VIZIO M-Series 65-Inch 4K QLED Smart TV review with Dolby Vision and AMD FreeSync

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The VIZIO M-Series 65-Inch 4K QLED Smart TV (M65Q6-J09) immediately impressed me with its modern aesthetic and slim profile. Its black finish and minimalist build seamlessly blend into any living room setup. I personally loved how the 65-inch screen size felt just right—not overwhelmingly large but still immersive enough for movie nights or gaming sessions. The 16:9 aspect ratio is standard, but the overall design manages to feel fresh and premium. Despite its size, the TV is surprisingly lightweight and was easy to mount. However, the stand provided in the box works well if you’re not into wall-mounting.

What stood out to me was the full-array backlight, which ensures that the screen brightness is evenly distributed. It’s a detail that might go unnoticed until you switch to a TV with uneven lighting. This feature truly elevates the viewing experience.

Exceptional Picture Quality with Quantum Color

As someone who watches a lot of 4K content, I was blown away by this TV’s Quantum Color technology. With over a billion hues of vibrant colors, the picture quality is nothing short of cinematic. Watching nature documentaries felt surreal; the greens and blues were so vivid, and the details were crystal clear. The 4K Ultra HD resolution (over eight million pixels) delivers breathtaking detail—seriously, you can see every strand of fur on an animal.

The Dolby Vision HDR in combination with the HDR10+ support takes things up a notch. I tested it with some HDR-compatible movies, and the difference in color saturation, black detail, and brightness was phenomenal. The Dolby Vision Bright Mode optimizes the visuals further, ensuring lifelike accuracy. Even darker scenes—usually a weak spot for many TVs—looked rich and detailed. However, in very brightly lit rooms, I noticed some glare, but that might be the case with most screens of this size.

Gaming Performance Like Never Before

Gaming on this TV is a dream. The V-Gaming Engine, equipped with Auto Game Mode and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), ensures smooth and responsive gameplay. I tried it with my console, and the ultra-low input lag was immediately noticeable. The addition of AMD FreeSync eliminated any screen tearing, which is crucial for fast-paced games.

One thing that caught my attention was the gaming menu—a handy feature that lets you tweak settings for an optimal gaming experience. If you’re a gamer like me, you’ll appreciate how this TV caters to both casual and serious players. On the downside, hardcore gamers might find that while the TV supports VRR, it doesn’t match the peak performance of some high-end gaming monitors. But considering this is a TV and not a dedicated monitor, it does an excellent job.

Smart Features and Ease of Use

Navigating through the TV’s features was a breeze, thanks to the VIZIO IQ Active Processor. This processor doesn’t just improve picture quality but also ensures a faster experience when browsing through apps. The SmartCast platform is packed with built-in apps, including all the popular streaming services. I also loved that it supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, making it easy to stream content directly from my smartphone.

The voice remote was a hit in my household. It’s intuitive and works well with Alexa compatibility, allowing me to control the TV hands-free. I also tested the Bluetooth headphone capability and found it super convenient for late-night viewing without disturbing others. However, the interface can occasionally lag when switching between certain apps, which might annoy some users.

Key Benefits

• Quantum Color technology for vibrant and cinematic visuals.
• Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, enhancing color and detail.
• V-Gaming Engine with VRR and ultra-low input lag for gamers.
• User-friendly SmartCast platform with a wide selection of built-in apps.
• Voice remote and Bluetooth headphone compatibility for added convenience.

Areas for Improvement

• Glare issues in brightly lit rooms.
• Occasional interface lag while navigating apps.
• While great for gaming, it might not fully replace dedicated gaming monitors.

Product Comparisons

I compared this TV to some other 65-inch QLED TVs like Samsung’s Q60A and TCL’s 6-Series. Samsung’s model has slightly better motion handling and a more polished interface, but it comes at a higher price point. TCL’s 6-Series is a close competitor with excellent HDR support but lacks some of the gaming-specific features like AMD FreeSync. In my experience, the VIZIO M-Series strikes an ideal balance between price, performance, and features. The full-array backlight and Quantum Color technology give it an edge in picture quality over TCL, while its gaming features are more robust than Samsung’s.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering all the features packed into this TV, I’d say it offers excellent value for its price range. You’re getting a 4K QLED display, Dolby Vision HDR, and robust gaming performance at a fraction of the price of high-end models. While it may not have the finesse of some flagship TVs, it provides most of the premium features without breaking the bank. For anyone looking for an affordable yet powerful TV, this is a smart choice.

Additional information