VIZIO M50QXM-K01 QLED Smart TV review 2023 4K gaming and streaming performance

Description

Immersive DESIGN and Display Quality

The VIZIO 50-inch Quantum Pro 4K Smart TV (M50QXM-K01) immediately caught my attention with its sleek, minimalist black frame that blends seamlessly into any space. At 50 inches, the screen size feels just right—not overwhelmingly large, but substantial enough to make a cinematic experience possible in my living room. The Quantum Color technology delivers over 1 billion colors, and honestly, I didn’t expect the colors to pop this much. The details are crisp, and even darker scenes benefit from the Active Full Array Backlight and local dimming. Watching a nature documentary on this screen felt like I was peering through a window into a rainforest. With 1,000 nits of peak brightness, I noticed the image stayed vibrant even during the daytime with sunlight streaming into the room.

I also appreciated the 16:9 aspect ratio and the HDR10+ compatibility. These features definitely elevate the viewing experience, especially when paired with Dolby Vision HDR. The contrast between shadows and highlights in movies like “Blade Runner 2049” was breathtaking. However, I did notice that the stand takes up more space than I expected, so wall-mounting might be a better option for some.

PERFORMANCE and Gaming Features

As someone who enjoys gaming, the 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution and 240Hz at 1080p are incredible. Playing fast-paced games like “Call of Duty” felt smooth and responsive. The AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification ensures there’s no screen tearing or stuttering, making gameplay truly immersive. I tested this with my gaming PC and could push it to its limits with no noticeable lag or compromise in quality.

Another standout is the WiFi 6E compatibility. Streaming games directly felt quicker, and I didn’t experience buffering even when multiple devices were connected to the network. It’s a small detail, but for gamers like me, it’s a game-changer (pun intended). That said, the built-in speakers, though decent, don’t quite match the visuals in terms of quality. If you’re gaming or watching action movies, you might want to pair this TV with a good soundbar.

SMART FEATURES and Usability

The built-in VIZIO OS is intuitive and user-friendly. I didn’t have to fiddle around much to find my favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. The inclusion of the WatchFree+ app was a pleasant surprise, offering access to hundreds of free channels and on-demand titles. Setting up a VIZIO account is necessary to unlock the full potential of the Smart TV features, which I initially found slightly annoying, but it’s manageable.

In terms of connectivity, the Bluetooth headphone capability was a feature I didn’t know I needed until I used it. I paired my wireless headphones to watch late-night shows without disturbing the rest of the household. It worked flawlessly. On the downside, navigating with the voice remote took some getting used to. While it’s functional, it doesn’t feel as responsive as some of the remotes I’ve used with other smart TVs.

Plus Points

• Quantum Color technology delivers over 1 billion colors with stunning accuracy.
• 120Hz and 240Hz refresh rates ensure smooth gameplay and media streaming.
• WiFi 6E compatibility provides faster, more reliable internet connections.
• Built-in VIZIO OS with access to apps and free streaming channels.
• Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ enhance image quality significantly.

Adverse Aspects

• The built-in speakers don’t match the visual quality and can feel underwhelming.
• The stand design is bulky, making it less ideal for smaller surfaces.
• The voice remote could be more responsive and user-friendly.

Competing Products

In the world of 50-inch QLED TVs, a few names stand out as competitors. The Samsung Q60B, for example, offers vibrant colors and similar HDR capabilities. However, the VIZIO outshines it with its higher refresh rate for gaming and WiFi 6E support, which the Samsung lacks. On the other hand, LG’s NanoCell 90 series provides superior upscaling for older content, but it falls slightly short on brightness compared to the 1,000 nits peak brightness of this model.

Another contender is TCL’s 6-Series, which is known for its affordability and Dolby Vision support. While TCL provides great value, its operating system doesn’t feel as polished as the VIZIO OS. However, TCL’s sound system might give it an edge over this TV’s somewhat average speakers.

Cost Efficiency

Considering the features packed into this TV, the price-to-quality ratio is impressive. The Quantum Color technology, gaming-oriented refresh rates, and smart features make it a strong contender for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup. While the initial investment might seem steep, the performance and versatility justify the cost. For gamers, movie buffs, or even casual viewers, this TV offers a lot without breaking the bank. If you’re after true value in your next big electronics purchase, this model definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Additional information