TCL QM9K TV Review: The Brightest Google TV Yet — Now With Gemini Built-In

Forget the avalanche of 2025 TVs TCL’s QM9K isn’t just another screen; it’s a revolution. But the real headline isn’t dazzling visuals. TCL and Google have unleashed Gemini on Google TV, making the QM9K theworld’s firstTV with the mind-blowing power of Gemini baked right in. Prepare for a viewing experience like no other.

The picture blazes. Seriously, this thing throws light like it’s going out of style, putting even the Hisense U8QG I saw earlier this year in the shade. TCL boasts a peak brightness of 6,500 nits – retina-searing territory. Realistically, you’ll never crank it that high, but that insane headroom explains the TV’s slightly bulkier build. All that brightness needs serious cooling, and TCL isn’t messing around.

The TCL QM9K: a $1,999 gamble on a 65-inch screen (with behemoth 75", 85", and 98" options looming). Pricey? Absolutely. Promising? Undeniably. But does this flagship earn its keep, securing a coveted spot alongside the future QM6K, QM7K, and QM8K on next year’s "Best TVs" podium? Let’s dive in and see if the QM9K delivers a knockout punch or just a glancing blow to your wallet.

TCL QM9K TV

Rating

star

star_empty

star

$1,999

Google Gemini Turns TCL’s QM9K into the Smartest TV of 2025.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Incredibly bright picture without destroying picture quality
Google TV with Gemini
Built-in speakers from Bang & Olufsen are incredible
144Hz panel with broad VRR
ATSC 3.0 included

Cons

Two HDMI 2.1 ports only
High starting price
Quite thick, difficult for TV backlights with a camera

Disclaimer

Two months. That’s how long the TCL QM9K, a 65-inch behemoth of a screen, has dominated our viewing habits. TCL dropped this dazzling display at our doorstep, and we’ve been putting it through its paces ever since. Buckle up; this isn’t a sponsored spiel, and TCL hasn’t peeked at our thoughts before you’re reading them right now. Consider this your unvarnished look at the QM9K.

Buy from TCL

Buy from P.C. Richard and Son

Table of Contents

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TCL QM9K TV Specs
TCL QM9K TV Review: Design and Build Quality
TCL QM9K TV Review: Picture Quality
TCL QM9K TV Review: Sound
TCL QM9K TV Review: Software
Should you buy the TCL QM9K?

TCL QM9K TV Specs

TCL QM9K Specs

View Device Specs

TCL QM9K TV Review: Design and Build Quality

Forget bulky, awkward stands. The TCL QM9K embraces a minimalist pedestal, a design choice that’s refreshingly simple and, frankly, ingenious. This year’s TVs are trending this way, and for good reason. Setup is a breeze, and those slightly-too-small entertainment centers? Problem solved. Plus, it lends a clean, almost floating aesthetic that elevates the whole viewing experience.

The TV’s face is all 2025: slim, consistent bezels. But turn it sideways, and the story changes – substantial thickness. Think Hisense U8QG, a comparison I’ll be making often, given its status as the primary rival. While many TVs boast razor-thin profiles, even artfully tapered edges, these high-brightness displays demand more real estate for cooling. Even with that extra breathing room, both models can generate noticeable heat, though thankfully, not to the same degree as Samsung’s 8K behemoths.

Let’s be honest, the TV’s backside is a forgotten landscape. Sporting a checkerboard design, it’s a detail easily overlooked – I certainly did, despite owning it for months. The real story unfolds on the sides: a bustling port city. On one flank, you’ll find your connection hub: 4 HDMI ports (including 2 of the speedier 2.1 variety), alongside coaxial, a USB-A 2.0, a USB-A 3.0, and Ethernet. Power resides on the opposite side.

A quick heads-up for the ambient lighting enthusiasts out there: I’ve got the Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro clinging to the back of this TCL QM9K, camera and all, trying its best to mirror the on-screen action. Now, this TV is a beast, dimensionally speaking. The camera, bless its heart, struggles to get a decent view from atop the TV’s considerable bulk. Something to consider if you’re planning on adding a splash of color to your own QM9K setup.

That strip of light beneath your TV isn’t just for show; it’s the Gemini assistant, lurking even when the screen’s dark. Cool, right? Except it powers the dreaded Ambient Mode. Imagine this: you’re jolted awake by your iPhone alarm, and suddenly, your TV flicks on with a screensaver, even though you turned it off last night. It’s like your TV is mocking your sleep-deprived state. Thankfully, there’s a kill switch for this ambient annoyance buried in the settings. A true lifesaver.

The remote is harder to lose

TCL’s latest remote is a masterclass in subtle upgrades. Gone are the days of endlessly fishing between couch cushions. This redesigned remote boasts a more ergonomic, angled shape that practically begs to be held. Its clever design isn’t just about comfort; it’s about visibility. I’ve managed to misplace it only once – a self-inflicted wound from venturing to another room. Credit where it’s due, TCL: this remote is a game-changer for everyday TV enjoyment.

Forget cluttered remotes. This one’s a minimalist dream wrapped in brushed aluminum. The classic Google TV layout is instantly familiar, offering a comfortable directional pad, intuitive volume and channel controls, and, best of all, one-touch access to your streaming obsessions. YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix are literally at your fingertips. TCL cleverly elevates the everyday remote with a touch of premium design, without sacrificing any of its inherent user-friendliness.

Forget revolutionary. This remote is pure evolution. The subtly angled form melts into your hand, while premium materials whisper quality. The intuitive layout remains, banishing button-mashing frustration. This isn’t just a remote; it’s a command center that begs to be held, a sleek obsidian slab you’ll actuallywantto leave on the coffee table – not lost to the sofa abyss.

TCL QM9K TV Review: Picture Quality

The QM9K’s picture quality doesn’t just impress; it detonates expectations. This isn’t merely a great image; it’s a visual feast, a symphony of light and color orchestrated by QD-Mini LED technology. Prepare to be dazzled by blinding brightness, fathomless contrast, and colors so rich they practically drip off the screen. Details emerge with breathtaking clarity, revealing nuances you never knew existed. Even viewing from extreme angles, the picture remains stubbornly vibrant, refusing to surrender its captivating allure. Forget compromises; the QM9K delivers a consistently stunning visual experience, no matter where you sit.

I cranked up the brightness on this TV, and I haven’t looked back. My evenings are filled with shadowy dramas and films shrouded in darkness, and I refuse to miss a single detail. Even with the brightness blazing at 60-70%, the picture remains stunning. Honestly, the only difference I see is that Iactuallysee everything, crystal clear.

The QM9K has an incredible picture rich color, deep contrast, and brightness that rivals anything short of OLED.

Okay, here’s that rewrite:

This QD-Mini LED isn’t OLED, but don’t let that fool you – it’s stunning. In fact, it outshines many QD-OLEDs. Take the BRAVIA 8 II, a popular QD-OLED TV, for example. While its peak brightness isn’t advertised, tests put it around 1,600-2,000 nits. This TCL QM9K blows that away by a mile, offering three times the radiant intensity.

For breathtaking visuals that justify every penny of its $1,999 entry point, the TCL QM9K reigns supreme. If you crave a display where vibrant colors explode with unmatched luminosity, your search ends here.

TCL QM9K TV Review: Sound

Forget the soundbar. The TCL QM9K’s back panel hides a secret weapon: a Bang & Olufsen speaker system that redefines TV audio. For years, I’ve automatically reached for external speakers, a necessary evil given the tinny soundscapes of most TVs. The QM9K? A complete game changer. The thought of connecting my usual Dolby Atmos setup never even crossed my mind. This TV thumps. The bass is surprisingly deep, shaking the room even at high volumes, while the mids and highs remain pristine, even pushing past the 60% mark. Truthfully, you won’t even need to crank it that high to be fully immersed.

Immerse yourself in a symphony of sound. This TV doesn’t just offer audio; it unleashes a sonic arsenal. From the breathtaking realism of Dolby Atmos to the crisp clarity of Dolby Digital+, plus the reliable performance of Dolby Digital and PCM, prepare for an audio experience that’s not just comprehensive, it’s captivating.

These speakers? They’re your everyday companion, not a concert hall experience. If you’re chasing sonic perfection, you probably already have a meticulously curated sound system. But for everyone else? These will do the trick nicely.

TCL QM9K TV Review: Software

Picture and sound reign supreme in the TV world, but don’t underestimate the importance of smart software. I’ve wrestled with sluggish interfaces on TVs boasting top-tier displays, a casualty of manufacturers prioritizing picture processing over a snappy user experience. Thankfully, recent experiences have been much smoother. Take the QM6K, a staple in my living room for over half a year – not a single stutter. So, naturally, I approached its successor, the QM9K, with considerable anticipation, and I’m happy to report it delivered.

The Google TV experience remains largely unchanged, plastered with the familiar, unavoidable advertisement dominating the home screen – a constant reminder that Google TV prioritizes advertising above all else. Scroll down, however, and you’ll find your recently viewed shows and apps, nestled amongst personalized recommendations, waiting to be rediscovered.

TCL TV+ is here, and it’s your free ticket to hundreds of channels. Think Pluto TV, but pre-installed on your TCL device! Dive into a vast library of content, including many of the channels you already love on Pluto TV, all without reaching for another device. Consider it a built-in bonus, delivering endless entertainment right out of the box.

Amidst the Disney-YouTube TV drama, here’s a silver lining for QM9K owners: its secret weapon is an ATSC 3.0 tuner. Unleash NextGen TV channels, seamlessly blended with Google TV Freeplay and TCL’s free streaming buffet. Just plug in your antenna and prepare for a visual upgrade crisper, higher-resolution over-the-air broadcasts are headed your way.

Forget endless scrolling! The QM9K just dropped a bomb – Gemini, the AI co-pilot you first glimpsed at CES, is finally HERE. This isn’t just another voice assistant; it’s a content-curating genius. Imagine commanding, "Gemini, conjure up 80s martial arts flicks, Rotten Tomatoes score above 80%." Boom. Done. Craving more Ben Stiller? Just ask, and prepare for a personalized movie marathon, complete with viewing options. The QM9K isn’t just a TV; it’s your AI-powered portal to entertainment nirvana.

The QM9K is the first TV to launch with Gemini built in this is Google TV’s next big leap.

Imagine commanding your entire smart home with just your voice, straight from your Google TV. Gemini integration transforms your television into a central hub, effortlessly dimming lights or adjusting the thermostat. Beyond smart home control, Google TV now curates personalized news briefings right on your home screen. Ditch cable and still stay informed! YouTube and other sources deliver up-to-the-minute headlines directly to you. As a news junkie myself, I’m always plugged in, but this feature is a welcome addition for anyone seeking a streamlined news experience.

The agonizing truth? TV updates crawl at a snail’s pace. Predicting the next Google TV release is like reading tea leaves – a frustrating guessing game. Google’s track record of skipping versions only deepens the mystery.

Beyond Google TV, TCL rolls out the red carpet for your favorite streaming services. AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are baked right in, welcoming content from iOS and Android devices alike. Plus, command your entertainment empire with seamless voice control, thanks to built-in support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

Should you buy the TCL QM9K?

The TCL QM9K isn’t just a TV; it’s the embodiment of TCL’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Years of QD-Mini LED development, a commitment to value, and Google’s cutting-edge Gemini AI integration on Google TV converge in this one stunning display. Prepare to have your expectations shattered – this flagship redefines the pinnacle of high-end Google TV experiences.

Prepare to be dazzled. The QM9K doesn’t just display a picture; it explodes with one. Its breathtaking peak brightness, reaching a searing 6,500 nits, laughs in the face of even the sunniest rooms. HDR content isn’t just good; it’s transcendent. Blacks sink into inky depths that defy its non-OLED nature, and colors burst forth with a precision that blurs the line between screen and reality. This isn’t just a TV; it’s a portal. It challenges the reign of even the mighty Hisense U8QG and dares OLEDs to step into its blinding light.

Forget the soundbar. TCL, defying expectations, partnered with Bang & Olufsen to unleash a symphony from its speakers. In a world of thin, tinny TV audio, this is a sonic revelation. Prepare to be immersed in rich, resonating bass, crystal-clear dialogue, and a perfectly balanced soundscape that elevates your viewing experience. In 2025, that’s almost unheard of.

The QM9K transcends mere display status with Gemini integration, morphing into a dynamic hub. Imagine: summoning films by genre, obsessing over Rotten Tomatoes scores, or commanding your smart home all with your voice. News headlines flash across the screen, phone untouched. It’s a glimpse into tomorrow, a future where your TV anticipates your needs. This isn’t just a screen; it’s your personalized command center, poised to become the new normal.

Of course, there’s a catch. At $1,999 for the 65-inch, prepare to loosen your purse strings. TCL’s QM6K and QM7K still pack a punch for less if blinding brightness isn’t a must-have. And while the design might not turn heads, that beefy build is the price you pay for a retina-scorching 6,500-nit display.

Forget baby steps. The TCL QM9K doesn’t just tiptoe into the future of Google TVs; it blasts through the door. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a rebirth, harmonizing raw power, immersive audio, intuitive software, and genuine innovation into a singular, stunning experience. Prepare to be blinded in the best way possible by its audacious brightness and captivated by its intelligence, which finally delivers on the promise of a truly smart TV.

Forget flagship prices. Feast your eyes on the TCL, the reigning 4K champ of 2025. It’s not just bright; it’s a portal to the future of Google TV.

You should buy it if:

You need a bright TV.
You don’t want to use or don’t have a soundbar.
You want Gemini on your TV.
You want a great picture quality at a non-outrageous price.

You should not buy it if:

You want to save some money – the TCL QM6K and QM7K are both great, cheaper options.
You don’t care about Gemini.

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