VIZIO 43-Inch Quantum 4K QLED Smart TV review for Gaming and HDR Performance

Description

An Exceptional Entertainment Upgrade with the VIZIO 43-Inch Quantum 4K QLED Smart TV Bundle

The VIZIO 43-Inch Quantum 4K QLED Smart TV (Model VQD43M-0801) delivers a viewing experience that feels like stepping into a new dimension. With its Quantum Color Technology and Dolby Vision HDR10+, every frame on the screen practically bursts with life. I’ve tested it extensively, from gaming marathons to movie nights, and it has reshaped how I consume content. The bundle also comes with thoughtful extras, such as a 12-month CPS Protection Plan and a screen cleaner with microfiber cloth, which makes it feel like a complete entertainment package. That said, there are some nuances worth discussing, both good and bad.

Design and Build Quality: A Sleek and Modern Look

The bezel-less design of this TV is a standout feature. It blends seamlessly into my living room, whether on a stand or mounted on the wall. The 37.74 x 3.38 x 22.23-inch dimensions make it compact yet substantial, and at 25.4 pounds, it’s sturdy without being cumbersome. While unboxing, I appreciated the high-quality build materials, which feel durable and premium. However, if you’re someone who prefers a swivel stand, you’ll need to get a separate mount, as the included stand is fixed.

Picture Quality: Color and Contrast at Its Best

This TV’s Quantum Color Technology is a game-changer. The promise of “over a billion vibrant colors” isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s real. Watching visually rich content like nature documentaries or animated movies is nothing short of breathtaking. The Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG support elevate the contrast and brightness levels, making every scene pop with detail. Even in darker scenes, the blacks are deep without losing subtleties in the shadows. I did notice, though, that the brightness could sometimes feel slightly overwhelming in rooms with minimal lighting. Thankfully, you can tweak the settings to suit your preferences.

Gaming Performance: A Dream for Gamers

As a gamer, I was thrilled to test the 120fps capability at 1080p and the HDMI Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Whether playing fast-paced shooters or immersive RPGs, the gameplay felt buttery smooth. The low-latency performance ensures quick response times, which is crucial for competitive gaming. With multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, I was able to connect both my gaming console and PC without constantly switching cables. The only thing I wished for was native support for 4K gaming at 120fps, but for most users, the current setup is more than sufficient.

Smart Features and Connectivity: Seamless Integration

The WiFi 6 compatibility made streaming content a breeze, even on high-traffic networks. I tested the Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast features to share content from my phone, and they worked flawlessly. The built-in Bluetooth 5.2 allowed me to pair my wireless headphones easily, which was perfect for late-night binge-watching. Alexa compatibility added another layer of convenience, though the voice recognition occasionally struggled with complex commands. For a truly hands-free experience, you might need to repeat commands or enunciate clearly.

Highlights

• Quantum Color Technology delivers vivid, lifelike visuals.
• Supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, for stunning contrast.
• 120fps gaming ready with HDMI VRR for ultra-smooth performance.
• WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Apple AirPlay 2 ensure seamless connectivity.
• Includes thoughtful extras like a 12-month CPS Protection Plan and a screen cleaner.

Areas of Improvement

• Brightness levels can feel intense in dimly lit rooms.
• No swivel stand included in the package.
• Voice recognition for Alexa could be more intuitive.

Competing Brands

When comparing this TV to Samsung’s Q60B QLED TV or LG’s NanoCell series, it holds its ground impressively. Samsung’s offering has slightly better upscaling for non-4K content, but it comes at a noticeably higher price point. LG’s NanoCell models are comparable in terms of picture quality, but they lack the same level of gaming features that the VIZIO Quantum TV excels at. Where this TV truly shines is its bundle value, including the protection plan and accessories, which its competitors often don’t provide.

Worth Every Penny

The pricing of this TV is highly competitive. While I won’t mention exact numbers, I can confidently say that it offers tremendous value for its features. The inclusion of a 12-month CPS Protection Plan adds peace of mind, making the investment feel even more worthwhile. Given its performance in gaming, streaming, and day-to-day use, it punches well above its weight in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Every aspect of this TV, from its Quantum Color Technology to its smart connectivity options, has been designed with the user in mind. It strikes a balance between performance and practicality, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their entertainment setup.

Additional information