TCL Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV Detailed Review With Pros and Cons

TCL Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV Detailed Review

The TCL Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV is an impressive offering in the mid-range television market, boasting a blend of advanced features, solid performance, and competitive pricing. As a part of TCL’s QLED lineup, the Q651G aims to provide an enhanced viewing experience with superior picture quality, a wide array of smart functionalities, and robust build quality. This comprehensive review will delve into each aspect of the TCL Q651G, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, to help you make an informed decision.

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Unboxing and Package Contents

Unboxing Experience

The unboxing experience of the TCL Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV is straightforward and satisfying, reflecting the brand's attention to detail and customer experience. The TV is securely packaged to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

Pros:

Secure Packaging: The TV is well-protected with foam inserts and plastic wrapping to prevent any damage during transit.
Ease of Access: The packaging is designed for easy access, allowing you to unpack the TV without hassle.

Cons:

Bulkiness: The package can be quite bulky, especially for larger models, making it a bit challenging to handle alone.

Package Contents

Inside the box, you will find:

TCL Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV: The main unit, available in various sizes (43", 50", 55", 65", and 75").
Stand Assembly: Includes two legs or a center stand, depending on the size of the TV.
Remote Control: Ergonomic remote with batteries included.
Power Cable: Standard power cord for connecting the TV to an outlet.
User Manual: Comprehensive guide to help with setup and operation.
Warranty Card: Information regarding the manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros:

Comprehensive Inclusions: All necessary components are included, ensuring you have everything needed for setup.
User Manual: The detailed manual makes the setup process easy even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Cons:

No HDMI Cable: An HDMI cable is not included, which is a minor inconvenience for users who might need one for their devices.

Design and Build Quality

Design

The TCL Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV sports a modern and sleek design that can easily blend into any living room decor. It features slim bezels that maximize the viewing area, giving it a premium look.

Pros:

Slim Bezels: Enhances the viewing experience by minimizing distractions and offering a more immersive feel.
Stylish Stand Options: Depending on the size, the TV comes with either two legs or a central stand, both designed to provide stability and aesthetics.

Cons:

Plastic Components: While the design is sleek, some parts are made of plastic, which might not feel as premium as metal components.

Build Quality

The build quality of the TCL Q651G is solid, with a sturdy frame that ensures durability. The materials used, while mostly plastic, are of good quality and provide a robust feel.

Pros:

Sturdy Construction: The TV feels solid and well-built, ensuring it can withstand regular use.
Durable Stand: The stand options are both stable and stylish, providing good support for the TV.

Cons:

Weight: The TV, especially larger models, can be quite heavy, making installation a two-person job.

Display and Picture Quality

Display Specifications

The TCL Q651G features a 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and employs Quantum Dot LED (QLED) technology, which enhances color accuracy and brightness.

Pros:

4K Resolution: Delivers sharp and detailed images, enhancing the viewing experience.
QLED Technology: Provides richer colors and higher brightness levels compared to traditional LED TVs.

Cons:

60Hz Refresh Rate: While adequate for most uses, it may not be ideal for high-end gaming or fast-paced sports.

Picture Quality

The picture quality of the TCL Q651G is impressive, thanks to its support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. These technologies enhance the contrast and color accuracy, making the images more lifelike.

Pros:

Wide Color Gamut: The TV supports a wide color gamut, delivering vibrant and true-to-life colors.
HDR Support: Enhances the contrast and dynamic range, providing deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Full Array Local Dimming: Improves the contrast ratio by dimming specific zones of the screen.

Cons:

Viewing Angles: The picture quality can degrade when viewed from extreme angles, a common issue with many LCD-based displays.

Audio Performance

Built-In Speakers

The TCL Q651G is equipped with built-in stereo speakers that provide a decent audio experience for everyday use.

Pros:

Dolby Audio and DTS-HD: These audio technologies enhance the sound quality, making it more immersive.
Clear Dialogue: The speakers deliver clear dialogue, which is crucial for movies and TV shows.

Cons:

Bass Performance: The built-in speakers may lack deep bass, which can affect the overall audio experience for music and action-packed scenes.

Audio Output Options

For those looking to enhance their audio experience, the TCL Q651G offers several output options, including HDMI ARC, Optical Out, and Bluetooth audio.

Pros:

Multiple Output Options: Provides flexibility in connecting external sound systems.
Bluetooth Audio: Allows for wireless connection to Bluetooth-enabled speakers and headphones.

Cons:

External Sound System Needed: To achieve a truly immersive audio experience, an external sound system is recommended.

Connectivity

Ports and Inputs

The TCL Q651G is equipped with a variety of ports and inputs to cater to different devices and connectivity needs.

Pros:

HDMI Ports: Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and other devices.
USB Ports: Several USB ports for media playback and peripheral connections.
Ethernet Port: For a stable and fast wired internet connection.
Antenna/Cable Input: Allows for connection to traditional cable TV or an over-the-air antenna.

Cons:

Limited HDMI 2.1 Features: While the TV has HDMI 2.1 ports, it may not support all features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

Wireless Connectivity

The TCL Q651G supports dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity.

Pros:

Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Provides stable and fast internet connectivity for streaming and online gaming.
Bluetooth 5.0: Ensures reliable wireless connection to various devices, such as speakers and headphones.

Cons:

Wi-Fi Range: The Wi-Fi performance can vary based on the distance from the router and the number of connected devices.

Smart Features

Operating System

The TCL Q651G runs on TCL’s Smart TV platform, offering an intuitive interface and a wide range of apps and features.

Pros:

User-Friendly Interface: The operating system is easy to navigate, making it simple to find and launch apps.
Regular Updates: TCL provides regular updates to ensure the system remains secure and up-to-date.

Cons:

App Availability: While the platform supports many popular apps, some niche applications may be missing.

Voice Control

The TV is integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing for hands-free control.

Pros:

Voice Commands: Enables users to control the TV and other smart home devices using voice commands.
Multiple Assistants: Provides flexibility in choosing between Google Assistant and Alexa.

Cons:

Voice Recognition: Voice recognition can sometimes be hit-or-miss, depending on the ambient noise and user accent.

Streaming Services

The TCL Q651G comes pre-installed with popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.

Pros:

Wide Range of Apps: Access to a broad selection of streaming services, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Easy Setup: Pre-installed apps make it easy to start streaming right away.

Cons:

App Performance: Some apps may experience occasional slowdowns or crashes, depending on the network connection.

Casting and Screen Mirroring

The TV supports both Chromecast and AirPlay, making it easy to cast content from mobile devices.

Pros:

Seamless Casting: Allows for easy content sharing from smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Compatibility: Works with both Android and iOS devices.

Cons:

Latency Issues: Screen mirroring may experience slight latency, which can be noticeable during fast-paced content.

Gaming Features

Gaming Mode

The TCL Q651G features a dedicated gaming mode that optimizes the settings for a better gaming experience.

Pros:

Low Input Lag: Reduces input lag, providing a more responsive gaming experience.
Optimized Settings: Adjusts the picture settings to enhance the visuals during gameplay.

Cons:

60Hz Refresh Rate: While sufficient for most games, it may not be ideal for high-end, fast-paced gaming.

HDMI 2.1 Features

The TV is equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, offering enhanced gaming features.

Pros:

Future-Proofing: Ensures compatibility with the latest gaming consoles and features.
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC): Provides better audio quality for connected devices.

Cons:

Limited Support: Not all HDMI 2.1 features, like VRR and ALLM, may be fully supported.

Energy Efficiency

Certification

The TCL Q651G is Energy Star certified, indicating that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Pros:

Energy Star Certified: Ensures the TV uses less power, saving on electricity bills.
Eco-Friendly: Reduces environmental impact by consuming less energy.

Cons:

Power Consumption in HDR Mode: Energy consumption may increase when using HDR or high brightness settings.

Power Consumption

The TV is designed to minimize power consumption without compromising performance.

Pros:

Efficient Performance: Balances power usage and performance effectively.
Power-Saving Modes: Includes features like automatic standby and power-saving modes to further reduce consumption.

Cons:

Brightness Levels: Energy-saving modes may reduce brightness levels, affecting picture quality.

Additional Features

Parental Controls

The TCL Q651G includes built-in parental control features, allowing parents to manage content accessibility.

Pros:

Content Filters: Enables parents to restrict access to certain content based on ratings.
Time Limits: Allows setting time limits for TV usage, promoting healthier viewing habits.

Cons:

Complex Setup: Initial setup of parental controls can be somewhat complex for non-tech-savvy users.

Remote Features

The included remote control is ergonomic and provides quick access to key functions.

Pros:

Ergonomic Design: Comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Quick Access Buttons: Dedicated buttons for popular streaming services for faster access.

Cons:

Button Layout: Some users may find the button layout to be less intuitive.

Pricing

The TCL Q651G is competitively priced, offering good value for the features it provides. Pricing varies based on screen size:

43-inch model: Approximately $399.
50-inch model: Approximately $499.
55-inch model: Approximately $599.
65-inch model: Approximately $799.
75-inch model: Approximately $1,099.

Pros:

Affordable Pricing: Offers a range of advanced features at a competitive price point.
Value for Money: Provides excellent value for the money, considering the picture quality and smart features.

Cons:

Price Variations: Prices may vary based on promotions, sales, and regional differences.

Summary with Overall Pros and Cons

Overall Pros

Exceptional Picture Quality: Thanks to QLED technology and HDR support, the TV delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts.
Wide Range of Smart Features: Integrated with popular streaming services, voice control, and casting capabilities.
Solid Build Quality: Sturdy construction with a sleek design that enhances any living room decor.
Affordable: Competitive pricing for the features and performance it offers.
Energy Efficient: Energy Star certified, ensuring lower power consumption.

Overall Cons

60Hz Refresh Rate: May not be ideal for high-end gaming or fast-paced sports.
Sound Quality: Built-in speakers may not provide deep bass, requiring an external sound system for the best audio experience.
Viewing Angles: Picture quality can degrade when viewed from extreme angles.
Wi-Fi Performance: Wi-Fi range and performance can vary depending on the setup and network environment.
App Performance: Some streaming apps may experience occasional slowdowns or crashes.

Final Verdict

The TCL Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV is a well-rounded television that offers excellent value for money. Its combination of high-quality display, smart features, and robust build makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of users. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as the 60Hz refresh rate and sound quality, these are outweighed by its numerous strengths. Whether you are a movie buff, a casual gamer, or someone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup, the TCL Q651G is a worthy contender that delivers a premium experience without breaking the bank.