VIZIO M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV Review

After spending some quality time with the VIZIO M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X tv, I can say it truly packs a punch for its price. From the moment I set it up, the vibrant colors and sharp 4K resolution stood out. I tested it with a variety of content, from streaming shows to gaming, and its Quantum Dot technology really impressed me with bright and lifelike visuals. In this review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with its picture quality, smart features, and overall performance, giving you a real-world take on whether this model is worth the investment.

A Short Overview of VIZIO M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV

The M-Series Quantum X range is an attempt by the company to incorporate high-end technologies while remaining within the price range of the average consumer. Vizio’s 50-inch television, which costs $629.99, fits well in the market but faces competition from budget TV makers like Hisense and TCL who have done very well in the budget television industry in the past few years. Adding such features as 120Hz panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, and wide color sRGB Vizio 4k tv is appealing for gamers and all-in-one tv seekers on a budget. Cunning and efficient as it is, even though it manages to deliver in most dimensions, particular aspects like brightness and contrast may not be a cup of tea to some users.

Well, after reading the above lines you may be thinking of how this Vizio M50QXM-K01 television actually is and what this review is going to include, right? In the following information, we will analyze the details of the design, operating parameters, features and color reproduction accuracy, and gaming options of this Vizio smart TV so that you can choose whether this TV is worth buying or not.

Design and Build Quality

The VIZIO M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV may not win awards for groundbreaking design, but it does have a clean, minimalist look that fits in with many modern TV trends. It doesn’t go overboard with flashy elements, which I appreciate. 

The first thing you’ll notice is the slim, gunmetal-colored strip that runs along the sides and top of the screen like the VIZIO VFD40M-08. This thin strip gives the TV a touch of sophistication without adding too much bulk. Unlike many budget TVs with thick black bezels, the M50QXM-K01 has a brushed metal trim along the bottom, about three-quarters of an inch thick. It’s subtle enough not to be distracting, though it might catch a bit of glare if the sun hits it directly. There’s also an infrared sensor located on the left side of this trim for the remote, while the right side features a small chrome Vizio logo.

The base of the TV is designed to be simple but effective. Instead of a bulky stand, it has two slim, flat metal legs on either side, which give the TV a stable footing while maintaining a sleek appearance. These legs are sturdy enough to handle everyday bumps and vibrations, but if you’re someone who prefers a wall-mounted setup, the TV has VESA screw holes to make that an option. Whether you choose to use the legs or mount it on the wall, the overall look remains clean and uncluttered.

When it comes to connectivity, Vizio smart tv has made things convenient by placing all the rear ports on the right side of the screen. This is especially useful if you decide to wall-mount the TV, as it makes it easier to access the ports without having to remove the TV from the wall. The M50QXM-K01 offers a generous selection of ports: four HDMI ports, one of which supports eARC for high-quality audio, and another that’s 4K120 ready for gamers who want smooth, fast gaming performance. Additionally, there’s a USB port for plugging in external devices, an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, 3.5mm and optical audio outputs, and an antenna/cable socket.

Now, the remote control that comes with this TV is nothing extraordinary, but it gets the job done. Made from plastic, the remote has a matte black finish that gives it a slightly more stylish look than some other budget remotes. The main feature of the remote is the large, round navigation key in the middle, which is easy to use. Above this, you’ll find essential buttons like power, home, settings, and a button to switch between different input sources. It’s also worth mentioning that the remote comes pre-programmed with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Pluto TV, and Tubi, which can make switching between apps super quick.

One feature that’s becoming more common in remotes is voice control, and this one does include a pinhole microphone at the top, along with an indicator LED for voice commands. However, this remote doesn’t have full-fledged voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built-in. While this might be a drawback for some, I found that the SmartCast platform of the Vizio M-Series handles most tasks well enough without needing advanced voice control. You can still use your voice to control basic functions, but for more detailed commands, you would need a separate voice assistant device.

In short, the design and build quality of the Vizio M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV may be simple, but it’s thoughtfully constructed. The slim profile, sturdy legs, and accessible port arrangement make it user-friendly, while the minimalist aesthetic ensures it looks good in most living spaces. The remote, though basic, adds some nice conveniences, particularly with its quick access buttons for streaming services. Overall, it’s a well-built TV that balances style and practicality.

SmartCast Platform and Usability

The picture quality of the Vizio M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV is one of its standout features. I tested it by watching Planet Earth II, and I was impressed with how well the TV handled natural environments. The greens in the forests were vibrant, and the textures of leaves and plants looked lifelike. It felt immersive, even though this TV isn’t the brightest in its class. The Quantum Dot color technology plays a big role in this, as it enhances color accuracy and offers a wide range of shades, especially in outdoor scenes. While I did notice that greens sometimes appeared a bit oversaturated, it wasn’t enough to feel unrealistic or cartoonish.

The white levels on this TV are also accurate. This helps the overall balance of colors, making the picture look more natural. Whether you’re watching a bright sky or snowy landscape, the whites remain crisp and clean.

However, one drawback I noticed while watching Deadpool was the off-angle viewing performance. When viewed from the side, colors start to fade and lose some vibrancy. This is something common in many LED TVs, so it’s not a major issue unless you’re sitting at a very wide angle from the screen. For most viewers sitting in front or at a slight angle, this won’t be too noticeable.

When I watched The Great Gatsby, a movie known for its sharp contrasts between bright whites and deep blacks, the TV’s black levels became more obvious. Whites, like balloons and bright lights, stood out and looked great, but the blacks—like the dark suit jackets—sometimes seemed washed out. They didn’t have that deep, rich depth that makes the contrast in certain scenes really pop. While you can still see shadow details in dark scenes, the absence of true deep blacks can make the overall picture look a bit flat in some situations.

Despite these few drawbacks, the Vizio M50QXM-K01 still offers an impressive viewing experience for most content. The colors are vibrant, whites are accurate, and for casual viewing, the black levels are acceptable. If you’re watching from a centered position and don’t need the deepest blacks, the picture quality is more than satisfying for everyday use.

Display and Color Performance

The Vizio M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV is a 4K television that offers a solid viewing experience with its 120Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate makes it a great choice for people who love gaming, as well as those who enjoy fast-paced action movies and sports. The smoother motion that comes with 120Hz means less blur during quick scenes, giving you a more immersive experience. But that’s not all. This TV also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, making it compatible with a wide variety of HDR formats. This capability enhances the viewing of movies and shows by improving contrast and colors, making them look more lifelike and dynamic.

To evaluate the TV’s color accuracy and brightness, we used several advanced tools, including a Klein K-80 colorimeter, a signal generator, and Murideo SIX-G testing equipment. We also relied on Portrait Displays’ Calman software, a professional calibration tool, to ensure the data was as accurate as possible. When the TV was set to Calibrated mode, it performed well right out of the box, especially considering it’s a budget-friendly option. However, if you compare it to more expensive models, there’s still some room for improvement.

One of the highlights of this model is its full-array LED backlighting system. While it’s not the brightest or most contrast-rich TV, it does a respectable job in most viewing environments. The brightness of this TV peaks at about 300 nits in full-screen mode, though we found that it can hit 400 nits of sustained brightness. In our testing, the TV managed to output 328 nits with a completely white screen, and 443 nits with 18% of the screen being white. This performance was consistent in both SDR and HDR modes. While this level of brightness is good for most content, it doesn’t quite measure up to higher-end models like the Hisense U6H, which offers a significantly brighter picture.

Now, let’s talk about black levels. While the Vizio M50QXM-K01 does a lot of things right, its black levels were a bit underwhelming. When displaying a white square that takes up 2% of the screen, the TV only managed a 0.055 cd/m black level, resulting in a contrast ratio of 8054:1. This isn’t terrible, but it’s certainly lower than some competing models, like the Hisense U6H, which has a peak contrast ratio of 19,608:1. On the bright side, the Vizio still performs better than the Amazon Fire TV Omni, which has a contrast ratio of 3,033:1. So, while it may not be the best in terms of contrast, it holds its own against some other budget models.

Where the Vizio M50QXM-K01 truly shines is in its color performance. Thanks to its Quantum Dot technology, the color reproduction on this TV is outstanding. When we set the TV to Calibrated mode, it came very close to perfect, especially when measured against the Rec.709 standard for SDR and the DCI-P3 standard for HDR. The colors are vibrant and accurate, with no major issues of tinting or imbalance. Samsung TVs are often the benchmark in this price range for color accuracy, but the Vizio M-Series Quantum X does an impressive job, especially for its price point.

That said, we did notice some minor issues with HDR color reproduction. In particular, some colors—especially greens and yellows—appeared a bit oversaturated, particularly when measured against the DCI-P3 standard. This was more noticeable in certain scenes with heavy greens, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker. These artifacts are fairly common in budget TVs, and for most casual viewers, they won’t significantly impact the overall experience.

Overall, while the Vizio M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV doesn’t offer the same brightness and contrast as higher-end models, it still delivers good picture quality for its price range. The Quantum Dot technology ensures vibrant, accurate colors, and its 120Hz refresh rate makes it great for gaming and fast-paced content. If you prioritize color performance over absolute brightness and contrast, this TV is a strong contender.

Picture Quality and Viewing Experience

Watching Planet Earth II on the Vizio M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X TV showcases the TV’s excellent color capabilities. Natural environments are rendered with vibrant greens and lifelike textures, offering a sense of immersion even though the TV isn’t the brightest in its class. The Quantum Dot color technology does a commendable job of maintaining accurate hues and wide color ranges, particularly in lush outdoor scenes. While greens can occasionally appear oversaturated, this issue never reaches the point of being cartoonish or unrealistic. The white levels are also notably accurate, which helps maintain a balance between different tones.

One issue that becomes apparent while watching content like Deadpool is the off-angle viewing performance. Colors begin to fade and lose their vibrancy when viewed from side angles, but this is a common issue in many LED TVs and doesn’t significantly detract from the overall viewing experience unless you’re watching from extreme angles.

In scenes from The Great Gatsby, which feature stark contrasts between bright whites and deep blacks, the TV’s modest black levels become apparent. Whites, such as those of balloons and lights, stand out clearly, but the blacks—such as suit jackets—can look a bit washed out and lacking in depth. While shadow details are generally visible, the absence of deep contrast in some scenes makes the overall picture appear slightly flat.

Gaming Performance

The M50QXM-K01 is a nice screen and even more so when exploring a documentary such as Planet Earth II. It employs the TV’s color at its best. Organic life is painted bright green with intense coarseness to provide real life stimulation even though the TV is not the brightest in its category. Quantum Dots manage to work well in this aspect and reproduce bright electric colors and also don’t keep painters out in the broad landscapes outside. Often deep shades of green could be too much but that is as bad as it gets. That is not to say that color obliqueness was too major, which could lead to animation level unrealistic colors.

One such factor which is very much pronounced in contents such as Deadpool is the off-axis viewing. When you look at the screen from an off-angle, the color begins to wash out, and the saturation just is not as intense and while this is a problem that many LED TVs face it does not overly interfere with the viewing experience unless one is viewing the screen at extreme angles.

There’s no denying that whenever there are scenes of The Great Gatsby, which contains lots of whites and blacks, the TV’s black levels are perturbed. Certain whites such as those on balloons and lights can stand in sharp relief but blacks such as suit jackets can at times appear grayish and faint. It is true that some details, especially in the shadows, can be discerned, but let down to a certain extent is the picture so its depth appears somewhat flat in some instances. This makes it the best 4k tv for gaming in low budget.

Sound Quality 

The sound quality of the Vizio M50QXM-K01 M-Series Quantum X is better than I expected for a TV in this price range. During my testing, I found that the built-in speakers provide clear dialogue and enough volume for casual watching. Whether you’re watching news, sitcoms, or dramas, the sound is generally good and gets the job done.

However, when it comes to more intense content like action-packed movies or shows with heavy music, the audio falls a bit short. The speakers lack the deep bass and richness needed to make these experiences feel truly immersive. Explosions and dramatic music don’t carry the same weight, which may leave some viewers wanting more.

The TV does support Dolby Atmos, a feature designed to create a more spacious and cinematic sound experience. In theory, this should make you feel like sound is coming from all directions, adding depth and realism to what you’re watching. While the Dolby Atmos feature does help somewhat, the built-in speakers alone can’t fully deliver on that promise. To truly enjoy what Dolby Atmos has to offer, you’ll need to invest in a soundbar or external speaker system.

For day-to-day viewing like catching up on your favorite TV shows, the audio quality is perfectly fine. It’s clear, and you can easily hear conversations without turning the volume up too high. But, if you’re someone who loves watching movies or playing games with immersive sound, I’d highly recommend pairing this TV with an external sound system. A good soundbar or home theater setup will make a noticeable difference, especially for deeper bass and richer audio details.

Final Verdict

As for myself, I can say that the VIZIO 50 inches 4k tv is undoubtedly one of the best TVs with great color reproduction and attractive gaming capabilities at an affordable price. Although the contrast and brightness levels on its own are somewhat subdued compared to more expensive options, the benefits of a 120Hz panel, AMD FreeSync Premium and a wider color gamut fills in some of those losses especially for gamers and viewers who enjoy their content more colorfully than very bright.

If you need a stylish but affordable 50 inches gaming TV with color, the VIZIO M50QXM-K01 is a good candidate. Still, if this is not enough and you would like pics with more depth of contrast or brighter oranges, perhaps you should choose the Hisense U6H or the TCL 6-Series models.