VIZIO 50-inch MQX-Series 4K 120Hz QLED HDR10+ Smart TV with Dolby Vision, M50QXM-K01 Review

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Design and Build Quality
The design of the VIZIO MQX-Series is sleek and modern, with slim bezels and a sturdy build that gives it a premium look. Its minimalist design is versatile and fits into most living spaces, whether mounted on the wall or placed on a stand. The TV's build quality feels robust despite its affordable pricing, and the stand is stable enough to support the 50-inch display.
At 50 inches, the TV is perfect for medium-sized living rooms or entertainment setups. The back panel includes multiple ports for connectivity, and its relatively thin profile makes it ideal for users looking for a modern and elegant setup.
Display and Picture Quality
One of the standout features of the MQX-Series is its QLED (Quantum Dot) display, which enhances brightness and color vibrancy. Quantum Dot technology produces a wider color gamut, offering rich, saturated colors that are especially noticeable in bright scenes. Combined with 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160), the picture is sharp and detailed, making it ideal for movies, shows, and video games.
The TV also supports a variety of high dynamic range formats, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. This gives the TV excellent contrast and enhanced brightness, particularly in HDR content. The Active Full Array local dimming ensures deeper blacks and better contrast in dark scenes, making for a more immersive viewing experience. This is especially noticeable in movies with dark or moody lighting, where the black levels are rich and detailed without losing shadow detail.
For gamers, the 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz motion clarity at 1080p make this TV stand out. The high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, reducing motion blur in fast-paced scenes, while the 240Hz at 1080p is particularly beneficial for PC gamers who prioritize frame rates over resolution. The Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync Premium further enhance gaming performance by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. The low input lag is another bonus for competitive gaming.
Smart Features and User Interface
The TV runs on VIZIO’s SmartCast platform, providing access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast are built-in, allowing users to easily stream content from their smartphones or laptops. The addition of WiFi 6E ensures faster, more reliable internet connectivity, which is particularly important for streaming 4K content or gaming.
The voice remote is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, enabling voice control for a hands-free experience. However, SmartCast has historically been slower than competitors like Roku or Google TV, and users might find occasional sluggishness when navigating menus or switching apps.
Sound Quality
While the MQX-Series excels in picture quality, the sound performance is average. The built-in speakers are sufficient for casual viewing, offering clear dialogue, but they lack depth and bass. For an immersive audio experience, pairing the TV with a soundbar or external speaker system is recommended. The inclusion of HDMI eARC makes it easy to connect high-quality audio equipment for better sound performance.
Connectivity and Ports
The VIZIO M50QXM-K01 offers a robust set of connectivity options. It comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports eARC for audio passthrough, making it compatible with the latest gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The TV also includes USB, Ethernet, and optical audio outputs, along with support for Bluetooth.
The inclusion of WiFi 6E ensures faster internet speeds, better handling of high-bandwidth content, and more reliable connections for streaming 4K content without buffering.
Conclusion
The VIZIO 50-inch MQX-Series 4K 120Hz QLED Smart TV is an excellent option for users who want a high-quality TV with advanced gaming features and smart capabilities at an affordable price. Its Quantum Dot technology, HDR10+ support, and 120Hz refresh rate deliver outstanding picture quality, while the inclusion of WiFi 6E, AirPlay, and Chromecast make it highly versatile for streaming and smart home integration. However, the built-in speakers are underwhelming, and the SmartCast interface can be sluggish at times.
Positive Points:
4K UHD resolution with Quantum Dot technology for vibrant colors
Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG for superior contrast and brightness
120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz motion clarity for smooth gaming performance
WiFi 6E ensures faster and more stable streaming
HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC for high-quality audio and next-gen gaming
Built-in Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, and voice control compatibility
Negative Points:
Average built-in speakers, better with an external sound system
SmartCast platform can be slower compared to competitors
Limited brightness in certain HDR content, especially in well-lit rooms