TCL 6-Series QLED TV (65") vs LG 50UN7300PUA: Which TV Should You Buy?
The TCL 6-Series QLED TV (65") is the clear winner in this head-to-head matchup. With its vibrant QLED panel, impressive contrast, Dolby Vision HDR support, and feature-packed Roku TV platform, it outperforms the LG 50UN7300PUA across nearly every critical category. While the LG offers a more compact 50-inch footprint and the simplicity of webOS, it simply cannot match the TCL's picture performance or overall value. If you're shopping for a mid-range TV that delivers premium-like results without the premium price, the TCL 6-Series is the obvious choice.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | TCL 6-Series QLED (65R635) | LG 50UN7300PUA |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 65 inches | 50 inches |
| Panel Type | QLED with Full Array Local Dimming | Standard LED (IPS) |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG (No Dolby Vision) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz native (with VRR) | 60Hz |
| Smart Platform | Roku TV | webOS |
| HDMI Ports | 4 (3 HDMI 2.0, 1 ARC) | 3 (2 HDMI 2.0, 1 ARC) |
| HDMI 2.1 | No | No |
| Peak Brightness | ~600 nits | ~350 nits |
| Audio | Built-in 2.1 with Dolby Atmos support | Built-in stereo with AI Sound |
| Price Range (at launch) | $650–$800 | $450–$550 |
Picture Quality: QLED Dominance
The most striking difference between these two TVs is picture performance, and here the TCL 6-Series delivers a knockout blow. Its QLED panel combined with full-array local dimming produces deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and far more vibrant colors than the LG's basic IPS LED panel. While the LG 50UN7300PUA offers decent viewing angles thanks to its IPS technology, it suffers from washed-out blacks and limited dynamic range that become painfully obvious in darker rooms or during nighttime viewing.
In real-world testing, the TCL routinely hits peak brightness levels around 600 nits, making HDR content pop with genuine impact. Scenes from movies like "The Mandalorian" reveal intricate shadow details and bright specular highlights that the LG simply cannot reproduce. The inclusion of Dolby Vision on the TCL further elevates the experience, dynamically adjusting tone mapping frame by frame for superior results. The LG, limited to HDR10 and HLG, feels flat and uninspiring by comparison. If picture quality is your top priority—and for most buyers it should be—the TCL 6-Series is in a completely different league.
Smart TV Platform and Features
Beyond raw picture quality, the TCL's Roku TV platform gives it another decisive edge. The interface is lightning-fast, incredibly intuitive, and packed with virtually every streaming app imaginable. Voice control via Roku's excellent remote feels natural, and the platform receives consistent updates that keep the TV feeling fresh years after purchase. The TCL also includes more HDMI ports, making it easier to connect multiple devices without constantly swapping cables.
The LG 50UN7300PUA runs on webOS, which isn't bad but feels noticeably less polished. Navigation can be clunky, app selection is slightly more limited, and the Magic Remote, while innovative, often requires more learning than Roku's straightforward clicker. The LG does include some AI processing features that attempt to upscale lower-resolution content, but these rarely deliver meaningful improvements and sometimes introduce unwanted artifacts. Both TVs unfortunately lack HDMI 2.1 ports, so serious gamers won't get variable refresh rate or ALLM on either set—though the TCL's 120Hz panel still offers smoother motion handling than the LG's 60Hz display.
Design, Sound, and Everyday Usability
Design-wise, the TCL 6-Series boasts a more modern, minimalist look with slim bezels that help it blend into living rooms better than the somewhat dated styling of the LG. At 65 inches, the TCL provides a significantly more immersive viewing experience, though buyers with smaller rooms or specific space constraints might prefer the LG's 50-inch size. Sound performance is adequate on both but nothing extraordinary—the TCL edges ahead with its built-in 2.1 channel setup and better Dolby Atmos passthrough support.
Neither TV will replace a dedicated soundbar, but the TCL's audio is fuller and less likely to distort at higher volumes. The LG's AI Sound processing tries to create a virtual surround effect but often sounds artificial. In terms of smart home integration, both work with Alexa and Google Assistant, but Roku's broader compatibility and simpler setup give the TCL another practical advantage for most households.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the TCL 6-Series QLED TV (65") if:
- You want the best possible picture quality in this price range
- You prioritize HDR performance and vibrant colors
- You value a fast, intuitive smart TV interface with maximum app support
- You're looking for the most future-proof mid-range option available
- You have a larger room that can accommodate a 65-inch screen
Buy the LG 50UN7300PUA if:
- You need a smaller TV for a bedroom, kitchen, or tight space
- You prefer the webOS interface and LG's ecosystem
- You're on an extremely tight budget and mainly watch daytime TV
- Wide viewing angles are critical for your seating arrangement
For the vast majority of buyers, these scenarios strongly favor the TCL. The LG only makes sense in very specific circumstances where size is the primary constraint.
Final Verdict
The TCL 6-Series QLED TV (65") is the superior television by a significant margin. Here's why:
- Picture performance (Score: 9/10 vs 6/10) – QLED technology, local dimming, Dolby Vision, and higher brightness create a dramatically better viewing experience.
- Feature richness (Score: 8.5/10 vs 5.5/10) – More ports, better motion handling, superior smart platform, and more HDR formats.
- Value for money (Score: 9/10 vs 6/10) – Despite its larger size, the TCL frequently sells for a similar price while delivering far more performance.
- Overall recommendation – At 7.8/10 versus the LG's disappointing 5.9/10, the TCL 6-Series stands as one of the best values in the entire TV market.
The LG 50UN7300PUA isn't a terrible TV, but it feels outdated next to the TCL. It lacks the contrast, color volume, and smart features that define modern viewing experiences. Unless you specifically need the smaller 50-inch size, there is no compelling reason to choose the LG over the TCL 6-Series. For most consumers, the decision is simple: buy the TCL and enjoy one of the best picture experiences available under $1,000.
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