offer a similar slate of features.
Tom's Guide
12-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
TCL QM7K vs Sony Bravia 7: Which Mini-LED TV wins?
The TCL QM7K is a terrific mid-range Mini-LED TV with a bright, colorful picture and gaming-friendly features. The Sony Bravia 7 is one of the best-performing TVs in its class, though its list of gaming features isn't quite as extensive as the TCL QM7K's. Mid-range TVs have been popular picks for as long as I've been reviewing TVs. If top-shelf TVs are too pricey for your taste and entry-level TVs don't offer enough in the way of performance and features, your best bet might be a mid-range set. The TCL QM7K and the Sony Bravia 7 are perfect candidates. These TVs are built around Mini-LED backlighting and come with a useful slate of features. They're both priced higher than ultra-affordable models, but that extra cost lands you better performance and more flexibility. Given their similarities, it's worth taking a closer look at how these two models compare. TCL QM7K Sony Bravia 7 Sizes 55", 65", 75", 85", 98" 55", 65", 75", 85" Ports 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0 Resolution 3,840 x 2,160p 3,840 x 2,160p Refresh rate 144Hz 120Hz HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Smart TV software Google TV Google TV ATSC 3.0 support? No Yes Processor AIPQ PRO Processor XR Processor There are two differences worth highlighting when comparing the specs of these two TVs. First, the Sony Bravia 7 supports ATSC 3.0, which means it can showcase over-the-air broadcasts in 4K. Believe it or not, not many TVs support this spec — including the TCL QM7K. 4K broadcasts are still few and far between, but if you plan on pairing your next TV with one of the best antennas you can buy and you'd like to take advantage of 4K broadcasts, the Bravia 7 is ready to go. While both TVs support Dolby Vision, the most popular HDR format, only the QM7K supports HDR10+. This is the royalty-free version of Dolby Vision, and while it's significantly less popular than Dolby Vision, you'll still find HDR10+ across various streaming platforms, like Amazon Prime Video. HDR10+ content on the Bravia 7 will fall back to basic HDR10. Lastly, the QM7K is sporting a native refresh rate of 144Hz — higher than the Bravia 7's 120Hz. However, unless you're planning on linking up a gaming PC to your next TV, this ultimately doesn't matter much. Both TVs will take full advantage of 4K/120Hz gaming, which is the highest spec offered by current-generation consoles. These sets are similar in their design approach, but there are a few things worth highlighting here. Pictured above is the backside of the QM7K. Its chassis bulges out around the center in order to accommodate the TV's internal hardware. This puts the inputs along the side of the panel's thickest section rather than inside of a cutout, which might make connections easier while the QM7K is wall-mounted. The QM7K's stand is a pedestal-style piece that connects to the panel in one of two configurations. This grants you a higher position that will make room for a soundbar. Overall, the materials used are decent, though not as posh-seeming as those of higher-end TVs. As you can see in the photo above, the Bravia 7's panel is also adorned with a crosshatch pattern on its back, but unlike the QM7K, the Bravia 7 is more uniform in its shape. As a result, its ports are tucked away inside of a cutout. The Bravia 7 comes with a pair of slender, T-shaped feet that can be attached to the panel in one of four configurations — that's two more setup options than the QM7K. These configurations include narrow- and wide-set placement as well as two separate height options. As convenient as the QM7K's setup options are, the Bravia 7 is even more accommodating. Finally, a quick word about remote controls: Of these two TVs, only the QM7K arrives with a backlit remote by default. This simple addition makes the QM7K experience more user-friendly, especially if you watch a ton of TV in the dark. However, the QM7K's backlit clicker isn't enough to put it over the top in the design category. The Bravia 7 is built better and offers twice as many tabletop configurations. Winner: Sony Bravia 7 Before we dive into which of these TVs delivers better picture quality, let's take a look at how their test results stack up. TCL QM7K Sony Bravia 7 SDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 132 101 Delta-E (lower is better) 1.4 1.6 HDR Brightness (10%, in nits) 1,734 1,355 UHDA-P3 Gamut Coverage 96.98% 97.09% Rec. 2020 Gamut Coverage 79.22% 78.61% Input latency (milliseconds) 13.1 17.1 Regardless of which TV you opt for, you can rest assured that you're getting terrific performance — especially during HDR content. This mostly has to do with the Mini-LED technology at the heart of each model. This tech offers fantastic backlight control compared to garden-variety LED TVs, which translates to excellent contrast and highlight brightness. However, the QM7K is the brighter of the two, and by a relatively significant margin. As a result, you can expect to see more of an oomph during HDR movies and shows, particularly when it comes to small, intense highlights (like a glint of sunlight along the blade of a samurai sword). Color production is similar across these models, with each TV doing an exceptional job covering the expanded Rec.2020 HDR color gamut. There's a ton to love about these bright, punchy color palettes — both models feature quantum dots and the hardware speaks for itself. Both TVs offer fantastic backlight control compared to garden-variety LED TVs. There's more good news when we drill down into these TVs' out-of-the-box color accuracy, as both models deliver a razor-sharp picture in their most accurate picture modes. (I recommend Movie for the QM7K and Professional for the Bravia 7). Gamers should be aware of the fact that the QM7K and the Bravia 7 struggle when it comes to input lag, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to more responsive TVs. The Bravia 7 in particular is particularly egregious at just over 17ms of input lag. If you're an eagle-eyed, passionate A/V enthusiast, the Bravia 7 might be the more intriguing option. I find that Sony's superb picture processing elevates the Bravia 7's performance during certain content. The QM7K is no slouch, but for my money, the Bravia 7 does a better job of upscaling sub-4K content. Still, for most folks, the added HDR brightness is nicer to have on hand, and the QM7K's lower input lag will make a bigger difference for gamers. Whichever you pick, you can rest easy knowing you're getting a worthwhile picture. Winner: Draw As mentioned above, both of these TVs come with Google TV pre-installed. Your mileage may vary, but I appreciate the Google TV operating system for its simple, snappy plenty of sponsored and recommended content to contend with across the home screen, but this is the case with just about every smart platform right now, and Google's app library is among the best in the game. Gaming, however, is a bit of a different story. The good news is that both of these sets deliver the most important features needed for current-generation consoles: HDMI 2.1 compatibility along with support for 4K gaming at 120Hz. The bad news is that, of the two models, only the QM7K separates its pair of HDMI 2.1 inputs from its dedicated eARC port. Of the two HDMI 2.1 inputs on the Bravia 7, one of them pulls double-duty as the eARC port. If you want to pair your next TV with one of the best soundbars for your home, you'll end up losing a gaming-optimized input in the process. The QM7K is ready to rock with a 144Hz refresh rate for 4K gaming with a PC. The Bravia 7 is limited to 120Hz. In addition, the QM7K arrives with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro right out of the box. From a gaming standpoint, everything else comes out in the wash; both sets offer Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), as well as Dolby Vision support for select titles. The QM7K's superior gaming support puts it over the top for this category. However, if you're not a gamer, these TVs are very similar in terms of their added enhancements and smart platform integration. Winner: TCL QM7K TCL QM7K Sony Bravia 7 Specs (25) 22 21 Design (25) 18 22 Performance (25) 21 22 Features (25) 22 19 Total Score (100) 83 84 Ultimately, the winner of this match-up comes down to your viewing (and gaming) habits. The Bravia 7 tallied up a slightly better grade on its report card, but if you're a dedicated gamer, I would recommend the QM7K. It's better-equipped to take advantage of two consoles while a soundbar is in the mix, it's more responsive during gaming, plus it arrives with FreeSync Premium Pro and support for 144Hz gaming. If you're not a gamer, consider the finer details, like overall design and Sony's excellent picture processing. These go a long way in making the Bravia 7 more appealing to the cinephile crowd. Lastly, price is certainly a factor, too. Right now, a 65-inch TCL QM7K is around $1,286 at Amazon while the 65-inch Sony Bravia 7 is currently $1,348 at Amazon at the time of publishing. That's not too much pricier, but it's not nothing, either. Regardless of which model you settle on, you'll be getting a terrific TV without having to deal with the sticker shock that comes with a high-end model.
