TCL QM9K QD-Mini LED Smart TV: The Last Stand of TCL’s Flagship Before Sony Partnership

TL;DR: TCL’s QM9K is a powerhouse Mini LED TV offering stunning brightness, 6,000 dimming zones, and Bang & Olufsen audio—but it needs calibration out of the box. At $1,799 (save $1,200 at Best Buy), it’s a steal for cinephiles willing to tweak settings.

The End of an Era: TCL’s Final Solo Flagship

In a seismic shift for the TV industry, Sony and TCL have inked a deal that will see Sony sell a majority stake in its Bravia brand to TCL. This means the TCL QM9K isn’t just another TV—it’s the last flagship TCL will produce independently before the joint Bravia-TCL models debut in 2027. For now, TCL is going out with a bang.

What Makes the QM9K a Game-Changer?

Mini LED Mastery

The QM9K boasts 6,000 precision dimming zones, delivering contrast that rivals OLED TVs. With a peak brightness of 6,500 nits, it dominates even the brightest rooms. The anti-glare matte screen eliminates the dreaded “halo” effect, while a 7,000:1 contrast ratio ensures inky blacks and vibrant colors.

Color Accuracy (With a Catch)

TCL claims 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, but our Calman testing revealed a blue-shift in out-of-the-box settings. While colors are mostly accurate, warmer tones lean cooler. The fix? Dive into the advanced white balance controls to calibrate RGB gains and offsets for near-perfect accuracy.

Audio by Bang & Olufsen

TCL partnered with the legendary audio brand to fine-tune the QM9K’s speakers, delivering cleaner, more immersive sound than previous models. Pair it with a soundbar via HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos bliss.

How It Stacks Up: QM9K vs. QM6K

Our Louisville lab tests showed the QM9K and QM6K share similar color accuracy in Standard mode, but the QM9K’s superior brightness and dimming zones give it an edge. The blue-shift is noticeable but fixable—perfect for DIY calibrators.

Pro Tips to Unlock Its Full Potential

1. Calibrate Like a Pro: Use the white balance sliders to adjust RGB gains and offsets for true-to-life colors.
2. HDR Heaven: Enable dynamic tone mapping and HDR conversion for breathtaking visuals.
3. Game Mode: Activate Game Master for 120Hz VRR, low latency, and buttery-smooth motion.
4. Audio Passthrough: Connect your soundbar via HDMI eARC for lossless audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

Should You Buy It?

Yes—if you’re willing to tweak. The QM9K’s out-of-the-box settings are decent but not perfect. However, its 6,500-nit brightness, 6,000 dimming zones, and Bang & Olufsen audio make it a steal at $1,799. It’s a future-proof investment, especially with TCL’s impending Sony partnership.

ZDNET’s Verdict: The TCL QM9K is a farewell masterpiece—a TV that proves TCL can compete with premium brands. Calibrate it, and you’ll have a home theater powerhouse that rivals OLED at a fraction of the cost.

Tags: #TCLQM9K #MiniLEDTV #BestTVDeals #HomeTheater #CalibrateYourTV #BangAndOlufsen #HDRGaming #TechDeals2025 #TVBuyingGuide #LastTCLFlagship

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