VIZIO 50-inch QLED TV M50QXM-K01 review 4K HDR10+ gaming and streaming insights

Description

Unpacking the VIZIO M50QXM-K01: A 50-inch Quantum Pro 4K Smart TV

I recently had the opportunity to test out the VIZIO M50QXM-K01, and I must say, this 50-inch Quantum Pro 4K QLED Smart TV is packed with features designed to elevate your viewing experience. From Dolby Vision HDR to WiFi 6E connectivity, it’s clear that this TV was engineered with both entertainment enthusiasts and gamers in mind. That said, there are a few things I noticed worth mentioning, both good and not-so-great.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the sleek black finish and minimalist frame of this model stand out. Measuring 43.81 x 26.71 inches, it feels compact yet substantial, fitting perfectly in my living room without overwhelming the space. The Active Full Array backlighting ensures every corner of the screen looks vibrant, even when viewed from extreme angles. The built-in stand is stable, but I personally found it a bit bulky compared to competitors. Wall-mounting this TV might be the better option for a cleaner setup.

What I appreciated most was the intuitive design of the voice remote. It’s lightweight, responsive, and makes navigating the VIZIO OS a breeze. The shortcut buttons for streaming apps were a nice touch, though I wish more customization options were available for these.

Picture Quality: A Feast for the Eyes

This TV’s Quantum Color QLED technology delivers over 1 billion colors, and let me tell you, the difference is noticeable. Watching nature documentaries felt almost lifelike, with Dolby Vision HDR enhancing every shadow and highlight. The Active Full Array with local dimming creates a stellar contrast ratio, and the 1,000 nits peak brightness adds a level of clarity that’s hard to ignore.

For gaming, the 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p was a game-changer. Paired with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, the gameplay felt buttery smooth with no noticeable screen tearing. On the downside, I did notice that while the TV excels in well-lit environments, darker scenes in movies sometimes lacked the depth I’ve seen in higher-end OLED models.

Upsides

• Exceptional color reproduction with Quantum Color QLED technology.
• Gaming-focused features like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and 120fps at 4K resolution.
• Dolby Vision HDR10+ support, making movies and shows look cinematic.
• WiFi 6E connectivity, ensuring faster, lag-free streaming.
• Built-in VIZIO OS with access to hundreds of free channels and apps.

Audio Performance

The built-in speakers are decent but not mind-blowing. 10 watts of power is enough for casual viewing, but if you’re an audiophile, you’ll want to pair this with a soundbar or surround system. While watching action-packed films, I noticed the bass lacked depth, and the soundstage felt confined. However, the Bluetooth headphone capability is a nice feature for late-night binge sessions without disturbing the household.

Areas for Improvement

• Audio output feels underwhelming for a TV of this caliber.
• The stand design is functional but not aesthetically pleasing for everyone.
• Some blooming issues in darker scenes with bright highlights.

Competing Products

When comparing this model to similar TVs, the Samsung Q60B QLED and LG NanoCell 85 come to mind. The Samsung Q60B offers slightly better audio performance and a sleeker stand design, but it lacks the gaming-focused features like 240Hz at 1080p. On the other hand, LG NanoCell 85 provides comparable color accuracy, but its HDR performance doesn’t quite match the 1,000 nits peak brightness of the VIZIO model. For gamers, the VIZIO M50QXM-K01 edges out both competitors thanks to its AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification.

True Value

When considering the price-to-quality ratio, this TV offers a lot for its cost. The combination of Quantum Color technology, Dolby Vision HDR, and WiFi 6E connectivity makes it a solid choice for those who want premium features without breaking the bank. While it might not match up to high-end OLEDs in some areas, the gaming performance and intuitive smart features make it a strong contender in the mid-range category.

To sum up my experience, this TV is a fantastic option for gamers and casual viewers alike. The color brilliance, smooth motion handling, and advanced connectivity make it an attractive package. Sure, there are a few minor flaws, but they don’t overshadow the overall performance of this feature-packed QLED Smart TV.

Additional information