Hisense U7SG vs TCL QM7L: We tested both mid-range TVs and one is better for most people

This year, folks in the market for a mid-range TV have a handful of enticing options. We recently tested the Hisense U7SG — a quantum dot-enhanced Mini-LED TV — and found that it offers a bright, punchy picture and plenty of features for the price.

And then there's the TCL QM7L. Despite its mid-range status, this Mini-LED TV comes with TCL's Super Quantum Dot (SQD) technology, which has proven effective when it comes to saturating a wider range of color than the U7SG's traditional quantum-dot display.

These sets offer similar performance in a similar price range. However, there are some differences you ought to be aware of before you shop.

Hisense U7SG vs TCL QM7L: Specs compared

Before we talk about how they differ, let's cover the similarities: Size availability, HDR and ATSC 3.0 support are about the same across both TVs.

However, while both sets arrive with the standard set of four total HDMI inputs, only two of the QM7L's inputs offer HDMI 2.1 compatibility. With the U7SG, you'll enjoy a full suite of HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs.

With four high-bandwidth ports, the U7SG offers more flexibility, as they all support 4K content at 120Hz (and up to 165Hz with VRR). Only two of the QM7L's inputs support 4K content at 120Hz and up to 144Hz. Fortunately, the QM7L's dedicated eARC input isn't pulling double-duty as one of the TV's only high-bandwidth inputs.

Winner: Hisense U7SG

Hisense U7SG vs TCL QM7L: Design

Due in part to the nature of its display hardware, the Hisense U7SG (seen above) is thicker than many Mini-LED TVs we've seen in recent years. Nevertheless, it's constructed out of sturdy plastic and the overall aesthetic is similar to what you'll find in its price range this year.

The U7SG's panel sits on top of a pedestal-style stand that takes the form of a heavy plate that sits below the center of the screen. For some viewers, this type of stand is more convenient than a pair of feet, as the center-positioning allows the U7SG to sit on narrow pieces of furniture.

As you can see from the photo above, the QM7L is very similar in its design approach. It, too, features a thick, heavy panel, which measures about the same depth as the U7SG.

Like the U7SG, the QM7L also relies on a centered, pedestal-style stand. Conveniently, the QM7L's stand can be attached in two height configurations. This helps to ensure that people with taller soundbars have an setup option in which the soundbar won't obstruct the screen.

Both TVs ship with backlit remote controls, which is quite nice to have in a dark room. Of the two, I prefer TCL's remote design, but there aren't too many differing characteristics worth calling out.

Given the similarities, this category is a toss-up. The U7SG and QM7L aren't as slim and premium-looking as other LED TVs we've seen in recent years, but neither looks (or feels) poorly designed.

Winner: Draw

Hisense U7SG vs TCL QM7L: Performance

Before we dig deeper into how these TVs look, let's compare their test results. (Both TVs were in their respective Filmmaker picture modes when these tests were taken.)

In many ways, these TVs offer similar performance profiles. As mid-range Mini-LED TVs with quantum-dot color, they offer bright, colorful pictures — far brighter than what you'll see on entry-level LED TVs. This is especially true during HDR movies and shows, where the U7SG and QM7L each deliver over 2,000 nits of highlight brightness.

While we consistently tracked higher HDR highlight brightness on the U7SG, it's worth mentioning that the gap between the U7SG's roughly 2,900 nits of highlight brightness and the QM7L's 2,300 nits is not very substantial.

We measured similar readings for Delta-E, a figure that represents color error (with lower numbers being more desirable). There's not much of a difference between a Delta-E of 3 and 2.6, and both measurements indicate that the U7SG and QM7L feature accurate color that won't appear out-of-tune to almost every viewer.

The biggest difference between them concerns color. The QM7L is one of a few TVs to harness TCL's proprietary Super Quantum Dot (SQD) technology. This has proven to be effective at boosting color compared to standard quantum-dot color (the kind you'll find on the U7SG).

In certain viewing conditions, people are more likely to notice the QM7L's punchier color than they are the U7SG's higher brightness. (Impressively, the QM7L's color is right in line with what we measured on the more-expensive TCL QM8L.) It mostly depends on the content.

To my eyes, the QM7L does a slightly better job of upscaling sub-4K content than the U7SG, too.

Additionally, my colleague Sean Captain noted that the U7SG has a tendency to crush near-black shadow detail during select HDR content.

The added color and tighter contrast make the QM7L an all-around better performer, but it's worth noting just how close these TVs are in their presentation.

Winner: TCL QM7L

Hisense U7SG vs TCL QM7L: Smart platform and features

Both TVs are built around the Google TV streaming platform, and the software feels more or less the same on each set. Google TV is one of my preferred streaming platforms (just behind Roku), as navigation is relatively easy and it supports nearly every streaming service and app you could want.

In addition, the U7SG and QM7L both arrive with a similar set gaming features right out of the box. These features include Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (for smooth, tear-free gaming).

Each set supports 4K gaming at 120Hz, the highest 4K spec for current-generation consoles like Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the U7SG can stretch this to 165Hz with a gaming rig hooked up, while the QM7L can only reach 4K/144Hz.

Remember: The QM7L comes with just two HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs. In order to access any of these advanced gaming enhancements, you've got to use one of the QM7L's designated HDMI 2.1 ports. The U7SG, on the other hand, comes with four HDMI 2.1 inputs, which adds to its gaming prowess.

However, we've already settled this advantage when we were comparing these TVs' specs. In almost every other way that matters to the average viewer, the U7SG and QM7L are equals when it comes to features.

Winner: Draw

Hisense U7SG vs TCL QM7L: outlook

Here's some good news: Regardless of which of these mid-range TVs you pick, you'll be setting yourself up for terrific performance relative to price, as well as a thorough selection of features for gaming and streaming. As I see it, the choice comes down to price and performance.

At some size points, these TVs are priced similarly. The 65-inch Hisense U7SG is on sale for $899 at Best Buy right now, and the 65-inch TCL QM7L is just $899, too. However, from what I've gathered, the 65-inch U7SG is more likely to be on sale for this price, while the 65-inch QM7L has fluctuated in recent weeks between $899 and $1,199.

At the 55-inch size point, the TCL QM7L is currently $799, while the U7SG sits just below $700. If you're intent is to shop for a 55-inch screen, the U7SG is more likely to be cheaper, too.

But if you're looking for the best possible performance, my choice would be the QM7L across all size options. Its SQD-powered color can be a difference-maker during certain content.

Unless the U7SG's full slate of HDMI 2.1 inputs is essential to your setup, I suspect that most A/V enthusiasts would prefer the QM7L's excellent presentation.

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More from Tom's Guide

• Hisense U7SG review
• TCL QM7L review
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